The Biblical Path of Life

Category: Picture with verse and blog

  • The Time Will Come, and May Already Be…

    Paul wrote encouraging words to Timothy, for he was to never forget the faith instilled within him or to be ashamed of the testimony of the Lord. But he also wrote Timothy words of warning that are relevant – especially today!

    Paul told Timothy to “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). The word sound here means “sound doctrine; as in true, pure, uncorrupted.” Timothy was encouraged to hold on tightly, or possess, the pure doctrine that Paul had taught him. The same sound doctrine that we have recorded in God’s Word, the Bible. But in order to know what that sound doctrine is, we must read and study God’s Word. That is why Paul taught Timothy to “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). It was important that Timothy understood that he had to not only study the Bible, but he must “rightly” divide the word of truth. One must compare Scripture with Scripture. He had to understand and know the true doctrines written within the Bible in order to recognize false teaching and stay away from it.

    Paul warned, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come” (2 Timothy 3:1). He wanted Timothy to understand that times would become difficult and dangerous. Paul went on to warn: “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away” (2 Timothy 3:5). Times would come when things would look and sound good, having the form of something real, but it would deny the power that would make it real – faith in Jesus. By having a form of something real or true, many could be deceived or tricked into believing they had something real. Most people (or churches) are prepared for an attack on them from the outside. But when it comes from within, people are surprised – caught off guard. There is something to be said about “conquering from within.” We are prepared for the enemy outside of the camp, but woefully unprepared when the enemy comes from within. False doctrine is often able to creep in unaware until it is too late. True doctrine must be known in order to defend it against false doctrine. The only way to know the difference is to study God’s Word and know it.

    “3. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4. And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 5. But watch thou in all things …” (2 Timothy 4:3-5a). Today it is too easy to listen to teachers (or preachers) tell us what good people we are and what good things we are doing for the kingdom of God. They sound so nice and make us feel so good about ourselves. But words like these turn ears away from the truth of God’s Word; for there is nothing good in mankind – unless one has given their heart and life to Jesus, living according to the Bible and its teachings. Any other teaching is a fable – fiction, not real. Knowing this would happen, Paul warned Timothy to “watch” in all things. He was to be ready by knowing the Bible and its true teachings.

    Do you hold fast to true doctrine?

    Have you studied to show yourself approved and not ashamed?

    Do you endure sound doctrine or have itching ears?

    Be sure to watch!

  • Things of the World

    “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36)

    “Have you ever desired the things of the world? Everybody has; that’s part of our nature. It’s okay to want stuff here in this world. The important thing is to not desire the things more than pleasing God and to do what is right, according to God’s Word. Should you lie, cheat, or steal to get something? Of course not. Should you want what “everybody” else has? Not if it doesn’t please God. Because we live on this earth, we have to have “things” to live. But we have to be content with what God gives us and not make things our primary focus. What is to be our focus? We should have our eyes set upon Jesus. We must be careful not to allow the desire for the world (see Mark 8:36: For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?) to keep us from serving and pleasing God. We will see how King Solomon learned this lesson as we begin Ecclesiastes …

    “…No matter what possessions we acquire while we live on this earth, one day everyone will die, and we can’t take any of those possessions with us. Solomon, with all of his wealth and fame, came to this realization. As he looked back over his life realizing everything gained in this life was worthless, he wanted to share with everyone what he had discovered. He recognized his sin in turning his heart from God to the things of this world. Solomon learned to be careful what he promised, for God would hold him accountable, and he finally realized that man cannot understand God, but the “ … fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7). By learning to fear Him, Solomon could know Him …”  

    [Excerpt from Year One Quarter Four Lesson 10, Ecclesiastes 1-8: The Vanity of Man, now available through Rock Island Books (www.rockislandbooks).]

  • Be Prepared

    “16. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)

    What amazing words! Jesus promised Christians that He would one day descend from heaven, where we will be caught up together, meeting Him in the air! And we will be with Him forever! The next verse tells us: “Wherefore comfort one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:18). We are to remember that Jesus has not forgotten us, He is coming for us, and we should strongly encourage one another with these words.

    When will this happen? “1. But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. 2. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night” (1 Thessalonians 5:1-2). No one knows. But if we pay attention, we will be able to tell when that day is getting closer! As long as we are cognizant as to what is happening in the world and in the church, that day should not take us by surprise. Even though a thief does not call ahead to warn you when he will break into a home or business, we know the most opportune times for a thief to break into a place. And we prepare. We watch. We make sure that we will not be caught off guard. We take precautions to keep us from an unexpected break-in. Just in the same manner, we should live our lives prepared. We know that day will come suddenly, as a surprise. We need to watch. As Christians, we should be living as if that day could be today. The day the Lord will come, and each Christian will stand before Him to give an accounting of his or her life, and what that person has done with that life to please the Lord. It is important to keep in the forefront of our minds that we represent Jesus in this world — for we are His ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20). Remember the warning Paul gave to us. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10).

    Throughout the New Testament Paul encouraged Christians in what they were to do. Each Christian needs to remember that we are to become more like Jesus everyday. We must be aware of the temptations that surround us, that try to prevent us from living right. We must make a conscious effort to live a faithful Christian life, pleasing Jesus all day every day, never becoming tired of the Christian life. We are always to be on guard, awake, and ready for Jesus to come again at any moment! And we are to encourage others with this message! Remember the words of Galatians 6:9: “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

    Watch!

    Be prepared!

    Don’t be weary in well doing, remembering that Jesus could come today!

  • The Only Way

    Each Christian needs to know, and even memorize, these scriptures in order to tell someone else how to be saved. Tell someone today!

    1. Lostness:  Romans 3:23:  “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”
    2. Penalty: Romans 6:23:  “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
    3. Price:  Romans 5:8:  “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
    4. Response:  Romans 10:9-10:  “9. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
    5. Security:  Romans 8:38-39:  “38. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39. Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
    6. New Life:  Romans 12:1-2:  “1. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

  • Our Blessed Hope

    “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15)

    Have you ever been discouraged in your Christian walk?

    Do you feel like you are standing for the truths of God’s Word on your own?

    Have you shared the Gospel message with someone only to have them reject the offering of Salvation?

    Does that mean it is pointless to continue living a life pleasing to the Lord?

    No! This world is a dark place (and becoming darker by the day!), but we are to be a light in this world.  Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:5-6: “5. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. 6. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.” The first thing to remember is that Jesus is the Light of the world (John 9:5). Because I trusted in Jesus, I am now one of the “children of light.” The darker the world gets, the brighter my light should shine. To watch and be sober are key words here. To watch means “a mindfulness of threatening dangers which, with conscious earnestness and an alert mind, keeps it from slackening in the energy of faith and conduct.” To fully understand this, we must remember what faith means. Faith means “to appropriate what God in Christ has for man resulting in the transformation of man’s character and way of life; a firm belief in Jesus and His Gospel.” Sober in this verse means “to be watchful.” In other words, we are to be alert and watch out for threatening dangers in this world that will keep me from allowing my life and character to be transformed revealing Jesus in my life. Notice the confirmation to be watchful (remember sober in this verse means to be watchful). I must be diligent in my awareness of things that will come into my life that will keep me from becoming more like Christ. I am instructed to not allow those things into my life.  Instead, I am to be ready always to give an answer to anyone when they have a question as to why I live my life as I do. The Gospel message of Jesus should always be near to my heart and mouth, sharing with this lost world how they, too, can become a Christian.

    Telling someone how to become a Christian should be an easy thing.  Remember the following:

    • One must first recognize they are Lost (having committed sin – disobedience to any of God’s commands): Lostness: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
    • One must then understand the consequences, Penalty, for that sin (punishment / or eternal life by Jesus): Penalty: “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23), 
    • What is the Price for this eternal life? Price: “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). 
    • What Response should be made? Response: “9. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:9-10). 
    • What Security do I have of eternal life if I ever commit another sin? Security: “38. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39. Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).
    • How do I live this New Life, free from sin? New Life: “1. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:1-2). Don’t live like the world lives anymore. Read God’s Word and you will learn how to please God.

    Each Christian has a hope that the lost world does not have: Jesus promised to come back and take us home in heaven to be with Him for eternity. “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13)

    This world is not my permanent home, and I am only passing through. But in the meantime, I must be a “light” warning this world, so that they can have the same hope I have. “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15)

    Do you have this hope?

    Will you be ready to share your hope?

  • Read Your Bible

    “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”
    (2 Timothy 3:16)

    “Have you ever tried to play a game with someone without reading the instructions? Was there arguing over unknown rules? Was it a peaceful game or was there much disagreement? Was it any fun?

    How about putting something together without instructions? Or making a trip without consulting directions? Living a Christian life without reading the “rules” is impossible to do. The rules are God’s Word. Read 2 Timothy 3:16. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). Understand it better by using the following definitions:

    • inspiration of God: breathed by God; divinely inspired
    • profitable: helpful; useful; advantageous
    • doctrine: instruction; not only the teaching but also the authority of the teacher
    • reproof: conviction; manifestation of the truth and the results
    • correction: set right again; correct
    • instruction: teaching that includes chastening

    Notice that 2 Timothy 3:16 builds upon itself in its instruction. They are interdependent (mutually dependant) upon each other. First we see it is a doctrine (used for instruction or warning), then as truth (knowing the truth, convincing us of error), correction (morally correcting), and instruction (we see discipline to lead us to righteousness).”  (Excerpt from Y1Q4 – Lesson 6)

    As Christians read the Bible, they can understand the importance of seeking God with their whole heart and to not wander (stray) from God’s commands. It is good to hide God’s Word in your heart until it becomes a part of who you are. “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11). It would be good to read all of Psalm 119. Let it be an encouragement to those who truly seek to know and please God; to seek God’s heart (remember David?). This Psalm was written by one who truly loved God and did not find His Word laborious. Reading the Bible to know God better must be our hearts’ desire in order to walk with God. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105) We should be happy to walk according to God’s Word. “Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it” (Psalm 119:140).

    Christians must read the Bible to remember what God has done, which leads to understanding the value of God’s Word. It is at this point we begin to recognize the importance of walking with God, obeying God’s Words, to live a life pleasing to and blessed by God.

    Do you love to read God’s Word?

    Does the Bible light your path?

  • Watch

    “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come” (Matthew 24:42)

    In some of Jesus’ final teachings to His disciples, He gave them a specific warning that we must heed today.“37. But as the days of Noe (Noah) were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 38. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe (Noah) entered into the ark, 39. And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. … 42. Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come” (Matthew 24:37-39, 42).

    Remember back for a minute to Noah. You can read the events in Genesis 6-8. “God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5). God said He would destroy man and beast. “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord” (Genesis 6:8). We can read that God described him as just, and Noah walked with God. God told Noah to build an ark for his family and two of every animal. Noah obeyed. It took him 100 years to build that ark. That means that everyone around saw what he was doing. See what we can read in 2 Peter 2:5: “And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly.” This means that while he was building that ark, he was warning people (preaching) of what was coming. Notice that in Genesis, God revealed that “the wickedness of man was great in the earth … only evil continually.” Jesus helps us understand that in this wickedness “they were eating and drinking, marrying and given in marriage” until the day that Noah entered into the ark. They were just living their normal lives. But God told us that they were living wickedly. And they had no idea that a flood was coming to destroy them and the whole earth. But Noah knew. And while he was building that ark, he warned people.

    Now, think of today. We know that when Jesus went back into heaven after His resurrection, we have the promise that He would return in like manner (Acts 1:11). Right before that promise, Jesus told those that had trusted and believed in Him to be witnesses. Christians are to proclaim the Gospel message (that Jesus lived a sinless life, died for sinful man, rose from the dead, and will one day take us to heaven with Him) to a lost world. A world full of people that eat, drink, are married and given in marriage — just living normal lives. But a life without Jesus is a life that God sees as one who is wicked, and that every imagination of the thoughts of the hearts are only evil continually (remember Genesis 6:5).

    What did Jesus tell us (Christians — those who belong to Jesus) to do?

    “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come” (Matthew 24:42). Watch means to “keep awake; be vigilant; awaken; figuratively to rouse from inactivity.”  From what are we to awaken? From what inactivity are we to rouse? In what are we to be vigilant? We must do just as Noah did. Wake up and become preachers of righteousness! How do we do that? A preacher in this context is just one who delivers a message. All we need to do is warn people of their eternal separation from God by sharing with them the Gospel message of Jesus. For we hold the truth that Jesus is the only Way to heaven! “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 16:6).

    Are you watching?

    Have you warned anyone today?

  • How to Prepare for Living a Christian Life

    “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”

    (2 Timothy 2:15)

    Timothy was a great Christian and Paul’s faithful friend. Although Timothy’s mother and grandmother had taught him about Jesus, Paul had led Timothy to Jesus (taught him how to be saved) and watched him grow in his Christian faith.

    Paul wrote a letter of encouragement to Timothy. After reminding him of his salvation, he encouraged him to step up to the task God had placed before him. Timothy was to not be ashamed of the Gospel message, but to be willing to stand up faithfully and teach the truths of that Gospel. And to even be proud if he suffered “afflictions of the gospel” (see 2 Timothy 1:8-10).

    Paul had taught him the importance of sound doctrine. “13. Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 14. That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us” (2 Timothy 1:13-14). See the following definitions to help you understand what Paul was telling Timothy:

    • Form: “a sketch, or concise, representation or form”
    • Sound: “sound doctrine, i.e.: true; pure; uncorrupted”

    Paul wanted Timothy to understand the importance of holding on to the sound doctrine – true, pure, uncorrupted – that he had been taught (that is now recorded in God’s Word for us to read). Paul followed this with a warning that there would be some who would turn away from him when he stood for the truths in God’s Word –  for Paul had already seen a departure from the faith, leaving him to stand alone in Asia (see 2 Timothy 1:15). Paul had already warned him this would happen (see 1 Timothy 4:1). But Paul also encouraged Timothy that he could endure this because the Holy Spirit dwells in us – He won’t leave!

    But how do you prepare for a life pleasing to God? “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). Christians must study and know God’s Word. They must be able to discern between the truth of God’s Word and false teaching. This is just the first step in knowing how to live a Christian life. But it is a very important one.

    There is a child’s song that I am reminded of…

    “Read your Bible, pray every day, and you will grow, grow, grow!

    Don’t read your Bible, or pray every day, and you will shrink, shrink, shrink!”

    Do you want to grow?

    Or do you want to shrink?

    The choice is up to you!

  • Hunger and Thirst after Righteousness

    “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled” (Matthew 5:6)

    We live in a world where it isn’t very popular to hunger and thirst after righteousness.

    What does that even mean?

    Have you ever been hungry? Everyone understands the feeling of hunger, and the satisfaction of eating a good meal to satisfy that hunger.

    Have you ever been thirsty? There is nothing quite like a cool drink of water after working in the heat. It refreshes you to continue in that work.

    Just as our physical bodies desire food and drink to sustain life, so too does the spiritual body. Only it is very easy to ignore that spiritual need.

    What is this righteousness of which we are to hunger and thirst?

    Righteousness means “by implication innocent, holy; just, right; specifically (Christian) justification.” No one can be considered righteous on their own. See what the Bible teaches: “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). That verse is referring to Jesus who knew no sin. He became sin for me, taking my sin and the penalty of that sin from me. If I believe that, I am made righteous before God.

    It is here that I would like to point out a warning that is found in God’s Word. “3. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. 4. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth” (Romans 10:3-4). No one can do it on their own. Jesus is the only way anyone can stand before God as righteous. This shows us that we must put our faith and trust in Jesus to make us “innocent, just, or right” before God.

    But there is much more to it than that. After Jesus is in one’s heart, there is a continual hunger and thirst to become more like Him. “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby” (1 Peter 2:2). And as you grow in your Christian walk you should also grow in your appetite. “13. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 14. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5:13-14).

    Are you unskillful in your Christian walk, still needing the simple milk?

    Or are you of full age, able to enjoy the meat of God’s Word?

    Remember the verse with which we started: “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled” (Matthew 5:6).

  • Strait is the Gate, and Narrow is the Way

    Jesus taught what many call “The Sermon on the Mount.” In that sermon He taught the character qualities of the kingdom He would establish. The things He taught the people were many practical ways to live. As He came toward the end of this sermon, He presented a choice. Jesus always gives each person a choice that must be made. No one else can make that choice. But Jesus encouraged the right choice. “13. Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14. 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).

    Notice that the way that leads to destruction (means “ruin or loss; death, damnation”) is wide and broad – and many go that way.

    But see that the way that leads to life (means “life; or to live”) is strait and narrow – and few find it.

    What is the difference?

    The Bible teaches that everyone is a sinner (Romans 3:23). And the penalty for that sin is death (Romans 6:23). The only One who paid that penalty for us is Jesus (Romans 5:8). Jesus declared He is The Way (see John 14:6). What are we to do with that information? (See Romans 10:9-10.) We rarely hear this today. Many times we hear that as long as you are good, go to church, say a little prayer to God and try to live your best that you will go to heaven.

    What Jesus said after the invitation to choose the strait gate and the narrow way.

    Read what Jesus said after the invitation to choose the strait gate and the narrow way that leads to life. “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves” (Matthew 7:15). A false prophet (means “deceitful; wicked; liar; a pretend foreteller or religious imposter”) looks like the real thing (they come to you in sheep’s clothing). (See also 2 Peter 2:1-3.) They tell people try to be really good. They teach we are to do good works, make good decisions, to be kind to others, love one another, don’t break the law, and so many other “good” things. But is that the way to life? Can any person be “good” enough? A false prophet offers a religion of one who can come as they are, and just do good things. This is a false religion based upon works. A false teacher produces fruit just like him (see Matthew 7:16). If that person teaches a faith based upon works, not Jesus, they will produce a follower that looks like a Christian, but not like Christ. Religion based upon works promises heaven, but the path is destruction (death; damnation). Faith in Jesus promises life and one day heaven, but you must enter in by the straight gate and the narrow way. Take note that few there be that find it. 

    Jesus warned again of false prophets. “And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many” (Matthew 24:11).

    We can also read something very scary. “21. 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. 22. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23. And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” (Matthew 7:21-23).

    Many people are self-deceived.

    Make sure you are not.

    For there is a day when it will be too late. See what Jesus warned, “24. Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. 25. When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are” (Luke 13:24-25).