The Biblical Path of Life

Category: Picture with verse and blog

  • Jesus, the Light of the World

    “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
    John 8:12

    Does the world seem like it is a very dark place anymore? There is so much unrest and wickedness in the world today, it feels as if there is little hope for a peaceful future. Much of the evil persists in the darkest of the day, under the cover of night. “The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble” (Proverbs 4:19). What is one to do?

    God knew the wickedness in the hearts of people. Remember: “2. The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. 3. They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one” (Psalm 14:2-3). What a sad state people came to be! Yet because God loved us, he sent His Son, Jesus. He gave Jesus to be the light to bring people out of that darkness. “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12). In the light, one can see. One can know where to go. Why is it so important to follow the Light, Jesus? “To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me” (Acts 26:18).

    What an amazing thing Jesus is able to do:

    • turn one from darkness to light
    • turn one from the power of Satan unto God
    • give forgiveness of sins
    • give an inheritance by faith in Jesus

    Read how Jesus simply stated it: “I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness” (John 12:46). Who wouldn’t want to live in the light as opposed to living in darkness (where wickedness abounds)?

    So why is the world still in such darkness? “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 3:19). Some people just love darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil.

    What are those who choose Jesus, the Light, to do? First, remember from whence you came. If you give your heart and life to Jesus, you are no longer that person you once were. You are a new creature in Christ, so you no longer do the wickedness of the darkness. “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8).

    How can this world become a brighter, less dark place to live? We are to be a light in this world. We must tell more people about Jesus so that they can have the opportunity to turn from the darkness of sin to the Light of Jesus. “14. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).

    Do you walk in the light, showing others Jesus in your heart and life?

    How to be Saved

  • How to be Blessed (Happy)

    “1. Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. 4. The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. 5. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 6. For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.”
    Psalm 1:1-6

    Who in this world doesn’t want to be blessed (happy)? The Bible clearly helps us understand how to be blessed. “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful” (Psalm 1:1). This should be rather simple to understand.

    • Do not walk in the counsel of the ungodly. (Do not walk with people who are morally wrong, following their advice.)
    • Do not stand in the way of sinners. (Do not stand, or make the course of your life, with sinners – those who choose to disregard God’s Word.)
    • Do not sit in the seat of the scornful. (To sit down and live, or dwell continually, with those who scoff or mock the things of God.)    

    One can notice that there is a progression. First, one walks with sinners. Most do not find this a big deal. However, then one stands with them and chooses to make them their “friends.” Finally, one sits down with them, dwelling continually with them, and they proceed to disregard, scoff and mock the things of God. It does not happen all at once. It takes time with most people. A little compromise here, a little compromise there, and before one knows what happens, one can be quite comfortable dwelling in this world and its system – far from God and His plan.

    Now that we have read what one is not to do, see what Psalm one tells one to do. “But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night” (Psalm 1:2). Read, know and live God’s Word – and enjoy it for it is important! When one does that, life is compared to a tree planted by a river that grows and thrives, producing fruit (see Psalm 1:3). Compare that picture with the following: “10. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: 11. So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it” (Isaiah 55:10-11). God’s Word lived out in one’s life makes all of the difference!

    Read the life of one who chooses to walk with the ungodly: “4. The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. 5. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous” (Psalm 1:4-5). The ungodly will be driven away and not allowed to stand or sit with the righteous.

    The finality is declared in the closing verse of Psalm one. “For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish” (Psalm 1:6). God knows those who belong to Him. The rest will perish (they will be like the worthless chaff that is driven away). Remember what makes the difference: “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).

    Are you “blessed?”

  • Seeing God

    “For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil”
    1 Peter 3:12

    Job is known as a patient man (see James 5:11). When Satan presented himself before God, take note of what God said about Job: “And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?” (Job 1:8). So we understand what kind of a man Job was – a righteous man. In addition, God knew Satan had set his heart to try to destroy Job. When God allowed Satan to put his hand against Job, note that it was with God’s permission, for God knew Job could handle it. Job was faithful through the first set of trials: “In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly” (Job 1:22).

    Nevertheless, Satan wanted to do more. Once again, God allowed Satan to put his hand against Job in his health, but he could not take Job’s life. Note what we read: “…In all this did not Job sin with his lips” (Job 2:10b).

    Notice that the book of Job opens with this behind-the-scenes event that Job never knew about. But we can learn so much. Satan is accountable to God, and he cannot do anything to God’s people without permission. It is also very clear that Satan’s thoughts are an open book to God – for God knew what Satan was thinking before he even mentioned Job. We also read that Satan had been “… going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it” (Job 1:7b). Satan is not omnipresent, nor is he omniscient! He does not know everything like God does. Satan is limited – God is not limited! We can also understand that God’s eyes are always on His children. “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him …” (2 Chronicles 16:9a). Job endured this trial very well. At the end we can read, he understood that he thought that he knew God well before these trials. But in this trial, he really got to know God. “5. I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. 6. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes” (Job 42:5-6). This man that we understood was perfect and upright man, recognized that he was just another sinful man once he really understood who God is.

    Job is a great example to be where God has placed you, doing what God would have you to be doing, and understanding that nothing can or will happen to you that God doesn’t already know you can handle.  Remember: “For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil” (1 Peter 3:12).

    Are you where God wants you to be doing what you are to be doing?

    Do you see God for who He is and what He is doing in your life?

  • God Loves You

    “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
    Romans 5:8

    What does it mean when someone says that God loves you?

    Paul was zealous for God. He was a Pharisee of the Pharisees (this means he was very religious!). He knew God’s Word – better than most people. He went to the Temple (church to us today) all of the time. And when there was a new Way (Christianity) in town, he fought against it. Read what Paul wrote, “13. For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: 14. And profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers” (Galatians 1:13-14). In his persecution of the church of God, he even imprisoned those who believed in Jesus.

    Paul went on a special trip to find more of those who believed in Jesus, when he met Jesus for himself. He found out just how much God loved him. See how he understood what Jesus did for him: “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). God showed Paul how much He loved him by sending His Son, Jesus, to die for Paul, a sinner. That changed Paul’s life! He no longer went about persecuting those who gave their hearts and lives to Jesus, he became one of the most well known preachers in the New Testament! He completely changed.

    Paul penned the book of Romans for us to read. Within that book, one cannot help but recognize the sinfulness of people, the penalty of death for each person because of that sin, and the need of the Saviour, Jesus (the only One who can take away that penalty of sin). He explained the reason Jesus came into this world. Remember that God gave His Son, because He loves you!

    With that thought in mind, see the following: “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 waiting for you to come to repentance and know His Son, Jesus.

    When should you answer His call? “(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)” (2 Corinthians 6:2). Today is that day. Do not wait! 

    Read the following message Paul preached to those who placed their faith and trust in Jesus: “But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life” (Romans 6: 22).

    Now can you see just how much God loves you?

    How to be Saved

  • God’s Greatest Gift

    “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
    Romans 6:23

    “Remember the familiar Bible lessons of Jacob and one of his sons, Joseph. Joseph was the eleventh son and the last to be born to Jacob before he returned to the land promised to Abraham and Isaac. Joseph was a godly young man in spite of adverse circumstances in his life. God used him to save his family from starvation during a time of famine throughout the lands.

    “In the Old Testament, Joseph is one of the people we compare to a picture of Christ. … God promised to send One who would deliver a sinful people from their sins. The first time was when man sinned in the garden (Genesis 3:15), and then we saw God promise Abraham that all people would be blessed through his descendants (Genesis 22:18). We even saw a picture of what God would do—lay down the life of His Son. In this lesson, we see once again the promise of a mighty Deliverer who would come (Genesis 28:14). And better yet, we see a picture of a mighty deliverer in Jacob’s son, Joseph. When Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery, they meant it for evil. ‘But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive’ (Genesis 50:20). God sent His Son, Jesus, to save the world from their sin. He was the greatest gift ever given. But sinful man crucified him (evil against Him), and God took what man intended to be evil and delivered us from our sins by Jesus’ death. Just as Joseph recognized that he was placed in a position to save the world from starvation, Jesus came to save the world from ‘the wages of sin … death’ and instead give us the ‘gift of God … eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.’ Notice the faithfulness of Joseph and the blessings of God upon him … for although he endured many problems (his brothers hated him; he was sold into slavery; he was falsely imprisoned and forgotten; and so on), he remained faithful to God. And God blessed Joseph’s life. …

    “Joseph is an excellent example of enduring hatred and rejection from family members and still walking with God. When he was sold as a slave, Joseph still lived as an upright young man, choosing to do what was right in God’s eyes. When falsely thrown into prison, God was still with Joseph, and Joseph honored God with his life.

    “… God promised to send One who would deliver a sinful people from their sins. …God planned to send His Son, Jesus, from the beginning, and he constantly reminded mankind that He would come, sometimes giving them a verbal promise and other times a physical picture (like Joseph) to help them (and us today) understand. Jesus is God’s greatest gift, for he came to save people from their sins. … Just as Joseph saved people from starvation, Jesus came to save mankind from sin.”

    “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

    (Excerpt from Year One Quarter Two, Lesson 4 of The Biblical Path of Life)

    What is the greatest gift God ever gave? His Son, Jesus—to pay the penalty for our sins.

    Have you accepted this gift?

    How to be Saved

  • God’s Promise

    “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 of the most famous verses in the world is: “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). But has anyone actually stopped to understand what this verse really means?

    God sent His Son, Jesus into the world. He gave His Beloved Son, Jesus, to pay the penalty for each individual person’s sin. The penalty for sin is death. However, because God is a loving and gracious God, He made provision for Jesus to pay for a person’s sin with His life. All one has to do is believe upon Jesus, receiving this great gift. Can you better understand this verse now? “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). Read the next verse in that passage to understand even more so as to why Jesus came: “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).

    After reading both of those verses, understand that the gift of the pardon for sin is offered – all one has to do is receive it. God wanted each person in the world to be saved from the penalty of sin. This pardon from sin is understood as a promise from God – but only for those who accept that gift.

    What if one chooses to continue in sin, rejecting the gift God offered? “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). This, too, is a promise.

    No one knows what tomorrow may hold. Life is fleeting and short. It is up to each individual to decide. Choose life (with Jesus), or receive the penalty for sin – the wrath of God abiding on him.

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

    How to be Saved

  • Know God’s Way

    “Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.”
    Psalm 25:4

    Have you ever wondered what God has for your life, or how to find out?

    What is most important thing a Christian can do?

    The most important thing a Christian can do is to know God’s Word. Many Christians think it is enough to have a general idea of what is in the Bible. However, the following verse declares we need to know more of it: “Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths” (Psalm 25:4). What paths?

    The Bible is full of people who have chosen to know God’s ways, and follow in His paths. There are also many people recorded that chose to not follow in God’s paths. Each person is to read the Bible to find out what happens in a person’s life when they follow God’s paths, and what happens when people choose to make their own way in the world, disregarding God’s paths. “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come” (1 Corinthians 10:11). The Bible was written for us to not only come to know Christ as our Saviour, but to follow the examples that are recorded within so we know how to live a life pleasing to God. Knowing what is in the Bible can keep us from much heartache in our lives. It can also bring us much comfort and encouragement. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).

    Some people find the Bible too difficult to read. Others may think it takes too much time to read. There are many excuses as to why people do not know or understand the Bible. But what does the Bible tell us? “It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter” (Proverbs 25:2). Understanding the Bible can really be very simple. The Biblical Path of Life (http://biblicalpath.com/) is a simple Bible study that basically just organizes a plan on how to know what the Bible is all about. It encourages each person to take the time to read their own Bible in an orderly fashion, so there will be no question as to what God expects from people. Reading, and knowing what the Bible has to say, is the only way anyone can have God show him or her His way. It is then one can know the path God has for their life.

    Do you want to know the path God has for your life?

    How to be Saved

  • A New Creature

    “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

    Have you ever heard something that scared you? I mean really scared you?! What do you think of the following?  “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). Believing in Jesus, having eternal life sounds wonderful! But did you notice the second part of that verse? If one does not believe in Jesus, they won’t see life (won’t live with Him for eternity). However, the worst part is the final part of that verse. If one doesn’t believe in Jesus, the “wrath of God abideth on him.” What an awful thought!

    If that doesn’t scare you, try this one. “For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it” (Hebrews 4:2). There is so much more to believing in Jesus than just saying you believe in Jesus. Notice that in that verse it said the Gospel was preached (the Gospel message is that all are sinners and Jesus died on the cross to take away that sin). Did you also notice that the same Gospel that was preached did not profit some of them? What made the difference? In some of them, it was not “mixed with faith in them that heard.”

    One problem is that many say, and really think, that they believe in Jesus. However, one must really understand what that means. Hearing and saying one believes is not enough. The missing part is that it has to be mixed with faith when one hears. “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). The whole chapter of Hebrews 11 reveals people who pleased God because of the faith they had in them (the faith of the Gospel message). That faith was revealed in their lives. The people listed in that chapter had forsaken the old way of life (living according to the world) and had lived a new life pleasing God. This change is revealed 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). One who has the faith to be saved must completely forsake the old life in every way. That one can then live a new life in Christ.

    Have you believed the Gospel message having it mixed with faith?

    Are you a new creature living a new life in Christ?

    How to be Saved

  • Be Crucified with Christ

    “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

    Saul was the first king of Israel. He looked (physically) like a good king. However, his true nature was soon revealed. But the most devastating thing that happened, was that he chose to do what he wanted to do instead of fulfilling God’s Word. When he disobeyed God, and did not repent for that, Samuel told him that God was going to take the kingdom from him and give it to another – a man who would choose to please God more than himself.

    Saul saw the Philistines, the enemy, gather against Israel. Saul was afraid. When he inquired of the Lord (wanting help for the battle), the Lord answered him not. See why God does not answer those who choose to live for themselves instead of obeying God’s Word. “28. Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: 29. For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: 30. They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.  31. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices” (Proverbs 1:28-31). God would not speak to Saul because Saul had chosen to disregard God in his life. It was at this point that Saul learned a Word from God (through Samuel, the prophet) that Saul and three of his sons would die in battle against the Philistines, and the kingdom would be given to David, one who would obey God and do His will.

    Saul, along with three of his sons, died in battle the next day. And David became the king of Israel.

    This should be a mighty example for anyone who chooses to do what they want to do instead of what God’s Word says they are to do. Because of Saul’s disobedience, he lost his life and his kingdom.

    The following verse should be foremost in our hearts and minds: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). I am not to do what I want, for I am crucified with Christ (this means that I put my selfish desires to death, choosing instead to please God). I am to live a life pleasing to God, by the faith I received because I believe in Jesus, God’s Son – the One who gave His life for me.

    Have you crucified your selfish desires to live a life pleasing to God?

  • Be Still

    “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10

    There is much fear in the world today. I have never known a time when so many people are afraid of almost everything. Today is a day of uncertainty. One hears of earthquakes, fires, hurricanes, illnesses, the downfall of the economy, rumors of wars, and so many other things of which to be afraid.

    Why shouldn’t one be afraid?

    What does God’s Word teach us about fear? We are to remember that God is with us. “1. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 3. Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof” (Psalm 46:1-3). If we walk with God, He will be with us. 

    Remember what Paul wrote to Timothy: “7. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 8. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord …” (1 Timothy 1:7-8a). If one has Jesus in their heart and life, and is walking with Him, that Christian should not be afraid.

    However, there is one thing a Christian is to fear.

    What is that? We are to fear the Lord, doing what His Word says to do. “Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil” (Proverbs 3:7). That should be rather easy – for if we walk with God, we will depart from evil. So that when all of the troubles of the world seem to come against us, we can stop and be at rest knowing God is in control. “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth” (Psalm 46:10).

    Do you take time to be still and know that God is with you?