The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: Abraham

  • From Death to Life

    “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.”

    1 Corinthians 15:22

    Remember Adam, the first man. “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul” (Genesis 2:7). God created man, breathed life into him, and man became alive. “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them” (Genesis 1:27). Adam was made in God’s image. He was perfect, created in righteousness.

    Then sin entered into the world by one man, Adam. Everyone born after Adam was born after the image of Adam. “And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his own likeness, after his image; and called his name Seth” (Genesis 5:3). Just as Adam was in the image of God, Adam brought a son after his likeness. We are all born in the image of Adam, bearing the image of sinful man. We no longer bear the image of God. Because Adam’s sin was passed on to every one born, death passed to all, along with separation from God. “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned” (Romans 5:12). However, God gave Adam a promise that He would send One to restore that broken relationship (see Genesis 3:15).

    We can also remember Abraham, and the promise God gave him – the promise of a Son through whom all of the world would be blessed (the promise of Jesus – see Genesis 12:2-3). Abraham lived by faith, looking forward to Jesus. He believed the promise God gave, and Abraham was called the friend of God. “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” (James 2:23). We are to have the faith of Abraham. “6. Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness… 8. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed” (Galatians 3:6, 8). God preached the Gospel message to Abraham.

    After Moses led the people out of bondage in Egypt, God gave Moses the Law. Without the Law, mankind did not know how sinful they were, or how far they were from God. “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin” (Romans 3:20). In that Law, sin was revealed. We can read how God revealed mankind’s sin to them through the centuries by the Law. However, it was not revealed without the promise that He would send One who would deliver mankind from their sin and death caused by that sin.

    Having remembered these things, see how it is recorded in Romans. “19. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. 20. Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: 21. That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 5:19-21). In these verses we can understand that God never intended for man to live perfectly under the Law, for it is impossible. However, the intent of that Law is to reveal to mankind their need for grace – only provided by the Savior, Jesus. “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ” (John 1:17).

    God revealed the last Adam. The last man Adam would be life giving. “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 … 45. And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. 46. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. 47. The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven” (1 Corinthians 15:21-22, 45-47). Adam brought death because of disobedience (sin), but Jesus brought life through obedience.

    The key to regaining the likeness of Christ and losing the image of Adam is trusting in Jesus by faith. When Nicodemus came to Jesus asking who He was, Jesus explained to Nicodemus. But more than that, Jesus told Nicodemus what he must do (speaking of Himself in the following verse). “That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:15). He also gave Nicodemus this warning: “He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (John 3:18).

    Remember also the encouraging words Jesus gave to Martha when her brother Lazarus had died. “25.Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26. And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?” (John 11:25-26).

    Do you believe this?

    What must one believe?

  • 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?

  • Choices

    “Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.”

    Titus 2:12

    Almost everyone remembers the conflicts between Esau and Jacob. There was a struggle between them even before they were born. “And the children struggled together within her …” (Genesis 25:22a). When Rebecca asked God why, read the reply. “And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger” (Genesis 25:23). This was the reason for the conflict. There where two peoples, or two nations, that were born to Isaac and Rebecca. Consider the following. Although they were twins, Esau was born first. They were about as opposite as twins could be. “And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents” (Genesis 25:27). It was not long before Esau revealed his true nature. It was proven throughout his life; even whom he chose to marry (see Genesis 26:34-35). “Which were a grief of mind unto Isaac and to Rebekah” (Genesis 26:35).

    One day, Esau came in from hunting, extremely hungry. Jacob was cooking some pottage (soup). Esau wanted this soup. “And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright” Genesis 25:31). We need to understand what this “birthright” is. The word birthright means “the firstling of man or beast; abstractly primogeniture: – birthright, firstborn.” Primogeniture means “the state of being the firstborn child. The right of succession belonging to the firstborn child, especially the feudal rule by which the whole real estate of an intestate passed to the eldest son.” Knowing this, read what Esau’s reply was. “And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me?” (Genesis 25:32). Esau sold his birthright to Jacob – for a bowl of soup. Take note that he cared more for the temporary fulfillment of food for his stomach at that moment, more than a lasting heritage for him and his children. The Bible gives us a little insight here. “Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright” (Genesis 25:34). Despised means “to disesteem: – despise, disdain, contemn (contemptible), think to scorn, vile person.” Esau thought nothing of his birthright. Keep in mind that his grandfather, Abraham, had been given a promise of the Messiah who was to come (see Genesis 12:2-3; 22:18, John 8:56, Acts 3:25-26). The same Messiah promised to Adam and Eve in the garden (see Genesis 3:15). The promise would be fulfilled through either Esau or Jacob. From this incident, we should learn much about Esau. He was a carnal man. He thought nothing of the spiritual.

    Later, we remember when Isaac is old and thinks he may die. He called in Esau, sending him to go prepare some venison for him, so that he could bestow upon Esau his blessing. Remember, we read in Genesis 25:23 that “… the elder shall serve the younger.” However, through deceit and trickery, Rebecca sent in Jacob to receive the blessing (read Genesis 27 to remember these events). Jacob received the blessing from his father, Isaac. “28. Therefore God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine: 29. Let people serve thee, and nations bow down to thee: be lord over thy brethren, and let thy mother’s sons bow down to thee: cursed be every one that curseth thee, and blessed be he that blesseth thee” (Genesis 27:28-29). One must remember the promises given to Abraham (see Genesis 12:2-3). These promises would pass on to Jacob (the younger son) and his descendants.

    Esau had proven through his rejection of his birthright and rejecting of the things of God that he was not a spiritual man. He thought more about the present comforts (food, land, wealth) than of the things of God. Read some insight we have of Esau in the New Testament. “16. Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. 17. For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears” (Hebrews 12:16-17). He was a “fornicator” which relates to his rejection of spiritual things. Profane person means “profane, void of religion or piety, a person who lacks all relationship or affinity to God.” Understand how God sees Esau – one who had no relationship, or affinity, to Him. Esau never declared repentance (a change of his mind) for his choices in life, nor did he alter the course of his life to please God. He only wanted his father, Isaac, to “repent” (change his mind) in his decision to give the blessing to Jacob. Read what could have been if Esau had only sought after God and the things of God: “11. For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12. Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” (Titus 2:11-12). Because of the choices that Esau made in his life, rejecting God and the things of God, we understand the following declaration: “As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated” (Romans 9:13).

    Esau had the choice.

    Esau chose poorly.

    Have you chosen to deny ungodliness and the things of this world, and instead to follow righteousness?

  • Second Chances

    “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.”

    Hebrews 7:25

    Stephen was one of the seven men chosen who stood out in his service to God (see Acts 6:8). Christians have learned that when God begins to work, Satan likes to stir trouble against them. “Then there arose certain of the synagogue … disputing with Stephen” (Acts 6:9). The religious leaders confronted Stephen. However, see what we can understand. “And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake” (Acts 6:10). The religious leaders may not have received the truths that Stephen taught about faith in Jesus, but they could not refute those truths either. Understand what the religious leaders did instead. “Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God” (Acts 6:11). Suborned means “to introduce underhandedly; to make a secret agreement; to suborn in the legal sense means to induce a person to make a false oath; to commit perjury.” They set up false witnesses who erroneously accused Stephen. Stephen was brought before the council (see Acts 6:12-13).

    Stephen preached to them. He reminded them of their history from the Old Testament Scriptures. In his teachings, he offered to the religious leaders a bold defense of the Christian faith (Jesus). In his remembrance, he made it a point to remind them of something that occurred throughout their history. See if you can understand the thought that he seemed to be presenting.

    God called Abraham to leave his home and family (see Acts 7:2-5). Abraham left the land of the Chaldeans, but he did not enter the land he was supposed to enter into at first. He waited until his father died. Then he finally went where God sent him. 

    Joseph understood God would one day make him a ruler, yet his brothers rejected him – at first (see Acts 7:9-15). It was not until after his brothers had sold him into slavery, Joseph became a prisoner, and was finally lifted up as the second ruler over the land of Egypt that his brothers accepted him as their ruler. 

    Moses believed he was to deliver his fellow Israelites while in Egypt (see Acts 7:17-36). However, when he tried to help one who was suffering a wrong, Moses avenged him and smote the Egyptian. The people refused him as their leader, and Moses went to Midian for forty years until God called him from the “flame of fire in a bush” (Acts 7:30). Moses returned to Egypt. “This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge? the same did God send to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the angel which appeared to him in the bush” (Acts 7:35). Did you notice that the people refused Moses at first, but God sent him a second time? God used Moses to deliver His people from Egypt. Remember: Joseph was initially rejected by his brothers, and Moses was initially rejected by his people. Even though both of these men were rejected at first, when God gave His people a second chance, these men were received as leaders. It was then that these men were able to save God’s people in their time of history.

    It is here one can understand that Stephen made an observation. “This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear” (Acts7:37). Moses had told them of a Prophet who was to come, and that Prophet was Jesus.

    Stephen went on to remind them of God’s Law that they said they would keep, yet they broke. He reminded them that they refused to allow Moses to lead them into the Promised Land, and yet God allowed Joshua to lead them there.

    It sounds as if Stephen was trying to make the point: that God’s people often failed the first time.

    Although there was never a time that the entire nation worshiped God, there was always a remnant of true Believers. Yet as Stephen reminded the religious leaders of these great men of their history, these religious leaders (who knew the history in the Old Testament) had rejected the greatest Deliverer presented to them – Jesus. For Jesus had come to “… save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Stephen rebuked these religious leaders for their unbelief. Remember, it was some of these same religious leaders who had not only rejected Jesus, but had demanded His death (see Acts 7:52). Do you think Stephen might have been just about to tell them that they, too, had a second chance to believe upon Jesus? The Scripture teaches: “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25).

    Yet what did the religious leaders do before Stephen could say anymore? “When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth” (Acts 7:54). They were “cut to the heart.” These religious leaders had studied the Old Testament Scriptures, yet they had not believed the words recorded therein. They had rejected Jesus, the One of whom it was all written. In essence, they rejected their “second chance.” Instead of repenting and turning to Jesus (as many people had done), they ran upon Stephen (only the messenger) and bit him with their teeth. They then killed Stephen.

    However, when Jesus returns one day, then the Israelite people will believe. 

    Do you understand that God will give a second chance to one who initially may have rejected His call?

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

  • Through Faith Understand

    “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.”
    Hebrews 11:3

    “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). This verse has appeared in prominent places on many plaques or posters. However, have you ever considered what these words actually mean? To what faith is this verse referring?

    Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen means “that persuasion is not the outcome of imagination, but it is based on fact; such as the reality of the resurrection of Christ, and as such it becomes the basis of realistic hope.” Many people who lived in Old Testament times believed that Jesus would come (because God had made that promise). Although they did not live to see the fulfillment of that promise, they lived lives declaring they believed that promise: a life of faith. Consider what Jesus said when He was speaking to the religious leaders in the book of John. “Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad” (John 8:56). Jesus, Himself, recognized Abraham as one who looked forward to His coming. This kind of faith led to the comment in the next verse: “For by it the elders obtained a good report” (Hebrews 11:2). Not only do we understand these people lived believing the promises God made, by faith, today we know that Jesus came – just as God promised.

     However, the following verse is often overlooked: “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear” (Hebrews 11:3). The fact that God created the heaven and the earth from nothing in six days and rested on the seventh is challenged in our world today. Other theories are taught, yet none of them has been proven. God, Himself, declared that He created all. “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). This is the first thing that He declared to us. This is the first step of faith. If one does not believe that God created the heaven and the earth, how will one ever believe the rest of the Bible? It is interesting to note that this fact is reiterated right here in Scripture, helping us understand the importance of believing all of the Word of God. This first step of faith will allow one to begin to understand that God loved His creation (man) so much, that He willingly sent His Son, Jesus, to restore the relationship broken by man’s sin. 

    Those people recorded in the eleventh chapter of the book of Hebrews, believed, by faith, that God created the world. This was the first step of faith. They were then able to believe God’s promises by faith. “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). We find a great list of people who diligently sought God and lived by faith. Many names listed should be quite familiar: Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, and many others. While reading that listing of faithful men and women from the Old Testament, there are interjections by the writer, helping understand the importance of faith. Remember that the people of faith from the Old Testament believed the promise that God would send One, Jesus, who would bring reconciliation between man and God.

    Each of the people on that list diligently sought God, trusting that God would reward them for their faithfulness to Him, for they looked forward to Jesus’ coming. “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth” (Hebrews 11:13).

    • Persuaded means “to be convinced; to believe.” 
    • Embraced means “to welcome; to receive gladly – referring to the promises.”

    These people lived by faith. Read how we are to understand this active participation of faith in one’s life by the following verses: “6. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7. Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving” (Colossians 2:6-7).

    • faith means “a knowledge of, assent to, and confidence in certain divine truths, especially those of the Gospel, as produces good works.”
    • stablished means “to turn resolutely in a certain direction; strengthen.”

    One must actively become “stablished” in that faith.

    Chapter eleven of Hebrews is often called the “Hall of Faith” because of the many Old Testament men and women who were commended for this faith. They believed God and His Word. These men and women can help one understand the importance of trusting in Christ, who came as God promised, to restore the life that had been lost because of sin. Not only that, but because of their faith, Christians can look back to their perseverance, lending strength in unsure times.

    Have you taken the first step of faith, believing that God created the heaven and earth, enabling you to trust in God’s Son, Jesus?

    Do you remember those who were commended for their faith, allowing them to encourage you in your Christian life?

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

  • Stephen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    How to be Saved

  • Lesson 2 (Lesson 15): Genesis 12 – 24: Abraham and Isaac

    Key Verse

    “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.” James 2:23

    Read today’s key verse with your class.  Help them understand with the following:  imputed means counted; to put to his account, either in his favor or what he must be answerable.  Righteousness means that righteousness which has regard to God and the divine law; especially internally where the heart is right with God; piety toward God, and hence righteousness; i.e.:  to regard as evidence of piety, hence the righteousness which is in or through faith in Christ.

    Summary:  Abraham believed the promise God made in Genesis 3:15 (God would send one to deliver mankind from their sins).  It is proven in his faithfulness to obey God’s call upon his life.  He was faithful to leave his home and walk the land God promised would belong to his descendants (even though at this point he and Sarah were old and without any children).  Abraham believed God would give him a son, just like He promised.  Even when the promise was fulfilled and he had his son, Isaac, Abraham was faithful to obey God when God asked Abraham to give him back.  And because of his righteousness (faith that Jesus would come), he was called the Friend of God.

    This lesson helps us to understand that “righteousness” before God is when we have faith in Jesus:  see II Corinthians 5:21:  “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.”

     

    Optional Worksheets to be downloaded:

    Lesson 15 – Volume 1 Children’s Worksheet 1

    Lesson 15 – Volume 1 Children’s Reinforcement Worksheet

     

    Ideas for children:

    Stickers always work well with children. Often times I watch Wal-Mart or Oriental Trading Company for specials or deals on things I can use for crafts for Sunday School (i.e. foam sheets, Bible Story scene stickers, crowns, stick on jewels, construction paper, etc.).  I keep a stash and when I need something, I go search in my stash!

    For today’s lesson, we took a 5×7 foam sheet and put a sticker of a Bible looking man on the bottom.  The children then put a whole bunch of stickers of stars on the top. We placed the verse James 2:23 on the bottom to remind them that because Abraham believed God (and acted upon that belief), he was called the friend of God.

     

    Mural idea:

    Refer to the wall in your classroom that has become a mural.  Today, have them consider Abraham.  Are they willing to change the course of their life to follow God, just like Abraham did?  Have them write (on a puzzle piece or construction paper) ways we can live a righteous life before God.  Add these to your mural, as a reminder to please God with our lives.

    Have them each add anything else they may have brought to add to the wall.  Encourage everyone to participate.