The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: Believe

  • Do you Understand?

    “And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?”
    Luke 24:32

    Have you ever had an event happen in your life that brought great sadness? Did that same event bring confusion as to the plan God had at that time? One cannot help but remember an event from the Bible.

    Jesus had been crucified. The disciples, scattered. After three days, the tomb was empty. The soldiers, who had been placed guard over that tomb, were declaring that the disciples had stolen Jesus’ body. The women who went to the sepulcher with spices found the stone rolled away from an empty tomb. These same women saw two men with shining faces who declared Jesus was alive. When Peter and John ran to see the tomb, it was empty. There was much confusion. No one knew what to believe.

    There were a couple of people walking from Jerusalem on the road to Emmaus. “And they talked together of all these things which had happened” (Luke 24:14). Understand that these two were followers of Jesus who had witnessed His death in Jerusalem. Remember the following facts: the tomb was empty, Jesus’ body was gone, some claimed to have seen Him alive, and there was a “rumor” being spread that the disciples had stolen Jesus’ body. Think of how they felt as they discussed the fact that the One in whom they believed and followed had died at the hands of the Romans. Why did this happen? What were they to do? Where were they to go? What happened to Jesus’ body? As they continue from Jerusalem on their way to Emmaus, a man joined them. “And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them” (Luke 24:15). This man was Jesus, whom they did not recognized (see Luke 24:16). He began to ask them questions about why they were so sad. The two were surprised that He did not know what had happened. So they began to tell Him, “… Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people: 20. And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him. 21. But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done” (Luke 24:19b-21). They proceeded to tell Him of the women who claimed to have seen angels who said Jesus was alive. They revealed what they understood (“trusted”).

    What did Jesus (the man who had joined the two walking) say to them? As they relayed the events that had transpired, recognize Jesus’ frustration as He replied, “25. Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: 26. Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? 27. And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself” (Luke 24:25-27). Fool in this verse means “lacking intelligence; one without the organ by which divine things are comprehended and known or ignored.” Jesus also told them that they were slow of heart to believe. They should have understood, thereby believing, but because they did not, Jesus explained it to them. They should not have been surprised that Jesus had been crucified on the cross, or that His body was no longer in the tomb. If they had only believed what they had been taught from the Old Testament, they would have understood. Take note that Jesus preached to them the Gospel Message (Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection) from the Old Testament (Moses and all the prophets) of which they knew. They lacked faith.

    Just imagine the blessing they would have missed if they had not invited this One who had walked and talked with them to stay for the evening. For it was not until “he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them” that they recognized it was Jesus (see Luke 24:30-31). “And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?” (Luke 24:32). It was a heart issue (see Romans 10:10).

     Think for a minute. Have you ever been disappointed when something did not happen as you thought it should happen, “according to your plan?” How did you respond in that situation? Were you angry? Did you ask questions? Wonder why it happened? Did you just quit? Instead of being a fool, “one who lacks the intelligence or comprehension” of what God is doing in this world and especially in your life, do you read your Bible? It is in times like these that it is imperative to open and read the Word of God (your Bible) to understand God’s plan. Jesus explained to these two people what the prophets had spoken and had been recorded for all to read – right from God’s Word. (See Romans 10:17.)

    Are you a fool (lacking intelligence), or slow of heart to believe what is written in the Bible?

    Or

    Does your heart burn within you as you read your Bible, encouraged in the Word of God?

  • Do you Believe?

    “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

    The many miracles Jesus did, and the many things Jesus taught were very important – for many people believed upon Him, becoming His followers. However, we can understand that not all who saw and heard believed. Jesus explained how one must come to Him – not with an educated mind, challenging the things of God (as the religious leaders continually did). After teaching some of the people, children were brought to Jesus. The disciples tried to keep the children from Jesus. However, Jesus was displeased. He called for the children to come to Him. Jesus then explained to the people how to receive the kingdom of God (receive means “to accept an offer deliberately and readily”). Understand the kingdom of God by the following: When the Pharisees asked Jesus when it should come, read His reply. “And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation” (Luke 17:20). Not with observation means, “you cannot see it with human eyes.” He went on to say. “Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21). Within you means “it is located in your heart and affections; not external.” That is one reason we refer to being saved as “asking Jesus into your heart.” You cannot see it with your eyes. Jesus wanted the people to understand this. To children, things are simpler, less convoluted. The gospel message is very simple – one must only believe – just as a child. In other words, simply believe and receive without question.

    “And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him …” (Mark 10:17a). The placement of this event with this one that comes running to Jesus is interesting. It follows the recording of Jesus explaining that one must come to His kingdom as a child. Keep that thought in mind as we look at this “rich young ruler.” He is called a “young man” in Matthew’s accounting (see Matthew 19:16-22) and a “ruler” in Luke’s accounting (see Luke 18:18-27). He is often called The Rich Young Ruler.

    He asked Jesus, “Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” (Mark 10:17b). Read the events. “18. And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. 19. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. 20. And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. 21. Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. 22. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions” (Mark 10:18-22).

    In this event, the first thing we notice is that the young ruler thought he had to “do” something to inherit eternal life (see Mark 10:17). He had already obeyed God’s Word (the Law), but Jesus told him what was lacking (see Mark 10:20). His faith was in his earthly possessions – not in Jesus. Jesus wanted His disciples to understand the difference. One cannot do anything to inherit eternal life, but believe in Jesus.

    “23. And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! 24. And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! 25. It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. 26. And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved? 27. And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible” (Mark 10:23-27). See that Jesus called them “children.” He was talking to His disciples – those who believed upon Him. Yet in that explanation, one can almost sense that Jesus wanted them to remember that one must come to Him as a child – not with anything they can bring. One must have faith just trusting and believing in Jesus.

    When Peter acknowledged that they had given their all (see Mark 10:28), Jesus explained that they would be rewarded in heaven. While they lived on the earth, man may not see Jesus’ followers as important, but in heaven, God will reward them according to their faithfulness to Him. The Rich Young Ruler chose unwisely, while Jesus’ disciples chose wisely. For one must come to Jesus, simply with the heart and mind of a child, just believing in Jesus. One has to believe in the heart – not actually having to see the “kingdom of God” with the eyes. Then one must follow Jesus.

    Have you come to Jesus, simply with the heart as a child in faith, just believing in Jesus?

    How to be Saved

  • Believe, by Faith

    “But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.”
    Acts 15:11

    Jesus’ ministry began shortly after John the Baptist introduced Jesus saying, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29b). Then “… Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). There were many facets of Jesus’ ministry. Not only did he preach repentance to the people, but he healed many as well. “35. And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36. But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd” (Matthew 9:35-36). The words moved with compassion means “from the bowels; to feel deeply; to yearn, have compassion, pity.” Jesus saw the need of the people. However, especially notice that it took a decision on the part of the person, or persons, involved – to believe or not to believe. Remember: “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10).

    Sometimes after Jesus healed someone, He would say to tell no one. However, oftentimes the one healed told everyone – insomuch that Jesus could not enter into the city for the crowds that wanted to see Him. This hindered Jesus’ ability to preach. “1. And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house. 2. And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them” (Mark 2:1-2). Soon the crowds heard He was in town and went to find Him. “3. And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four. 4. And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay. 5. When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee” (Mark 2:3-5). Four friends brought a man sick of the palsy to Jesus to be healed. Palsy means “the loss of motor power in the muscles or the voluntary muscular motion; equivalent to motor paralysis.” These friends lowered the sick man (who could not come on his own) through the roof because there were too many people in the house. Nevertheless, Jesus saw their faith. Faith means “faith in Christ to be able to work miracles or to heal the sick.” Do you remember what Jesus went about preaching? Repent. Repent means “to change the mind; regret or sorrow, accompanied by a true change of heart toward God; sorrow for unbelief and sin and turning from them unto God and the gospel of Christ.” Jesus wanted the people to turn from their sin. Therefore, he forgave those who came to Him in faith.   

    “But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, 7. Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?” (Mark 2:6). These scribes understood that it was only the Lord, “Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases” (Psalm 103:3). Yet, they witnessed Jesus declare this man’s sins were forgiven. “8. And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts? 9. Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk? 10. But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,) 11. I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house. 12. And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion” (Mark 2:7-12).

    When Jesus forgave that man’s sins, the scribes were “reasoning in their hearts.” Amazingly, Jesus knew their thoughts and answered their unspoken questions. Remember: God knows all. In addition, to show these unbelieving religious leaders He had the ability to not only heal but also forgive sins, Jesus told the man to take up his bed and walk. And he did. All were amazed at this healing.

    Christians understand that sinners must be brought to Jesus. Just as these four friends brought their friend to meet Jesus, we, too, must bring our friends to Jesus. However, most importantly, we must understand that although the four friends brought this man with palsy to Jesus, this man had to decide for himself. He had to have faith in Jesus, believing His words. When the man obeyed, he was healed. It was not his friends’ faith that saved him. It was incumbent upon that man to decide whether he believed Jesus’ word or not. He had to act upon the word of Jesus. When he immediately arose, took up his bed, and went forth – that showed his faith in Jesus. No one had ever seen anything like that before.

    Remembering that Jesus came to provide salvation, if you do not tell your friends about Jesus, who will?

    How to be Saved

  • We are His Workmanship

    “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
    Ephesians 2:10

    John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus by preaching repentance. In that message, John was preparing the people’s hearts to understand their need for Jesus. After John the Baptist introduced the people to Jesus, read what happened. “35. Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; 36. And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!” (John 1:35-36). John again declared Jesus as the Lamb of God. “And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus” (John 1:37). Recognize that these men left John the Baptist to follow the One for which John had come to prepare the way. John had done His job: he had directed the people’s attention to the Savior of the world, Jesus. These men left John, and they followed Jesus.

    “38. Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou? 39. He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day … 40. One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother” (John 1:38-40). John’s disciples called Jesus Rabbi (Master); yet another indication that they had turned their focus from John to Jesus. They were ready to hear the teachings of Jesus now that they had met Him. Rabbi means “a doctor, teacher, master; a title of honor in the Jewish schools.” After Andrew believed in Jesus, he immediately found his brother, Simon (Peter), and took him to meet Jesus.

    “The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me” (John 1:43). Jesus called Philip, too. What did Philip do? “Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph” (John 1:45). Philip recognized who this man was that called him. Philip understood that Jesus was the Promised One that Moses and the prophets had written about in the Old Testament. Immediately he went and found Nathanael to bring him to Jesus. (Remember, that is what Andrew had done. Andrew immediately went and found his brother, Simon.) Today, when a person meets Jesus, becoming a Christian, the immediate response should be to introduce others to Jesus, too.

    Nathanael was a skeptic – at first. Nevertheless, after Jesus told him where he had been, Nathanael believed. Remember that each person has the choice – to believe or not to believe. Nathanael believed.

    Many people followed Jesus because they wanted to hear His teachings – so many that they crowded Him. Jesus saw the empty ships, and asked Simon to thrust the ship out a little from the shore. Jesus taught the people from the ship. After finishing teaching, Jesus told Simon (Peter) to go out to the deep water and throw out their nets again to fish. Simon (Peter) initially objected – but then he obeyed Jesus. They caught so many fish that their nets broke, and then both ships began to sink because of the number of fish caught. How did Peter respond? “8. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. 9. For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken” (Luke 5:8-9). Especially notice that Peter was not the only one affected by this miraculous catch of fish. “10. And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. 11. And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him” (Luke 5:10-11). It was at this point that these four men forsook their old occupation as fishermen of fish, and followed Jesus as fishers of men. If you notice, it said, “they forsook all.” In Matthew, chapter four it tells us that James and John were working with their father. They left him, too. 

    People were trying not only to hear Jesus’ teachings, but also to be healed. Many people followed Jesus. He was drawing the people from a religious practice to a commitment of the heart – a heart committed to Jesus. Jesus saw the need of the people. Read what Jesus did. “12. And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. 13. And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles” (Luke 6:12-13). Apostle means “an ambassador; it indicates the distinctive relation of the 12 men Jesus chose to be His witnesses of Him before the world.” This was the third call of these men. They were initially called to believe in Jesus. Then they were called to follow Jesus. Finally, Jesus called them for a special purpose – to be His apostles.

    Just as Jesus called the twelve disciples (Apostles) for a special purpose, when someone today is saved (asks Jesus into their heart), Jesus has a special purpose for them as well. “8. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 10. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:8, 10). Not only are Christians His workmanship (workmanship means “the result of work; something produced; something made”), but God has before ordained (before ordained means “to make ready beforehand; used of God’s foreordaining for good, referring to glory and good works”) that new Christian to walk in that new life Jesus has for them. Jesus has a job for each Christian.

    Have you believed in Jesus, becoming a Christian?

    Do you follow Jesus and His teachings?

    Have you recognized the job that Jesus has for your life?

    How to be Saved

  • Witnesses of the Redeemer

    “4. But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5. To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.”
    Galatians 4:4-5

    Have you ever considered that God provided witnesses to the birth of His Son, Jesus?

    When Jesus was born, the angels declared His birth to the shepherds who were watching their flocks by night. “10. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger” (Luke 2:10-12). They immediately went to the city of David, Bethlehem, and found the child just as the angels had told them. “And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child” (Luke 2:17). After they saw the baby, Jesus, they told everyone about this child and what they knew of Him.

    We also remember that there were Wise Men from the East who followed a star. They went to Jerusalem to find out where the new King had been born. Herod called in the chief priests and scribes to ask them where this new King would be born. They recalled the answer from the book of Micah. “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).When the Wise Men learned that this King was born in Bethlehem, they went and followed the star. It came to rest over the house where Jesus was born. “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” (Matthew 2:11).

    The shepherds and the Wise Men are both witnesses that Jesus was born in Bethlehem – just as God’s Word had declared.

    We find that God also had declared in His Word that Jesus would come to the Temple. “Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts” (Malachi 3:1). The people were to be watching for the Lord to come to the Temple. In Luke chapter two, we find that there were two such people. Simeon was a man waiting for the Messiah to come. When he saw Joseph and Mary bring the babe Jesus to the Temple, he declared, “For mine eyes have seen thy salvation” (Luke 2:30). He recognized Jesus was that Messiah God had promised from the beginning of time.

    Anna was a widow who “… departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day” (Luke 2:37b). When she came in at that instant and saw Jesus, she gave thanks to the Lord, “… and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem” (Luke 2:38b). She understood that this was the One that God sent to redeem His people. (See Hebrews 9:12.)

    Simeon and Anna were both witness that Jesus came to the Temple suddenly – just as God’s Word had declared.

    Each of these instances took place in different cities, in different places, and at different times. Yet each of these instances fulfilled the stipulations put forth in the Bible. Only God could know that these events would happen exactly as they did, hundreds of years before they actually took place! God declared that he sent His only Son into the World, to redeem the world from sin – if only they would believe. It is only then that one can become a son of God, through Christ. “4. But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5. To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. 6. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. 7. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ” (Galatians 4:4-7). One must only believe the witness that God sent His Son, Jesus, to redeem man from sin.

    Have you believed the witnesses that Jesus came, born of a woman, to redeem any who would believe?

    How to be Saved

  • Christmas Time

    “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.”
    Luke 2:10

    This has been another crazy year. Many things continue to feel uncertain. So much has changed. It is hard to believe that the year 2021 is almost over. Does it feel like Christmas time?

    Have you ever watched A Charlie Brown Christmas? As it opens, Charlie Brown is declaring to Linus, “I think there must be something wrong with me. Christmas is coming, but I’m not happy. I don’t feel the way I’m supposed to feel. I just don’t understand Christmas, I guess.” He then continues by telling Linus all of the things he likes about the Christmas season, but that he still isn’t happy. “I always end up feeling depressed,” declares Charlie Brown. Linus tells Charlie Brown that only he could turn a wonderful season like Christmas and turn it into a problem.

    If you remember how the show progresses, Charlie Brown is in charge of the Christmas program. He finds that everything he does turns into a disaster. In the midst of it all, he declares that he really doesn’t know what Christmas is all about. He then cries out, “Isn’t there anyone who can tell me what Christmas is all about?!”

    Linus steps up declaring that he knows what Christmas is all about. One should remember what Linus quotes to everyone who is there: “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:8-14).

    Most people in the world today seem to forget: What Christmas is all about. In the cartoon A Charlie Brown Christmas, the point is made. It is not the giving and receiving of Christmas gifts, the sending of Christmas cards, the commercialism that Christmas has become, and not even the Christmas programs that people try to make happen. The simplicity of the Christmas message is lost on the masses. It is purely what the angels told the shepherds in the field that night so long ago: “For, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. ” The good tiding of great joy was the birth of Jesus, the Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. One must understand that Christmas is about the greatest gift ever given: Jesus. God so loved us that He sent His only Son. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). God revealed His love for us by sending His only Son to die for our sin. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Then one must believe that Jesus did die to pay the penalty for our sin. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). He came to die (because of our sin), so that we could have life (because we cannot pay the penalty for our sin). Whoever will believe in Him, though they were dead in their sins and trespasses, yet shall he live. (Remember what Jesus declared to Martha, “Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live” John 11:25.) Each person must understand that Christmas is remembering the giving of the greatest gift. God gave His only Son, Jesus. What is one to do with that important information? “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). This message of Jesus is the tidings of great joy! To all people!

    This gift is available to anyone. But this gift must be received by one who would only believe.

    Do you know what Christmas is all about?

    Have you received God’s gift (Jesus) into your heart and life?

    How to be Saved

  • Jesus, our Redeemer

    “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.”
    Ephesians 2:13

    In the book of Ruth, after reading about Ruth and Boaz, we see the parallel to the redemption Jesus did for us on the cross. Ruth was drawn to God and His people. She found out about a kinsman redeemer; Ruth was to go to him, uncover his feet, and lie down, and he would tell her what to do. The same thing happens when we come to Christ. Notice the ones who came to Jesus’ feet and what He did for them. “And great multitudes came unto him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus’ feet; and he healed them” (Matthew 15:30). When they believed, they were not only healed but redeemed (saved).   

    God brings us to Him (sometimes through unusual circumstances):

    “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith” (Galatians 3:24). There is another verse to see. “12. That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: 13. But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:12–13).

    Jesus is our Redeemer:

    “The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate” (Psalm 34:22). There is another verse to see. “13. Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14. In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:13–14).  

    God reveals the need for redemption, if only we will ask:

    “6. They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; 7. None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him: 8. (For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever)” (Psalm 49:6–8). See also the following. “Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near” (Isaiah 55:6). There are more verses to see. “8. But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 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 10:8–10).

    God reveals the price for redemption was paid by Jesus’ death on the cross and we are then made His own:

    “18. Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19. But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 20. Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you” (1 Peter 1:18–20). See also: “8. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. 11. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement” (Romans 5:8–11).  

    Why and what should we do?

    “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; 13. Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14. Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” (Titus 2:11–14). Then we are to show the world what Jesus can do for them. “To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me” (Acts 26:18).

    Have you believed in Jesus by faith, having then been redeemed, becoming a Christian?

    How to be Saved

  • A Heart of Unbelief

    “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.”
    James 1:8

    The Gospel Message of Jesus is available to anyone who will receive it. However, one must not only believe that message, it then must be received into one’s heart and life by faith. “For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it” (Hebrews 4:2). When one does not believe, it does not profit them. See why not: “Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief” (Hebrews 4:6). We can read in the next verse that there is a cry for one not to harden their heart (so that faith can enter in). See how this is described: “12. Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. 13. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin” (Hebrews 3:12-13). One who rejects the Gospel message of Jesus has departed from the living God in unbelief. There is no hope for such a one. Remember, in the Old Testament God’s people were to obey and follow God, waiting for Jesus to come.

    One cannot help but remember back to the Bible and a very real example of one without faith. His name was Saul, the first king of Israel. He was physically, everything a people could want in a king. He was good-looking, and he stood head and shoulders taller than anyone else did. However, what kind of a man was Saul really?

    In the administration of his kingdom, we find out that Saul demanded obedience to his command. He even promised death to anyone who defied his command. In one instance, it turned out to be his son, Jonathan, who had unwillingly disobeyed his father’s command. When the king was prepared to kill his son, the people stepped in and saved his life. Shortly thereafter, God required King Saul’s obedience in a matter. But when Saul disobeyed God, God did not demand his death. God is forgiving and although there was discipline for disobedience, God gave him a second chance.

    God told Saul to go and utterly destroy Amalek and everything they had (for they were God’s enemies). He was even to kill the king. Saul gathered the people and went to Amalek. They took the city. “But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them: but every thing that was vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly” (1 Samuel 15:9). Saul did not obey God’s command. God declared that Saul had turned back from following Him, and not performed His commandments. When confronted with the truth of the matter, Saul lied. Read his response when questioned by Samuel, God’s prophet. “20. And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the LORD, and have gone the way which the LORD sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. 21. But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God in Gilgal” (1 Samuel 15:20-21). Did you notice that King Saul blamed the people for his disobedience? Because of his disobedience to God this time, God removed the kingdom from Saul and his family. Samuel told him that because he had rejected the word of the Lord, God had also rejected him from being king.

    It was not until the punishment had been uttered that Saul admitted his fault. “And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice” (1 Samuel 15:24). Samuel completed the job that Saul was to supposed do. Samuel killed the king of the Amalekites.

    Shortly after that, God chose a man after His own heart, David. Saul spent the rest of his kingdom not trying to please God, but trying to destroy David. This caused his kingdom to become one mainly of defeat. We do not hear of him seeking after God until right before he died in his last battle. When the Philistine army gathered together against Israel again, Saul gathered all of Israel together. He was afraid. Saul wanted a word from God, but he did not receive one: for God did not answer him (see 1 Samuel 28:6). Saul then searched and found a woman who had a “familiar spirit” (means a necromancer or sorcerer; a witch). Saul disguised himself, went by night, and found her. He sought the world’s ways of seeking answers instead of waiting upon God.

    We can understand that the main problem of Saul was that he had no spiritual foundation on which to build a godly life. Sure, he was God’s chosen man to be king of His people, but Saul never sought God or His wisdom with all of his heart. When David came into Saul’s life, many of Saul’s insufficiencies (his lack of faith and obedience to God) revealed themselves. Saul openly became a double-minded man. He was a soldier pursuing David as if he were Saul’s enemy one day, yet the next he would acknowledge that God was with David. “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways” (James 1:8). We can recognize that Saul had no faith.

    Are you one with no faith, like Saul who departed from the living God in unbelief?

    Or,

    Have you received the Gospel Message of Jesus, by faith, into your heart and life?

    How to be Saved

  • Jesus Revealed

    “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.”
    Matthew 5:17

    When Jesus came, He did not take away the importance of the Old Testament Law and Prophets; instead, He fulfilled them. This means He completed them, or made them completely perfect. “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill” (Matthew 5:17). Fulfill means “to fill out; complete or made them perfect; to accomplish an end.” Jesus came to complete (fulfill) the promise God made to Adam and Eve (and all of mankind) in the garden after they sinned. It was in the garden that God first promised that One would come and deliver man from his sin. When Jesus came, He did not take away the importance of the Old Testament Law and Prophets, for He accomplished what God required of Him. This reveals to us the importance of the Old Testament Law and Prophets in that Jesus fulfilled the words spoken and preached therein. In accomplishing all of the requirements found in the Old Testament, Jesus was the only one qualified, to be the perfect sacrifice to appease the wrath of a just and righteous God.

    Jesus completed everything He came to accomplish. After His resurrection, Jesus revealed Himself to His disciples. “44. And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. 45. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, 46. And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47. And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48. And ye are witnesses of these things” (Luke 24:44-48).

    It is very important to read God’s Word and be in a good Bible study where you can learn more about Jesus. One important goal each Christian should have is to know and understand more about the Old Testament (and the New Testament). The more you learn about the Bible, the more you begin to understand that it is so much more than just a collection of stories about people who lived long ago. In reading and studying the Old Testament in the Bible, you can search and find out why the people who lived in those times wanted to obey God. It helps you understand how they knew God would one day send Jesus. You can see what happened to His people when they obeyed God’s Word, and even what happened when they forgot God’s Word. As you read the New Testament, you begin to recognize when people began to understand that Jesus was the One who was to come (the One that was told of in the Old Testament). These events will be an encouragement to you that God is with those who love Him, those who seek to please Him, and that He takes care of His people.

    In the New Testament, we can read that there was a great plot to kill Paul because He lived as a Christian, preaching Jesus to the lost (those who did not believe in Jesus). Paul, the apostle, used this in his defense before Festus: “But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets” (Acts 24:14).

    He believed all things written in the Law and Prophets that told of Jesus.

    Do you?

  • Our Adversary

    “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour”
    1 Peter 5:8

    Remember what every Christian should have already learned about Satan: when he became proud, wanting to be greater than God, he became God’s enemy (see Isaiah 14:12-16).

    When Jesus came to earth, He came to defeat Satan (the devil), once and for all. “He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8). Not only do we learn that Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil, but we recognize just who belongs to the devil. (One who commits sin in this verse is one who practices or lives in a prolonged form of sin.) How can you tell the difference between those who belong to the devil and those who belong to God? “In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother” (1 John 3:10). There is a definite distinction.

    What did Jesus say about the devil when He was speaking to the religious leaders? “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it” (John 8:44). We are to recognize that Satan is a murderer, there is no truth in him, he only speaks of his own, and he is a liar. These religious leaders obviously were not in righteousness – which is the distinction between those who belong to God instead of belonging to the devil.

    What did Jesus do for those who wanted free from the devil? “14. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15. And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage” (Hebrews 2:14-15). Jesus became a man to destroy Satan (through Jesus’ death and resurrection). Each person is given the choice to choose the life Jesus offered (because of His death and resurrection) instead of the life into which they were born (lost and apart from Christ).

    The life Jesus offers is eternal. Read the promise to those who choose the life offered by Jesus. “29. And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s, 30. But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life” (Mark 10:29-30).  Christians are then able to understand that the promises of the life Jesus offered and gave are far superior to the life they had previously. For those who chose the life Jesus offers, they recognize that the life they lived until that time was only temporary, for it would have ended in the wrath of God and in eternal death. (“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him” John 3:36)

    Once a person chooses Christ, they have a new life. (“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” 2 Corinthians 5:17.) Christians then have a new enemy – the devil (Satan).

    As God’s enemy, the devil wants to destroy God’s people. (Read what we must know: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” 1 Peter 5:8.) Christians must be on guard, understanding our enemy wants to devour us. What is one thing Christians are to remember? “God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:9).

    Do you live a vigilant life, on guard, understanding the devil wants to devour?