The Biblical Path of Life

Category: Hymn

  • He Lives

    “He is not here: for he is risen, as he said …”

    Matthew 28:6

    Jesus taught his disciples many things as He walked this earth. However, the most important thing He wanted them to grasp, they did not understand. “31. For he taught his disciples, and said unto them, The Son of man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and after that he is killed, he shall rise the third day.32. But they understood not that saying, and were afraid to ask him” (Mark 9:31-32). He repeatedly warned them of what was coming, yet they did not comprehend what He said. When the time came for Jesus to be betrayed into the hands of sinful men, the disciples were afraid and fled. “But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled” (Matthew 26:56).

    On the third day after Jesus was crucified and placed into the tomb, the women went to anoint the body of Jesus. When they arrived, the stone had been removed from the tomb, and it was empty. “4. And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: 5. And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?” (Luke 24:5). They had not understood the saying of Jesus either. They did not understand that Jesus was alive. The two men explained: “6. He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, 7. Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. 8. And they remembered his words” (Luke 24:6-8).

    That same day, two were walking discussing all of the things that had happened, when Jesus began to walk with them – but they did not know it was Him (see Luke 24:13-16). As they explained the events according to their understanding, Jesus began to teach them. “26. Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?27. And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself” (Luke 24:26-27). Jesus had done what He came to do. He paid the penalty of sin for mankind (see Romans 6:23).

    So the Gospel Message is simple. Paul summed it up for us as it was given to him.“3. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4. And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). The most important aspect of Christianity is that we serve a living Saviour, and He is in the world today! Just as He physically walked with His disciples while He lived on this earth, Jesus still walks with any Christian who will read His Word and walk with Him. The words of the following song explain this amazingly well:

    He Lives

    by Alfred H. Ackley

    Verse 1:

    “I serve a risen Saviour, He’s in the world today;

    I know that He is living, whatever men may say;

    I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer,

    And just the time I need Him He’s always near.

    Refrain:

    He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!

    He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way,

    He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!

    You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart.

      Verse 2:

      In all the world around me I see His loving care,

      And tho’ my heart grows weary I never will despair.

      I know that He is leading, thro’ all the stormy blast,

      The day of His appearing will come at last.

      Refrain:

      He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!

      He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way,

      He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!

      You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart.

      Verse 3:

      Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian, lift up your voice and sing

      Eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ the King!

      The Hope of all who seek Him, the Help of all who find,

      None other is so loving, so good and kind.

      Refrain:

      He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!

      He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way,

      He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!

      You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart.”

      Christians serve a living Saviour. Remember what the angel told the women as they looked in the empty tomb for the dead body of Jesus Christ: “He is not here: for he is risen, as he said …” (Matthew 28:6).

      Do you serve a living Saviour, who walks with you and talks with you along life’s narrow way?

      Does Jesus live within your heart?

      How to have Jesus in your heart.

    1. A Life to Live

      “That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.”

      1 Thessalonians 2:12

      Often times when people begin a new year, they take evaluation of the previous year. Some people make what we call “New Year’s Resolutions”, hoping to improve their lives in the coming year. Instead of following a common tradition, consider the following thoughts.

      If you profess Jesus as Lord of your life, what does this mean to you? Have you truly made Him “Lord” of your life? The word Lord means “supreme in authority, that is, (as noun) controller”. Is Jesus the supreme authority in your life? Is Jesus the controller of your life (thoughts, activities, etc.)?

      Consider the following hymn written by Isaac Watts over 300 years ago. As you read, recognize that he understood the concept of living a life with Jesus as the Lord of his life.

      When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

      Author: Isaac Watts (1707)

      “1. When I survey the wondrous cross
      on which the Prince of glory died,
      my richest gain I count but loss,
      and pour contempt on all my pride.

      2. Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast
      save in the death of Christ, my God!
      All the vain things that charm me most,
      I sacrifice them through his blood.

      3. See, from his head, his hands, his feet,
      sorrow and love flow mingled down.
      Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
      or thorns compose so rich a crown?

      4. Were the whole realm of nature mine,
      that were a present far too small.
      Love so amazing, so divine,
      demands my soul, my life, my all.”

      Knowing that Jesus left His throne in glory to come to earth and take each one’s sin and punishment (upon that wondrous cross) should call all Christians to action. The final thought in this hymn should bring one to a time of reckoning within that heart: the least I can give to my Lord is my all – for I was bought with a great price.

      After reading this hymn, see if any verses come to mind to help you understand the importance of truly living a life as one who understands that Jesus is to be Lord (supreme in authority and controller) of that life. I will give you a few to help you begin to think of verses calling you to make Jesus the actual Lord of your life:

      “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 1:14-17). (It would also be good to read the short books of 2 John and 3 John four encouragement.)

      “19. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20. For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

      “That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory” (1 Thessalonians 2:12). Also check out Romans 8:5-8 to remember to be spiritually minded.

      The Bible is full of verses to encourage Christians to make Jesus the actual Lord of one’s life.

      Have you contemplated your live and found ways to genuinely make Jesus the rightful Lord of your life?

    2. A Servant who Lives a Life that is True

      “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”

      Titus 2:14

      There are a whole host of people in this world who claim to be Christians. However, there are even fewer who actually attain to live a Christ-like life. If each Christian would remember that Christ gave His life to redeem us, it should make a difference. But more than that, we are to become the “peculiar people, zealous of good works” that He has called us to be. “11. For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12. Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13. Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14. Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” (Titus 2:11-14).

      The following hymn is a beautiful rendering of one’s heart. He obviously understood what is is like to not only desire to live a Christ-like life, but to acknowledge what it takes to do it. A full commitment from the heart.

      Living for Jesus a Life That is True

      Author: Thomas O. Chisholm (1917)

      Tune: C. Harold Lowden

      1. Living for Jesus, a life that is true,
      Striving to please Him in all that I do;
      Yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free,
      This is the pathway of blessing for me.

      Refrain:
      O Jesus, Lord and Savior, I give myself to Thee,
      For Thou, in Thy atonement, didst give Thyself for me;
      I own no other Master, my heart shall be Thy throne;
      My life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ, for Thee alone.

      2. Living for Jesus Who died in my place,
      Bearing on Calv’ry my sin and disgrace;
      Such love constrains me to answer His call,
      Follow His leading and give Him my all.

      3. Living for Jesus, wherever I am,
      Doing each duty in His holy Name;
      Willing to suffer affliction and loss,
      Deeming each trial a part of my cross.

      4. Living for Jesus through earth’s little while,
      My dearest treasure, the light of His smile;
      Seeking the lost ones He died to redeem,
      Bringing the weary to find rest in Him.

      The writer of this hymn understood that Jesus gave His life for him, thus making Christ his master. He recognized the importance of living a life pleasing to Jesus in all he did, willingly, wherever he was and in whatever he did, no matter what the cost. The author of this song was in good company. We can read of men in the Bible who declared themselves servants of Jesus Christ.

      • “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ …” (Romans 1:1a).
      • “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ …” (James 1:1a).
      • “Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ …” (2 Peter 1:1a).
      • “Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ …” (Jude 1:1a).

      Many others’ lives recorded in the Bible revealed that they were servants of Jesus, living lives that pleased Him in what they did. They were recorded as examples for us to follow. Some of the most amazing lives were recorded in Hebrews chapter 11. All of those looked forward to Jesus’ coming because of God’s promise. That kind of faith is difficult to understand, yet those listed lived lives pleasing to God understanding that He would send Jesus. Today, we know Jesus came, revealing God’s grace. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men” (Titus 2:11). He then told us how to live for Him. “12. Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13. Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:12-13). Knowing how to live in this present world, we must remember why. “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” (Titus 2:14). Jesus gave Himself for us so that we could be a “peculiar people, zealous of good works.” We are to live lives revealing Jesus in this world.

      Have you decided to not only claim to be a Christian, but become a servant of Jesus Christ, living a life that is true for Him?

    3. He Leadeth Me

      “4. Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. 5. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.”

      Psalm 25:4-5

      Have you taken time to consider the importance of the words in the following hymn?

      He Leadeth Me: O Blessed Thought!

      Author: J. H. Gilmore (1862)

      1. He leadeth me: O blessed thought!
      O words with heavenly comfort fraught!
      Whate’er I do, where’er I be,
      Still ’tis God’s hand that leadeth me.

      Refrain:
      He leadeth me, he leadeth me;
      By his own hand he leadeth me:
      His faithful follower I would be,
      For by his hand he leadeth me.

      2. Sometimes mid scenes of deepest gloom,
      Sometimes where Eden’s flowers bloom,
      By waters calm, o’er troubled sea,
      Still ’tis God’s hand that leadeth me. Refrain

      Refrain:
      He leadeth me, he leadeth me;
      By his own hand he leadeth me:
      His faithful follower I would be,
      For by his hand he leadeth me.

      This hymn reminds Christians of the importance of allowing God to lead their lives with “heavenly” encouragement as we traverse this world. Consider: the creator of the universe is interested in leading each of us as his dear children, expecting us to follow Him. “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children” (Ephesians 5:1).

      Remember one of the most famous Psalms that David wrote to help us. “1. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever” (Psalm 23:1-6). When one will follow the Lord, He will lead. The Lord will provide a place to reside while providing one’s needs. Sometimes the path may be in the “scenes of deepest gloom”. Yet even in those times, we are to remember “thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me” (see Psalm 23:4). The Lord will lead. However, one must choose to follow. Each individual must seek the path that the Lord has for them. “4. Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. 5. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day” (Psalm 25:4-5). If we will ask, the Lord will lead. Not only will He lead, but He will teach as well. It is in those times that we become a faithful follower. Sometimes we must wait upon the Lord, and it is then we learn to be patient and trust in Him.

      If one will only entrust the path of his or her life to the Lord as The Shepherd, it would change the outcome of that earthly life. It would be a life that is pleasing to the Lord.

      Have you chosen to follow the Lord, seeking the path that He has for your life?

    4. Man of Sorrows

      “Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. ”

      1 Timothy 1:16

      This amazing hymn was written many years ago. However, the truths revealed were recorded much longer ago.

      “Man of Sorrows! What a Name”

      1. “Man of Sorrows!” what a name
        For the Son of God, who came
        Ruined sinners to reclaim.
        Hallelujah! What a Savior!
      2. Bearing shame and scoffing rude,
        In my place condemned He stood;
        Sealed my pardon with His blood.
        Hallelujah! What a Savior!
      3. Guilty, vile, and helpless we;
        Spotless Lamb of God was He;
        “Full atonement!” can it be?
        Hallelujah! What a Savior!
      4. Lifted up was He to die;
        “It is finished!” was His cry;
        Now in Heav’n exalted high.
        Hallelujah! What a Savior!
      5. When He comes, our glorious King,
        All His ransomed home to bring,
        Then anew His song we’ll sing:
        Hallelujah! What a Savior!

      ~ Words and tune by Philip P. Bliss, published 1875

      The following verses in Isaiah 53 were foretelling of Jesus, the Saviour, who was to come:

      “2. For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. 3. He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 5. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. 6. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. 7. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. 8. He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. 9. And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. 10. Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. 11. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.”

      Read how Paul declared what Jesus did for him; one who was a sinner saved by grace. “12. And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; 13. Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 15. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 16. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. 17. Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen” (1 Timothy 1:12-17).

      Have you recognized the Man of Sorrows who gave His life to save yours?

      Have you declared, “Hallelujah! What a Savior!”

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