The Biblical Path of Life

Category: Picture with verse and blog

  • Believe

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

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

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

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

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

    Have you believed on the Son?

    Have you shared your faith with your family?

    How to be Saved

  • Righteousness from God

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

    We often hear how important it is to confess our sins, seeking forgiveness. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). However, have you ever thought about how this is even possible? It may be easy to say the words, but what does it take to be really forgiven? “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus is the only one who can take away one’s sin, making that one righteous before God.

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

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

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

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

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

    How to be Saved

  • How to Apply God’s Word

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    When a Christian has the Word of God in one’s heart, and begins to understand it, what happens? “16. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (Colossians 3:16-17). One is then able to share with others what they have learned from God’s Word and are able to live a more Christ-like life.

    Have you learned to stop and ask God for answers?

  • Be Not Deceived

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

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

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

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

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

  • The Just Shall Live by Faith

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

    Have you ever been afraid?

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • A Wise Man

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    How to be Saved

  • Do you Seek the Lord?

    “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?”
    Amos 3:3

    God sent a man named Amos to deliver an important message to the people of Israel. The people were living contrary to the Word of God, worshiping idols, and were practicing an empty religion. Amos asked them an important question: “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3). He proceeded to remind them of the sin in which they were walking that was contrary to God and His Word. He wanted the people to understand that they would not live in peace or prosperity when they chose to reject God’s Word and live in sin. Judgment that was coming was the result of the sin of the people. God told Amos what would happen, and Amos was faithful to warn the people. The condition of the people was getting worse and worse. The problem was the sin in the heart of man. That is the same problem in the world today.

    The people of Israel had been dealt with before because of sin. Nevertheless, they had returned to that sin. God wanted them to understand that there was a limit to His patience with them. Amos had a message for them. “Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken” (Amos 5:14). Sure, they had a religious practice, but they were not serving the one true God in that religious practice. Remember what Jesus called the religious rulers seven times in Matthew chapter 23. “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness” (Matthew 23:27). Jesus called them hypocrites! They looked like they belonged to God on the outside, yet their hearts were contrary to the teachings of God’s Word. Jesus saw their hearts – they were dead and unclean.

    How often do people today claim to be a Christian, yet their lifestyle is contrary to the Christian life recorded in the Bible? What is even worse, how often do people think they are a Christian, but God knows their heart is “full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.” God has left an invitation to any who would turn from evil and seek after Him. However, many have not. They hear the truth from the Bible, yet they do not receive the Gospel message of salvation. Moreover, many who say they receive that salvation continue to live in the same manner as before – contrary to the teachings found in the Bible. God sent Amos with a message for the people to “seek good, and not evil, that they may live.” It is to be the mission of the church, and all Christians, to make that invitation known. It is then left for them to choose to believe.

    Faith in Jesus must be real. See what Paul wrote: “I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness” (Romans 6:19). Faith is to be appropriated in the life of the one who claims to be a Christian. All who see one called a Christian must be able to see Christ in that life. Remember what James wrote. “19. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” (James 2:19-20). It isn’t enough just to believe, one must live out that faith, showing that Jesus is there. One may be able to put up good front or show here on earth, but understand that God can see the true heart. Remember that Jesus knew that the Pharisees appeared beautiful on the outside, but within they were full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.

    Remember what David told his son, Solomon, before Solomon became king: “… for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever” (1 Chronicles 28:9b).

    Do you seek Jesus?

    Can others see Jesus in your life every day?

    How to be Saved

  • The Choice

    “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
    2 Peter 3:9

    Why do some people believe in Jesus, becoming a Christian, and others do not?

    God gives each person the choice to believe or not.

    One cannot help but remember the brothers Esau and Jacob from the Old Testament book of Genesis. They were twin brothers, yet they were very different. From the events in their lives and the choices they made, one can see that Jacob chose better, for he chose the things of God. Esau on the other hand, chose the things of this world and the satisfaction of his flesh. After hunting one day, Esau came home where Jacob was making some pottage. Esau was willing to sell his birthright for a bowl of pottage – just to satisfy his immediate hunger. After this, Esau took wives of the Hittite’s, not God’s people. Read what his parents thought of this in Genesis 26:35: “Which were a grief of mind unto Isaac and to Rebekah.”

    A short time later, Jacob received the blessing instead of Esau. Afterward, see the obedience of one brother, and the disobedience of the other. “6. When Esau saw that Isaac had blessed Jacob, and sent him away to Padanaram, to take him a wife from thence; and that as he blessed him he gave him a charge, saying, Thou shalt not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan; 7. And that Jacob obeyed his father and his mother, and was gone to Padanaram; 8. And Esau seeing that the daughters of Canaan pleased not Isaac his father; 9. Then went Esau unto Ishmael, and took unto the wives which he had Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael Abraham’s son, the sister of Nebajoth, to be his wife” (Genesis 28:6-9). Jacob continued to please his parents (thus pleasing God), and Esau continued to please himself (thus displeasing God).

    Although Esau had many great possessions on this earth (see Genesis 33) and lived in the land of Seir, there is insight given to us in the New Testament. See what God recorded in His Word. “As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated” (Romans 9:13). We can better understand these words many consider harsh as we read the following verses. “15. Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; 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 12:15-17). The condition of Esau seems to be the same condition as one who rejects God and His Word, choosing to please self. Note that this kind of person is one who sins against God (in rejecting the gift of His Son, Jesus). Esau made his choice. Esau gave himself over to the world and its’ ways. When Esau “failed of the grace of God” in this choice, he became a profane person. Esau so hardened his heart “he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.”

    Before you harden your heart, rejecting God, read the following encouraging words. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). God is not willing that any should perish. No one should harden their heart and not receive the Gospel message of Jesus.

    “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth …” (Romans 1:16).

    Choose to please yourself, and in doing so fail of the grace of God, or

    Choose to believe in the Gospel of Christ unto Salvation.

    It is your choice!

    How to be Saved

  • A Death Sentence

    “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
    Hebrews 11:6

    Naaman healed of leprosy is a very familiar event that happened in the Old Testament. In Bible times, leprosy was much like a death sentence. There was no known cure. However, have you ever considered a great lesson that can be understood from this event?

    Read what we know about Naaman. “Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper” (2 Kings 5:1). Naaman was a great, honorable, and a mighty man in valor that God had used to give victory to Syria. But he was a leper.

    A young servant girl understood what being a leper meant, and she wanted to see him healed. She knew the answer to his problem. There was a man of God (from her homeland in Israel) named Elisha who knew how to recover Naaman of his leprosy. Naaman went to the door of Elisha with his horses and chariot. “And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean” (2 Kings 5:10). Naaman was very angry. He went away saying, “Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the LORD his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper” (2 Kings 5:11b). Naaman expected Elisha to come out of the house and do something to heal him from his leprosy. Instead, Elisha had required that Naaman needed to do something. He was to obey the word of the prophet. Naaman declared there were better rivers in Syria than in Israel. “May I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage” (2 Kings 5:12b).

    Naaman had servants that gave him good counsel. They suggested that if Naaman had been asked to do some great thing, wouldn’t he have done it just to be healed from his leprosy? “Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean” (2 Kings 5:14). When Naaman acted in faith, believing the word of God’s prophet, he was healed. He returned to Elisha and said, “Behold, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel” (2 Kings 5:15b).

    What almost stopped Naaman from obeying the man of God? His pride. He thought that the man of God must do something (stand, call on the name of the LORD his God, and strike his hand over the place) in order form him to be healed. The only thing it took was for Naaman to humble himself, believe Elisha, and act upon that belief. His leprosy was a physical death sentence. However, not knowing God was a spiritual death sentence. Because Naaman acted in faith, he was cured of both conditions.

    There are many good people today who do many great things, but they have a problem. They are sinners, which is a spiritual death sentence. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). They are in the same condition as Naaman. They need to know God. “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). People need someone much like that servant girl to help them understand that there is deliverance available – if they would only have faith and act upon it. What is the message we need to get out to good people who have this problem? We need to tell them the only way to God is through Jesus. “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).

    Are you a good person with a spiritual death sentence?

    Or were you a sinner that believed, sought diligently and found Jesus?

    How to be Saved

  • Hold Fast

    “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)”
    Hebrews 10:23

    Have you ever had someone make fun of you, or laugh, at you because you have chosen to live a Christian life? Have you especially noticed it when you attempt to tell someone about Jesus? Although it may be hard to understand why this happens, we are to try to share what we do know of the Gospel message with those who need it. As we tell them about Jesus, we are to recognize that many will not comprehend what we are telling them. The world we live in today is ruled by the devil. God has given him temporary domain. Jesus described the devil in the following: “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). We should not be surprised when the world is full of people who do not see a problem with mocking, laughing, or insulting others – especially when that one has Biblical convictions. We are warned that some will speak lies about those who live faithfully for Jesus. Those people follow the ways of the devil, the prince of the power of the air. However, remember the following: “2. Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3. Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others” (Ephesians 2:2-3). Keep in mind that you too, before becoming a Christian, walked in the ways of the world. It is then that we should have an even deeper burden to tell them about Jesus. Remember that is what Christians are to do. “14. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15. And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” (Romans 10:14-15). A preacher here means “to herald (as a public crier) especially divine truth (the Gospel message of Jesus).” All Christians are to tell others about Jesus.

    However, some will not hear this message. They feel there is no place in their hearts or minds for the Gospel message of Jesus. Why is this? “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” (2 Corinthians 4:3-4). Because Satan (the devil) does not want anyone to believe in the glorious Gospel of Christ.

    What is one to do in this situation? “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)” (Hebrews 10:23). The word faithful means “constant in the performance of duties or services – like a faithful servant.” In addition, the word faithful means “as God with His promises.” When we understand the faithfulness of God, it helps us as we “hold fast the profession of our faith.” That means we have, and retain, the faith we have of the Gospel of Jesus (that He died to cleanse us from our sin). We are to do this without “wavering.” The word wavering in this verse means “steady, without giving way.” Understanding this should help us not be concerned when others do not understand our desire to live a life pleasing to Jesus. Christians are to remain faithful in our obedience to God and His Word – even when it may seem difficult. There are many examples of faithful Believers listed in Hebrews chapter eleven (the chapter following this verse that reminds us of the importance of holding fast the profession of our faith without wavering). This chapter is often called the “Hall of Faith” because of the many faithful listed there. Anytime one needs encouragement to be faithful, go and reread Hebrews 11 – you cannot help but be encouraged!

    Have you committed to be faithful to the Lord, no matter what may happen?

    How to be Saved