The Biblical Path of Life

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  • Lesson 8: Paul’s First Missionary Journey: Acts 13 – 15:35

    Key Verse

    Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.

    —Acts 13:46

    Key Verse Thought: Read the Key Verse. In this lesson, we will learn about another rejection of Jesus by the Jewish people, and with that rejection, the message of Jesus diminishes to the Jewish people and the focus is turned to the Gentiles. We will learn that Paul was called to be a light to the Gentile people (Gentile means anyone not Jewish).

    Emphasis: To recognize that not only is salvation available to anyone, but it is the job of each Christian to go and tell others about Jesus – no matter what persecution may come. It is also important to stand for the truth that Jesus is the only way to gain salvation.

    Lesson Summary: We have recognized that Peter learned something from God – God could save anyone, not just the Jews. We also saw the persecution of Believers continue, for James was martyred and Peter was imprisoned. Nevertheless, the church continued to grow. We were reintroduced to Barnabas (for the church in Jerusalem sent him out to minister to many Believers), who had gone to Tarsus and found Saul. We also understood that it was in Antioch that Believers were first called Christians.

    Through our lessons in the last few weeks, we cannot help but notice that the Gospel message of Jesus had been sent forth, and it was no longer focused toward the Jewish people. Anyone who believed could be saved. This message is reinforced in this lesson as we see the emphasis turn to the Gentile nations around through the missionary journeys of Paul.

    Paul and Barnabas were separated out to go and tell others about Jesus. We will follow their travels into the other countries and cities as they teach the people that the Old Testament Law could not justify them before God. However they were to understand that God sent Jesus, the One promised in the Old Testament, and only Jesus could give salvation. With this message, many believed and the Gospel message was spread, but it also brought great persecution from the Jewish people. Paul revealed that although some Jews believed, the majority of the Jewish people had rejected the Gospel message, so Paul was to be a light to the Gentiles. He was to focus his ministry to the preaching of Jesus to the Gentile people.

    Paul and Barnabas were kicked out of a city for preaching Jesus, but healed a crippled man in the next city. They stoned Paul, but he got up and continued on to the next city preaching the same message. After visiting many cities, they returned to encourage the new believers. They then returned to Antioch with a report of what God had done through their preaching of Jesus. However, when they heard of false teaching, they returned to Jerusalem to defend the truth that Salvation is by Grace through Jesus. They returned to Jerusalem with letters of these truths.

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 8 Questions

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 8 Children’s Worksheets

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

    We made a ship with stickers to remember Paul’s First Missionary Journey.

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

  • That I May Know Him

    “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death.”

    Philippians 3:10

    The New Testament tells us much of Paul and his ministry. When one reads the New Testament, Paul’s life stands out. Most remember that he led three missionary journeys spreading the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ, before he was taken as a prisoner to Rome. Remember how he often referred to himself. “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God” (Romans 1:1). He was an amazing servant. Paul understood that God sent him to share the Gospel message (see Acts 9:15, 20:24).

    Although God was able to do much through the life of Paul, Paul understood something very important. Philippians tells us a bit about Paul. His understanding of who he was and what was important should be an example for all Christians. “Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more” (Philippians 3:4). If there was ever a man who could attain salvation by works of righteousness, it would be most difficult to beat Paul. He gives a listing of all of his worldly and religious achievements that should have gained him salvation if that was how salvation could be attained:

    • “5. Circumcised the eighth day,
    • of the stock of Israel,
    • of the tribe of Benjamin,
    • an Hebrew of the Hebrews;
    • as touching the law, a Pharisee;
    • 6. Concerning zeal, persecuting the church;
    • touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.” (Philippians 3:5-6).

    These seven things were such religious attainments in his day, one would think he was bound for heaven. However, he learned salvation could not be acquired by works. Read what he wrote in a letter to Titus: “5. Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6. Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7. That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life” (Titus 3:5-7). Paul understood that it did not matter who he was or what he had achieved in his life. Salvation did not come by works of righteousness that he could do. It only came by the mercy and grace of Jesus. “8. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9. Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

    Beyond the understanding that nothing Paul could do could have earned him salvation, he recognized something important. 7. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,” (Philippians 3:7-8). He had to forsake everything that he was and thought he should be to follow Christ. He had to die to his old life. “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).

    In this new life, Paul explained what was important. “9. And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10. That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death” (Philippians 3:9-10). Paul understood his righteousness was through “the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God”. What better righteousness could one ever want or need?! However, because of this righteousness which is of God, Paul understood that this enabled him to know Him. He wanted “the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord” (see Philippians 3:9). This knowledge can only come when one chooses to make Jesus Lord in that life. Paul understood this. Paul decided that he wanted to know Him. “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 spent his life getting to know his Lord, Jesus, personally. He pressed on toward the mark, forgetting what was behind understanding that he had not apprehended. As good as he was, Paul understood the importance of continually reaching to attain the things Christ wanted for his life. He wanted to know Jesus more, and the more he knew Him, the more Paul wanted to serve Him. Because Paul forsook who and what he was, trusted in Jesus Christ, making Him Lord of his life, Paul became a mighty servant for Jesus. He not only shared the Gospel Message of salvation available only through Jesus, but he was able to write down much of the New Testament. In those writings, we find out how to know Jesus. As we know Jesus better, we understand and accomplish the things God has planned for our lives. “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).

    Have you trusted in Christ for salvation?

    Have you made it your desire to know Jesus more, then enabling you to understand the plan He has for your life?

    Learn how to trust Christ for salvation.

  • Lesson 7: The Gospel Message Spreads: Acts 11:19-12

    Key Verse

    Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

    —Revelation 2:10

    Key Verse Thought: Read today’s Key Verse. As you read this verse, begin to understand the importance of standing fast in the Christian faith – even if persecution comes. In this lesson, we will learn of one who was killed for his faith and one who was imprisoned for his, yet both men remained faithful.

    Emphasis: As you look at this lesson, recognize the significance of spreading the Gospel message, and the importance of ministering to new Christians as they grow in the Lord. Christians are to understand that being a faithful witness may leave us open for persecution – but we are to remember to be faithful, just like James and Peter.

    Lesson Summary: We have learned that church was being persecuted, which was causing the Gospel message to be scattered into the areas around (including Samaria). Nevertheless, as we learned in our last lesson, even while there was persecution, Peter continued to do what God asked him to do. He learned that anyone could be saved – Jew or Gentile. He witnessed the Roman centurion, Cornelius, his household, and many of his friends become Believers. Peter then reported back to the Believers in Jerusalem that God could save anyone.

    In this lesson, we find that the church continued to grow – in spite of persecution. So much so, that Barnabas was called from Jerusalem and was sent out to minister to the numerous Believers. When he saw the many blessings of God, he encouraged the people to adhere to the teachings of Jesus, growing closer to Him, and to continue telling others about Jesus. Barnabas then went to Tarsus, found Saul, and brought him back to help in the ministry, “… And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch” (Acts 11:26). Then they began to minister to those in need.

    After this, the persecution intensified. Herod took James, the brother of John, and killed him for his faith. Then because it pleased the religious leaders, Herod put Peter in prison. We will learn in this lesson what happened when the church met together and prayed for Peter.

    Herod was an enemy of God and the Christians. In this lesson, we will see an instance when God allowed His people to see their enemy destroyed.

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 7 Questions

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 7 Children’s Worksheets

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

    We made a jail from foam and pipe cleaners. We added stickers of a soldier gurading the jail, and yarn attached to allow Peter to escape from the jail.

    The Biblical Path of Life – Year Thee, Quarter Two is available through Amazon.

  • Study and Know the Things Freely Given

    “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

    As a Christian, have you taken time to not only read, but study your Bible? Many Believers find the Bible too difficult to understand or know. Is this the conclusion you have come to in your life? If you have not taken the time to read and study God’s Word, you are missing an infinite source of encouragement, help, instruction, comfort and even strength that can be gained nowhere else in this world.

    First, one must acknowledge that from Genesis to Revelation, the entire Bible, is the inspired Word of God. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). Did you notice the first word, “All”? That really means all of Scripture is given by God. This reveals that all of the Bible is important – for God gave it to us. This should give us complete confidence in every part of it. For a Christian, the Bible is the authority by which we are to live our lives.

    God has given Christians more than the Bible to read. He gave each Christian the Holy Spirit to help us understand what the Bible says. “12. 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. 13. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual” (1 Corinthians 2:12-13). Christians can have an understanding of what the Bible says. Not only are we to believe that the Bible is God’s Word, but that God gave us the Holy Spirit to help us understand what the Bible says. We are to trust God’s Spirit to help us understand it. This should help us recognize that it is not only imperative that each Christian reads the Bible, but also understands it. The more we read and understand it, the more important it becomes in our lives.

    Knowledge without application is pretty much worthless. In reading and understanding the Bible, one must choose to know how to follow its’ teachings. “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 important to understand that God has a plan for each Christian’s life, however it is up to each individual to choose to walk in that path. Remember what God tells us about David. “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). David fulfilled God’s will for his life. How did David know what God expected? He asked God. “Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths” (Psalm 25:4). Not only did David ask God to show him God’s way, but to teach him the path God had for his life. The Bible is full of people who have chosen to know God’s ways, and follow in His paths. There are also many people recorded that chose to not follow in God’s paths. Each Christian is to read the Bible to find out what happens in a person’s life when they follow God’s paths, and what happens when people choose to make their own way in the world, disregarding God’s paths. “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). The Bible was written for us to not only come to know Christ as our Saviour, but to follow the examples that are recorded within so we know how to live a life pleasing to God. Paul wrote of this. “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you” (Philippians 4:9).

    Have a confidence that the Bible is completely true. Understand that the Holy Spirit will help Christians understand what the Bible says. Oftentimes, He uses good Bible teachers to help us understand, too (see 2 Timothy 2:2). But none of that will do any good if one does not chose to appropriate what is learned into the heart and life. It is only then that one becomes more like Christ.

    There are many excuses as to why people do not know or understand the Bible. Some people find the Bible too difficult to read, and others may think it takes too much time to read. But what does the Bible teach us? “It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter” (Proverbs 25:2). It is part of what God expects from Christians. To search out matters. It is then that we learn what it is God expects us to do. “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:10).

    Have you taken time to believe the Bible, understanding that God expects you to know it and live your life according to what is written within?

  • Lesson 6: Gentile Believers: Acts 9:32 – 11:18

    Key Verse

    When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

    —Acts 11:18

    Key Verse Thought: Read today’s Key Verse. Remember that a Gentile is anyone who is not a Jew. Up to this point, we have learned that the Gospel message of Jesus had spread from Jerusalem into Samaria. So far, we have seen just the beginnings of the spread of the Gospel message to some Gentile people. In this lesson, we will see that the Jewish people finally begin to recognize that the Gentiles, too, could be saved.

    Emphasis: In this lesson, we are to recognize that the Gospel message is not just for the Jew – but that anyone who will believe in Jesus can be saved. As Christians, we should never stop growing and learning. We are to become faithful witnesses – much like Peter.

    Lesson Summary: In our last lesson, we saw the great transformation of Saul, later called Paul, because he responded to the call by Jesus. He was chosen to spread the Gospel message to the Gentile people. (Remember the following verse: “15. But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel” Acts 9:15.)

    We have learned that the church was being persecuted – which was causing the Gospel message to be scattered into the areas around (including Samaria). However, even during a time of persecution, Peter continued to do what God asked him to do. In this lesson, we will read that he continued to heal and even raised Dorcas from the dead.

    Peter stayed at Simon a tanner’s house. During this time of reprieve, he received a message from the Lord. We find Peter still learning more from Jesus (when he saw a vision revealing that anyone could be saved – Jew or Gentile), as he continued to grow in the Lord. He learned that the Gospel message is for Gentiles, too. It was then that Peter obeyed God when He was sent to the Roman centurion, Cornelius’, house. Because Peter was faithful to deliver the Gospel message to a Gentile, Cornelius and many of his friends became Believers. Peter then reported to the other Believers that God could save anyone.

    Y3Q2 – Questions

    Y3Q2 – Children’s Worksheets

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

    We took a white bandana and filled it with all kinds of animal stickers to help us remember Peter’s vision.

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

  • Called to be Saints

    “Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:”

    1 Corinthians 1:2

    We most often call people who have trusted in Jesus for salvation “Christians”. This implies that the one who has given that heart and life to Jesus has become Christ-like. Did you realize that in the New Testament, the name “Christian(s)” is only used three times? (“… And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch” Acts 11:26b.) Another name given for those who have chosen to follow Christ is “disciple”. They are called “disciple” (or disciples) thirty times. Two times they are called “Believers”. However, the most prevalent name is “saints”. We should remember when the Lord sent Ananias to speak to Saul (the persecutor of the new followers of Christ). “Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem” (Act 9:13). Those in Jerusalem who had trusted in Jesus were called “saints”. Many of the letters in the New Testament are addressed to the “saints.” (See Romans, 1 Corinthians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians.) Saints means “holy, set apart, sanctified, consecrated; its fundamental ideas are separation, consecration, devotion to God; separated morally.” Even more interesting, the name “saint” is interchangeable with the word “holy” in several verses. In these verses, the meaning for saint and holy are the same. It is this definition of the word “saint” or “holy” that each Christian should attain.

    Why is it important to understand that those we call Christians are also known as “saints”? There are specific instructions to those called “saints” or “holy”. Because of this, it is important to know what these instructions are so that we can follow them.

    Paul wrote a letter to the Christians in Rome. “To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 1:7). Take notice that the declared that they were “called to be saints”. He does this again in 1 Corinthians. “Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours” (1 Corinthians 1:2). Notice again that Paul declares that “all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ” are “called to be saints”. Called means “called, invited, welcomed, appointed.; the called ones are those who have received the divine call having conformed to God’s saving purposes.” What is one who has been called to be a saint (holy) to do? “1. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:1-2). Note Paul wrote, “holy, acceptable unto God”. Remember, this means “holy, set apart … its fundamental ideas are separation, consecration, devotion to God; separated morally.” This kind of life is acceptable unto God. How is one to do this?

    Peter gave us instructions. “14. As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: 15. But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16. Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:15-16). Remember, this “holy” is the same word as “saint”. Conversation means “behavior, lifestyle.” Once one has been called to be holy (a saint), that life is to change from the old lifestyle and be holy (live a life in devotion to God) in all behavior.

    Paul wrote instructions to the saints (holy) in the letter to the Colossians. “12. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13. Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. 15. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. 16. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (Colossians 3:12-17). This is a great listing for us as “Saints” today to use to transform our hearts and lives. This will produce a Christ-like lifestyle. We can then be Christians (Christ-like). It will allow us to be able to encourage other Christians as well. Paul gives a great listing to help us understand what kind of life Christ wants us to live and why (“see Ephesians 4:12-32).

    Have you been called to be a saint?

    Do you then choose to live a life that is changed, holy and acceptable unto God?

    Find out how to become a “Saint”.

  • Lesson 5: Saul Becomes Paul: Acts 9:1-31

    Key Verse

    Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

    —Romans 1:1

    Key Verse Thought: After reading the key verse, understand that this verse declares that Paul was called to be an apostle. To remember who the eleven remaining Apostles had chosen, read that it was Matthias (see Acts 1:26). Nevertheless, that is the last time we read of Matthias specifically. We are to understand that God chose Paul (renamed from Saul) to be that twelfth Apostle. In this verse, the word separated means “to separate; to select to some office or work. Paul had been a Pharisee (which means to separate) who had been separated unto the law, or the study of the law. Now he was saying that he was separated to the gospel – the message of Jesus.”

    In this lesson, we will learn how Saul changed, becoming Paul.

    Emphasis: We are to understand that to become a Christian one must believe in Jesus, and that He is God’s Son – by faith, regardless of what any “religion” teaches. Then one must seek to learn more about Jesus by going to church, but especially reading God’s Word – learning directly from Jesus.

    Lesson Summary: Beginning in our last lesson, we saw that the Gospel message was carried out of Jerusalem and Judea into Samaria (remember “… and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” Acts 1:8b). We have begun to learn just how Jesus’ command was being obeyed. In this lesson, we will meet the man God chose to begin the spread of the Gospel message into the “uttermost part of the earth.” He was an avid persecutor of the early church named Saul (whose name was later changed to Paul).

    In this lesson, we will read events you may have heard many times before. Nevertheless, try to learn new things about this event that you may have never grasped before. It will help since we are trying to go through the Bible in historical order, tying events and people together – fitting the pieces of the puzzle together, revealing that the whole Bible is centered on the Gospel message of Jesus, and the spread of it.

    We met the young man, Saul, when he was present at the stoning of Stephen. We then read that he was “consenting unto his death” and “made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison” (see Acts 8:1-3). In this lesson, we will find out that he made this his personal priority – persecuting the “disciples of the Lord” (see Acts 9:1-2), until he met Jesus on the road to Damascus.

    There was a drastic change in Saul when he met Jesus – for even his name was changed to Paul. In this study, we will understand that it took time and much study to prepare for the task Jesus had for Paul’s life – to be the Apostle sent to the Gentile people.

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 5 Questions

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 5 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this lesson to children, the following are a couple of craft ideas to help them remember this lesson about Paul:

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

  • The Unseen Guest

    “… and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

    Matthew 28:20b

    After Jesus resurrected, He revealed Himself many times to His disciples. In Matthew, Jesus appeared to the women who had been at the empty tomb. In Mark, Jesus first appeared to Mary Magdalene. “11. And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not. 12. After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country. 13. And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them. 14. Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen” (Mark 16:11-14). Not only did Jesus appear to the women, but two walking along the road, and then the eleven disciples. Initially, they did not believe Jesus could be alive. Notice Jesus “upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart” because they did not believe He was alive. Apparently, they did not understand that they would see Him again: alive.

    When Jesus appeared to people after His resurrection, they did not expect to see Him. He always knew where they were, what they were doing, and even the conversations that were being had. They were always surprised to see Jesus. For the forty days that Jesus showed Himself alive after His resurrection, I think He wanted the Believers to understand something: He would be with them always. Even when they did not know He was there, Jesus would be with them. When they had conversations in private, Jesus would be with them. When they did not understand what was happening at that time, Jesus showed Himself to them and helped them understand.

    Before Jesus went to the cross, He encouraged His disciples. He promised them they would not be alone. “16. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17. Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 18. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you” (John 14:16-18). Although Jesus was speaking of the Holy Spirit that would come, He wanted them to understand that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit were One, and that when the Spirit came, Jesus would be with them. During the days that Jesus appeared suddenly and talked with His followers, I think He was trying to help them understand that even when they did not realize it, Jesus was there with them. He would then reveal Himself physically to them to help them understand. Soon, He would return to heaven and leave them with the Spirit. But Jesus would still be there with them. This, He wanted them to recognize this.

    Before Jesus ascended back into heaven, He left his followers with these words: “…and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.Amen.” (Matthew 28:20). Jesus promised that He would be with them always. The same is true for all Believers (Christians) today.

    Paul understood this principle. Remember what he wrote to Timothy after he had to stand before rulers: “16. At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. 17. Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.” (2 Timothy 4:16-17). When no one else stood with Paul, he understood that the Lord (Jesus) stood with him. He was not alone.

    My grandparents had a plaque hung in their house. It said:

    “Christ is the Head of this house

    The unseen Guest at every meal

    The silent listener to every conversation.”

    This was always a constant reminder: Jesus is always there whether one acknowledges His presence or not. If Believers (Christians) would keep this in the forefront of their mind, it would not only encourage us greatly, but be a great reminder to behave Christ-like at all times.

    Do you, as a Believer, understand that Jesus is the unseen Guest, with you always?

  • Lesson 4: Philip: Acts 8

    Key Verse

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

    —Acts 8:35

    Key Verse Thought: Read today’s key verse. Understand the word preached means “to proclaim the good news; preach the gospel.” Keep in mind that the focus of the Gospel message is that Jesus died to pay the penalty for man’s sin – if they would only believe. Moreover, that Jesus is alive again. Can you think of a time that you told someone about Jesus? Do you think it is important for Christians to tell others about Jesus? In this lesson, we will learn that it is important to obey God when He tells us to share Jesus with someone else.

    Emphasis: We are to understand the importance of obeying God’s command to tell others about Jesus – for if Philip had not obeyed, the Ethiopian Eunuch would not have understood he needed Jesus.

    Lesson Summary: In our last lesson, we learned of the first person who was killed because they believed in and preached Jesus. Stephen preached Jesus from the Old Testament to the religious leaders, but instead of receiving the truths he taught, they rejected those Words and killed Stephen. We were also introduced to another of the religious men who was present at Stephen’s death – a young man named Saul.

    In this lesson, we will learn a little more about Saul, and the persecution of Believers that caused many to scatter from Jerusalem into Judea and Samaria. This event was the beginning of the persecution against the church. It was also the beginnings of the spread of the gospel into the world.

    We will look at what happened with Philip, another of the seven that had been called out to minister in the church to help the Apostles. Philip left Jerusalem and went to Samaria. While he preached Jesus to the people there, many believed – including a man called Simon who was a sorcerer. After many were saved, Peter and John came to Samaria.

    The next event we will read today is a very familiar event many people may have heard before. An angel of the Lord told Philip to go to Gaza, the desert. Once he was there, the Spirit told Philip to go to the Ethiopian Eunuch who was riding in a chariot reading from the book of Isaiah. After helping this man understand Jesus was taught in the Old Testament book of Isaiah, the eunuch believed in Jesus and was saved. It would be good to understand the importance of Philip obeying the Lord – just so that one individual could be saved.

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 4 Questions

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 4 Children’s Worksheets

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

    We made a scroll with some of the Scriptures the Ethiopian Eunuch was reading when Philip helped him understand about Jesus.

    The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Two is now available through Amazon. It is here you will find the complete lesson.

  • Barnabas

    “For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.”

    Acts 11:24

    In the early church, persecution came. When the persecution came, the new Believers scattered, taking the name of Jesus with them. As they told others about Jesus, more people became Believers. “And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord” (Acts 11:21). These new Believers turned unto the Lord. They changed the course of their lives to a direction that pleased the Lord. This is the message Jesus sent with Paul:“To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me” (Acts 26:18). The people needed to know the importance of turning from darkness to the Light (Jesus – see John 8:12: “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”)

    Once the people turned to the Lord, one needed to teach them how to live this new life in Christ. Word reached Jerusalem of the many who had turned to Jesus. “Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch” (Acts 11:22). Barnabas was sent. He was a man who lived out in his life the faith he had placed in Jesus. Remember what faith in Jesus is: Faith means “faith in Christ; the means of appropriating what God in Christ has for man resulting in the transformation of man’s character and way of life – also called Christian faith.” Barnabas was the kind of man who would be able to help the new Believers learn how to live this new way of life. “Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord” (Acts 11:23). Barnabas saw the grace of God in these new Believers. Grace means “especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life.” Remember what Jesus taught. “Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit” (Matthew 12:33). This “good fruit” was already being revealed in the people’s lives. Barnabas recognized in the Believer’s lives what had happened in their hearts. This greatly encouraged Barnabas!

    Barnabas also exhorted (encouraged) them. The new Believers must intentionally, with purpose of heart, cleave to the Lord. They would cleave unto means “to adhere to, persevere in: abide still, be with, cleave unto, continue in (with).” Barnabas taught them the importance of persevering and continuing to walk with Jesus.

    The next verse is pretty special. It tells us much about who Barnabas was and how God was so able to use him to help new Believers. “For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord” (Acts 11:24).

    • Barnabas was a good man:There are not many men called good in the Bible. Barnabas was one. Good means “good and benevolent, profitable, useful.” Remember what Jesus taught: “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). Whatever is in the heart is what comes forth. Barnabas obviously had good in his heart.
    • Barnabas was full of the Holy Ghost: When something is full, there isn’t room for other things. To be full of the Holy Ghost (Spirit) means one has emptied himself of the world and the things of the world and instead replaced them with the things of God. Christians are commanded to do this. “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18). Most people tend to focus on the first part of that verse, but they forget the command of the second part. That is a pretty important thing to remember! Being filled with the Spirit will enable one to serve the Lord – much like Barnabas!
    • Barnabas was a man of faith: Remember that faith is “appropriating what God in Christ has for man resulting in the transformation of man’s character and way of life.” Barnabas lived a transformed life. He had become more like Christ.

    Did you notice the result because of Barnabas’ life and conduct? We read that “much people was added unto the Lord”. What a statement! Because Barnabas chose to live a Christ-like life, being filled with the Holy Spirit, he was able to help many others come to know Jesus.

    Have you chosen to be good, emptied of self and filled with the Holy Spirit, and live a life of faith?