The Biblical Path of Life

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  • Examples for Believers

    “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity”
    1 Timothy 4:12

    We can remember back to some of Jesus’ Disciples. They recorded for us their eyewitness accounts of Jesus’ life. They understood the importance of just who Jesus is. They realized the importance of recording the life of Jesus. They had witnessed the events of His life – firsthand! They not only saw, but also understood and believed them.

    Read what John understood about the Word of God. “1. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… 14. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:1, 14). He understood the Word of God was Jesus, who was made flesh (a human), which dwelt among them. The disciples learned from Jesus. Read why John wanted to share his eyewitness account. “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; 2. (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) 3. That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full” (1 John 1:1-4). John saw Jesus, recognized the truth He taught, and because of this, John followed Jesus.

     The followers of Jesus learned much from Him. They not only learned from Him, they then lived those things out in their lives. They began to teach others about Jesus. Paul became one who not only believed in Jesus, but he spent his life telling others about Jesus. One particular young man was Timothy. Paul gave Timothy some encouraging words by which many have been encouraged through the years. “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). Although Timothy was young, Paul encouraged him to be faithful. He was to be an example to all in every aspect of his Christian life.

    John knew Jesus and recorded things we must read to learn and grow in Him. Paul was another one who recorded many things we need to know about living a faithful Christian life. It is important to recognize those who know Jesus. This is part of learning how to understand and use the Word of God correctly. Christians are to recognize teachers today who know Jesus and share what they have learned from the Bible. There are many teachers in the world. We are to listen to the ones who truly know Jesus (are faithful Christians who believe the Bible is God’s Word), who teach the truth of Jesus, and live those principles out in their lives. “7. Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation … 17. Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you” (Hebrews 13:7, 17). If they teach, living those truths of the Bible out in their lives, follow them.

    Do you recognize true teachers of God’s Word, and do you submit to their teachings?

  • God is Faithful

    “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
    1 Corinthians 10:13

    If you ask someone who their favorite Bible character is, many will reply, “David!” Almost everyone has heard of David and Goliath. However, there is so much more to the life of David than one mighty victory when he was a young.

    David became the greatest king that the nation of Israel ever had. The kings that came after David were compared back to him, but none of the kings that followed lived up to his greatness. As great as he was, even King David made mistakes.

    Most people remember the great sin of David when he took Bathsheba who was not his wife and had her husband killed in battle. When God’s prophet, Nathan, confronted David with his sin, David immediately repented. He turned his heart back to God. “And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die” (2 Samuel 12:13). One can read Psalm 51 to understand the great repentance of King David. Seeing into David’s heart at this moment in time can help one understand why God said what He did about King 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). God was able to allow King David to become a great conquering king.  

    David was a sinner just like everyone who has ever lived. As one reads the events of King David’s life, one cannot help but recognize as he learned from his sin (by repenting of sin). He discovered that he must find the answers as to how to please God by seeking God and His Word.

    The books of the Chronicles reveal the lives of the kings from God’s view. The incident of David taking Bathsheba is recorded in 2 Samuel 11-12 with the consequences of that sin in the following chapters. However, in 1 Chronicles 20, that event in David’s life is not recorded. The tragedies that fell upon his house because of sin are not recorded either. One must recognize something very important: God is a forgiving God who removes our sin as far as the east is from the west. Remember: “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12). Also, remember that God casts our sin into the deepest part of the sea. “He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea” (Micah 7:19).  That sin will be not only forgiven, but also forgotten.

    Understand that even a man such as David was not perfect. He failed, but we are to learn from his mistakes and not repeat them. Remember: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). These events in the Bible were written as examples for us, so that we would not make the same mistakes. “17. Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked [means to deviate from conduct that is good or right], fall from your own stedfastness. 18. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen” (2 Peter 3:17–18).

    Remember that today we have God’s Word that we can read to help us remain steadfast at all times. We should be encouraged that God is faithful. “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

    What can we do to keep from falling into the sin? “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men [behave with wisdom of a man, as opposed to a babe in Christ], be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13). However, we must always watch and not let sin enter into our hearts and lives.

    Do you stand steadfast, not allowing sin to enter into your life?

  • It is Good to Remember

    “Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance”
    2 Peter 1:13

    As you read the following verse, think of your favorite Bible teacher. “Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance” (2 Peter 1:13). The word tabernacle means “the body as a frail tenement of the soul”; stir you up means “of the mind; to excite.” The job of a good teacher (in their frailty), is to stir up their students (excite them) by putting them in remembrance (to help them remember the heroes of our faith). A good teacher’s goal should be to excite students to learn of these great men and women in the Bible. One fun way to learn is in the remembrance of some of the people listed in the genealogies in the Old Testament – even learning of a few new people along the way.

    Many people skip over the genealogies listed in the Bible. They can seem tedious and somewhat boring. However, sometimes when one reads the genealogies, there is an interesting interjection. See the following example: “9. And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow. 10. And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested” (1 Chronicles 4:9-10). Notice that this child was born in sorrow. In his name, Jabez (this name meaning “to grieve; sorrowful”), his mother doomed him to remember that fact for all of his life. It would behoove all children to remember that it is in much pain and sorrow that each and every child is brought into this world (remember Genesis 3:16a: “Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children …”). In that remembrance, due respect and honor should be given. “Honour thy father and thy mother, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee” (Deuteronomy 5:16). Moreover, read what Jesus said in Matthew 15:4: “For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.”    

    Jabez took an important step that changed his life: he called upon the God of Israel. Over and over we can read in the Bible where God wants people to call upon Him – for He promises that He will answer. “For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for?” (Deuteronomy 4:7). In addition, “The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth” (Psalm 145:18). Knowing these truths, see what Jabez asked of God: 

    • “…  Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed,
    • and enlarge my coast,
    • and that thine hand might be with me,
    • and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me!”

    The word grieve in this verse means “the same as the great sorrow God felt when He looked down upon sinful man in Genesis 6 – just before He destroyed the earth by a flood. It also comes from the same word as “sorrow” in which his mother bore him.” From this definition, we can understand that Jabez wanted no more sorrow in his life. Instead, he wanted God’s blessings to be upon his life.

    “… And God granted him that which he requested” (1 Chronicles 4:10).           

    Christians should learn the importance of calling out to God for His blessings upon our lives, being willing to obey His commands (think of Jabez). It is only then that we can recognize as God blesses our lives.

    Do you call out to God, asking for God’s blessing to be upon your life?

  • Testimonies

    “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”
    John 1:14

    Solomon was an exceedingly wise man. He was a very wealthy man. This was all because when God asked him what he wanted, Solomon asked for wisdom of God to rule His people. God then gave him wisdom and wealth beyond measure. All heard of King Solomon’s great wisdom and wealth. His fame spread throughout the world. The queen from Sheba went to meet King Solomon for herself. She saw all of his great wealth and asked him every question that was in her heart. When she could ask of no more to ask, she recognized something: “Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the half was not told me: thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth the fame which I heard” (1 Kings 10:7). But more importantly, she recognized God through Solomon’s life: “Blessed be the LORD thy God, which delighted in thee, to set thee on the throne of Israel: because the LORD loved Israel for ever, therefore made he thee king, to do judgment and justice” (1 Kings 10:9).

    When Jesus came, He preached to the people great things of God. He healed many. He wrought many miracles. Yet when the people came out to see a sign, instead of recognizing God through the life of Jesus, remember what He told the crowd. “The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here” (Luke 11:31). Remember that the queen of Sheba (the queen of the south) acknowledged God when she met with King Solomon. Most of the people that went to see Jesus did not acknowledge God. Jesus is far greater than King Solomon; for Jesus is God. Because the people would not recognize Jesus, He declared that judgment would rise up and condemn them. They did not understand something very important: Jesus came so that all would have the opportunity to know God. However, each one must believe.

    Men wrote of what they had understood as they walked and talked with Jesus. We can remember Jesus’ Disciples as they recorded for us their eyewitness accounts of Jesus’ life. They recognized the importance of just who Jesus is, that He was God come in the flesh. “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). They understood the importance of recording the life of Jesus as they witnessed the events of His life – firsthand! They not only saw, but also understood and believed in Jesus.

    John taught about Jesus was from his own eyewitness account. See why he wanted to share his eyewitness account. “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; 2. (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) 3. That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ” (1 John 1:1-3).

    Although many did not understand just who Jesus was when He came, God’s Word helps us recognize those who did. They left a testimony that Jesus was God come in the flesh. More importantly, they explained to us that Jesus came to save people from their sin – if one will only believe. However, only those who believe Jesus is the Christ, that once and for all sacrifice for sins, will be saved. “9. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation… 13. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:9–10, 13). 

    Are you one who has believed the testimony that Jesus is God?

    How to be Saved

  • Believe

    “And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.”
    Acts 16:31

    An amazing event took place at Philippi while Paul and Silas were there. They were falsely accused, beaten and thrown in prison. The jailer was instructed to keep them safe. So, he threw them into the inner prison and put their feet in the stocks. Read what happened: “25. And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. 26. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed. 27. And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. 28. But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here” (Acts 16:25-28). Can you even imagine having a song in your heart after being falsely accused, beaten, and locked in stocks in prison? Yet they not only had a song in their heart, but they sang praises to the Lord loud enough for all of the prisoners to hear – for none of them escaped when their doors opened in the great earthquake. Because the keeper of the prison was responsible for those prisoners with his life, he decided to take his own life himself (probably so other Roman soldiers would not kill him!). See his reaction to seeing that none of the prisoners had escaped. “29. Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, 30. And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:29-30). He wanted what Paul and Silas had – Jesus! “31. And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. 32. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house” (Acts 16:31-32). Notice that they told this jailer and all of the people in his house. It was important that they hear the Gospel message. Each person has to hear and respond to the Gospel message. What was their response? “And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house” (Acts 16:34).

    This event should be an encouragement to anyone who has chosen to believe the Gospel message, yet that Christian’s family has not yet believed. If one is a Christian but their family is not, it is a sad thing. Christians want their friends and family to have the same salvation that they have found. They would love to have them join them in the journey of the Christian life as they learn and grow. However, it is a personal call and an individual choice. As much as one may share that faith and want them to join, one cannot make them follow. They must believe and follow Christ on their own. This is an important thing to understand. God calls each person into the Christian life, and that individual must respond to that call in affirmation. God calls individuals. Each individual must take action by responding God’s call. However, God wants the family to come to Him. Therefore, it is Christian’s duty to share with his or her family the Gospel message, warning them of the wrath to come. Most importantly, that Christian must live his faith out before them.

    In daily life, we learn that some people come to believe the Gospel message easily, while others have a more difficult time coming to the realization that they are a sinful person who needs a Saviour to deliver them from sin. Nevertheless, they must hear the Gospel message!

    “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him” (John 3:36).

    Have you believed on the Son?

    Have you shared your faith with your family?

    How to be Saved

  • Righteousness from God

    “And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness”
    Ephesians 4:24

    We often hear how important it is to confess our sins, seeking forgiveness. “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). However, have you ever thought about how this is even possible? It may be easy to say the words, but what does it take to be really forgiven? “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus is the only one who can take away one’s sin, making that one righteous before God.

    In order to fully understand this, one must remember back to an even that took place in Zechariah. God revealed to the high priest, Joshua, something quite amazing. “1. And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. 2. And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire? 3. Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel. 4. And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment. 5. And I said, Let them set a fair mitre upon his head. So they set a fair mitre upon his head, and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the LORD stood by. 6. And the angel of the LORD protested unto Joshua, saying, 7. Thus saith the LORD of hosts; If thou wilt walk in my ways, and if thou wilt keep my charge, then thou shalt also judge my house, and shalt also keep my courts, and I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by. ” (Zechariah 3:1-7).

    In this event, recognize that although Joshua was the high priest, the only one who could stand before the God representing the people in the Old Testament, he was not worthy to stand before God. He was “clothed with filthy garments” (revealing he was a sinner). The angel of the Lord (as a defender in a court) in this instance was the pre-incarnate Christ (Jesus before He was born as a human being on earth to die to take away man’s sin). This was much like a court of law where the angel of the Lord (Jesus) represented Joshua (guilty, for he was a sinful man). The adversary (much like a prosecutor) here is Satan, the enemy, the accuser of Christians (Revelation 12:9-10). When Jesus took away the filthy garments, the sin was gone, and Joshua was given a change of raiment (see Romans 8:1). Jesus then had a “fair mitre” set upon his head. The high priest in the Old Testament had “… a plate of pure gold, and grave upon it, like the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD. And thou shalt put it on a blue lace, that it may be upon the mitre …” (Exodus 28:36-37). This mark upon his head (the golden plate) was to be a reminding that he had been set apart and consecrated to God and His purpose. This meant being devoted to God, choosing God’s plan over his own.

    How is the event with Joshua the high priest in Zechariah 3:1-4 depicted in Ephesians 4:22-24? “22. That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23. And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24. And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24).

    Jesus is our Advocate. “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1). This reveals that the same thing can happen for us today – if only we will trust in Jesus!

    Have you asked Jesus to be your Advocate, forgiving your sin and clothing you with His righteousness?

    How to be Saved

  • How to Apply God’s Word

    “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not”
    Jeremiah 33:3

    A Christian is to understand that God’s Word is the Bible. Christians have Bibles and know they are important to have, but one cannot forget the importance of knowing what the Bible says. It was written for Christians. It is imperative that every Christian learn how to use the Bible correctly. In order to realize the best way to apply God’s Word, one must first know it.

    How can one know what God’s Word truly says? “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11). It is imperative that a Christian searches the Scriptures daily; knowing if what they are hearing is true according to God’s Word. A great way to do this is to compare Scripture with Scripture. It is then that one can gain a better understand of what God is trying to teach.

    In that searching daily, one is hiding God’s Word in their heart. “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11). It is then that one more readily recognizes sin. One learns that God is not pleased when there is sin in that life. That sin must be eliminated.

    When a Christian searches the Bible daily, hiding it in their heart, what is one to do if they do not understand what they read? What if they do not know what to do in a situation? “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not” (Jeremiah 33:3). The word knowest here means “to see; specifically to come to the knowledge of, by seeing, by hearing, and by experience.” God will help one to understand if only one will ask.

    It is at times like these (not understanding or not knowing what to do) that one should know enough to stop, and ask God for help. This brings to mind an event that happened in the Bible. 

    Nehemiah was in a strange land serving a foreign king. When he heard distressing news about his homeland, he was troubled and sad. He knew God’s commands and prayed for God to forgive sin (see Nehemiah 1:4-11). When the king recognized there was something wrong with Nehemiah, he asked what the problem was. Nehemiah told the king he was sad because his homeland lay waste and the gates burned. The king asked what he would request. The Bible tells us that right then and there, Nehemiah prayed to the God of heaven. It was not a long, loud, lengthy prayer. It was an immediate request (not heard aloud) from a child of God to his Father. We do not know what the prayer was, but Nehemiah then had the ability to give the king a wise answer. It was then that the king granted the request. He allowed Nehemiah to go to his homeland and help repair the city’s defenses. However, more than that, the king provided what was needed to make sure the job was completed (see Nehemiah 1:1-4; 2:1-8).

    This is much like what we are to do. When one does not understand what God’s Word is teaching, or what one is to do when faced with a situation where answers are needed, stop. Pray for God’s wisdom. God will answer, if only one will ask.

    When a Christian has the Word of God in one’s heart, and begins to understand it, what happens? “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 3:16-17). One is then able to share with others what they have learned from God’s Word and are able to live a more Christ-like life.

    Have you learned to stop and ask God for answers?

  • Be Not Deceived

    “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”
    Galatians 6:7

    If you read the history of Israel (the Northern Kingdom) in the Old Testament, keep in mind that none of the kings of Israel was considered good because they led Israel to sin against God. They had established a religion worshiping golden calves in Dan and Bethel, not the one true God. The Israelites sinned against God when they forsook Him and worshiped creatures (golden calves, Baal, etc.) like the nations around them. They also walked in the ways of the heathen (the wicked and idolatrous nations around) instead of walking in God’s Laws and statutes they had been taught. At any point in Israel’s history, the kings could have sought God (remember the prophets constantly preached for the people to seek God!). Instead, we read that they continued in the sin of Jeroboam I, who made Israel to sin. Read what is recorded in Proverbs that they should have known: “He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him” (Proverbs 11:27). Because they sought mischief, they got it. (Mischief means: “bad; wicked; evil; of inferior quality.”) Remember the turning point in the nation Israel, the point from which they did not return: when they refused to hear the Word of the Lord from the prophets of God. At any point, the kings of Israel could have remembered God’s laws and commandments, kept them, and encouraged the people to keep them. They lived the way they wanted instead of the way God taught them. Because of this, they were conquered, losing their kingdom. “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7).

    Since we are to learn from history, we must notice the progression of sin in the nation Israel. One of the best examples of this progression is in Psalm 1. First, one walks with sinners, then stops and talks with them, and finally sits with them. Desiring sin and walking with sinners begins with lust. Lust means “a strong desire; a longing; to satisfy carnal appetites.” Read what James 1:14–15 says, “14. But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” This is a great reminder to seek the things of God, not the things of this world. When we know what is right, we should do it. “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin” (James 4:17). If one is not sure, seek God. Remember Amos’ plea, “Seek the LORD, and ye shall live …” (Amos 5:6). We should never sin away our lives — as Israel did. For, “… There is a sin unto death …” (1 John 5:16).

    Notice that in the New Testament, Paul preached to people in the same condition. He warned that the wrath of God would fall upon those who knew the truth, but did not live it out in their lives: “18. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19. Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 21. Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23. And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25. Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen” (Romans 1:18–19, 21–25). Search your heart to see if you are guilty of knowing the way of righteousness, yet not living in the truth of it. This is an important question for each Christian to consider!

    Do you live out the truth of God’s Word in your life?

  • The Just Shall Live by Faith

    “For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.”
    Romans 1:17

    Have you ever been afraid?

    One cannot help but remember back to an event that took place in the Bible. Jesus had been going about preaching and healing many. The disciples who were with Him, recognized that he was a great teacher. They had witnessed many people come to Jesus with sicknesses that He healed. Jesus even healed Peter’s mother-in-law who had been sick. They saw many possessed with devils that Jesus cast out. Yet when these fishermen (who were used to being on the water) were in a ship in the sea and a storm arose, they were afraid. Yet Jesus was asleep in the ship. “25. And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. 26. And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. 27. But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!” (Matthew 8:25-27). Even these men who had witnessed Jesus do many great things were afraid in the storm! They did not yet understand just who Jesus was, and that He would take care of them. They had “little faith.”

    We can learn many things about the faith that is to be found in a Christian life. Is it good when one relies upon his own ability? “Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith” (Habakkuk 2:4). Each Christian is to learn to live his faith in Jesus. When we hear of the faith by which Christians are to live, what are we to do? “Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 1:13). A Christian must “hold fast” to the things that are to be learned from the Bible. Once we learn these things and begin to live by them, what happens to that Christian life? “For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17). The righteousness of God is then revealed in that Christian’s life.

    Many Christians become afraid at some point. We do not see the preventions God has in place to hold the enemy (or things that cause us to fear) at bay; for these things can come so close and no further than God permits. God only allows some of these things to go so far in the affecting of our lives. He prevents many of these instances from reaching one who stays in the midst of the path God has for that Christian. Often times these occurrences are allowed to be there to test one’s faith (remember Job).

    Understand what happens if a Christian becomes fearful and does not move forward in their Christian walk by faith. “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him” (Hebrews 10:38). God is not pleased when a Christian does not continue forward in their Christian walk but draws back (this means they go into apostasy – forsaking the ways and truths of God’s Word).

    Once a Christian understands how to live and walk by faith, what will they have? “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). These things should help every Christian understand the importance of living by faith and not forsaking the teachings found in God’s Word. Why is it important to live by faith? “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:7).

    Have you learned to trust God, not be afraid, and walk by faith?

  • A Wise Man

    “Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”
    Matthew 7:14

    There are countless people who believe there are “many” ways to get to heaven. We can see this evidenced in numerous religions out there that promise eternal life in heaven. These religions (and personal opinions) give false hope of eternal life because they do not teach there is only One way; Jesus.

    Jesus spent much time teaching, and the most important thing He came to reveal was the truth about eternity. He taught about the Strait Gate. After telling of the importance of entering in at the strait gate, He explained: “Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matthew 7:13-14). This Strait Gate leads to life, yet few find it (it is also called the door of the sheep in John 10:7). Jesus is that Gate (Door). This is a picture of Salvation through faith in Jesus. Those who enter by “other” ways, think they are heading to life eternal. When one rejects Jesus, they often choose an easier path than the strait and narrow path that Jesus requires.  

    That is why while continuing in the Christian life, one will find other people who declare they are a Christian, yet who do not hold the truth of God’s Word in their hearts – those who have not gained salvation through Jesus. They may challenge your Christian faith. “5. Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away … 7. Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” (2 Timothy 3:5, 7). We are warned to turn away from their “form of godliness.”

    Jesus gave another warning to help us understand this. “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). Who will enter the kingdom of heaven? We just read, “he that doeth the will of my Father.” What is the will of his Father? It is to “enter ye in at the strait gate,” which is to believe in Jesus for salvation.

    Right after this, we read what Jesus taught about two very different men. One He called a wise man. This man He likened to one who heard the teachings of Jesus and did them. This man built his house upon a rock. A rock is solid and does not move. “And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock” (Matthew 7:25). Whatever opposed the wise man, his house stood, for it was founded upon Jesus, the Rock: “… and that Rock was Christ” (1 Corinthians 10:4b).

    The other man he called a foolish man. “And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand” (Matthew 7:26). What made him foolish? He heard Jesus’ teachings, yet did not do them. This is building a house upon the sand – for it is constantly shifting or moving. (Religions and man’s opinions continually change.) What happens when one builds their house upon the sand? “And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it” (Matthew 7:27). Not only does the foolish man’s house fall when troubles come, but that fall is great.

    Christians will encounter people who have chosen numerous different paths, by many different men’s teachings (religions/opinions). They all sound much easier and quicker than the One true way that the Bible teaches. The journey may not appear easy, but Christians have the assurance that the Narrow Way is the Only way to life everlasting. In addition, Christians have God’s written Word that was given to read which will help in this Christian life. Christians can learn many things in the Bible that are profitable, enabling them to become stable, building a strong house (life) upon the Rock that is Jesus. One should find comfort in God’s Word that will help in this Christian life, teaching one what to do.

    Have you chosen to be wise and build your house upon the rock?

    How to be Saved