The Biblical Path of Life

Category: Picture with verse and blog

  • The Wrong Question

    “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

    There are so many examples in the Bible of which we should take notice. “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). They are there to remind us of what happens when we either choose to obey God’s Word or choose our own path. Throughout God’s Word, one can learn from mighty examples. There is one such event in 2 Kings chapter one.

    Ahaziah, wicked King Ahab’s son, became king of Israel. We find that Ahaziah fell through a lattice in his chamber and was sick (injured). He sent messengers to inquire of Baalzebub, the god of Ekron, to see whether he would recover. Although Ahaziah was a king of God’s people, he sought word from a false god of an enemy nation to find what would happen to him.

    As the king’s messengers were on their way, the angel of the Lord appeared to Elijah, the prophet of God. Elijah was given a word for the king’s messenger to take back to the king. Elijah said, “Is it not because there is not a God in Israel, that ye go to enquire of Baalzebub the god of Ekron?” (2 Kings 1:3b). Why had King Ahaziah inquired of a false god from an enemy nation and not even considered asking of the God in Israel? Read Elijah’s message for the king. “Now therefore thus saith the LORD, Thou shalt not come down from that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die. And Elijah departed” (2 Kings 1:4). The message declared that the king would not recover, but he would die — because he sought an answer from a false god instead of the Lord. The messenger returned to the king and delivered the words from Elijah. The king then proceeded to send captains and soldiers to try and take Elijah, but they failed (see 2 Kings 1:9-15).

    When the angel of the Lord told Elijah to go with the next captain and soldiers, Elijah went to the king. He repeated the same message to the king as before: because the king had not inquired of the Lord, but of the false god, Baalzebub the god of Ekron, the king would not get up off his bed but would surely die. What happened? “So he died according to the word of the LORD which Elijah had spoken …” (2 Kings 1:17a).

    Aside from the fact that King Ahaziah inquired an answer from a false god, he asked the wrong question. He asked if he was going to die. He should have asked what he needed to do to be well. The question of which we need the answer is not if, or when, we will die — we know what the Bible teaches. “And as it is appointed unto men once to die …” (Hebrews 9:27a). Everyone will die sometime (unless of course Jesus returns first!). Nevertheless, see the important part of that same verse: “…but after this the judgment”. The part we should be concerned with is if we are “well” (for the judgment) — whether we will live forever or spend eternity in hell. This is the question we should have answered in our hearts and lives: where will one spend eternity. To spend eternity in heaven is a gift — free; if only we will receive. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8).

    Notice that King Ahaziah was probably angry because the message Elijah sent reminded him of the God of Israel. Most people to whom you witness (share the Gospel message) will not want to be reminded of God. When one is reminded of God, there is an awareness of the sin in that life apart from God (“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” Romans 3:23). Does that make it harder for Christians to tell people about Jesus? We can see by Elijah’s response that he feared the God of Israel, not the king of Israel.

    Christians should learn so much from this event. King Ahaziah asked the wrong question, and from a false god. Elijah pointed out King Ahaziah’s error. It was the king’s choice to correct his error (his sin) or disregard the sin in his life. We must do the same thing. Each person must look into their own heart and life and ask the question — will I live forever in heaven (because I asked Jesus to forgive my sins, making me well) or spend eternity in hell (for refusing the gift of salvation).That is the question each person should have answered in their hearts and lives. We should then ask our family and friends as well: where will they spend eternity.

    Have you asked the wrong question, wondering when and how you will die?

    Or

    Have you asked the correct question, understanding one day you will stand before God to determine where you will spend eternity?

    http://biblicalpath.com/index.php/how-to-be-saved/

  • Living Examples

    “So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.”

    1 Thessalonians 1:7

    Paul remembered the missionary journey that led to the establishment of the church at Thessalonica. “For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain” (1 Thessalonians 2:1). He also recalled the short amount of time they had there – for it was not enough to teach them all they needed to know. The book of First Thessalonians was written to the church at Thessalonica, which Paul established on his second missionary journey (see Acts 17). Remember that when there was an uprising incited by Jews who rejected the teaching of Jesus, Paul and Silas were sent away by night – keeping them safe. They were only there for three Sabbaths, but when the people at Thessalonica heard the Gospel message preached by Paul and Silas, enough of them believed that a church was established.

    Read one of the most important things the people of Thessalonica did after they became Believers (Christians). “And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost” (1 Thessalonians 1:6). Followers means “an imitator.” They had heard Paul’s preaching, saw his response in a time of tribulation, and had imitated him in his words and deeds. Because of these things, they became followers of the Lord, suffering affliction, but with joy.

    It is important to understand that putting one’s trust in Jesus is good (becoming a Christian), but it is just as important to put the principles of God’s Word into action in one’s life. It is then that God is able to work, and the world will see what God has done in the heart. Some call this putting one’s faith into action. Remember what faith means. Faith means “faith in Christ as able to work miracles, healing the sick; the means of appropriating what God in Christ has for man resulting in the transformation of man’s character and way of life – also called Christian faith.” Read what Paul recognized in these Believers. “Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father” (1 Thessalonians 1:3). Not only had a church been established, but also the Christians at Thessalonica were living examples into the areas around. They had appropriated their faith in Christ into their lives, transforming their character and way of life. This revealed their Christian faith. “So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia” (1 Thessalonians 1:7). Because they were living examples, their testimony of the power of God unto salvation in their lives was so great that it spread – for others in the areas around heard of the change that had taken place in their lives: how they “turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God” (1 Thessalonians 1:9).

    Because of this, one can understand how the Church at Thessalonica became such great living examples. Compare I Thessalonians 1:3, 5-7 with what is recorded in James 2:17-18: “17. Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.” James was teaching Christians that faith and works go hand in hand. This is to reveal Jesus to the lost world. Because faith is an issue of the heart (for one believes in the heart, then confesses with the mouth, see Romans 10:9-10), physical works are a necessity to show the world what has taken place in the heart. “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). James wrote, “that faith without works is dead”. This is an indication of one who has only confessed with the mouth that they believe, but never truly believed in the heart – much like the devils. Understand that unless it is a “saving faith,” it is counterfeit. This kind of faith lulls people into a false security of eternal life.

    James did not just teach that with faith comes works, he cited examples from the Old Testament that all would remember. See the example of Abraham. “21. Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 22. Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? 23. And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. 24. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only” (James 2:21-24). By Abraham’s act of offering his son, Isaac, it revealed the faith he had had in his heart for all of those years. Abraham’s faith was “justified by works”, revealing his heart to all of the world.

    The people in the church of Thessalonica had followed Paul and Silas’ teachings of Christ, appropriated their faith, and many around had recognized their Christ-like lives. This made them viable witnesses for Jesus.

    Have you appropriated your faith in Christ, becoming a living witness, where others can recognize Jesus in you?

  • The Glory Which has been Given

    “And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:” John 17:22

    David understood the act of crying out to God with the desires of his heart, knowing God would hear and answer. “The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth” (Psalm 145:18). We know that Jesus lived out what God’s Word has taught throughout the ages. We see once again, that Jesus makes his petitions known to God in His prayer in the garden on the evening He was arrested, believing God would answer every request: “20. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 21. That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 22. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: 23. I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. 24. Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world”(John 17:20–24).

    Although Jesus had just prayed for his disciples, notice that He was no longer just praying for them. Jesus was now praying for every person born from then on who would believe the Bible and would give their hearts and lives to Jesus (John 17:20). If you will observe, He included the same issues in prayer for us that He had prayed for the disciples, the men with whom He had spent three years ministering. He made known God’s glory (John 17:22), not only to them, but also to the Gentiles as well. (Glorify means “to reveal the divine character and attributes of God. In John 17:22, this is from the verb that means to be accounted, or be of reputation of”.) Christians today are to understand this as well. When the world see a Christian, they should be depicting the “glory” of God. In other words, a Christian should reveal the attributes of God, having this reputation revealed in their lives.“To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27). Also understand that as Believers, the whole world should see and recognize us as Christians.

    Jesus’ heart’s desire is laid out for us in these verses. He wanted the people who believed in Him to understand that He would be in us and that God’s glory would be revealed to us. Then those who believed could understand the love of God. See how this is understood and revealed to us. “16. That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; 17. That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18. May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19. And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God” (Ephesians 3:16–19).

    In John 17:26, Jesus prayed that we would experience the same love from God that He did. How can that happen? “Jesus answered and said unto him,If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him” (John 14:23).

    Something to consider: After Jesus died and rose again, John could look back at what Jesus had taught and lived out in His life. Once John understood that Jesus was God, he penned these wonderful words to help others understand just what he saw and experienced. Jesus was God come in the flesh—to reveal God to a lost world, giving them the power to become the sons of God. “1. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2. The same was in the beginning with God. 3. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.  … 10. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” (John 1:1–5, 10–12). What a privilege! When one receives Jesus, believing by faith, that one becomes a son of God.

    Have you recognized the glory revealed in Jesus, believed, and become a child of God?

    Have you then allowed the world to recognized the glory (the divine character and attributes of God) of God revealed in your life?

    http://biblicalpath.com/index.php/how-to-be-saved/

  • Sifted as Wheat

    “And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:”

    Luke 22:31

    On the last night that Jesus was with His disciples, He gave Peter a great warning. Notice that He called him Simon, not Peter. Peter means “a rock”. This is what Jesus often called him (see Luke 6:14 and John 1:42). A stone, or a rock, is sturdy and stable. I believe Jesus was trying to warn Peter – even by calling him Simon. “And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat” (Luke 22:31). This was an important warning. Peter believed he was a rock – sturdy and stable (read on to see his reply to what Jesus was trying to tell him in Luke 22:33). Peter needed to understand the situation. Satan means “opponent; adversary; the accuser, that is, the devil”. Satan wanted to sift Peter.

    First, consider what the purpose of sifting was in those days. When they sifted their grains, it was a screening process that would allow them to remove the trash. Oftentimes there were rocks or debris that would be left after the sifting process so that those things could be removed. They would then be left with the grain, no longer filled with trash and debris. This purified grain could be used.

    Satan wanted to sift Peter much like this – only Satan wanted the trash and debris to be brought to the forefront. What should happen: when Peter was sifted, the debris in his life would separate out to the top where it could be removed and eliminated. It sounds like Satan was hoping that this sifting would reveal only the negative and worthless things that were in Peter. And, because Satan is an adversary or an accuser, he wanted to point those things out in Peter’s life, causing Peter to think he was unworthy to serve Jesus.

    We can understand the fact that Satan wanted to sift Peter (because he wanted Peter ineffective – for Satan could not have Peter). Take note that Satan desired to have Peter to sift him. This reveals that Satan had to have permission to do this. One cannot help but remember Job chapters 1-2. Satan had to have God’s permission to do anything to Job. The same was true with Peter. That should be of some comfort to Christians today. Remember: “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). God only allows what one can handle (a way of escape). These are for our good. A refining time: eliminating the trash, revealing the good that can be used by God.

    The following verse should have brought great comfort to Peter that night. “But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren” (Luke 22:32). Jesus prayed for Peter. Take note that Jesus knew that Peter’s faith would not fail him. And more than that, after coming through this time of sifting (where the trash and debris in his life would be revealed), Peter would be “converted”. Converted indicates that Peter would recognize this trash and debris in his life and remove it. He would then return back to his former firm standing – the rock that Jesus declared he was. And because of all of this, Peter would be able to strengthen his brethren. He would be able to encourage them and help them

    Peter had an adversary, and he revealed the dirt, the trash that was in Peter’s life. This sifting revealed the things that Peter removed. Afterward, Peter was stronger, preaching a great sermon on the day of Pentecost where many believed in Jesus (see Acts 2:14-41).

    Satan often does the same thing to Christians today. Satan wants to point out our faults before God – to accuse us. He is our accuser before the Lord. “And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night” (Revelation 12:10). However, God’s Holy Spirit points out our faults not to accuse us, but to convict our hearts so we will confess sin and turn to God (see John 16:8 and Acts 2:36-38). Remember what King David wrote when he recognized and confessed that he had failed the Lord miserably. “11. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. 12. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. 13. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee” (Psalm 51:11-13). He was fearful God would remove His spirit as He had from King Saul. However, remember that King Saul was not repentant, nor did he turn back to the Lord. God was then unable to use him. David on the other hand, was not only repentant, he prayed for God’s restoration to His good pleasure. David recorded this prayer to teach us what we need to do, even today. Repent with a true heart, knowing God will not only restore but refine for use by Him. What encouraging words!

    Have you been sifted, revealing and then removed the debris and trash hidden in your life?

    Are you now able to help and encourage others in their faith as Peter did?

  • Wise Men Seek Him

    “Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.”

    Matthew 2:2

    We often refer to Luke 2:1-20 as “The Christmas Story.” It is important to read these verses, for there are many important things recorded in this passage.

    • Joseph and Mary went from Nazareth to the city of David, Bethlehem (because he was of the lineage of David)
    • Mary brought forth her firstborn son, wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger.
    • Shepherds were watching their flocks by night where an angel of the Lord appeared to them, bringing good tidings (good tidings means “bringing good news; to proclaim, evangelize, preach the gospel”).
    • A Saviour, Christ the Lord was born (Saviour means “the One who saves His people from the guilt and power of sin, from eternal death and punishment as the consequence of sin, and gives them eternal life in Heaven”).
    • The shepherds immediately went to see the baby born in Bethlehem, recognizing that God had made these things known to them.
    • After the shepherds saw Jesus, they made it known abroad (they told everyone).

    Mary and Joseph were in Bethlehem, Jesus had been born, and the shepherds had visited. “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem” (Matthew 2:1). Notice the question these wise men asked, “Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him” (Matthew 2:2). They went to the obvious place to find a newborn king: the palace in the capital city, Jerusalem. Remember though, that the reigning king, Herod, was an illegitimate king appointed by the Roman government to rule over the Jewish people. Read how he responded to this news. “When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him” (Matthew 2:3). To understand this verse better, you have to know a little about King Herod. He built many great buildings, but he was also known for his great jealousy and cruelty. He had his own wife and two sons put to death. That helps us better understand why, “he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.” No one at the palace knew of a newborn king – but Herod wanted to find out.

    “4. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. 5. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet” (Matthew 2:4-5). We remember that the prophet, Micah, had declared this. “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting” (Micah 5:2). Notice that the chief priests and scribes knew the answer – yet we read they did not even go and look for the one “to be ruler in Israel.” When Herod called the wise men to give them the answer, he sent them to search and find the child. Herod told them to return, informing him where this new king was found so he too, could go and worship him (see Matthew 2:7-8). When the wise men left, the star went before them until it stood over where the young child was. “When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy” (Matthew 2:10).

    More importantly, see what they did. “11. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. 12. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way”(Matthew 2:11-12). The Wise Men heeded the warning from God. They did not return to King Herod to tell him where the new king had been born. God also warned Joseph of the pending danger. Joseph obeyed God, and Jesus’ life was spared. Remember wicked King Herod, “… was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under …” (Matthew 2:16). However, what Herod did not know was that God had already moved Jesus to a safer place, protecting Him from wicked King Herod.

    Read what Isaiah had written hundreds of years earlier. “1. Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. 2. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. 3. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. 6. The multitude of camels shall cover thee … they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall shew forth the praises of the LORD” (Isaiah 60:1-3, 6). Remember that there were about four hundred years of silence (“darkness shall cover the earth”), and then angels appeared declaring Jesus, the Saviour of the world, was coming (“his glory shall be seen upon thee”). Wise men (Gentiles) from the east brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (“they shall bring gold and incense”). It all happened just as God declared it would.

    As we remember the “Christmas Story”, recognize that it was much more than just another Bible story. These events were just the beginning of the fulfillment God promised. He promised to send One to take away the separation caused by sin. We remembered that first step: the birth of Jesus, God’s Son, born the Saviour of the world. God’s time of silence had ended, and He was active in the lives of those willing to hear and obey His Word. God revealed the birth of His Son to the Jews and Gentiles. We saw that some went and saw the king (the shepherds and wise men), and some stayed right where they were (King Herod, the chief priests and scribes). The same happens today: some people seek and meet Jesus, becoming a Christian, and some hear about Jesus and that is it – they never meet Him.

    Have you only heard of Jesus?

    Or

    Have you taken the time to seek him, recognizing Him as the Saviour, as the Wise Men did?

    http://biblicalpath.com/index.php/how-to-be-saved/

  • Jesus’ Prayer

    “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

    John 15:13

    We have heard all of our lives that God sent His Son, Jesus, into the world to save us from our sin. But have you ever thought about how Jesus felt on the eve of that event? Consider Jesus’ prayer as He was about to give up His life – for us. As we read the prayer from His heart (see John 17), recognize how His heart was opened up and revealed for us to understand His heart’s desire as He prayed to His Father. If you take time to look back at Psalm 22, one can understand that Jesus knew of the suffering He was about to endure on the cross for our sins. This will help us understand more clearly the love Jesus had for us, His friends. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).

    Understanding the suffering death He was about to endure, Jesus did just what we have learned that we should do – He took the issues of His heart to God. “The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD” (Proverbs 16:1). (Preparationsmeans “preparing for a particular purpose”.) Jesus’ heart was preparing for the task at hand. “1. These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said,Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: 2. As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. 3. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. 4. I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do” (John 17:1–4). Glorifymeans “to reveal the divine character and attributes of God”. (See John 2:11; John 11:40; John 12:23-35; John 13:31-32 of a few instances where Jesus glorified God.)

    Remember: “No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him” (John 1:18). Jesus understood this and mentioned it in His prayer. He understood that His life here on this earth was to reveal God to man. “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). The only way the world could be saved was to know God and what He did for mankind (sending His Son to be the propitiation for our sins). “9. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 10. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:9–10). (Propitiation is “the means of putting away sin and establishing righteousness—only by Jesus presented as the righteous one, making payment for sin; once and for all”.) This was the work that God sent Jesus to do.

    Think about some of the finished work of Christ when He came. His miracles and messages, the training of His disciples for future work, and ultimately the required sacrifice. “11. And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: 12. But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; 13. From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. 14. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified… 17. And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. 18. Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin” (Hebrews 10:11-14, 17-18). (See also Hebrews 9:24-28.)

    Recognizing this, we must understand that because of this finished work, Believers can have the gift of eternal life. “2. As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. 3. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent” (John 17:2-3).

    Something exciting to consider: Believers are the Father’s gift to His Son, Jesus (see John 17:2, 6, 9, 11-12, 24 and especially notice that Believers today are included in John 17:20). We remember God’s gift to us (see John 3:16). But it should be special to us that we are God’s gift to His Son, Jesus. The only work we can do to achieve this status is found in John 6:29: “Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.” We must believe on Jesus.

    Have you believed, receiving the gift of eternal life, becoming one that Jesus prayed for in the garden?

    Have you become a gift from God to Jesus?

    http://biblicalpath.com/index.php/how-to-be-saved/

  • The Righteous Have Hope

    “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”

    Colossians 3:2

    Ecclesiastes was written by King Solomon, the man who had it all – riches, fame, a rich heritage, a personal relationship with God, and wisdom beyond measure. However, because King Solomon had not learned how to restrain his desires, he discovered that they were the cause of all of his vanity and vexation. Vanity means “anything that is futile or worthless”. Vexation means “something that disturbs or annoys; to trouble seriously”. King Solomon recognized the fool he had become in turning from God. Even with all of his wisdom, he did not have the answers of life. In Ecclesiastes chapter nine, he revealed that he learned there are two kinds of people: wicked or righteous. God takes care of the righteous, but all people will one day die. Only the righteous have hope (of eternity in heaven with Jesus).

    An important thing to consider is that the teachings of Ecclesiastes present the philosophy of Man under the sun (of which Solomon referenced many times in chapters 1-8). He presents the inevitable conclusions by man, not the Christian’s worldview nor the representation of God’s viewpoint. One must remember that Solomon wrote as a man who chose to live his life apart from God as he tried to be happy.

    Read Ecclesiastes 9:1–5. [Note: In brackets there are some thoughts and suggestions for the verses.]

    “1. For all this I considered in my heart even to declare all this, that the righteous, and the wise, and their works, are in the hand of God: no man knoweth either love or hatred by all that is before them” (Ecclesiastes 9:1). [As Solomon continued to consider the vanity of life, he saw that the righteous, the wise, and their works were in God’s hand. “For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for?” (Deuteronomy 4:7).]

    “2. All things come alike to all: there is one event to the righteous, and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean, and to the unclean; to him that sacrificeth, and to him that sacrificeth not: as is the good, so is the sinner; and he that sweareth, as he that feareth an oath” (Ecclesiastes 9:2). [There are two groups of people laid out here—the righteous and the wicked. We find “things” happen to all people, whether they are righteous or wicked.]

    “3. This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event unto all: yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead” (Ecclesiastes 9:3). [Life is not fair. Everyone will die.]

    “4. For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion” (Ecclesiastes 9:4). [The righteous “joined to all the living” are those who have been saved and have Jesus in their hearts. There is a hope. See Solomon’s faith in what we now know. “19. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 20. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:19–22).]

    “5. For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten” (Ecclesiastes 9:5). [Because Christians realize this world is temporary, there is a life after. “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). The lost (those apart from Christ) do not understand or believe this. Also consider the following: “6. Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: 7. (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) 8. We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:6-8).]

    Solomon set out to declare these truths to all generations that followed him, and we should adhere to these truths. He recognized what many today still do not understand—this life is not what we should be living for. There is a life of “the living” that we should desire to be a part of, but we also should warn the rest of the world (just as did Solomon). “15. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: 16. To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?” (2 Corinthians 2:15–16). We must be encouraged to be a “savour of life unto life.”

    The world and Christianity are far apart. Remember how a Christian is to view life: “1. If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:1-2).

    Have you set your affections on things above, recognizing that this world is temporary?

  • The Way that Seems Right

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

    Proverbs 16:25

    “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes” (Proverbs 12:15). Consider what comes when one behaves as a fool. “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12).

    As Christians, notice what we should learn about how to live wisely. “1. The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD. 2. All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits” (Proverbs 16:2). Clean means “clear; pure (morally). People generally think they are right (basically morally good). However, we recognize that it is the Lord who weigheth (means “measure out as with a balance”) the spirits. Spirits means “the element of life in the soul—the part of man that enables him to think and reason”. The Lord will prepare our heart if we let Him. Having done this, God knows the intents of the heart (see Hebrews 4:12). Also remember what is recorded by Jeremiah. “23. O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. 24. O LORD, correct me, but with judgment; not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing” (Jeremiah 10:23-24). It is important to recognize that a Christian must check their lives according to what God says in His Word – not compare that life to other Christian’s lives. Knowing God’s Word helps us understand what God expects. As a Christian reads the Bible, sin is revealed that must be corrected. We are to use God’s Word to understand how to correct our hearts and lives.

    Use the following to help you understand only a few wise words by which to live found in Proverbs:

    The following is something very important all Christians should do: “Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established” (Proverbs 16:3). When we follow after God and His ways, our thinking will be correct (established means “stable, fixed or set aright”).

    Remember: God made everything for Himself. “The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil” (Proverbs 16:4). Accept God’s sovereignty. We are to understand that God is in control. We are to please God, not ourselves. Remember the fool: “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good” (Psalm 14:1). Then remember the faithful who trust 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). A Christian must get in step with and walk with God!

    “Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished” (Proverbs 16:5). Even if all of the world joins you, if you are proud in heart (means: “raised up within the center of being—heart, emotions, will”), you will be an abomination (means: “morally disgusting”) to the Lord and will not go unpunished. It really does not matter what everybody else is doing; it matters that Christians do what is pleasing to God.

    “By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil” (Proverbs 16:6). When man fears God and departs from evil, God forgives.

    “When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him” (Proverbs 16:7). What great motivation to want to please the Lord!

    “Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right” (Proverbs 16:8). As we have learned, riches of this world are not to be desired over the things of God.

    “A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps” (Proverbs 16:9).The word deviseth means “the activity of thinking, creating new ideas” and directeth means “confidence that God will direct our paths”. It can be quite easy to make grand plans for one’s life. However, Christians are to understand with confidence that God will direct our paths.

    “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 16:25). Be encouraged to recognize that even when it seems right to us, if it isn’t what God has taught (according to Scripture), the end is death.

    “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city” (Proverbs 16:32). Learning to control one’s anger (one’s spirit) is very important, more important than conquering a great city.

    These are only a few of the great and wise words found within the book of Proverbs. Christians would be wise to read and follow the wisdom Solomon recorded for us to know. Remember that it is a personal choice – to seek wisdom or to become a fool. We would be wise to not only read, but to memorize the many words of wisdom found in God’s Word.

    Have you learned the importance of committing your life to the Lord understanding that it is only then that your thoughts will be established which will allow your path to be right before God?

    http://biblicalpath.com/index.php/how-to-be-saved/

  • A Confession and a Prayer

    “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.”

    John 5:39

    Agur wrote to his friends a confession. It soon turned into a prayer, one that recognized God. [Note: In brackets there are some definitions.] “1. The words of Agur … 2. Surely I am more brutish [stupid; foolish] than any man, and have not the understanding of a man. 3. I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge [knowledge gained through the senses] of the holy. 4. Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son’s name, if thou canst tell? 5. Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. 6. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. 7. Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die: 8. Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: 9. Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.” (Proverbs 30:1–9)

    Notice that he first recognized himself as a sinner (see verses 2–3). He does not know God.

    He then recognized that he needed a Savior (see verses 3–4). He acknowledged that he could not understand. Compare this with 1 Corinthians 2:14 “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” He did not know God, nor even His Son’s name. So he cried out, asking His name.

    Where did he go for his answers? (See verse 5 and remember Psalm 12:6: “The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.”) He recognized the purity of God’s Word. All of God’s Word.

    However, Agur noted one must be careful to not add to or change what God’s Word says to fit one’s need (see verse 6).

    He then continued with a prayer for forgiveness, and provision (see verses 7-9). (Also remember the Lord’s Prayer most people have learned that is found in Matthew 6:9–13. Especially note verses 11–13a: “11.Give us this day our daily bread. 12. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.13.And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil …”). The man who was writing these verses in Proverbs wanted God to forgive him from the sin he now recognized. He then wanted God to only give him what he needed, so he would acknowledge that it came from God. Too much, and he would claim the glory himself, and with too little he would break God’s commands by stealing. This man’s heart sought to please God earnestly.

    Just as Agur (in Proverbs 30) realized he was a sinful man and acknowledged that he needed God’s forgiveness by knowing His Son (Jesus Christ), each person must come to that point in his or her own heart and life. A decision must be made. After choosing God’s forgiveness (becoming a Christian), one should do as Agur did. Agur chose “every word of God” for it is pure.

    What will you choose?

    Christians should choose the wisdom found in God’s Word – and live it out in our lives thereby pleasing God. God’s wisdom is important to those who belong to Him. Read the following list of verses to help us remember the importance of not only reading, but studying the Word of God. We then must apply those truths to our lives.

    “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me” (John 5:39). Without searching the Scriptures, one cannot understand the need for salvation only found by trusting in Jesus (see 2 Timothy 3:15 and 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10). It is more than uttering a simple prayer – it is a life change to trust in Jesus.

    “It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter” (Proverbs 25:2). Diligently read the Bible, searching out the truths found therein.

    “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:9). When one does not understand what is going on in life, seek God’s way. He knows all.

    “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). The more time a Christian will take to read and study God’s Word (the Bible), the more that one will understand God’s Word and know how to apply it to that life.

    These are just a few of many verses that encourage Christians to read and know God’s Word.

    Have you recognized the importance of knowing God’s wisdom found only in His Word?

  • The Goal for this Life

    “What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?”

    James 2:14

    As a Christian, the goal for this life is to be as Christ-like as one could possibly be. However, not many Christians understand what this means exactly, or even how to accomplish so great a task. Yet the answers are found in the Bible that most people own. James wanted to make a point. All Christians are saved by faith, but our actions (or works) reveal that faith to others. “What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?” (James 2:14). We have already learned that salvation is by faith. We also understand that no one can do anything to earn salvation – for it came by the sacrifice of Jesus. “8. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9. Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). Then what is James trying to teach Christians? “17. Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works” (James 2:17-18). Even something one would think to be minor is important to consider.

    James was teaching Christians that faith and works go hand in hand. Because faith is an issue of the heart (for one believes in the heart, then confesses with the mouth, see Romans 10:9-10), physical works are a necessity to show the world what has taken place in the heart. “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). James wrote, “that faith without works is dead.” This is an indication of one who has only confessed with the mouth that they believed, but never truly believed in the heart – much like the devils. There is no evidence of this faith in that life. Understand that unless it is a “saving faith”, it is counterfeit. This kind of faith lulls people into a false security of eternal life.

    How does one reveal faith in their 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). That faith is lived out in a Christian’s life. Remember that when one trusts in Jesus, there is a change in that life. To trust Christ means that you yield your life to Him, and you then follow Him and His Word (the teachings of the Bible). A Christian becomes Christ-like. “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:10). When a Christian lives for Jesus by the principles of that faith, we will please Him. More than that, we will increase in our knowledge of God.

    James did not just teach that with faith comes works, he cited examples from the Old Testament that all would remember. See the example of Abraham. “21. Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 22. Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? 23. And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. 24. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only” (James 2:21-24). Recognize that James 2:23 was quoted from Genesis 15:6: “And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.” This was recorded twenty years before God called Abraham to offer Isaac. Yet by Abraham’s act of offering his son, Isaac, it revealed the faith he had had in his heart for all of those years. Abraham’s faith was “justified by works,” revealing his heart to all of the world.

    Read another example: Rahab. “Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?” (James 2:25). Remember that Rahab was the woman who lived within the walls of Jericho when the children of Israel sent the two spies into the city. Because she believed in God, she hid the two men, and then helped them escape, saving their lives. Because of her act of faith, she and her family were spared when the entire city of Jericho was destroyed. Her faith in God was revealed by her actions of saving the men of God. All could see her faith lived out in her life.

    Read James’ summary: “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also” (James 2:26). A Christian must live a Christ-like life to reveal that one’s faith in Christ.

    Can anyone see Christ in you?