The Biblical Path of Life

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  • Wholly Follow the Lord

    “But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it.”

    Numbers 14:24

    Joshua and Caleb are famously known for being the only two of the twelve spies who believed God would allow them to posses the Promised Land. We remember Joshua. God chose him to victoriously lead His people into the Promised Land after Moses’ death and the forty years of wanderings. But have you ever taken time to consider the man Caleb?

    The twelve spies brought a report after searching Canaan land for forty days. Ten declared “surely it floweth with milk and honey” and showed the fruit of the land (including “a branch with one cluster of grapes, and they bare it between two upon a staff” see Numbers 14:23, 27). However, they also reported that the people were strong, with walled cities, the men were of great stature, and the sons of Anak were giants “and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight” (see Numbers 13:28, 32-33). Joshua and Caleb understood and believed that God would give them the land just as He had promised. “And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it” (Numbers 13:30). Caleb tried to convince the people, but they tried to stone Joshua and Caleb (see Numbers 14:6-10). The people refused to enter the land. After Moses interceded for the people, God declared all of that disbelieving generation (all over the age of twenty) would die in the wilderness and not enter into the Promised Land (see Numbers 14:26-35). “10. And the LORD’S anger was kindled the same time, and he sware, saying, 11. Surely none of the men that came up out of Egypt, from twenty years old and upward, shall see the land which I sware unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob; because they have not wholly followed me” (Numbers 32:10-11). The people did not wholly follow God. “Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite, and Joshua the son of Nun: for they have wholly followed the LORD” (Numbers 32:12). Caleb and Joshua would enter the land for they “wholly followed the LORD.”

    This is all very familiar to us. However, consider why God allowed Caleb to enter into the land. “But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it” (Numbers 14:24). God declared that His servant, Caleb, followed Him fully. That is an amazing statement made by God. There are not many people who fully (or wholly) followed God. Caleb (and Joshua) stood strong for the Lord even when the whole nation refused to obey God and His Word. Caleb had to wander in the wilderness with the rest of God’s people for those forty years. Through those years, Caleb followed the Lord. He was with the people as they conquered the land, beginning with Jericho. Caleb reminded Joshua. “7. Forty years old was I when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadeshbarnea to espy out the land; and I brought him word again as it was in mine heart. 8. Nevertheless my brethren that went up with me made the heart of the people melt: but I wholly followed the LORD my God” (Joshua 14:7-8). Caleb declared he “wholly followed the LORD my God.” He was ready to possess the land promised to him. “And now, behold, the LORD hath kept me alive, as he said, these forty and five years, even since the LORD spake this word unto Moses, while the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness: and now, lo, I am this day fourscore and five years old” (Joshua 14:10). Caleb was now eighty-five years old, yet he was not finished. God had more for him to do. “Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the LORD spake in that day; for thou heardest in that day how the Anakims were there, and that the cities were great and fenced: if so be the LORD will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the LORD said” (Joshua 14:12). Do you remember who the Anakims were? They were the giants that caused the people to be afraid and refuse to enter the land. Even after all of these years, Caleb was not afraid of them and wanted to defeat them. And he did (see Joshua 15:13-14). “Hebron therefore became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite unto this day, because that he wholly followed the LORD God of Israel” (Joshua 14:14). Notice that Caleb’s greatest victory (and greatest reward) was not accomplished until he was eighty-five years old. He never quit wholly following the Lord. He believed what God said: “Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh; he shall see it, and to him will I give the land that he hath trodden upon, and to his children, because he hath wholly followed the LORD” (Deuteronomy 1:36).

    The difference between Caleb and the rest of God’s people was that he believed and wholly followed the Lord. The same should be true of Christians today. Nevertheless, most Christians live like the nation of Israel: afraid of the giants in the land. If Christians would believe God and commit to wholly follow the Lord, the giants would be defeated, just as they were for Caleb. Age did not deter Caleb, do not let it deter you.

    Have you refused to wholly follow the Lord because you are afraid of the “giants of the land”?

  • Strangers and Pilgrims

    “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.”

    Hebrews 11:13

    Is it possible to please God? The Bible declares that it is possible. “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). However, one cannot please God without faith. Faith here means “a knowledge of, assent to and confidence in certain divine truths, especially those of the gospel as produces good works.” There is a list of people recorded in the eleventh chapter of Hebrews who believed God is, by faith, and then lived diligently seeking Him. They believed God’s promises. The most important, life-changing promise of God, was that He would send One, Jesus, who would bring reconciliation between man and God (see Genesis 3:15). Each of the people listed in Hebrews chapter eleven diligently sought God, trusting that God would reward them for their faithfulness to Him; for they looked forward to Jesus’ coming. “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth” (Hebrews 11:13). Persuaded means “to be convinced; to believe.” Embraced means “to welcome; to receive gladly – referring to the promises.” They believed and gladly received these promises.

    Many lived by faith as “strangers and pilgrims”, obviously differently, for others often recognized God was with them. Is the New Testament the only place these faithful (whom God was with) are mentioned? Recall just a few described as such in the Old Testament:

    • Abraham: Others recognized this: “… Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in all that thou doest” (Genesis 21:22), see also
    • Isaac: Others recognized this: “And they said, We saw certainly that the LORD was with thee …”Genesis 26:28.
    • Joseph: “2. And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. 3. And his master saw that the LORD was with him …” (Genesis 39:2-3).
    • Moses: “According as we hearkened unto Moses in all things, so will we hearken unto thee: only the LORD thy God be with thee, as he was with Moses” (Joshua 1:17). God had been with Moses and promised to be with Joshua, too. “And the LORD said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee” (Joshua 3:7).
    • Phinehas: “And Phinehas the son of Eleazar was the ruler over them in time past, and the LORD was with him” (1 Chronicles 9:20).
    • Joshua: A promise: “And he gave Joshua the son of Nun a charge, and said, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou shalt bring the children of Israel into the land which I sware unto them: and I will be with thee” (Deuteronomy 31:23). And it was fulfilled: “So the LORD was with Joshua …” (Joshua 6:27).
    • Judges (there were thirteen judges): “And when the LORD raised them up judges, then the LORD was with the judge, and delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge …” (Judges 2:18).
    • Samuel: “And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him …” (1 Samuel 3:19).
    • Young David: “And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD was with him” (1 Samuel 18:14). Others recognized this: “Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite … and the LORD is with him” (1 Samuel 16:18); see also 1 Samuel 18:12, 28.
    • King David: “So David waxed greater and greater: for the LORD of hosts was with him” (1 Chronicles 11:9).
    • King Solomon: “And Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and the LORD his God was with him, and magnified him exceedingly” (2 Chronicles 1:1).
    • King Jehoshaphat: “3. And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim; 4. But sought to the LORD God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel” (2 Chronicles 17:3-4).
    • Hezekiah: “And the LORD was with him; and he prospered whithersoever he went forth …” (2 Kings 18:7). And so many more!

    As we remember some from the Old Testament, we acknowledge they believed God, sought after Him, walked with Him, desired to please Him, and God was with them. Christians are to recognize their perseverance. However, not all people chose to live a life pleasing to God. Yet those who chose to walk with God help us recognize the importance of trusting in Christ (who came as God promised), to restore the life that had been lost because of sin. What an encouragement!

    Likewise, Christians today are to reveal an active participation of faith in their lives. “6. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7. Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving” (Colossians 2:6-7). Stablished means “to turn resolutely in a certain direction; strengthen.” True faith produces good works (a changed life).

    Have you received Jesus, by faith, now walking actively turning resolutely toward Jesus who strengthens us?

  • Fight the Good Fight of Faith

    “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.”

    1 Timothy 6:12

    Christians tend to believe that to fight the good fight of faith means to persevere through difficulties in life such as frustrations in our daily lives, illnesses we do not understand, job losses, deaths or many other such trials that occur. Although these are good times to persevere, consider the “good fight of faith” of which it is referring to in the following verse. “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses” (1 Timothy 6:12).

    • Fight means “the task of faith in persevering amid temptation and opposition.”
    • Fight means“contest for victory or mastery; the evangelical contest against the enemies of man’s salvation.”
    • Faith means “a technical term indicative of the means of appropriating what God in Christ has for man resulting in the transformation of man’s character and way of life; i.e.: namely, Christian faith; a firm and confiding belief in Jesus and His gospel.”

    Note the importance of “persevering amid temptation and opposition.” Persevering is important. However, it is important to recognize what it is that we are to persevere in: Faith. Christian faith (a firm belief in Jesus and His Gospel) that changes our lives. We have become a new creature in Christ. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). With this new life, we find there is a new battle before us.

    First we must have Christ-like behavior; faith: “the transformation of man’s character and way of life”. Often, we are our own worst enemies. We do not put away the old life, and all of the things that went with that old life, to fully commit to this new life in Christ. Often Paul taught Believers to put off the old man and put on the new. “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). (See also Ephesians 4:20-32.) It is a daily battle, yet as you remain faithful to the new life in Christ, the daily fight can become easier to win. But it takes perseverance and faithfulness. This reminds me of the following verse. “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). This verse does not mean that you “work” for your salvation. The words work out means “to accomplish; finish; toil; commit.” Christians are to allow the salvation (that they already have through faith in Jesus) to be manifested (revealed by how they live Christ-like) in the expression of this new life. It is the actualization of what one already possesses! Those who are growing in their spiritual lives, fighting the good fight of the faith, do not need someone “watching” them to be sure they are living a right life before Christ. Maturing Christians choose to do right no matter who is there, knowing that God sees all. Why is this so important? Christians need to live Christ-like for their own benefit and to encourage non-believers to want what Believers have through Christ. How are we able to do this? “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13). Christians are to remember that it is up to us to allow God to work in us. This is part of our fighting of the faith.

    We also must live a Christ-like life before the world. Christians are to “lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses” (see 1 Timothy 6:12). For Christians, this eternal life begins the day we give our hearts and lives to Jesus. We are to “lay hold” on this truth. We choose to walk this new life in Christ. “6. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7. Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving” (Colossians 2:6-7). As we walk in this new life in Christ, we are an example to all who see us. As good as it is to walk, fighting the good fight of faith, in this Christ-like life, we are also to profess this new life to others as we live it. “5. Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. 6. Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man” (Colossians 4:5-6). What good does it do to live a life and not tell anyone else how to have what we now possess?

    Each person who is saved (been called by God) is to persevere (with a fight) in that Christian life – for that life has been transformed by a confidence and belief in Jesus and His Gospel. It takes much work. There are many enemies. Do not be your own worst enemy. Fight the good fight of faith.

    Have you made the decision to fight daily to appropriate the Christian faith into every aspect of your being?

  • A Life of Faith

    “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

    Hebrews 11:1

    There are many people listed in Hebrews chapter eleven who lived in Old Testament times. These men and women believed that Jesus would come (because God had promised One would come, beginning in Genesis 3:15). They are examples of those who had faith. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).

    • Faith means “a knowledge of, assent to, and confidence in certain divine truths, especially those of the Gospel, as produces good works.”
    • Substance means “confidence or confident expectation”
    • Evidence means “conviction. It implies not merely the charge on the basis of which one is convicted, but also the manifestation of the truth of that charge…”

    This tells us that one who has this “faith” has a confidence in divine truths. This kind of faith changes lives because it is centered in Jesus Christ. Although these people did not live to see the fulfillment of that promise, they had a “confident expectation” that He would come. Therefore, these people lived lives declaring they believed that promise. This becamethe basis of realistic hope. We recognize this is the “evidence”, for this truth manifested itself in their lives. They lived a life of faith. Because of this, read what is said about them. “For by it the elders obtained a good report” (Hebrews 11:2). We recognize that “the elders” lived believing, by faith, the promises God made. Because of this, they are listed as examples for us today.

    Consider one of these listed as faithful: Moses. “By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment” (Hebrews 11:23). Amram and Jochebed were Moses’ parents (see Exodus 6:20). They were not afraid of the king’s commandment and spared Moses’ life. What an example these parents established for Moses!

    Moses was brought up in the house of Pharaoh, with all the privileges that came with living as the son of the Pharaoh’s daughter (see Exodus 2:10). “And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds” (Acts 7:22). Moses had a choice to make. “By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter” (Hebrews 11:24). Moses understood that he was not an Egyptian, but a Hebrew. “Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season” (Hebrews 11:25). Moses could have basked in the wealth of Egypt, yet he chose to reject the “pleasures of sin for a season”. Moses understood the lasting importance of his actions. When Moses stood up for God and His chosen people, he forsook Egypt.“23. And when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel. 24. And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him that was oppressed, and smote the Egyptian: 25. For he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them: but they understood not” (Acts 7:23-25). Moses recognized that God had a plan for his life: “God by his hand would deliver them”. Although it was forty years later when God sent Moses to deliver His people from Egypt, Moses had made a decision to help God’s people. “Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward” (Hebrews 11:26). Moses believed that Christ would come. He recognized that being faithful to God, no matter what people thought or said about him, was worth more than all of the riches of Egypt. “By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible” (Hebrews 11:27). This is the same attitude the Apostles had. “Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).

    Moses made an important decision to reject the treasures and pleasures of this temporary world as he looked forward to the eternal. “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth” (Hebrews 11:13).

    Today we know that Jesus came – just as God promised. Our faith stands in the confidence of the divine truths of the Gospel Message of Jesus. However, do Christians today live changed lives, centered upon Jesus? Does the conviction of this truth manifest itself in our lives? Others should recognize that Christians have different lives because of faith. It would do Christians good today, to understand that we are living in a temporary world, and we are to keep our eyes above. “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). There is a famous quote from a poem that may help us remember:

    “Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
    Only what’s done for Christ will last.”

    Do you live a life centered upon Jesus, with the conviction of this truth manifested in you, so that others recognize you are different?

  • Have Ears to Hear

    “But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.”

    Matthew 13:16

    Most people ignore the Word of God. We know the latest scores of sporting events, the latest movies that are out, the most recent headlines, popular shorts to be watched, and so many more irrelevant issues of the day. Yet we neglect to know the true life changing Word of God. Not only does it teach us about Jesus, the only way to heaven, but the Bible is to guide Christians’ every day lives. Many have memorized the following verse: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105). However, do many Christians actually do this?

    Remembering that the Bible is all about Jesus, a Christian cannot live a Christ-like life without setting one’s heart upon knowing the Word of God – for it will reveal Jesus to us. “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6). Glory means “the recognition belonging to a person, honor, renown. God’s glory made itself manifest in and through Jesus Christ (see John 1:14, 2 Corinthians 4:6).” Knowing Jesus reveals the glory of God. As you read through the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), you will often find that the people glorified God when they saw Jesus’ miracles (see Matthew 15:31). To know God and His glory, one must know Jesus and His Word. Remember what Jesus told his disciples. “And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me” (Luke 24:44). Because all of the Bible teaches of Jesus, Christians must know the Bible and what it says if we are to know Christ better.

    Understanding these things, Believers are to take time to read God’s Word. As we read, hearing from God, we must understand what it is we are hearing from God. “Who hath ears to hear, let him hear” (Matthew 13:9). It is then we begin to study and truly understand the Bible. Read what Jesus said about those who understand God’s Word. “But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear” (Matthew 13:16).

    After reading and beginning to understand God’s Word, Christians must ponder upon the Word of God. The word ponder means “to think deeply, carefully, and for a long time about something, often when trying to make a hard choice or understand a complex idea.” As we ponder upon God’s Word, we begin to have His Word in our hearts. “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11). Heart means “the totality of man’s inner or immaterial nature… These are the deepest, innermost feelings.” When God’s Word is in our hearts, we can adhere to its’ teachings. “21. He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.22. Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? 23. 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 14:21-23). It is important to keep (obey) God’s Word. It is then a Believer can have a relationship with Jesus. “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). We become Jesus’ friends.

    Once one reads God’s Word, hears from God, and ponders upon it, Believers are then able to implement the principles found into our lives. It is at that point we become more like Jesus. Then one can understand the plan and purpose God has for that life. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). It is a process. Keep in mind that many followed Jesus while He walked on this earth. The crowds pressed upon Him often. The disciples followed Him. Yet remember what Jesus told them. “24. Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.25. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it” (Matthew 16:24-25). It is then that one can truly know Him.

    Finally, Believers are to get busy. Remember how the writer of Hebrews prayed for the Believers before the book closed. “20. Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21. Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen” (Hebrews 13:20-21).

    Have you recognized the importance of Christians knowing and understanding God’s Word, which prepares us to know and walk with Jesus?

  • Seek God and Never Forsake Him

    “… The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.”

    2 Chronicles 15:2

    King Asa knew what to do when an enemy came up against Judah. He placed his trust in the Lord (see 2 Chronicles 14:11). When he cried out to God, God delivered them. After this great victory, God sent His prophet to them with a message. “1. And the Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded: 2. And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you” (2 Chronicles 15:1-2). Azariah, the son of Oded, reminded God’s people of something they should have already known. Something of which King Solomon had been warned long ago. “And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever” (1 Chronicles 28:9).

    • Know means “to perceive, to understand, acquire knowledge, know.”
    • Perfect means “complete; whole; perfect.”
    • Heart means “the totality of man’s inner or immaterial nature… These are the deepest, innermost feelings.”
    • Willing means “taking pleasure in.”
    • Mind means “the inner person; … The most interesting meaning of the word … is it means ‘one who has died,’ with the emphasis on the personal identity of an individual while alive.”

    These words give us a clear understanding of what God expects.

    • First, they were to know God: more than just a general knowledge of God, but to take time and learn about Him, to actually know Him. Today, we know God because of Jesus. Remember: “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). Not only is Jesus they way to the Father, when we know Jesus, we know God. Jesus also taught us that we are to learn of Him. “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls” (Matthew 11:29).
    • Next, they were to serve Him with a perfect heart: with one’s whole being. Paul gave us the example of Jesus. “21. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22. Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23. Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously” (1 Peter 2:21-23). When we know Christ, we follow in His steps.
    • One must also have a willing mind: this is one who takes pleasure in the things of God, completely giving up oneself to focus upon the things of God. Remember what the New Testament teaches: “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). Christians allow Christ to live through them. See also Romans 12:1-2.
    • They were also to recognize that God knew the intentions of their hearts and their very thoughts. They could not pretend with God – for He knows all. One cannot be a hypocrite before God. In the New Testament, God still knows the heart. “And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God” (Luke 16:15). We learn that Jesus, too, knows. “And Jesus knowing their thoughts said,Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?” (Matthew 9:4).

    Asa and God’s people were also given a warning: to not forsake God, or He would forsake them. God wanted them to know something: “The LORD is with you, while ye be with him” (see 2 Chronicles 15:2). We are encouraged with the same thought in the New Testament. “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded” (James 4:8). If there is anything that separates between you and God, eliminate it. Remember: “1. Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: 2. But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear” (Isaiah 59:1-2). If Christians are failing in their relationship with God, it is not only their fault, but it is usually sin that keeps God from hearing. Although Christians have the forgiveness of sin (see Colossians 1:12-14), we must remember: “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear” (Isaiah 59:2). Our duty is to confess them before God. “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 seek to know Jesus, following His example?

    Do you recognize when sin separates, understanding you must repent?

  • Disciple New Believers

    “But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.”

    2 Corinthians 11:3

    Paul gave his life in service to the Lord to reach the lost for Christ. We read of his three missionary journeys taking the Gospel message to those who had not heard of Jesus. Paul cared deeply for the people whom he led to the Lord. He not only taught the way of salvation through Jesus Christ, but he proceeded to teach those new Believers how to live that new life daily (for an example, see Ephesians 4:17-32). Because these new Believers were beginning a whole new life, there was much for them to learn. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). It would take much time and patience to teach them. God had many places for Paul to go in order for people to hear the Gospel Message. When he could not stay in one place long enough to disciple a new Believer himself, he left men he trusted in charge of these new Believers to teach them (Acts 20:28-32). These new Believers formed the first churches. Today, we call this “discipling new Christians”. This is when a new Believer is instructed how to live this new Christian life according to God’s Word, and taught the reasons why we are to live this new life in Christ.

    Keep in mind that when God is working, changing the lives of people, Satan tries to thwart God’s work. Remember what Jesus warned as He taught the people. “And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts” (Mark 4:15). Satan tries to take away the Word, immediately. Paul understood this. Paul knew that God wanted him to continue on missionary journeys (even when he wanted to stay with the people), and Paul obeyed God. However, he warned the people of dangers when he could not be with them. “2. For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. 3. But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:2-3). Chaste means “chaste, pure; predominantly used to express freedom from defilements or impurities.” It is important to remember that Believers, collectively, are the bride of Christ (“espoused you to one husband”). Paul was jealous for new Believers, for he understood that Satan would try to steal the Word from them. If he could not steal it from them, he would corrupt their understanding of God’s Word, just as Satan did to Eve in the garden. Paul so wanted them to be presented to Jesus as pure and free from defilements. So Paul warned them of the subtlety of Satan. Subtilty means “adroitness (shrewdness, clever skill, or high ability), that is, (in a bad sense) trickery or sophistry (the use of clever, deceptive reasoning or argumentation that sounds superficially plausible and logical, but is actually false or intellectually dishonest, typically used to trick or mislead).” Paul did not want their minds corrupted. Corrupted means “to corrupt, that is to seduce to evil company or corrupt opinions.” They must be grounded in their faith.

    Paul’s warning: “For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him” (2 Corinthians 11:4).

    There are three specific things of which Paul warned them:

    1. Some would preach a false savior: “if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached”: Jesus warned of this: “For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many” (Matthew 24:24).
    2. Some would come having a false spirit: “if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received”: There are deceiving spirits. Remember the test of the true Spirit of God: “Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost” (1 Corinthians 12:3).
    3. Some would teach a false salvation (gospel message): “or another gospel, which ye have not accepted”: There are false teachings of ways to be saved other than Jesus. We know: “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

    Paul also wanted them to consider, “ye might well bear with him.” Paul did not want them to listen to, or tolerate, these teachings. This would be wrong. Paul warned them again: “13. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works” (2 Corinthians 11:13-15). They are wrong and very dangerous.

    Pastors, teachers, and Christians mature in their faith should be discipling new Believers – and even those who have never grown in their faith. They need to know how to live, why we live this new life, and be warned of Satan’s subtlety.

    Are you grounded enough in your faith to be able to disciple a New Believer?

    Are you faithfully doing it?

  • Have Good Treasure in Your Heart

    “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.”

    Luke 6:45

    “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23). This is a verse that I heard often as I was growing up. However, this verse must be understood in order to appropriate its’ meaning into one’s life. As one reads about the heart in the Bible, it is good to understand that the heart is the seat of one’s emotions, will, intellect, and moral consciousness. The heart is seen as the center of one’s spiritual life, or lack thereof. That is why it is so important to protect it (keep it with all diligence). What goes into the heart is what makes the person, and what comes out of the heart reveals the true nature of that person.

    Remember in the wilderness when Moses was preparing the new generation to enter the Promised Land, he read them the Ten Commandments again. He reminded them that they had not wanted to hear directly from God. Instead, they wanted God to tell Moses, and for Moses to tell them God’s Words. “27. Go thou near, and hear all that the LORD our God shall say: and speak thou unto us all that the LORD our God shall speak unto thee; and we will hear it,and do it. 28. And the LORD heard the voice of your words, when ye spake unto me; and the LORD said unto me, I have heard the voice of the words of this people, which they have spoken unto thee: they have well said all that they have spoken. 29. O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!” (Deuteronomy 5:27-29). Did you notice what God wanted from His people? God wanted His people to fear Him, keep His commandments (so that it would be well with them and their children forever), and He wanted them to have these things in their hearts. If they had had this kind of a heart, they would have obeyed God and saved themselves much grief. The days in the wilderness were a time of proving – to see what was in their hearts. “And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no” (Deuteronomy 8:2). God expected obedience to His Word, for it would be well with them. If you remember, they failed often. The trials they had in the wilderness revealed what was really in their hearts.

    Later, we read much about what David declared about God’s Word in Psalm 119. Notice one specific verse: “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11). God’s Word in the heart can prevent much sin in one’s life – if one will remember to obey God’s Word! Instead, we tend to put much junk into our hearts today. Proverbs chapter ten is a good one to study to help you know the difference.

    Jesus taught that we can tell much about one by what comes out of their heart. “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh” (Luke 6:45). A good man has good treasure in his heart, and so he brings good out of his heart. Obviously, the opposite is true of an evil man with evil treasure; for he brings out that which is evil. Now does it make sense as to why we are to “keep our hearts with all diligence”? How many of you had a mother who taught you “What goes in, will come out.” It is true. Jesus taught this.

    The following verses may narrow down exactly what this is referring to as it relates to the things placed in one’s life. “5. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God” (Romans 8:5-8). We can understand that the description “flesh” and “carnally minded” represents those without Jesus in their hearts, those who are dead and cannot please God (“enmity against God”). On the converse, “Spirit” and “spiritually minded” represents those who have Jesus in their hearts and lives and are able to please God. Do not be a Christian who has remained carnally minded! One living in the flesh cannot please God.

    Understanding these things, what comes out in a Christian’s life should reveal that Jesus is truly in that heart. Once we understand that basic concept, we can then begin to honestly serve the Lord with what He had given us, making a difference in this world for Him.

    Are you spiritually minded, revealing Jesus to the world by what treasure comes out of your heart?

  • Do Not be Ignorant

    “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 different kinds of people in this world. Some learn by experience, and some learn by example. I do not have to put a key into an electrical socket to understand (know) that I will receive a shock that I do not want to experience. However, a small child left unattended may put a key into a receptacle and receive quite a shock! Understanding this difference, consider the following.

    In the Old Testament, we have so many examples from which to learn. At Corinth, Paul was dealing with a group of Believers who were having difficulties – especially with their Christian walk with Christ. He had already taught them many things, next he wanted to give them some examples from history. “Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea” (1 Corinthians 10:1). Ignorant means “not to know (through lack of information or intelligence); by implication to ignore (through disinclination).” Paul taught that Believers are to not be ignorant. So, Paul made a list of some important things they must know.

    He wanted Believers to see the picture in the Old Testament that can be compared to a Believer. All who were “under the cloud” had just left Egypt where the death angel had “passed over”. God’s people who were in the house under the blood (see Exodus 12:13), did not suffer the judgment the Egyptians did. They were now under the cloud (see Exodus 13:21) and then “passed through the sea”. They had left Egypt. “And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea” (1 Corinthians 10:2). Because they had stepped out by faith into the dry bed of the sea, they were “saved” from their enemy (the Egyptian army) which was destroyed. Now being identified with Moses, whom God had chosen to lead them out of bondage in Egypt, they were God’s people. “3. And did all eat the same spiritual meat; 4. And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ” (1 Corinthians 10:3-4). God supplied all of the provisions that they needed in their wilderness journey.

    Recognize that this is much like a picture of salvation for a Believer. Egypt is a picture of the world and bondage from which we are delivered by the blood of Christ through faith (see Romans 5:8-10). We then reveal what happened to that Believer by the picture of baptism (see Romans 6:3-11), identifying with Christ. Just as the Israelites were separated from Egypt by the Red Sea, Christians are to be separated from the world. It is then we recognize that Jesus has living water (see John 4:13-14), Jesus is the Bread of Life (see John 6:35), He is the Light of the World (see John 6:1), and the Resurrection and the Life (see John 11:25). Jesus gives all of the provisions we will ever need to live this Christian life.

    Paul reminded them of what happened when they entered into the wilderness. “But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness” (1 Corinthians 10:5). Because they set their hearts upon things contrary to what God had for them, God was not pleased with them, and they remained in the wilderness far longer than God had intended.

    He then gave a list of five important things of which to be cognizant: 1 Corinthians 10:6-10:

    • “6. Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.” This reminds them of when the Israelites were not satisfied with the manna God provided (see Exodus 16:15 and Numbers 11:4). Warning: Do not want evil things of this world. Read God’s Word to know what is needed for the Christian’s life.
    • “7. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.” This was a reminding of the worship of the golden calf (see Exodus 32:4-8). Warning: Do not put anything in your life in the place of the one true God.
    • “8. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.” This was to remember those who received the counsel of Balaam and joined unto Baalpeor (see Numbers 31:16 and Number 25:1-9). Warning: Do not succumb to a wicked life before God.
    • “9. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.” This was a reminding of when the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people for speaking against God and Moses (see Numbers 21:5-9). Warning: Believers are warned against tempting Christ (see Hebrews 10:26-31).
    • “10. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.” This is to remind them of the many, many times they murmured against God and Moses during the days in the wilderness (see Exodus 15:24; 16:2, 7-12; 17:3, Numbers 14:27-29, etc). Believers are to be content with God’s provisions (see Hebrews 13:5-6).

    These instances reveal the downward steps some chose: to lust, be idolaters, fornicators, tempters, and murmurers. The final straw was when they refused to enter into the land God had promised them. It was for this reason, the people remained in the wilderness for forty years and all over the age of twenty died there (except for Joshua and Caleb who believed God). There are many Believers today who live their Christian lives in these continual wrong choices, remaining in the “wilderness”, never reaching the potential of a victorious Christian life. “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).

    Do you recognize a downward step in your Christian life that is keeping you from a victorious Christian life?

  • Wake Up!

    “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.”

    Romans 13:11

    For some reason, Samson is one of the most memorable judges (see Judges 13-16). He was known for his great strength and mighty victories over the Philistines. Most probably remember when he lost his strength. “And she (Delilah) made him sleep upon her knees; and she called for a man, and she caused him to shave off the seven locks of his head; and she began to afflict him, and his strength went from him” (Judges 16:19). Samson was asleep when he lost his strength. Delilah had asked him many times about his strength. His resistance to her continual cries waned. “And it came to pass, when she pressed him daily with her words, and urged him, so that his soul was vexed unto death” (Judges 16:16). It was then that he told her all his heart (see Judges 16:17). Samson had not stood strong in the Lord, as God’s people are often told they must do. He relinquished, and he slept.

    What is the importance of staying awake today, and not sleeping? “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed” (Romans 13:11).

    • Awake means “to be awakened; used figuratively meaning to become attentive to one’s dangerous position and to the salvation of God (see also Ephesians 5:14).”
    • Sleep means “sleep, that is, (figuratively) spiritual torpor (torpor means dullness; laziness; sluggishness; stupidity).”

    It is easy to become distracted by the lures of this world, and sleep spiritually. It is then that we do not recognize the enemy that lurks, seeking to destroy the Believers. What are we to do? “Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober” (1 Thessalonians 5:6). Remember what Jesus reminded His disciples: “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41). This is great counsel. Our spirit is willing, but we must remember that our flesh is weak. Christians must give much attention to their spiritual walk with the Lord, remaining faithful each and every day!

    The world today is not that much different than it was in Bible times. It is still important for Believers to stand strong in the Lord. “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might” (Ephesians 6:10). This verse is right before the listing of the Christian’s armor; our protection from the attacks of Satan (see Ephesians 6:11-18). One cannot “sleep” if one is wearing this armor. Nevertheless, Satan brings ruin to many Christians by rocking them to “sleep”, flattering them into a good opinion of their own safety, causing them to forget to stand strong in the Lord and not their own strength. It is then that Believers sleep. Christians should never be lulled to sleep. Remember, Satan actively contends with God’s people. It takes constant effort to remain in the steadfast, favorable presence of the Lord. God’s Word often warns Believers to be aware of Satan’s constant prowling about them, seeking to destroy (see 1 Peter 5:8).

    There is something important to remember. “… for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed” (Romans 13:11).” Salvation is in three different tenses in the New Testament:

    • Past: salvation from the penalty of sin.
    • Present: salvation from the power of sin.
    • Future: salvation from the very presence of sin – this happens when we reach heaven.

    Keeping this in mind, Believers are to focus on the present salvation – recognizing we have the power to keep from sin right now. “But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life” (Romans 6:22). We are servants to God, not servants to sin.

    Because we are free from sin, we are to put away that sin. “The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light” (Romans 13:12). The night is the time while Jesus is out of this world, remembering that the prince of the power of the air now works in the children of disobedience (see Ephesians 2:2). The day is when Jesus will return and establish His reign of righteousness. We then are to walk as a Christian should walk. “Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying” (Romans 13:13). How can we “walk honestly, as in the day”? Put off that old life of sin. “That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts” (Ephesians 4:22). Then put on that new life in Christ. “But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof” (Romans 13:14). Remember that we are not to allow any part of that “old man, which is corrupt” to remain with us. It would be much like carrying an old, dead carcass around with us. It would be burdensome and stink! If Believers would look at their lives before Christ in this light, it would be much easier to walk in the newness of life that Jesus has given us.

    Believers are to not succumb to the old life. We are commanded to stay awake!

    Do you recognize the importance of awaking out of sleep, understanding that our salvation (in the future) is very near?