The Biblical Path of Life

Category: Picture with verse and blog

  • How to Live Successfully

    “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.”

    Romans 12:1

    After the Israelites crossed the Jordan River on dry land into the Promised Land, God told Joshua to circumcise all of the men. This was done in front of their enemies. The men remained still for three days healing from that circumcision. This circumcision was an act of obedience to God’s Word (see Joshua 5:1-9). One cannot help but wonder if Joshua considered what had happened to the men of Shechem (see Genesis 34). Nevertheless, Joshua obeyed God’s Word. God then allowed the Israelites to defeat the city of Jericho (see Joshua 6). “So the LORD was with Joshua; and his fame was noised throughout all the country” (Joshua 6:27). Joshua then proceeded to lead the people to conquer the land of Canaan (the land promised to Abraham and his descendants). “So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD said unto Moses; and Joshua gave it for an inheritance unto Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land rested from war” (Joshua 11:23).

    What does this have to do with Christians today?

    Consider how this relates to a Christian and their ability to walk a conquered Christian life. First, we are to understand that the Promised Land is a picture of a Christian’s life here on earth. The crossing of the Jordan into the Promised Land, is much like a picture of one’s death, burial, and resurrection when they are saved. “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). Just as the Israelites were “dying” to their old life in the wilderness, they were beginning a new life in the Promised Land. One who becomes a Christian must die to their old life of sin, becoming a new creature in Christ. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

    When the men were circumcised on the enemies’ side of the Jordan, obeying God’s Word, it was as if they were a “living sacrifice” before God (see Romans 12:1: “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”). This had to be done as a first act of faith before they began the conquering of the land. They had to have wondered if the enemies would come and try to defeat them in a weakened state. It was this act of faith (recognizing God’s protection before their enemies at their weakest point), that enabled them not to conform to the way the world does things. They followed God’s Word, allowing their minds to be “transformed” proving the will of God. “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 12:2).

    This is a physical picture of what a Christian must do spiritually. A Christian must present his or her self to God, obeying God’s Word. This act of faith reveals the understanding that obedience to God’s Word is required before one can live a successful Christian life. Remember that Christians’ lives are not their own, for we have been bought with a price! “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:20). It is then that a Christian is enabled to live a life, not like the rest of the world, but different from the world! This reveals the transformation of the mind that is required to “prove” (means “by implication to approve; to allow, discern”) God’s will in one’s life. Once a Christian has discerned and allowed God’s will to guide one’s life, God will help defeat all opposition. Just as God helped Joshua as he led God’s people to conquer the Promised Land. When they failed, they sought God, and God corrected. God will do the same thing in a Christian’s life.

    If Romans 12:1-2 does not happen immediately after one becomes born again, it will be almost impossible to live a successful Christian life.

    Have you presented your life to God as a living sacrifice, ready to prove God’s will in your life?

  • Joshua

    “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”

    Joshua 1:9

    Joshua was born a slave in Egypt. He saw the mighty works of God revealed in the ten plagues, providing the exit of the Israelite people out of bondage. Joshua saw the parting of the Red Sea for God’s people, and the destruction of the Egyptian army. About two months later, Moses called upon Joshua to lead an army against the Amalekites. In this battle, as long as Moses’ arms were held high in the air, Joshua was able to lead the people in winning that battle until the enemy was defeated (see Exodus 17:8-16). “And the LORD said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven” (Exodus 17:14). God wanted Moses to write this victory down and remind Joshua. Have you considered that this was done so that Joshua would remember this as he prepared for the battles in the Promised Land?

    Joshua was called Moses’ minister (a servant). “And Moses rose up, and his minister Joshua: and Moses went up into the mount of God” (Exodus 24:13). This is the time-frame when God gave Moses the “tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written” (see Exodus 24:12). Joshua was with Moses when Moses came down from the mount and saw the golden calf (see Exodus 32:17).

    While the Israelites traveled through the wilderness, Moses set up a special tent where he met with God (before the Tabernacle was built. See Exodus 33:7-11). Joshua stayed in that tent. “And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle” (Exodus 33:11).

    Most people remember that Joshua was one of the twelve spies sent to spy out the Promised Land. Only he and Caleb believed God (see Numbers 15). Joshua was not afraid to stand up with Moses and Caleb against the 10 spies, the majority. Joshua and Caleb revealed that they believed God was greater than the difficulties ahead, and God would defeat the enemies for them. However, because the people listened to the ten spies, God declared they would wander in that wilderness for forty years until that generation died. All died in the wilderness except for Joshua and Caleb, two who believed God. Even with the delay of 40 years to enter the Promised Land, Joshua stayed with Moses. For those 40 years in the wilderness, Joshua and Caleb watched as the older generation died off, but each day brought them closer to the Promised Land.

    Looking back upon Joshua’s life, notice something. Throughout the wanderings, God was preparing Joshua to be the successor to Moses. Remember the defeat of Og, king of Bashan where Moses encouraged Joshua to not be afraid of his enemies (see Deuteronomy 3:21-28 and Numbers 21:33-35). “21. And I commanded Joshua at that time, saying, Thine eyes have seen all that the LORD your God hath done unto these two kings: so shall the LORD do unto all the kingdoms whither thou passest. 22. Ye shall not fear them: for the LORD your God he shall fight for you” (Deuteronomy 3:21-22).

    Before Moses died, he revealed God had chosen Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land (the land of Cannan). “7. And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people unto the land which the LORD hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it. 8. And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed” (Deuteronomy 31:7-8). God would be with Joshua.

    When Moses died and Joshua became the leader of God’s people, God encouraged Joshua. “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest” (Joshua 1:9).

    Looking back at Joshua’s life, God had been preparing him for many years for the task at hand.

    First, Joshua had to obey God. We read no hesitation on his part. Even more encouraging is that he completed what God asked him to do. “As the LORD commanded Moses his servant, so did Moses command Joshua, and so did Joshua; he left nothing undone of all that the LORD commanded Moses” (Joshua 11:15). See also: “So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD said unto Moses; and Joshua gave it for an inheritance unto Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land rested from war” (Joshua 11:23).

    Remember how Joshua felt at the end of his life. “14. Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD. 15. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:14-15).  

    Have you considered the things God has placed in your live to prepare you for what He has planned for you?

  • The Importance of Obedience

    “For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.”

    John 6:38

    How difficult is it for you to obey? Whether it is traffic laws, the authority placed over you, or even the Bible, obedience is a choice. Most people justify to themselves all of the reasons why it is OK to stretch the boundaries that have been established all around us. To pick and choose what it is that we are willing to obey. Consider the following.

    God created a beautiful earth, perfect in every way. He created Adam and Eve, placing them in His perfect world. When they disobeyed God’s command by eating of the fruit of that one particular tree, sin entered the world. God immediately initiated His plan of redemption, allowing them to be brought back into His grace. God promised to send One to restore mankind. We understand through Scripture that God gave His only begotten Son, Jesus. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). One need only to believe upon Jesus to be redeemed.

    God sent Jesus as the solution to the problem of human sin. Jesus came to give man the opportunity to be restored from the life of sin into which all have been born. All of God’s Word points to the reasons as to why Jesus came. “Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God” (Hebrews 10:7). Jesus came to do what God wanted Him to do. “For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me” (John 6:38). He understood the importance of obeying every Word of God. Why was it so important that Jesus did exactly as God required? “And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:40). Our lives depended upon Jesus’ obedience to every command of God. For only those who believe upon Jesus can be saved from eternal separation from God. “17. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (John 3:17-18).

    Although Jesus 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), He was also a man. Do you think He ever found it difficult to obey every Word of God? Remember part of Jesus’ prayer in the garden shortly before He was arrested. “And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt” (Matthew 26:39). Confronted with death, Jesus understood the importance of obeying; even the obedience of His death upon the cross. Jesus chose to obey God. (To remember Jesus’ prayer for Himself, His disciples, and even for those of us who would believe in Him, read John 17.)

    Having acknowledged the importance of Jesus obeying God’s Words exactly, do you understand how important God finds obedience? Nothing else is as important as obeying God and His Word. God gave the Bible to us so we would understand His heart, and what it is that He expects of us. We cannot do anything in and of ourselves to appease the wrath of God that is deserved by every human (because we are born into sin). “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). What is the only thing we can do to appease the wrath of God? “Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent” (John 6:29).The only work we can do is to believe upon Jesus – for He fulfilled all of the requirements of God for us.

    Jesus obeyed in every respect, fulfilling all of the requirements God had recorded in the Bible. “I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do” (John 17:4). Jesus declared He had completed it all before He died upon the cross. “When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost” (John 19:30).

    Jesus is our ultimate example of obedience. “But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do…” (John 14:31). We, too, are to obey God’s Word. “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him” (John 14:21).

    Have you chosen to follow Jesus’ example to obey God and His Word?

  • Recognize Your Enemy

    “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.”

    Mark 8:35

    Christians have an enemy. Read what the Bible calls him: “… that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world…” (Revelation 12:9). Satan deceives the whole world. What are some of his ploys?

    Remember the first thing Satan said to Eve in the garden: “Yea, hath God said” (see Genesis 3:1). He questioned God’s Word. Satan is described as subtle (means crafty, sly). He wants you think negatively about God, to doubt God and His Word, to question what God said. Satan wants you to think suspiciously about God. The best lie sounds the most like the truth. Satan does not want you to know the truth. He would deceive you today (or at least get you to tune out) so you cannot hear God. Satan is a liar. He denies God’s truthfulness.

    Satan is a murderer – he wants you to be his victim. Remember what he told Eve: “And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die” (Genesis 3:4). He lied about the fact of death.

    Read what Jesus said to the religious leaders. “43. Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. 44. Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. 45. And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not” (John 8:43-45). Satan uses lust. He is a murder and there is no truth in him for he is a liar.

    It is important to understand the deceitfulness of sin (brought by lust). Those who know the least about sin are the ones who have been blinded, they have a reprobate mind of whom the Bible warns us (see Romans 1:18-32). In our world, people are encouraged to experiment with sin, experience it just a bit. If it is good and ok to do, you will find out. If it isn’t so great, you can just step away from it. They will tell you that experience is the best teacher: not somebody else’s word about it. However, when it comes to sin, experience is the worst teacher. Those who know the least about sin are the ones who are the deepest into sin. These people are most often the ones who draw others into their sin. They cannot tell light from dark (see John 1:1; John 3:19). They think they are the one who decides what is good or bad.

    Remember what the Bible teaches: “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). And also: “Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God” (3 John 1:11).

    Most people want to become their own god where no one tells them what to do, where to go, what to believe, or what to say. Christians are not to buy into the devil’s lies. God wants us to be like God – not become our own god. See what we are to do: “As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness” (Psalm 17:15).

    What do we understand about God? There are so many, but read the following two: “Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart” (Psalm 37:4). And “For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly” (Psalm 84:11). In spite of what these verses teach, Satan wants you to doubt the goodness of God and think negatively about Him. He encourages people to think carelessly about God, and not to believe Him.

    What is Satan’s end? “And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him” (Revelation 12:9). He will be cast out, eventually spending eternity in the lake of fire. “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever” (Revelation 20:10).

    How does one overcome the devil, the old serpent, the dragon? Read what Jesus told the people and his disciples: “34. … Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 35. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it. 36. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? 37. Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? 38. Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels” (Mark 8:34-38). Those who defeat the devil’s influence in their lives must love not their lives. Christians must love Jesus so much that they will be willing to die for their faith in Him.

    Have you quit listening to the lies of the devil, becoming one willing to lose your life for Christ’s sake?

  • Think on These Things

    “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
    Philippians 4:8

    If Christians find themselves in a place where they become discouraged with what is happening in the world around them, there are many encouraging things to be found in the Bible. Paul recorded many upon which we are to rely.

    Paul called for Believers to “stand fast in the Lord”. He had already encouraged them to have the mind of Christ. He then gave a list of instructions they were to implement in their lives helping them become more Christ-like. Nevertheless, it was not always easy. One may want to just run and hide out away from the insanity that is often found in the world around one.   

    Yet Paul called them to action. “Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved” (Philippians 4:1). Read the following instructions Paul gave to help them live with the mind of Christ; things upon which to think. There are some definitions in brackets to help in the understanding of these verses. 

    Philippians 4:4-9: 

    • “4. Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
    • 5. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. [Moderation means “clemency (means mercy; disposition to treat with favor and kindness; to forgive or spare; tenderness in punishing; opposed to severity; mildness of temper).”]
    • 6. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. [Careful means “to be anxious or troubled.” Supplication means “prayer for particular benefits; petition for oneself.” Keep means “to guard or preserve spiritually.”]
    • 8. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, [True means “true in conduct; upright; honest; just; sincere.”]
    • whatsoever things are honest, [Honest means “venerable (being consecrated to God and to his worship); reputable; dignified.”]  
    • whatsoever things are just, [Just means “used of dispositions (inclination; propensity; the temper or frame of mind as directed to a particular object); judgments; things to indicate their right or conformable relation to justice or righteousness.”]
    • whatsoever things are pure, [Pure means “innocent or blameless.”]
    • whatsoever things are lovely, [Lovely means “dear to someone; beloved; things that are acceptable or pleasing.”]
    • whatsoever things are of good report; [Good report means “well-spoken of; laudable; praiseworthy.”]
    • if there be any virtue, and [Virtue means “human virtue as in moral excellence; perfection; goodness of action.”]   
    • if there be any praise, [Praise means “something praiseworthy.”]  
    • think on these things.
    • 9. 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.” 

    Paul simply listed the things they must do in order to stand fast in their like-mindedness with Christ.

    Not only did Paul teach what should be done, he was a living example: “which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do”. Although we cannot see Paul today, we can read the example of his life. These words recorded in Philippians should bring great encouragement, and when implemented, enable Christians to have the mind of Christ. Christians should avoid the bad and negative, but dwell upon the good things that Paul described.

    Have you been encouraged to take your eyes off of the world, thinking of the goodness God provides?

  • Joseph, God’s Plan

    “And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand.”

    Genesis 39:3

    No matter what happened in Joseph’s life, the presence of God was revealed in his life. The LORD was with Joseph. Remember some highlights from Joseph’s life:

    Joseph came from a dysfunctional family – Jacob (his father) was a trickster most of his life (until God got a hold of him).

    Joseph’s mom died while he was a teenager.

    Joseph was his father’s favorite (probably because he was born of Rachel – his father’s true love).

    His father gave him a special coat of many colors.

    Joseph had two amazing dreams. God revealed to Joseph that all of the world’s resources would be in his control and all of the world rulers would bow down to him.

    His brothers were wicked, ungodly, jealous of Joseph (remember the coat), and resented him (because of the dreams).

    Joseph’s brothers stripped him of his coat, threw him into a pit, and sold him as a slave.

    When Joseph made it to Egypt, he was bought by Potiphar as a slave. “2. And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man… 3. And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand” (Genesis 39:2-3).

    After Joseph became the head over Potiphar’s entire household, Potiphar’s wife began to entice him, falsely accusing Joseph.

    Potiphar had Joseph cast into prison. “But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison” (Genesis 39:21).

    Joseph became the head in the prison. “The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the LORD was with him, and that which he did, the LORD made it to prosper” (Genesis 39:23).

    While in prison, Joseph interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh’s butler and baker.

    After two years, the butler remembered Joseph in prison when Pharaoh had a dream he needed interpreted.

    Pharaoh called Joseph out of prison, Joseph interpreted the dreams, and Pharaoh put him in charge of collecting and storing the grain for the future famine, making Joseph ruler only under Pharaoh. “And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?” (Genesis 41:38). 

    Because of the famine, Joseph’s brothers appeared before Joseph, whom they did not recognize, and asked for grain.

    Joseph eventually revealed himself to his brothers. Remember what Joseph acknowledged: “Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life” (Genesis 45:5). Joseph recognized that God had planned all of these things.

    Joseph prospered no matter what happened to him, because God’s presence was evident in Joseph’s life. Joseph chose to be different. He told the truth, when his brothers were doing what was wrong (see Genesis 37:1-2). Even when his brothers hated him the more for his dreams and his words (see Genesis 37:5-8). However, Joseph did not conform to the wickedness of his brothers. This was revealed early in his life. As he followed God, living an honest life of integrity, God worked.

    We should take note of this. As Christians, Joseph is a great example of allowing God to be revealed in our lives. We should be truthful, not conforming to the wickedness that is around us. We should understand that God has a plan for each Christian’s life. How do you find out what that plan is? Pray and read your Bible. Remember what we learn in Romans. “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 12:2). These verses will help you understand God has a plan for you, and how to find out what that plan is. First, a Christian should present that life to God, allowing Him to work in that life. Pray, asking God to transform your life. You must understand that “be ye transformed” has to come from within. What is the inner nature of a Christian? Because Jesus is in the heart and life, the influence of Jesus is what should come out. Christians are to have the mind of Christ. “For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16). Christians can only have the mind of Christ when we read our Bible. As we obey God’s Word, we find ourselves obeying God’s will. We are to allow God to be real in our lives. Remember what happens to a butterfly. The worm after entering the cocoon, exits a beautiful butterfly. In the same way, as Christians follow God’s Word (by renewing our minds to God’s ways), our lives will become what God wants them to be. Take note, Christians need to refuse the world’s conformity that does not let that new nature (born of Jesus) to come out into our lifestyles. When we refuse that conformity, becoming transformed, it is then that we can begin to see God working in our lives, recognizing God’s will revealed in our lives. This is how we know the will of God for us. Joseph revealed this in amazing ways. Joseph followed God, and God worked in his life. As you follow God, ask Him to continue speaking to your heart through His Word. Understand that the devil does not want you to walk in the paths God has for your life, so it will not always be easy (remember Joseph’s life!).

    Joseph did not find God’s will for his life. God’s will found Joseph. Because Joseph willingly trusted God, God was with Him, and God’s plan for Joseph’s life was revealed. This was the plan for Joseph’s life.

    Have you trusted God, recognized him working in your life, then seeing His plan to revealed in your life?

  • The Problem

    “And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.”

    1 John 5:19

    What is The Problem in the world today?

    Sin. “And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness” (1 John 5:19). Those who belong to Jesus live in a world that lies in wickedness. Recognizing this, Christians are to warn those who do not know Jesus, while understanding that we are not to be a part of this world.

    One must remember that God created man without sin. However, since sin entered into the world (when Adam sinned in the garden), all people have sinned and fallen short. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

    Once we hear the problem, we often quit with that verse. However, the verses immediately following give the solution to this problem. “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24). One can be justified freely because Jesus came to take the penalty of that sin. Justified means “to render (that is, show or regard as) just or innocent: be righteous.” Who can be regarded as just or innocent? Any one who will just believe in Jesus.

    How and why is this possible? “25. Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26. To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus” (Romans 3:25-26). God sent His only Son, Jesus (remember John 3:16) to be a propitiation. Propitiation means “a place of conciliation, expiation, what the ancients called altar or place of sacrifice. It does not refer to the expiatory sacrifices themselves. Jesus Christ is designated not only as the place where the sinner deposits his sin, but He Himself is the means of expiation (expiation means ‘the act of making amends or reparation for guilt or wrongdoing: i.e. sin; atonement’)…” This is explained well in the following verse. “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, who never sinned, took man’s sin, so that whoever trusts in this act (the expiation) can be made righteous.

    Notice: It is a choice – to accept this gift or reject it. Do you remember what the Bible declares is the penalty for sin? “For the wages of sin is death …” (Romans 6:23). However, notice that there is an offering of eternal life. “… but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). This eternal life can only be obtained because of Jesus’ death on the cross for sin. Jesus paid the penalty for anyone who would just believe upon Him. The Bible is full of verses declaring that Jesus is the only Way. And if these few verses were the only ones that declared this truth, they would be enough.

    Nevertheless, many choose to remain in that sin, refusing to believe what Jesus did for them. What happens to them? Jesus said, “I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins” (John 8:24). He also said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:16). Damned means “to judge against, that is, sentenced: condemned.”

    For those who choose to trust in Jesus’ expiation by His death, has everlasting life. “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). On the converse, those who reject Jesus will have the wrath of God upon them – forever.

    It is as simple as this: “11. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life” (1 John 5:11-12). If you have Jesus, you have life. If you choose to reject Jesus, you will not have life (having been judged, condemned to eternal death). “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death” (Revelation 21:8). It only takes unbelief to spend eternity in the “lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death”.

    Have you chosen to believe, and then to warn any other unbelievers of the second death?

    Watch the following five-minute video, and then share it with someone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANvaqeBVELc

  • An Example to Follow

    “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”

    Proverbs 14:12

    Why do we not see a great revival in our day?

    There is a great revival recorded in the Bible (see 2 Kings 22 – 23:28 and 2 Chronicles 34-35).

    Notice what we see about young King Josiah in Second Chronicles. “For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet young, he began to seek after the God of David his father: and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem from the high places, and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images” (2 Chronicles 34:3). While Josiah was yet young, he began to seek after God, and then he began to purge the land of the false gods and religious practices. Read what this entailed: “3. … he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem from the high places, and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images. 4. And they brake down the altars of Baalim in his presence; and the images, that were on high above them, he cut down; and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images, he brake in pieces, and made dust of them, and strowed it upon the graves of them that had sacrificed unto them. 5. And he burnt the bones of the priests upon their altars, and cleansed Judah and Jerusalem. 6. And so did he in the cities …” (2 Chronicles 34:3-6). Not only did he break the idols and groves down, but he also broke them in pieces “and made dust of them.” They were utterly destroyed. Especially recognize that those things had to be eliminated (purged from the land). This is very important because the land had to be purged before reformations could begin.

    While working on repairing the Temple, they found the book of the Law. Shaphan, the scribe, returned to the king and told him what the high priest had found. “… And Shaphan read it before the king” (2 Kings 22:10). What did the king do? “And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the book of the law, that he rent his clothes” (2 Kings 22:11). Read what King Josiah understood once he heard the words of the book of the Law, “… for great is the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this book, to do according unto all that which is written concerning us” (2 Kings 22:13b). The king recognized just how far from God the nation was living. He not only sought God, but he acknowledged the sin of this people and even their father’s before them. 

    King Josiah was a good king. Not only did he remove the wicked things from the land, but he also humbled himself before God when he heard the Law read. Although Josiah led one final revival in Judah, where the people sought God, they had forsaken God long enough that there was only room for discipline. God saw the people living in a continual state of wickedness. We can read of God’s longsuffering and extension of Judah’s kingdom because of King Josiah’s repentance and reforms (see 2 Kings 22:11-20). One thing significant thing we should understand is the importance of reading God’s Word. Once King Josiah heard God’s Word read, he understood and knew what God had expected from His people – and just how far they had fallen short.

    We should also recognize that that time of renewal was not enough – for as soon as King Josiah died, the people reverted back to their idolatrous practices. See one important thing that they had forgotten: “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12). When the people chose to do what they wanted over faithfully obeying God’s commands, they lost their kingdom, riches, land, and many people died (Babylon besieged them and took many captive).

    Now what should we learn from this example?

    It was good for Josiah to seek God early in his life. “I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me” (Proverbs 8:17). Just as Josiah removed and eliminated all of the old ways of their lives, utterly destroying them, understand what each person is to do once they have trusted in Christ: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Christians must remove all of the ways of their life before Christ and begin anew. It is very important to read the Bible. Reading God’s Word will bring that same repentance in our hearts and lives today. We too, must do as King Josiah did – depart from evil and do what is right.

    Until we go back and read God’s Word, recognizing just how far from God our nation has gone, we will never understand what must be done to correct our problems. There has been no such time of national repentance (as in the days of King Josiah) in many years. Instead, the wickedness has become engrained in our society. Because of this, we should expect God’s judgment to fall upon us at any time.

    Have you prayed that you would be faithful to read God’s Word learning to depart from evil and choose to do what is right?

  • Trust in the Lord

    “Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.”

    Isaiah 50:10

    What can we do when nothing seems to make sense?

    If you belong to Jesus and you feel as if you are walking in the dark, there is an important thing to be understood. Sometimes, Christians recognize that they are living a life pleasing to God, obeying His Word, yet one may still feel as if they are walking in darkness. See what Isaiah teaches us. “Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.” (Isaiah 50:10). This verse teaches that we can be serving and obeying God and still experience times of darkness where we do not understand what God is doing in our lives. It is then we are to understand that the Christian life will be difficult and often times very lonely.

    It is in these times, as you hold fast to your profession of faith, you must remember the importance of trusting God. However, one will not always be able to understand what is happening. Remember what you should have learned in Proverbs. “5. Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6). We are to trust God. Just because something does not make sense to us now does not mean it will not make sense later. However, some things may never make sense to us on this side of heaven. “8. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9). Who am I to think I understand things better than God does? These words in Isaiah are a reminder that God knows all, and even when we do not understand, He knows.

    Remember Job. He stood alone in his trying times. Neither his wife nor his friends understood or truly encouraged him during his difficult days (see Job 1:9 to remember his wife’s words).

    When John the Baptist was in prison, he needed encouragement from Jesus (see Matthew 11:2-6).

    Genesis chapter thirty-nine tells the story of a godly young man named Joseph. Joseph had not sinned against God. He had done nothing wrong; he was doing what was right. He was hated by his brothers, sold into slavery, and falsely imprisoned. He was completely innocent… this did not make sense! Nevertheless, throughout these trying times when Joseph did not understand, Joseph trusted God. He remained faithful to God. Moreover, the men around Joseph recognized God’s hand working in Joseph’s life.

    Joseph did not fully understand what God was doing until Pharaoh called Joseph out of prison to interpret his dreams. It was at this time that Joseph began to understand God’s plan. God had placed Joseph in Egypt at that pivotal time in history. Joseph never forgot the dreams God had given him in his youth where the world’s resources and rulers would be at his feet (see Genesis 37:5-11). God never forgot them, either. Joseph’s dreams came to fruition in God’s perfect timing (see Genesis 41:38-44). Remember how Joseph explained these things to his brothers, years after they had sold him into slavery. “Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life” (Genesis 45:5). Joseph understood.

    Sometimes God allows things to happen (we feel as if we are living in darkness) for a purpose that we may not understand at the time. Often times when trials come, things we do not understand, we are tempted to quit God. However, remember the following: “5. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. 6. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. 7. Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. 8. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. 9. For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth” (Psalm 37:5-9). God will bring us out in His time. Be willing to wait upon the Lord. God knows where you are. God has His schedule. Do not hurry God. “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time” (1 Peter 5:6) Wait upon the Lord, and He will exalt you in His time.

    In the darkness, Joseph held onto what God had promised him. Keep in mind that some of the greatest saints in the Bible walked in darkness for parts of their lives, not fully understanding what God was doing. Darkness did not mean that sin had prevailed. These people simply trusted God and remained faithful. God was with Joseph.

    As you serve Jesus, remember that there is coming a day when God will make everything right. Just because it does not make sense to you now does not mean it will not make sense one day. Trust Him.

    Do you trust the Lord, remaining faithful, waiting for Him to make all things right?

  • Choices

    “Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.”

    Titus 2:12

    Almost everyone remembers the conflicts between Esau and Jacob. There was a struggle between them even before they were born. “And the children struggled together within her …” (Genesis 25:22a). When Rebecca asked God why, read the reply. “And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger” (Genesis 25:23). This was the reason for the conflict. There where two peoples, or two nations, that were born to Isaac and Rebecca. Consider the following. Although they were twins, Esau was born first. They were about as opposite as twins could be. “And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents” (Genesis 25:27). It was not long before Esau revealed his true nature. It was proven throughout his life; even whom he chose to marry (see Genesis 26:34-35). “Which were a grief of mind unto Isaac and to Rebekah” (Genesis 26:35).

    One day, Esau came in from hunting, extremely hungry. Jacob was cooking some pottage (soup). Esau wanted this soup. “And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright” Genesis 25:31). We need to understand what this “birthright” is. The word birthright means “the firstling of man or beast; abstractly primogeniture: – birthright, firstborn.” Primogeniture means “the state of being the firstborn child. The right of succession belonging to the firstborn child, especially the feudal rule by which the whole real estate of an intestate passed to the eldest son.” Knowing this, read what Esau’s reply was. “And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me?” (Genesis 25:32). Esau sold his birthright to Jacob – for a bowl of soup. Take note that he cared more for the temporary fulfillment of food for his stomach at that moment, more than a lasting heritage for him and his children. The Bible gives us a little insight here. “Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright” (Genesis 25:34). Despised means “to disesteem: – despise, disdain, contemn (contemptible), think to scorn, vile person.” Esau thought nothing of his birthright. Keep in mind that his grandfather, Abraham, had been given a promise of the Messiah who was to come (see Genesis 12:2-3; 22:18, John 8:56, Acts 3:25-26). The same Messiah promised to Adam and Eve in the garden (see Genesis 3:15). The promise would be fulfilled through either Esau or Jacob. From this incident, we should learn much about Esau. He was a carnal man. He thought nothing of the spiritual.

    Later, we remember when Isaac is old and thinks he may die. He called in Esau, sending him to go prepare some venison for him, so that he could bestow upon Esau his blessing. Remember, we read in Genesis 25:23 that “… the elder shall serve the younger.” However, through deceit and trickery, Rebecca sent in Jacob to receive the blessing (read Genesis 27 to remember these events). Jacob received the blessing from his father, Isaac. “28. Therefore God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine: 29. Let people serve thee, and nations bow down to thee: be lord over thy brethren, and let thy mother’s sons bow down to thee: cursed be every one that curseth thee, and blessed be he that blesseth thee” (Genesis 27:28-29). One must remember the promises given to Abraham (see Genesis 12:2-3). These promises would pass on to Jacob (the younger son) and his descendants.

    Esau had proven through his rejection of his birthright and rejecting of the things of God that he was not a spiritual man. He thought more about the present comforts (food, land, wealth) than of the things of God. Read some insight we have of Esau in the New Testament. “16. Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. 17. For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears” (Hebrews 12:16-17). He was a “fornicator” which relates to his rejection of spiritual things. Profane person means “profane, void of religion or piety, a person who lacks all relationship or affinity to God.” Understand how God sees Esau – one who had no relationship, or affinity, to Him. Esau never declared repentance (a change of his mind) for his choices in life, nor did he alter the course of his life to please God. He only wanted his father, Isaac, to “repent” (change his mind) in his decision to give the blessing to Jacob. Read what could have been if Esau had only sought after God and the things of God: “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” (Titus 2:11-12). Because of the choices that Esau made in his life, rejecting God and the things of God, we understand the following declaration: “As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated” (Romans 9:13).

    Esau had the choice.

    Esau chose poorly.

    Have you chosen to deny ungodliness and the things of this world, and instead to follow righteousness?