The Biblical Path of Life

Category: Picture with verse and blog

  • Be Faithful

    “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful”
    1 Corinthians 4:2

    God has a special plan for each Christian’s life. It is important to read God’s Word (Bible), hearing from God, to learn what that plan is. It is then a choice to either follow God’s plan for that life, or choose to disregard what God has planned. There are many examples of this in the Bible. Consider the following events.

    Saul had been with the religious leaders when Stephen was stoned because he spoke of Jesus. In Acts chapter nine, we read that Saul went to Damascus to find anyone who followed Jesus so he could take them bound to Jerusalem. “And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went …” (Acts 9:1). However, on the way, Saul saw the glory of the Lord revealed to him and was told to go to Damascus and wait. It is here that we are introduced to a “certain disciple at Damascus” whose name was Ananias. He lived in Damascus at this time. The Lord came to Ananias in a vision, and told him to go, “… and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, 12. And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight” (Acts 9:11-12). 

    Once again God called one of his disciples (a Christian) to go and speak His Words to one particular individual (remember Philip who was sent to the Ethiopian Eunuch). Saul would be expecting Ananias to come see him. What did Ananias do? “13. Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: 14. And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name” (Acts 9:13-14). Ananias was understandably afraid. He had heard of Saul. He also knew what Saul was doing to anyone who believed in Jesus. “But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel” (Acts 9:15). Chosen vessel means “a person as the instrument of usefulness for someone.” God had plans for Saul – just as He has plans for each person who belongs to Him. God told Ananias what His plans for Saul were – to tell the Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel about Jesus.

    Ananias was asked to do something very difficult. He had a choice to make. Obey God, or walk away in fear. “And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight …” (Acts 9:17). Recognize that Ananias trusted in God, more than he was afraid of Saul. Ananias believed the Lord when He said that Saul was a chosen vessel for God, and he greeted Saul as, “Brother Saul.” What happened to Saul? He received his sight. This sight was more than physical sight. Read how Saul (later called Paul) described the lost condition of a life apart from Jesus and His Gospel message: “3. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4. In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 5. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:3-6). Saul’s (Paul’s) eyes and his heart had been blinded. Yet he received the Truth of God’s Word and believed. He not only believed in Jesus, but he became a servant who told many others about Christ Jesus the Lord. What did Saul do after he believed in Jesus and received his sight? “And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God” (Acts 9:20). There was a change that took place in Saul’s heart that was pictured in his life when he was blinded and then received his sight. He had been brought out of the darkness into the “light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”

    This is a great testimony to the faithfulness of Ananias. He chose to go speak to Saul – just as the Lord had told him to do. This event should encourage us never to be afraid to obey God’s will. “1. Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:1-2). The mystery of God is the introduction into the truths of the Gospel message. Never undervalue the importance of sharing the Gospel message with one individual who may be brought to Christ. Saul (Paul) was important to God.

    Are you a faithful steward of the mysteries of God, willing to share the Gospel message when God asks?

    How to be Saved

  • Christians who Endure Troubles and Sufferings

    “Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.”
    Acts 8:4

    Stephen preached Jesus from the Old Testament to the religious leaders, but instead of receiving the truths he taught, they rejected those Words and killed him. He was the first person who was killed because he believed in, and preached, Jesus. It was at the time of his death that we were also introduced to one of the religious men present at Stephen’s death – a young man named Saul.

    “And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles” (Acts 8:1). Recognize that this incident was the catalyst for a great persecution against the church. After learning of Stephen’s death, people became afraid. Because of this fear, many of the people scattered abroad. Did you notice to whom the persecution was initially directed? The church. And they scattered abroad. The people of the church who scattered were new Believers. They had just believed upon Jesus a short time before, and they were just beginning to learn and grow in this new life. These new Believers were encouraged to continue, “stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). When Stephen was killed, many fled Jerusalem. What did the Apostles do? They stayed in Jerusalem. It would be later that the persecution would come directly to them. They stayed in Jerusalem, available, where the people could find them.

    Some people remained in Jerusalem, mourning the death of Stephen. Because “Saul was consenting unto his death,” read his response to this new “church” that was being formulated. “As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison” (Acts 8:3). We read that Saul “made havock” of the church. Made havock means “destruction; to ravage, waste; to disgrace as by insult; treat with indignity; injure or destroy.” Saul entered into houses and took men and women to prison – all because they belonged to the church.

    There is something very important that Christians today can learn from this event. Who is the enemy of a Christian? “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). The devil (Satan) is the enemy. We can read from this verse that he attacks and wants to destroy Christians. Our adversary, the devil, will attack all Christians. And he uses people to do his job. Remember that in the early establishment of the church, the first persecution was directed at one (Stephen) who was vocal, teaching Jesus aloud to the religious leaders. Stephen was physically silenced. Next, the persecution was against the church. This was all new. They had just experienced the most wonderful event in their lives. They had believed in Jesus, who had died for their sin paying their debt. They had experienced what we can now read in the following verse: “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). I am sure that they had not expected this great persecution! We can read of a warning that was later written to the leaders of the church: “For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock” (Acts 20:29).

    It is easy to see an event, like the death of Stephen, as tragic. And it was! He was a great man of God who did much good for the church in his short ministry. In addition, the persecution of the church was a terrible event, for people were imprisoned because they believed in Jesus. However, in hindsight, we can see much good that came from the martyrdom of Stephen and the persecution of the early church. The church that was in Jerusalem began to scatter abroad – throughout Judea and Samaria. Do you remember what Jesus wanted the Believers to do? “… And ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8b). Thus far, the church was growing in Jerusalem. Once this started, the people began to scatter. “Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word” (Acts 8:4). As they scattered abroad, they began to spread the Gospel message everywhere, all because of the persecution that came after the tragic death of Stephen. Where did they go? The persecuted church “… all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria …” (Acts 8:1b). Now that persecution had begun, God’s Word was spreading specifically into the areas into which God had told His people to spread the Gospel message.

    Read some encouraging Words that Christians need to understand if, or when, we face persecution: “10. Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 11. It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: 12. If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us” (2 Timothy 2:9-12). Did you notice why Christians are to understand why we must endure troubles and sufferings? So that people could “obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus.”

    Do you live a Christian life enduring, so others may obtain the salvation, which is in Christ Jesus?

  • Do You Know Your Enemy?

    “Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer: preserve my life from fear of the enemy.”
    Psalm 64:1

    Who is the enemy of a Christian? “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). The devil (Satan) is the enemy. We can read from this verse that he attacks and wants to destroy Christians. Why do we need to know about our enemy, Satan? “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices” (2 Corinthians 2:11).

    Before we continue, it is important that we understand a few things about Satan: 

    • He lost his position in heaven because of pride:  “12. How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! 13. For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14. I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High” (Isaiah 14:12-14).
    • He is the father of lies: “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” (John 8:44). This is what Jesus said about the devil when He was speaking to the religious leaders. We are to recognize that Satan is a murderer, there is no truth in him, he only speaks of his own, and he is a liar. These religious leaders obviously were not in righteousness – which is the distinction between those who belong to God instead of belonging to the devil.
    • He tricks through subtlety: “But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:3).
    • He appears as an angel of light:  “13. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:13-14).

     When Jesus came to earth, He came to defeat Satan (the devil), once and for all. “He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8). Not only do we learn that Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil, but we recognize just who belongs to the devil. (One who commits sin in this verse is “one who practices or lives in a prolonged form of sin.”) How can you tell the difference between those who belong to the devil and those who belong to God? “In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother” (1 John 3:10). There is a definite distinction.

    How do Christians defeat our enemy, the devil?

    In the following verse, one can understand a warning: departing from the truth of God’s Word, becoming a friend of the world, causes one to become the enemy of God. “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God” (James 4:4). Adulterer means “apostate.” Therefore, a Christian must resist the devil in the faith. “Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world” (1 Peter 5:9). If Satan can shake the faith of Christians and draw them into departing from the truths of God’s Word, he can defeat them. Christians must stand fast in their faith. “That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God” (1 Corinthians 2:5).

    Christians must be humble before God. “6. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7. Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7). It is important to humble a Christian life to God, understanding that He cares for those who belong to Him. How can this be done? “And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding” (Job 28:28). Fear the Lord and depart from evil.

    Do you recognize your enemy, standing fast in your faith while fearing the Lord and departing from evil?

  • Stephen

    “And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.”
    Acts 6:8

    In the early church, the new Believers were encouraged to continue, “stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). However, soon there were thousands of new Believers, and they chose men to help in the ministry of the church. Once they chose these men to be ministers, see what we read. “And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith” (Acts 6:7). God blessed, and more people were saved. 

    Stephen was one of the seven men chosen who stood out in his service to God. “And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people” (Acts 6:8). Recognize that when God begins to work, Satan likes to stir trouble. “Then there arose certain of the synagogue … disputing with Stephen” (Acts 6:9). The religious leaders began to argue with Stephen. Understand something important. “And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake” (Acts 6:10). Consider what Jesus had taught his followers. “For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist” (Luke 21:15). Gainsay means “contradict.”  They may not have received the truths that Stephen taught about faith in Jesus, but they could not refute those truths either.

    Because the religious leaders did not like what Stephen was doing, or what he was saying, read the following to understand what they did next. “Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God” (Acts 6:11). Suborned means “to introduce underhandedly; to make a secret agreement; to suborn in the legal sense means to induce a person to make a false oath; to commit perjury.” They not only stirred up all of the people, but they set up false witnesses, erroneously accusing Stephen. These men brought Stephen before the council and accused him of speaking against the Temple and the Law of Moses (see Acts 6:12-13).

    When that happened, Stephen preached the Gospel message to them, which in essence, was a fulfillment, or completion, of the Law of Moses. He explained to them from the Old Testament Scriptures, in a review of their history, a bold defense of the Christian faith. He offered to the religious leaders a Biblical theology in his examination of the Old Testament in light of Jesus’ coming. In his remembrance, he made it a point to remind them that throughout their history, there was never a time that the entire nation worshiped God – but there was always a remnant of true Believers.

    Stephen began with Abraham, a true man of faith! For when God told him to leave his family and walk with God, Abraham followed God’s Word. When God told Abraham He would bring forth a great nation from him (even though he was old and childless), Abraham believed God. God proceeded to give Abraham a son, Isaac, who fathered the sons who became the twelve tribes of Israel.

    Stephen reminded them of Joseph (who was initially rejected by his brothers), and Moses (who was initially rejected by his people). Even though both of these men were rejected at first, they were received as leaders the second time. It was then that they were able to save God’s people in that time in history.

    Yet as Stephen reminded the religious leaders of these great men of their history, these religious leaders (who knew the history in the Old Testament) had rejected the greatest deliverer presented to them – Jesus. For Jesus had come to, “… save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Stephen rebuked these religious leaders for their unbelief. Remember, it was some of these same religious leaders who had not only rejected Jesus, but had demanded His death.

    What was their response to Stephen’s presentation of Jesus? “When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth” (Acts 7:54). These religious leaders were “cut to the heart,” but instead of repenting and turning to Jesus (as we saw many people had done), they ran upon Stephen and bit him with their teeth. Notice that Stephen did not fight back, but looked up and saw into heaven. When Stephen declared that he saw Jesus, “Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord” (Acts 7:57). They put their hands over their ears and ran upon him, hostilely. They proceeded to stone Stephen. Yet Stephen had forgiven his enemies, and Jesus received him into heaven.

    These religious leaders, who had studied the Old Testament Scriptures, yet they had not kept the words recorded therein – for they rejected Jesus, the One of whom it was all written. Remember what Jesus replied to the High Priest before His death. “… Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven” (Matthew 26:64). Then, they will believe in Jesus.

    Have you believed upon Jesus whom the Old Testament history presents as our Saviour?

    How to be Saved

  • Are you Bold to Speak of Salvation?

    “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
    Acts 4:12

    In the very early days of the church, there was a boldness of sharing the Gospel message of Jesus Christ (His death, burial, and resurrection). Peter was the first to preach to the crowds, calling the people to a time of repentance and belief in Jesus. When he preached, many people gave their hearts and lives to Jesus. Because it was the early establishment of the church, the Apostles were able to heal and do many great things. One of the first was when Peter and John went to the Temple and healed a lame man in the name of Jesus. Not only was he healed, but this man also praised God for this healing. When the people heard what happened to the lame man, they came and heard a message from Peter where he said, “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out …” (Acts 3:19a). Repent means “to think differently; to feel compunction (a feeling of guilt that follows doing something wrong).” There had to be a change.

    However, read the religious leaders’ reaction to this preaching of Jesus. “2. Being grieved that they taught the people … 3. And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day…” (Acts 4:2-3). Because the religious leaders did not like what Peter and John preached, Peter and John were arrested. Nevertheless, recognize that many other people believed the Gospel message. “Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand” (Acts 4:4).   

    When the religious leaders challenged Peter and John, asking why they taught Jesus, read what Peter said. “10. Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole … 12. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:10, 12). (Remember that “this man stand here before you whole” was the man who was previously lame that had been sitting at the Temple gate.) When Peter and John spoke this boldly for Jesus, claiming there was no other name by which anyone could be saved, see what the religious leaders who did not believe in Jesus recognized. “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13). The religious leaders were amazed that these men (remember they were fishermen) could speak like this. They recognized that these men had been with Jesus. Moreover, because of the lame man that had been healed, they could not deny the truths these men taught – but they did not want the name of Jesus spread. Therefore, they commanded Peter and John not to speak of Jesus any more. Their response? “For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20). They were going to continue to preach Jesus and His resurrection. 

    After being released from prison (see Acts 4:23), they returned to the other Believers, praying and rejoicing, thanking God for what He had done. “… And they spake the word of God with boldness” (Acts 4:31b).

    Take notice that these men were bold as they taught the people of salvation that is only given by Jesus. They remembered what Jesus had taught them. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). After Jesus died, was buried, rose from the dead, and then ascended back into heaven, they began to understand. They had witnessed these important events and taught the people because Jesus told them to go and “… be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8b).

    Does anyone share the Gospel message of Jesus’ salvation in our world today? If the message of repentance is shared, does anyone respond? What is a Christian to do in this world today? The Bible message has not changed. The only way to have life is to believe in Jesus for salvation. “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” (John 3:17).

    Why do we not see many people 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. 19. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” (John 3:18-19). They do not believe.

    Have you repented and then believed in Jesus for salvation? Have you told anyone about Jesus?

    How to be Saved

  • A Very Important Message

    “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers”
    Acts 2:42

    Shortly after Jesus ascended into heaven, Peter preached the Gospel message of Jesus to the Jews in Jerusalem. One reason was because they had rejected Jesus, crucifying Him, and many of them had witnessed that crucifixion. They were guilty for His death. “23. Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: 24. Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it (Acts 2:23-24). Holden means “to use strength to hold or retain.” When Jesus could not be held by death, He took the power of death that had previously been held by the devil, Satan. See the following verse to understand this: “… that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil” (Hebrews 2:14b). Understand that death could not hold Jesus, for he conquered it. Jesus gave the power of life to any who would believe in Him. 

    Peter continued to explain to the people that because Jesus could not “be holden of it”, Jesus rose from the dead. And the people to whom Peter was preaching, were witnesses of that fact: “This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses” (Acts 2:32). What were they to do with that information? “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36). All of the house of Israel should have recognized that Jesus, whom they had crucified, was both Lord and Christ. Christ means “the Savior of the world.” They were to believe Jesus was the Savior of the world. After hearing that Jesus had died, was buried, and raised again – conquering death once and for all, the people were brought to a time of decision. Those people were given the choice to believe or reject.

    How did they respond? “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). When they heard the Gospel message preached, they were “pricked in their heart.” Pricked means “greatly pained or deeply moved.” It is important that the Gospel message had a movement in their heart. Sometimes we call this “conviction” (which means “found guilty of an offense”). However, it is more important what those people did with that movement. Peter told them what they must do. “38. Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call” (Acts 2:38-39). The people had to take action: repent. Repent means “to imply pious sorrow for unbelief and sin, and a turning from them to God and the gospel of Christ.” Repentance is a response between a sinful man and God. Baptism is an outward testimony of what happened to that individual’s heart. Notice that God “called” them. Call means “God’s call through the Gospel message.” 

    The Gospel message is very simple: when one hears, feels the conviction (that “call”), then one must just believe. In other words, simply believe and receive without question. Jesus spent much of His ministry calling people to a time of decision – to believe in Him, or choose to reject Him. When Peter preached to the people, he preached the same message: God must call the individual’s heart, and that individual must repent, believing in Jesus. Then it is important to reveal to others just what God did (a testimony) by being baptized before witnesses. What did the people do once they understood? Those who believed and responded to God’s call were baptized, and there were three thousand people who believed! 

    What they did next was very important. “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). Once there has been such a change in one’s heart and life, it is important to learn how to live this new life. Continued stedfastly means “faithfulness and steadfastness in the outgoings of the Christian life – especially in prayer.” They understood that learning from the Apostles was important (doctrine means “the teaching of the Apostles” and we now find it in our Bible). These new Believers not only learned the doctrine, but fellowshipped together. This is something important that Christians should do even today: read their Bible, learn from Bible teachers who know God’s Word, and fellowship with other Believers as opposed to the lost world who have not given their hearts and lives to Jesus. Next, read of the blessing for those who not only believed, but also shared the Gospel message with others. “… And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:47b).

    Have you been called to repent from your sin and believe in Jesus?

    Have you shared the Gospel message with others?

    How to be Saved

  • Do You Confess, or Deny Jesus?

    “32. Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. 33. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.”
    Matthew 10:32-33

    As you read the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), you learn of Jesus’ Teachings. More than that, as you read of Jesus’ Miracles, one can see the compassion of Jesus and the call to faith – to believe in Jesus. In Jesus’ Parables, He specifically wanted to teach His followers about heavenly things. However, more than that, in those parables, there was another call for a time of decision – to follow Jesus and His teachings, or to refuse them and thereby reject Him.

    But did all believe? “But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him” (John 12:37). Many did not believe though they saw many great miracles. Often times, those who did believe were afraid to admit that belief in Jesus. “42. Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: 43. For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God” (John 12:42-43). Notice the reason those who believed because of Jesus’ words but were hesitant to admit that belief. They were afraid of their “friends” or “colleagues,” the Pharisees. It is important to recognize that no one should be afraid to acknowledge their belief in Jesus – no matter what one’s friends might say. (Remember what Jesus said in the book of Matthew. “32. Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. 33. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven” Matthew 10:32-33.) 

    See how Jesus responded to the lack of any of the chief rulers to confess. (Confess “means to agree with; confess publicly, acknowledge openly; profess ‘the Lord being Jesus.’”)  As you continue reading, see that Jesus cried out. One can almost sense His frustration in consistently declaring the truth, yet the refusal of most to act upon it. “44. Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. 45. And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me. 46. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. 47. And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world” (John 12:44-47). Understand that Jesus directed the people’s attention to God. When the people saw Jesus, they were in fact seeing God – for Jesus had come to the earth to be revealed to mankind, as the “light into the world” for He had the words of life – if only one would hear them. However, if one refused, read what He declared. “48. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. 49. For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. 50. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak” (John 12:48-50).

     God knew their hearts. If they rejected Jesus, God would judge them one day. Notice that Jesus declared that He spoke the words of God to the people.

    The following is a great example of one who heard of Jesus, went to see Him, and openly believed. We can read of this man, named Zacchaeus. Most people remember the children’s song that tells of him. And it is quite accurate with what the Bible teaches us. Jesus was passing through Jericho. “And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich” (Luke 19:2). He was a short man who could not see Jesus as He passed because of the crowd. So, “he climbed up in a sycamore tree for the Lord he wanted to see. And as the Saviour passed that way, He looked up in that tree, and He said, ‘Zacchaeus, you come down. For I’m going to your house today.’” Jesus went to his house, and Zacchaeus believed in Jesus. We understand this because Jesus declared, “This day is salvation come to this house …” (Luke 19:9b). Jesus added something very important for all to remember. “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). Remember that this is why Jesus came into the world.

    Have you openly believed in Jesus, or are you like the religious leaders of Jesus’ day who were afraid?

    How to be Saved

  • Follow Me

    “And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
    Matthew 4:19

    Have events ever transpired that left you uncertain of the future? Did you wonder what would happen next? Were you unsure of where to go or what to do? Often times, one will just go through the motions of everyday life, not sure what else to do.

    Many of the disciples were fishermen when Jesus called them to follow Him. While Peter, Andrew, James and John were fishing (Matthew 4:18-22), Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee and called them to follow Him. “And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). To remember the full circumstances, reread Luke 5:4-11. They had been fishing all night and caught nothing. Jesus asked Peter to push his boat out so Jesus could teach the people. When He finished, Jesus told Peter to “Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught” (Luke 5:4b). When Peter obeyed, he caught so many fish that his net was breaking! He called for the men in the other boat to come help him bring them into the boat. The fish filled both boats. It was then that Jesus called them to leave fishing and follow Him. And they did!

    Three years later, Jesus was crucified.

    Immediately after Jesus died on the cross and was buried, the disciples must have felt much uncertainty. They may have also been in fear for their lives because they were followers of Jesus. Three days after Jesus was put into the tomb, some women approached and saw that the tomb was empty. Angels told them that Jesus was alive, and to go tell His disciples. The women went and told the eleven disciples. Jesus appeared first to Mary Magdalene. She went and told the disciples that she had seen Jesus. He then appeared to the other women who had gone to the tomb. Remember the guards were paid to spread the rumor that Jesus’ disciples had stolen His body. At this time, we can understand most people did not know what to believe.

    Jesus appeared to the disciples in a room where the doors were shut, but one disciple was missing. They could not believe their eyes. Jesus was standing before them – alive! Jesus explained to His disciples what He had done. “44. And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. 45. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures” (Luke 24:44-45). Jesus taught the disciples about Himself from the Old Testament: the Law, the Psalms and the Prophets. Keep in mind that throughout the Old Testament the promise of Jesus was given, and why He was to come. Now they understood what Jesus had been telling them. Jesus then revealed the plans He had for them. And the missing disciple (Thomas)? Jesus appeared again – just for Him.

    Before we go any further, remember something Jesus told them on that night He was arrested. “But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.” (Matthew 26:32). Jesus had appeared to them twice now. However, Jesus promised them that after He had risen again, He would go before them into Galilee. What were they to do? Having remembered this, it would only make sense that when the disciples heard that Jesus was alive, they would go to Galilee. It would be important for them to act upon the words that Jesus gave to them.

    When Peter said he would go fishing, the others went with him. They knew how to fish. The disciples fished all night and caught nothing. When a man (Jesus) on the shore told them to cast on the other side, they caught a lot of fish. It was then that they recognized Jesus. As soon as Jesus was recognized, Peter jumped into the sea to swim to shore. Recognize the blessing those who were fishing together on that day received! They saw Jesus alive, again. Jesus once again went to the Sea of Galilee to see them – just as He had told them He would. Before this day ended, Jesus called Peter, again, to “Follow me” (John 21:19b). Once again, they were reminded to continue with the same mission – to follow Jesus.

    Jesus often meets with His people as they are about every day life activities – especially when they are where they supposed to be. It is then that one can be encouraged through the turmoil of life’s events and remember to “Follow Jesus!”

    Do you remember to follow Jesus, no matter what uncertain circumstances come into your life?

  • Do you Understand?

    “And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?”
    Luke 24:32

    Have you ever had an event happen in your life that brought great sadness? Did that same event bring confusion as to the plan God had at that time? One cannot help but remember an event from the Bible.

    Jesus had been crucified. The disciples, scattered. After three days, the tomb was empty. The soldiers, who had been placed guard over that tomb, were declaring that the disciples had stolen Jesus’ body. The women who went to the sepulcher with spices found the stone rolled away from an empty tomb. These same women saw two men with shining faces who declared Jesus was alive. When Peter and John ran to see the tomb, it was empty. There was much confusion. No one knew what to believe.

    There were a couple of people walking from Jerusalem on the road to Emmaus. “And they talked together of all these things which had happened” (Luke 24:14). Understand that these two were followers of Jesus who had witnessed His death in Jerusalem. Remember the following facts: the tomb was empty, Jesus’ body was gone, some claimed to have seen Him alive, and there was a “rumor” being spread that the disciples had stolen Jesus’ body. Think of how they felt as they discussed the fact that the One in whom they believed and followed had died at the hands of the Romans. Why did this happen? What were they to do? Where were they to go? What happened to Jesus’ body? As they continue from Jerusalem on their way to Emmaus, a man joined them. “And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them” (Luke 24:15). This man was Jesus, whom they did not recognized (see Luke 24:16). He began to ask them questions about why they were so sad. The two were surprised that He did not know what had happened. So they began to tell Him, “… Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people: 20. And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him. 21. But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done” (Luke 24:19b-21). They proceeded to tell Him of the women who claimed to have seen angels who said Jesus was alive. They revealed what they understood (“trusted”).

    What did Jesus (the man who had joined the two walking) say to them? As they relayed the events that had transpired, recognize Jesus’ frustration as He replied, “25. Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: 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 24:25-27). Fool in this verse means “lacking intelligence; one without the organ by which divine things are comprehended and known or ignored.” Jesus also told them that they were slow of heart to believe. They should have understood, thereby believing, but because they did not, Jesus explained it to them. They should not have been surprised that Jesus had been crucified on the cross, or that His body was no longer in the tomb. If they had only believed what they had been taught from the Old Testament, they would have understood. Take note that Jesus preached to them the Gospel Message (Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection) from the Old Testament (Moses and all the prophets) of which they knew. They lacked faith.

    Just imagine the blessing they would have missed if they had not invited this One who had walked and talked with them to stay for the evening. For it was not until “he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them” that they recognized it was Jesus (see Luke 24:30-31). “And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?” (Luke 24:32). It was a heart issue (see Romans 10:10).

     Think for a minute. Have you ever been disappointed when something did not happen as you thought it should happen, “according to your plan?” How did you respond in that situation? Were you angry? Did you ask questions? Wonder why it happened? Did you just quit? Instead of being a fool, “one who lacks the intelligence or comprehension” of what God is doing in this world and especially in your life, do you read your Bible? It is in times like these that it is imperative to open and read the Word of God (your Bible) to understand God’s plan. Jesus explained to these two people what the prophets had spoken and had been recorded for all to read – right from God’s Word. (See Romans 10:17.)

    Are you a fool (lacking intelligence), or slow of heart to believe what is written in the Bible?

    Or

    Does your heart burn within you as you read your Bible, encouraged in the Word of God?

  • Nicodemus

    “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”
    John 3:17

    Jesus had many personal encounters with different men and women – some who committed themselves to Him, and Jesus to them; and some, who did not.

    “There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews” (John 3:1). The Pharisees were a part of the religious leaders of the day. Jesus had been teaching in the synagogues and the Temple. When Nicodemus had a question about Jesus’ teachings, he went to Jesus, Himself, by night for the answers. “2. The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. 3. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:2–3). See that Jesus knew the heart of Nicodemus. Nicodemus did not come to challenge what Jesus taught (as we know many religious leaders did), but he truly wanted to understand who Jesus was and why He had come. Jesus went straight to the heart of the matter. Unless a man gives up his old life, being born again, he cannot “see the kingdom of God.” See the following verse to understand “the kingdom of God”: “Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21). Within you means “it is located in your heart and affections; not external.” The kingdom of God cannot be seen with human eyes. That is one reason we refer to being saved as “asking Jesus into one’s heart.” Jesus began to explain this to Nicodemus.

    “4. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? 5. Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit… 9. Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? 10. Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?” (John 3:4-6, 9-10). Even when Nicodemus did not understand, Jesus patiently explained.

    Jesus had often taught the people of things they knew, yet often they still did not understand. Nicodemus, a “master of Israel”, did not understand. Jesus took him back to the Old Testament Law that Nicodemus knew. “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up” (John 3:14). Remember: After the people spoke against God in the wilderness, fiery snakes bit them. The people were dying because of snakebites. God told Moses to make a brazen serpent. This serpent was to remind them of their sin against God. Moses held it up, and anyone who looked upon that serpent held high did not die, even though the poisonous snake bit them. (Numbers 21:4-9 to remember the events). Because of this faith, they were physically saved. Jesus reminded Nicodemus of that event, for it took the same kind of faith to be saved from sin – faith in Jesus – for He would take the sin of man upon Himself as he was hung on the cross to die (see 2 Corinthians 5:21).

    Jesus explained this with the following: “15. That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16. 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. 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 3:15-18).

     Jesus explained it simply to Nicodemus: Jesus was the teacher from God who came to teach the world how to be saved from sin – to believe in Jesus, God’s Son, for by unbelief, they were condemned to eternal death. See John 3:19-21 to understand that Jesus was the Light who came into the world, and He acknowledged that man loved darkness (their sin) more than the Light (Jesus). As you try to understand Jesus as the Light, imagine a very dark room – with absolutely no light. In that room, one cannot see anything. However, if you turn on a flashlight, you can see the area where the light shines, revealing what was previously hidden. Jesus is just like that – He reveals what is hidden “because their deeds were evil.” Jesus came to drive that darkness away, revealing the sin that had to be removed – but only by the Light, Jesus.  

    We understand that Nicodemus at some point believed in Jesus by the following verses: “Nicodemus saith unto them, (he that came to Jesus by night, being one of them)” (John 7:50). Nicodemus was one of the two that took Jesus’ body and buried it after His death upon the cross (John 19:38-39).

    Nicodemus became a Believer of Jesus.

    Have you chosen to receive the gift of salvation (life) by believing in Jesus?

    How to be Saved