The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: children

  • Repent and Turn

    “Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.”

    Ezekiel 18:30

    Ezekiel was taken captive by the Babylonians in the second taking of the people. God called Ezekiel to speak specifically to the children of the captives in Babylon. The children would live there, but after seventy years would be allowed to return to the land of Israel. “And go, get thee to them of the captivity, unto the children of thy people, and speak unto them, and tell them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear” (Ezekiel 3:11). Ezekiel was to give the Words from God. The people had to choose if they would receive the message and act upon it, or not.

    One important message God gave to Ezekiel was a warning with a specific call to His people: “Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin” (Ezekiel 18:30). Ruin means “stumbling block; it is an obstacle, a cause of falling or sinning”. They must understand that God would judge each life. It was up to each individual person (“every one”) to repent and turn from his or her sin (transgressions). God did not want sin to be their “ruin”; the obstacle between them and God. In turning from sin, they were to turn to Him – the same as it is today. Remember: the people of Israel were evicted from their land because of their sin against God, forsaking Him for idol worship, and refusing to repent (see 2 Chronicles 36:14-21). The obstacle of the people’s sin separated between them and God. However, the children who came after them would not be held accountable for their parents’ sins. Each one of them had the choice: the choice to repent and turn to God, or refuse to repent and remain in sin.

    Remember what they should have already known. God did not want the people to die in their sins. He had made a provision for them, if they would only hear and obey. Each person had a choice: life or death. Moses had presented the choice to them many years before.

    “14. But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.

    15. See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil;

    16. In that I command thee this day to love the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live…

    17. But if thine heart turn away, so that thou wilt not hear, but shalt be drawn away, and worship other gods, and serve them;

    18. I denounce unto you this day, that ye shall surely perish, and that ye shall not prolong your days upon the land…

    19. … I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live” (Deuteronomy 30:14-19).

    Moses had presented them with the choice as to how they would live here on earth and in the land God had promised His people. Ezekiel was reminding them of the same choice. Moreover, Ezekiel wanted the people to understand that this decision related to more than this earthly life in the here and now. There was an eternity to consider.

    God never changes. God wanted to save people in the Old Testament times, New Testament times, and He still wants to save people today. However, God allows each person to choose – to believe, or to not believe. Understand that every person is a sinner before a holy and righteous God (see Romans 3:23). Moreover, all of man’s righteousness is as filthy rags in God’s sight (see Isaiah 64:6). But we should recognize how to have life eternal. “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). Whosoever believes in Jesus can have life! Instead of choosing continual sin, one must choose Jesus by faith: then he or she can have life. God wants all to understand: He judges each individual person on his or her response to Him. “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).

    One must receive the righteousness of Jesus, who takes our sin and replaces it with His righteousness: “For he hath made him (Jesus)to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). That comes by belief.

    Just as Moses told the people: “But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it” (Deuteronomy 30:14). Paul recalled the same thing, quoting it in Romans: “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” (Romans 10:8-9).

    God leaves the choice with each individual as to whether he or she will believe. What happens if one chooses to reject the gift of salvation that Jesus offers? “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).

    What do you choose?

    To turn from sin, receiving everlasting life.

    Or

    Have you chosen to have the wrath of God abide upon you?

    Choose to Live by turning from sin: How to be saved.

  • The Wise Live by God’s Wisdom

    “Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.”

    James 3:13

    The book of Proverbs was mostly written by the wisest man, King Solomon. His wisdom came directly from God (see 1 Kings 3:5-15). Remember what God specifically told Solomon. “4. And if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, in integrity of heart, and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded thee, and wilt keep my statutes and my judgments: 5. Then I will establish the throne of thy kingdom upon Israel for ever, as I promised to David thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man upon the throne of Israel” (1 Kings 9:4-5).

    God gave Solomon great wisdom, and He expected Solomon to walk before Him in that wisdom. One of the most memorable recollections of this wisdom, is when the two women came before King Solomon, wanting him to resolve the issue of the baby (see 2 Kings 3:16-28). After Solomon’s judgment, “And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had judged; and they feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him, to do judgment” (1 Kings 3:28). It did not take long for news of Solomon’s wisdom from God to travel abroad. “And there came of all people to hear the wisdom of Solomon, from all kings of the earth, which had heard of his wisdom” (1 Kings 4:34).

    We partially understand the volume of Solomon’s wisdom. “And he spake three thousand proverbs: and his songs were a thousand and five” (1 Kings 4:32). Yet with all of the wise words Solomon knew, spoke and wrote for all generations to read, he was a foolish man. Solomon knew the wisdom of God, yet he lived as a foolish man.

    King Solomon had many wives but only one son, Rehoboam. Rehoboam became a foolish king. His father, Solomon, had given him much instruction and even wrote most of the book of Proverbs to teach him how to be wise. The phrase “my son” is found twenty-three times in the book of Proverbs. Remember how the book begins. “1. The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel; 2. To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; 3. To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; 4. To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. 5. A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: 6. To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings. 7. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:1-7). We now understand the purpose of this book.

    What was Rehoboam to do? “My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother” (Proverbs 1:8).

    Have you ever considered the fatal flaw in Solomon and Rehoboam’s situation? King Solomon told his son all of the things he needed to know in order to be a wise man who would become the king of God’s people, Israel. Yet, King Solomon did not live out the principles in his life that he taught his son. When reading about Solomon and his kingdom, he did not lead God’s people wisely. King Solomon was much like a slave driver to God’s people, whereas his father, David, was more like a shepherd who led Israel. That became evident when Rehoboam took over the kingdom at his father’s death. “Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his heavy yoke which he put upon us, lighter, and we will serve thee” (1 Kings 12:4). Solomon had made a critical mistake as he ruled God’s people. He spoke God’s wisdom, but he did not live by God’s wisdom.

    What can one learn from King Solomon’s mistake?

    There is a famous saying that most people have heard: “Actions speak louder than words.” Understanding how Rehoboam’s life turned out, one can fully recognize that he saw what his father did, and he ignored what his father taught him.

    Many parents today do the same thing with their children. Most want their children to live a better life than they did, so they try to teach them good things. Often they teach them biblical principles by which to live. However, if the parents do not live by those biblical principles and instead do what they tell their children not to do, what do you think the children are going to do? Listen to what their parents say? Or do what their parents do? “Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom” (James 3:13). Christians must live a lifestyle (conversation) revealing God’s wisdom in their lives.

    There is another famous saying: “What a parent does in moderation, the child will do in excess.” Have you ever considered that your behavior in front of your children speaks louder than your words? In the case of Solomon and Rehoboam, it appears that Solomon’s actions spoke much louder than his words.

    Rehoboam will forever be known as the foolish king whose kingdom was divided.

    Have you chosen to tell your children the biblical principles by which they are to live?

    Or,

    Have you chosen to also live by biblical principles before your children and others?

  • 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

  • Choose You This Day

    “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; … but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”
    Joshua 24:15

    What would happen if you were faced with a generation of young people, most of which were never taught to love the Lord or obey His commands?

    In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses gave God’s commands to the new generation who wandered in the wilderness to prepare them to enter into the land God promised them. God gave him specific directions for His people. One of the greatest is found in Deuteronomy chapter six. “1. Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them … 2. That thou mightest fear the LORD thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son’s son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged” (Deuteronomy 6:1-2).

    The people were taught God’s commandments.

    The people were to obey God’s commandments.

    The people were to teach these commandments to their children and their children’s children.

    Those words are extremely important. The following words are just as important. “And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” (Deuteronomy 6:5). If they loved God with all of their heart, soul and might, their obedience would reveal that love of God.

    We just read that God’s people were taught to obey God’s Words and preserve them by teaching them to their children. The following verses help us understand the best way these things can be taught. “6. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: 7. And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). First, these words must be in the parents’ hearts. It would be then that they would be able to teach their children when they sit or when they walk. It is important to be able to teach children the principles found in God’s Word in everyday life situations when they arise. In the morning when they wake, ready to start a new day, with questions in their hearts and minds. As they get ready for bed, and have had challenging circumstances from the day. The Bible says for parents to teach their children the things of God diligently! We can clearly read in these verses the importance of a parent teaching their child of the ways of God, and to “love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” Teaching children the commandments of God is important!

    Joshua led the people after Moses. He had learned much about the importance of loving the Lord and obeying His commands. At the end of Joshua’s life, before he died, he left a word that has been remembered throughout the ages: “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; … but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15). He understood the importance not only of knowing to love and obey the Lord himself, but to teach these things to his children. The whole family, together, would serve the Lord. By teaching it to his children, they would know how to live a life pleasing to God in this world. If you read the book of Judges, the book that immediately follows this statement by Joshua, you learn what kind of a nation they became. All because the people forgot God and failed to teach God’s commandments to their children. This is to be a warning to us today!

    Think about our world today. Does it sometimes appear that we live among a generation of young people, most of which were never taught to love the Lord, obeying His commands?

    Do you love and serve the Lord?

    Have you taught your children to love the Lord and obey His commands?

  • Light versus Darkness

    “18. But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. 19. The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.”
    Proverbs 4:18-19

    Everyone understands the difference between light and dark. They are opposites. In one, you can see clearly, in the other you cannot. In the darkness, much can be hidden and unseen. Sometimes we think of the scary things – seen or unseen – in the darkness. See what King Solomon recorded for us to read: “18. But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. 19. The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble” (Proverbs 4:18-19). These are two separate ways. They are in contrast one with the other. The way of light, shines more and more. This helps one understand that the path becomes brighter and brighter, where one is able to see and comprehend what is before them better and better.

    What is this light that shines? See what Jesus said in the book of John. “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12). Jesus is The Light. Those who believe in Him (Christians) are to walk in that light, not in darkness. Understand why Jesus came: “I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness” (John 12:46). There is a choice: light or darkness. For those who do not want to walk in darkness, they should choose Jesus, the Light of the world.

    So why doesn’t everyone choose light, believing in Jesus? When people reject God and His commandments, the land fills with “darkness.”  See what Jesus said, “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil” (John 3:19). There are those who prefer the deeds one finds in the darkness – evil deeds. Those evil deeds are sin that separates people from God. Read why Jesus told Paul to go preach the Gospel message: “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). One can understand that those who choose evil deeds, walking in darkness, are under the power of Satan.

    Remember that Jesus came to set people free from that darkness to walk as His dear children in Him (the Light).What can we learn about those who choose to hear the Gospel message of Jesus, turning from those evil deeds done in darkness (sin)? “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8). Those who choose Him have the light of Jesus in their hearts and lives. Christians are taught to walk as children of light for a Christian cannot walk in “darkness” (sin).  “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth” (1 John 1:6).

    As we continue to read, we find more instruction that Christians are to heed. “11. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 12. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret” (Ephesians 5:11-12). Do not be one who has the Light of Jesus in your heart and mind, yet continues to walk with those who chose to remain in darkness. Instead, we are to tell them about Jesus and encourage them to choose the Light of life. As Christians (God’s people), we are to be different – not like the “world” around us “14. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. 15. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16. Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:14-17). Wake up! For Jesus will give you light (illuminating your path – remember Psalm 119:105: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path”), then walk cautiously as wise, and understand what the Lord has planned for you.

    Do you walk in darkness, not knowing at what you stumble?

    Or, have you chosen the path of the just that is as the shining light?

    How to be Saved

  • Jesus, the Light of the World

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

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

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

    What an amazing thing Jesus is able to do:

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

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

    So why is the world still in such darkness? “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil” (John 3:19). Some people just love darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil.

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

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

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

    How to be Saved

  • Keep Your Heart

    “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23

    The following definitions might help you understand this verse a little better:

    • keep:  guard; protect; preserve
    • heart:  the center; the totality of man’s inner nature; the place where wisdom and understanding reside

    There is so much going on in the world today – good and evil. With all the many choices of things to see and do, things to take our time, we are to be very careful of what we allow into our hearts and lives. We should not only protect our hearts, but be aware of the kind of wisdom that we allow into our hearts. Why? That is the source for the kind of life we live; the kind of person we become.

    The first and most important thing a person should have in their heart is Jesus. How can Jesus be in one’s heart? Remember the time we can read of in Mark where people brought their young children to Jesus. “13. And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. 14. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. 15. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. 16. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them” (Mark 10:13-16). Rebuked means to rebuke without bringing any conviction of any fault. When the disciples kept the children from Jesus, they did not mean anything, except to keep the children away from Jesus. But, Jesus was displeased. Suffer means allow to pass. Jesus told people to bring the children to Him. He then wanted the people to receive (receive means to accept an offer deliberately and readily) the kingdom of God.

    Understand the kingdom of God by the following: When the Pharisees asked Jesus when it should come, “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). The words not with observation means you cannot see it with human eyes. Jesus 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. The gospel message is very simple – one must just believe – just as a child. To children, things are simpler, less convoluted. In other words, simply believe and receive without question – just like a child. Remember also what Paul later wrote. “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith …” (Ephesians 3:17a).

    Remember how simple it is to become a Christian. “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. 11. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:9-13).

    Be encouraged to consider your heart as the place a special treasure is kept – a place to be well guarded. Once Jesus is there, it would also be good to understand the importance of placing God’s Word into your heart (see Psalm 119:11: “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee”). It would be so much easier to make wise decisions if we would only take time to hide God’s Word in our hearts.

    “… whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8).

    Have you considered what you have allowed into your heart?

  • Why Teach This to Children?

    This study was developed to teach children that the Bible is not just a bunch of random stories. The idea was to help them understand that the events in the Bible are interconnected, all with a purpose.  When man sinned in the garden and broke the relationship between God and man, God revealed a promise to restore that relationship.  He promised to send One, His Son, Jesus.  Through our lessons, we learn that God kept His promise and sent His Son, Jesus to die on the cross to take away mankind’s sin – for anyone who would believe.  This allowed for the relationship to be once again restored between God and man.

    I taught The Biblical Path of Life three year program to a 6-8 year old Sunday School class two times (although I am now teaching this Bible study to an adult class).  During this time, the children became more familiar with their Bibles.  They would read verses aloud in class.  Even the children who only knew a few words would read a verse with help, eventually being able to read verses on their own. We made timelines that we would refer to often, to help us see how the Bible events we were learning about related to each other.  I always tried to have some kind of coloring sheet or other type of worksheet to help them remember what was learned in class.  Bible coloring books can be a good place to find pictures to color. The internet can be a great place to find free coloring sheets. But because this study covers Bible events not usually learned in an average Bible study, there weren’t always reinforcement worksheets to help them remember.  I developed a few to help the children remember what they had learned in class.  In spite of my inadequacies, I will make them available in my future blogs for anyone who may want to use them.  You may choose to use them or find better ones that can be used.

    Because the children were learning so much, the parents wanted to learn the same lessons.  This allowed them to prepare for the lesson ahead of class together.  This also gave them the opportunity to discuss what they had learned in their separate classes.  Although the learning was on very different levels, the same Bible truths were taught.

    In the following blogs you will find a brief summary of each lesson along with some downloads to help if needed. My hope is that this Bible study, The Biblical Path of Life, will help people – even children – understand the Bible a little easier!

  • Why This Study?

    From a friend and Sunday School teacher about The Biblical Path of Life:

    I was searching for a church home. Day 1 at Rehoboth Baptist Church the Sunday School teacher was teaching Isaiah, overview style. I fell in love with the Sunday school Bible study (The Biblical Path of Life). For the first time in my entire life I was looking at the Bible as a whole and learning how it all fit together. So simple, so incredible to realize these prophets were speaking to the Kings of their day, some prophecies would come to pass before their eyes and others would come to pass hundreds of years later. All of God’s Word through the prophets would come to pass and we could study the history in the Bible and see fulfillment!

    I love learning the books of Moses in Sunday School.  The Sunday School curriculum mentions over and over “These are familiar stories so let your class tell you what they remember”. Sometimes the children don’t remember near as much as I thought they would, and it’s a wonderful springboard to delve into what the Bible says and meet them exactly where they are. Other times, I’m exhilarated with details they remember so clearly and can explain correctly. It lets us spend more time on a “deeper path”. I love the “Deeper Path”, there are always connections with the OT to NT and vice versa. We see the Lord Jesus everywhere in the Bible!

    Just last week studying II Kings, I was delighted to realize that Elisha cried out “My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof” when Elijah was carried up to heaven;  King Joash of Israel cried the same thing when Elisha was dying. The Sunday School lesson brought that out so clearly because it always makes it easy to see the big picture. And yep, I’m sorry to say it wasn’t on my mind at all when I read it in the Bible. And when I saw it in the Sunday School lesson I was so taken by it. It made a huge impact on me, my study, and teaching the lesson.

    After worshiping on Sunday morning, my family talks about the Sunday School lesson. Each of us have had an encounter with the Lord in His Word. The classes teach the same chapters of the Bible and yet each class has a take-home message individually tailored to their level of understanding. Only the Lord could give us written communication easy enough for a child to understand, hard enough to challenge an educated adult all the days of their lives, and impossible for the unbelieving. This 3 year Bible Study for children and adults has blessed my family! We all grasp the difference between OT and NT. Young and adult all have been taught and understand how the Bible fits together.

    I love the easy-to-read formatting in the Sunday School guide. It’s clear and concise… Each lesson is organized into a few main points with key verses explained. These lessons are Holy Spirit led. There is just no other way a book of the Bible could be summarized so simply and yet so completely… The memory verse each week really summarizes the heart lesson of the Bible study.

    This 3-Year Bible Study program (The Biblical Path of Life) is a breath of fresh air amidst the typical swirl of bible stories lacking connection to God’s word as a whole. My own daughters ages 14 and 12 have gone through the Bible from cover to cover three times. It has helped them to be discerning when they hear someone talk “Bible” out of context. They get a very fast sense that something is not right – because they’ve been studying the Bible and receiving sound teaching. Movies are the worst! There is always some character misrepresenting God with their words – a person who has studied the Bible can spot it.

    I love the question books that accompany the children’s Sunday School. The questions are easy to answer because the verses to read for the answer are printed with the question; but the questions help them to go back to the Bible and meditate on these verses. It prepares them for Sunday School class. Every class member has had a full week to be just as prepared as the teacher – that makes for a wonderful Bible study and fellowship!

    … I love having the Dispensational chart on wall while going through our Bible study. It makes it so easy for everyone to see God’s timeline; to see man’s constant failures to live up to God’s standard. It’s almost jovial to consider that mankind is still trying to prove they can get better and better … and we just fail over and over anytime we try to do it apart from Jesus Christ. The red line showing the human family tree up to Jesus Christ, God in the flesh, takes preeminence on the chart. That’s a theme taught by the Bible lessons all the way through. The Dispensational chart is just a fantastic visual aid. I especially love to see how the Day of the Lord does begin in darkness but there’s joy seeing the saints being drawn up in the clouds to be with our Lord. I use the chart every single week while studying Genesis. Children find the pictures helpful. I’m a forty-something and I find the pictures immensely helpful! The overview in the lessons of Dispensational Truth sets the stage for “getting it” – how the Bible fits together and what the Lord is doing.

    …  I never spent the hard study time on law and prophets until this SS program. Going through the entire Bible has helped me get out of reading my favorite passages over and over. And now I understand my favorite passages so much better because I understand more how it all connects. By the way, now, my favorite passages are whatever I’m studying at present. Every passage is always alive and I’m learning and he deals with me so I’m not stuck in my sin.  Going through the Bible never gets old! Before this program I thought I knew the Bible. I’m delighted to say my weak points were exposed when I was encouraged to study all the way through instead of just reading. What a mighty God we serve!

    ~Jody

  • Why another Bible Study?

    After attending a children’s Sunday School Leaders conference with my pastor (who is also my dad) many years ago, we were both very disappointed and discouraged by the substance of the materials that would be available to teach our children in Sunday school. We saw that the importance was no longer on learning the Bible but playing games and having fun activities.  The most important thing about Sunday School should be to learn the basics of the Bible and what it should mean to our lives.  Because of this, we decided it would be better to write our own Sunday School literature for our children.

    A Sunday School program needed to be more than a compilation of stories, but a simple study revealing that each of these events all fit together as part of a bigger picture – much like pieces of a puzzle. Not only do the stories interlock, but they have a purpose: to reveal Jesus and why He came.  Although it began as a study for children, it quickly became a viable study for adults as well. This study was incorporated in my local church as a Bible Study program for Sunday School.  We used it in our children’s Sunday School time, but soon the adults requested the study in their classes.  It not only provided the opportunity for them to know what their children were learning, but they could discuss the same Bible lesson that they had learned in their individual classes. Most were encouraged by the understanding of the history. Some marveled at the Lord who fulfills His Word with complete precision and who knows our future and works all things together for the good of those who love Him and are the called to His purpose.

    Because of the encouragement of many who have been through this Bible study more than once, it is now available through Lighthouse Gospel Beacon making it available to any who could use this Bible study to understand the simplicity of the Gospel message. Lighthouse Gospel Beacon has done a fantastic job of making it not only easy to use with the spiral binding, but have added beautiful pictures and graphics. The first two quarters are available now. The next two quarters are at the printers now, and they will be available soon.