The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: Christ

  • Do Not be Ignorant

    “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.”

    1 Corinthians 10:11

    There are different kinds of people in this world. Some learn by experience, and some learn by example. I do not have to put a key into an electrical socket to understand (know) that I will receive a shock that I do not want to experience. However, a small child left unattended may put a key into a receptacle and receive quite a shock! Understanding this difference, consider the following.

    In the Old Testament, we have so many examples from which to learn. At Corinth, Paul was dealing with a group of Believers who were having difficulties – especially with their Christian walk with Christ. He had already taught them many things, next he wanted to give them some examples from history. “Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea” (1 Corinthians 10:1). Ignorant means “not to know (through lack of information or intelligence); by implication to ignore (through disinclination).” Paul taught that Believers are to not be ignorant. So, Paul made a list of some important things they must know.

    He wanted Believers to see the picture in the Old Testament that can be compared to a Believer. All who were “under the cloud” had just left Egypt where the death angel had “passed over”. God’s people who were in the house under the blood (see Exodus 12:13), did not suffer the judgment the Egyptians did. They were now under the cloud (see Exodus 13:21) and then “passed through the sea”. They had left Egypt. “And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea” (1 Corinthians 10:2). Because they had stepped out by faith into the dry bed of the sea, they were “saved” from their enemy (the Egyptian army) which was destroyed. Now being identified with Moses, whom God had chosen to lead them out of bondage in Egypt, they were God’s people. “3. And did all eat the same spiritual meat; 4. And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ” (1 Corinthians 10:3-4). God supplied all of the provisions that they needed in their wilderness journey.

    Recognize that this is much like a picture of salvation for a Believer. Egypt is a picture of the world and bondage from which we are delivered by the blood of Christ through faith (see Romans 5:8-10). We then reveal what happened to that Believer by the picture of baptism (see Romans 6:3-11), identifying with Christ. Just as the Israelites were separated from Egypt by the Red Sea, Christians are to be separated from the world. It is then we recognize that Jesus has living water (see John 4:13-14), Jesus is the Bread of Life (see John 6:35), He is the Light of the World (see John 6:1), and the Resurrection and the Life (see John 11:25). Jesus gives all of the provisions we will ever need to live this Christian life.

    Paul reminded them of what happened when they entered into the wilderness. “But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness” (1 Corinthians 10:5). Because they set their hearts upon things contrary to what God had for them, God was not pleased with them, and they remained in the wilderness far longer than God had intended.

    He then gave a list of five important things of which to be cognizant: 1 Corinthians 10:6-10:

    • “6. Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.” This reminds them of when the Israelites were not satisfied with the manna God provided (see Exodus 16:15 and Numbers 11:4). Warning: Do not want evil things of this world. Read God’s Word to know what is needed for the Christian’s life.
    • “7. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.” This was a reminding of the worship of the golden calf (see Exodus 32:4-8). Warning: Do not put anything in your life in the place of the one true God.
    • “8. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.” This was to remember those who received the counsel of Balaam and joined unto Baalpeor (see Numbers 31:16 and Number 25:1-9). Warning: Do not succumb to a wicked life before God.
    • “9. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.” This was a reminding of when the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people for speaking against God and Moses (see Numbers 21:5-9). Warning: Believers are warned against tempting Christ (see Hebrews 10:26-31).
    • “10. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.” This is to remind them of the many, many times they murmured against God and Moses during the days in the wilderness (see Exodus 15:24; 16:2, 7-12; 17:3, Numbers 14:27-29, etc). Believers are to be content with God’s provisions (see Hebrews 13:5-6).

    These instances reveal the downward steps some chose: to lust, be idolaters, fornicators, tempters, and murmurers. The final straw was when they refused to enter into the land God had promised them. It was for this reason, the people remained in the wilderness for forty years and all over the age of twenty died there (except for Joshua and Caleb who believed God). There are many Believers today who live their Christian lives in these continual wrong choices, remaining in the “wilderness”, never reaching the potential of a victorious Christian life. “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come” (1 Corinthians 10:11).

    Do you recognize a downward step in your Christian life that is keeping you from a victorious Christian life?

  • Thine Are We, and On Thy Side

    “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”

    Galatians 2:20

    Most remember David who became the greatest king of Israel. After God removed King Saul for disobedience, remember why God chose David. “And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will” (Acts 13:22). David chose to fulfill God’s will with his life. We are not the only ones who recognize this in David’s life. Remember the following.

    King Saul recognized the Lord was with David and had departed from Saul (see 1 Samuel 18:12). “And Saul sought to smite David even to the wall with the javelin; but he slipped away out of Saul’s presence, and he smote the javelin into the wall: and David fled, and escaped that night” (1 Samuel 19:10). Because of this, David spent many years running for his life. Many men joined David, helping him. During the time David was in Ziklag, another group of men came to help David. Why did these men give of their time, their talents, and their very lives to help David? One man revealed the heart of these men. “Then the spirit came upon Amasai, who was chief of the captains, and he said, Thine are we, David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse: peace, peace be unto thee, and peace be to thine helpers; for thy God helpeth thee. Then David received them, and made them captains of the band” (1 Chronicles 12:18). These men became the captains of the group known as David’s “mighty men”. These men recognized that God was with David, so they chose to be on David’s side and help him. God had touched the hearts of these men to assist David as he followed God.

    When David became king, one of the first things he did was to take Jerusalem, making it the capital of Israel. He then began to build up the cities around. “So David waxed greater and greater: for the LORD of hosts was with him” (1 Chronicles 11:9). We find that these “mighty men” strengthened themselves with David, helping him. “These also are the chief of the mighty men whom David had, who strengthened themselves with him in his kingdom, and with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel” (1 Chronicles 11:10). These were amazing warriors! You should take time to read some of the astonishing things they were able to do in battle (see 2 Samuel 23:8-23 and 1 Chronicles 11:10 – 12:40).

    Why is it so crucial to understand the importance of these mighty men in David’s life? God gave these “mighty men” to David, enabling him be the king he was for the people of Israel. Keep in mind that these “mighty men” defeated many enemies with David. They gave their all to follow and serve David, their king. Today, Christian’s are to be just as committed to the Lord as these “mighty men” were to David. Christians are to have the same allegiance toward Jesus that Amasai had toward David, “Thine are we, David, and on thy side” (see 1 Chronicles 12:18). Remember: to live for the Lord is a choice. Christians are to recognize Christ’s ownership of their lives and accept it. It is then we decide: “Lord, I am Yours by right, and I wish to be Yours by choice.” It is only then that we allow Jesus to be the Lord that He is to be in our lives. “2. All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits. 3. Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established” (Proverbs 16:2-3).There are a few of verses that we should memorize to help us keep this mindset.

    • “For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s” (Romans 14:8).
    • “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).
    • “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” (Romans 12:1).

    This is only a small sampling of verses encouraging us to commit fully to Jesus, following and serving Him. The following verses could be prayers to help us accomplish this task:

    • “Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name” (Psalm 86:11).
    • “23. Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: 24. And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24). (ALL of Psalm 137 is good.)
    • “Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness” (Psalm 143:10).

    Have you chosen to make Jesus the Lord of your life, deciding to live for Him, and delighting to do His will?

  • Filled With the Spirit

    “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit”

    Ephesians 5:18

    Is Salvation all there is to the Christian Life?

    Because Christians have the Holy Spirit, we are to no longer walk in the flesh as the rest of the world walks: “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). Christians have a new life, and we are to walk in it. If you belong to Christ, live like it.

    How do we live this new life in Christ?

    Christians are to understand what God’s will is. We are commanded to be “filled with the Spirit”.

    “17. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. 18. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:17-18).

    Because Believers are indwelt by the Holy Spirit at salvation, we do not need to get more of the Holy Spirit. We already have Him. However, the filling of the Spirit occurs when the Spirit gets more of the Believer. Paul preached to the Ephesians and saw many of them become Believers (see Acts 19). However, about eight years later when he wrote the letter of Ephesians to them, he taught them that they needed to be filled with the Spirit (see Ephesians 5:18).

    What does this mean?

    Understand the difference between the “gift” of the Spirit and being “filled” with the Spirit:

    • The Gift of the Spirit comes at conversion – when one is saved, the gift of the Holy Spirit is given: “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). The Holy Spirit dwells within Believers: “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you…” (Romans 8:9).
    • Being filled with the Spirit comes at consecration: Consecration means “the solemn act of setting something or someone apart as sacred, holy, or devoted to God’s service.” “11. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. 12. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 13. Neither yield ye your members asinstruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members asinstruments of righteousness unto God. 14. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace” (Romans 6:11-14). They may be close together or years apart.
    • The Gift is the entrance of the Spirit: “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63).
    • Being filled is the exit of the old self: “9. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 10. And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him” (Colossians 3:9-10). Obviously we cannot be full of the Spirit if we are half-filled with self.
    • The Gift is the birth of a new man: “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and ofthe Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5).
    • Being filled is the death of the old man: “22. That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23. And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24. And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24). Many Believers have never put off the old man.
    • The Gift may leave us carnal Christians: “For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?” (1 Corinthians 3:3). It is tragically possible to live and die a carnal Christian.
    • Being filled makes us spiritual Christians: “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his” (Romans 8:9). (You should read all of Romans 8:1-11).
    • The Gift of the Spirit is eternal – He abides with us for ever: “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever” (John 14:16).
    • Being filled with the Spirit comes on submission and faith: “Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God” (Romans 6:13).

    The first (gift) commits my soul to God; the second (being filled) commits my life, myself to God.

    Have you done this?

    Or have you committed the eternal soul to God and are holding back the mortal life?

  • Lesson 10: Keeping Christ as the Head: Colossians

    Key Verse

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

    —Colossians 3:2

    Key Verse Thought: Read today’s Key Verse. Use the following definitions to help you understand this verse a little better.

    • Set your affection on means “the action as being accomplished – as in to have a mindset, be minded; involves the will, affections, and conscience. To think, or sense mentally; to be mindful of, or to be devoted to.”
    • Earth means “earthly things or pertaining to this life.”

    In this lesson, we will learn that Paul taught Christians how to keep Christ as the Head of the church, by keeping their head, their mind, on Christ.

    Emphasis: Christians must learn the importance of keeping Christ as the Head of the church by keeping the heart and mind off of the things of the world, instead placing them upon heavenly things by putting on the new man.

    Lesson Summary: In the letters of Paul we have studied so far, we have understood the teaching of doctrine (Romans), reproof for failure to live right (1 and 2 Corinthians), correction, rectifying wrong doctrine that had permeated the church (Galatians), Paul revealed deeper doctrinal truths intended for growing Christians (Ephesians), and last week Paul wrote to rectify a potential problem, reproof for wrong living (Philippians). In this lesson, we continue as Paul writes correction to rectify wrong doctrine in Colosse.

    Paul wrote Ephesians to teach that Christ is the Head, and the church is the body of Christ (see Ephesians 1:22-23). He then wrote to the Philippians to come together with one mind when there were divisions in the body of Christ, the church (see Philippians 1:27). Paul also found it necessary to write to Colosse after he heard of error being taught in the church, causing them to forsake Jesus as the Head of the Church (see Colossians 2:19). Instead, false teachers were changing the simple Gospel of Jesus into a quest for philosophy after the ways of the world instead of the things of Christ. Christians are to set their affections on things above, not things on the earth (see Colossians 3:2). This book was written to fight against the error being taught.

    In Colossians, Paul first encouraged them to walk worthy, reminding them of what Jesus had done for each and every Christian. This was foundational in being able to be grounded, not falling for false teaching. He then proceeded to correct the false doctrines that were being taught. The people of Colosse believed in worldly teaching, philosophies that were deceiving and misleading God’s people. Paul taught that Christians must “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:2, this lesson’s Key Verse). He gave them a detailed list of things Christians must put to death and eliminate from their lives. After which Paul gave a list of things the Christian must put on in their new life in order to live a more Christ-like life. He then encouraged them to continue in prayer, enabling them to walk and talk as a Christian must in this world.

    Y3Q3 – Lesson 10 Questions

    Y3Q3 – Lesson 10 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to younger children, the following is a craft idea to help them remember this lesson:

    We traced our footprints, cut them out, and glued them to a piece of construction paper. We added the verse from Colossians 1:10 to remind us the importance of walking worthy of the Lord, pleasing Him with all that we do, and learning more about Him.

    The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Three is now available through Amazon.

  • A New Life Pleasing God

    “So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.”

    Acts 19:20

    The following is an excerpt from The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Two, Lesson 10:

    “… God allowed Paul to heal people and eliminate evil spirits. With this came people who tried to do the same things. ‘13. Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. 14. And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. 15. And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? 16. And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. 17. And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified‘ (Acts 19:13-17). Vagabond means ‘ones who just wander.’ Exorcists means ‘one who binds by an oath; generally one who by incantation professes to expel demons.’ These men, seven of which were sons of the chief priest, used incantations, professing to cast out demons. Nevertheless, see that even the demons recognized that these men did not know Jesus (for Jesus was not in their hearts). When they tried to cast out the demons, those demons jumped on them, ‘so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.‘ God used this to magnify the name of Jesus. ‘And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds‘ (Acts 19:18). Deeds means ‘an act, practice; works; meaning conduct.’ This caused many to recognize that they were living in a lifestyle that opposed the preaching of Jesus. What did the people do about it? ‘Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver‘ (Acts 19:19). Curious arts means ‘a standard term for magic or black arts; pointing to the lengthy and various rituals involved in incantation ceremonies and the precision with which they were performed.’ The people understood that they must eliminate theses wicked things from their lives. Once they did, read what followed. ‘So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed’ (Acts 19:20). Many people were saved, and God’s Word was spread.

    Paul continued his journey…

    A Deeper Path: See some things we just cannot help but notice. God has always called people to turn from their sin toward Him. ‘If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land‘ (2 Chronicles 7:14). Theses were encouraging words for God’s people in King Solomon’s day.

    God has always warned His people to avoid sin and people who sin. ‘14. Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. 15. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. 16. For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall. 17. For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence. 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 4:14-19). God wants people to live a just life, not a wicked life. God also gave the following warning. ‘23. Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life … 27. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil’ (Proverbs 4:23, 27). It is important to protect each heart – for what is placed in each individual’s heart will come out in that person’s life. Avoid wickedness and evil.

    As God allowed Paul to do many miracles and cast out evil spirits, there appeared a copycat: one who appeared to be able to do the same thing, until the evil spirit declared these men were false and jumped upon them. We, too, must be careful that something that has the appearance of good is not just a form of godliness, denying the power of Jesus (for these men had never known Jesus themselves). ‘Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away‘ (2 Timothy 3:5). Christians are to be cautious and check out and know for certain if that something is truly from God.

    There is something else important to recognize. Once one becomes a Christian and begins to follow the Lord, that person must forsake all of the things of their past life. When Jesus called his disciples, they forsook all to follow Him. ‘And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him’ (Luke 5:11). When the people in Ephesus believed in Jesus and confessed Him as their Lord, they had to remove their “deeds” from their sinful past. Remember what we read in Acts 19:19: ‘Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.‘ It did not matter to them the monetary cost. They wanted to live a new life pleasing God.”

    Have you trusted in Christ, forsaking the things of your past life to live a new life in Christ, following Him?

    What to do to trust in Christ.

    The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Two

  • The Response of the Heart

    “And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

    Acts 2:21

    In the early days of the church, there were varied responses to the Gospel Message of Jesus. Many readily believed. However, most of the religious leaders refused. We can read that their rejection became progressively worse.

    • First, we learn that some people were pricked in their heart, and they believed in Jesus (see Acts 2:37):

    When Peter preached in Acts 2, all of the house of Israel should have recognized Jesus. “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36). Christ means “the Savior of the world.” They were to believe Jesus is the Savior of the world. But, how did they respond? “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). When they heard the Gospel message preached, they were “pricked in their heart.” Pricked means “greatly pained or deeply moved.” It is important that the Gospel message had a movement in their heart. Sometimes we call this “conviction” (which means “found guilty of an offense”). However, it is more important what those people did with that movement. Peter told them what they must do. “38. Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call” (Acts 2:38-39). The people had to take action: repent. Repent means “to imply pious sorrow for unbelief and sin, and a turning from them to God and the gospel of Christ. To think differently; a change of mind demanding a change of action.” Repentance is a response between a sinful man and God. Baptism is an outward testimony of what happened to that individual’s heart. Notice that God “called” them. Call means “God’s call through the Gospel message.” God must call the person. What did the people do once they understood? “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:41). Those who believed in Jesus, responded to God’s call. There were three thousand people who believed!

    • Then we learn some religious leaders were cut to the heart, but they sought counsel to slay those who preached Jesus (see Acts 5:33):

    Peter preached another great sermon in Acts 3. He wanted the people to recognize that not only was Jesus God’s Son, but that this people had chosen to release a murderer instead of Jesus. However, Peter excused them because of their ignorance. “And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers” (Acts 3:17). But Peter was there to help them understand – so they would not remain ignorant, by reminding them of the prophets words that are found throughout the Old Testament. “But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled” (Acts 3:18). Peter preached Jesus from the Old Testament (see Acts 3:20-26). Because the religious leaders did not like what Peter and John preached, they arrested them (see Acts 4:3). “Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand” (Acts 4:4). Nevertheless, many others believed.

    Peter proceeded to preach Jesus to the religious leaders: “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). The religious leaders told them to quit preaching Jesus. However, the Apostles preached and taught daily – even after being put in prison. When they were ordered to quit teaching in Jesus’ name, they understood it was more important to obey and please God, rather than man (see Acts 5:29). Peter continued by preaching Jesus to these religious leaders. How did they respond to the Gospel message? “When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them” (Acts 5:33). They beat the Apostles, told them to not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. Instead of receiving the Gospel message of Jesus, they rejected it and wanted to kill the messengers.

    • Finally, we find they were cut to the heart and killed the messenger, Stephen.

    “And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people” (Acts 6:8). The rulers of the synagogue rose up and disputed with Stephen. “And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake” (Acts 6:9). After lying about Stephen and setting up false witnesses against him, Stephen was allowed to speak. He preached from the Old Testament addressing the false accusations against him. “Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.” (Acts 7:51). These men had not kept God’s Word (see Acts 7:53). “When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth” (Acts 7:54). Although they were cut to the heart, they rejected Jesus and His Word. They then killed the messenger. Instead of repenting, these religious leaders took Stephen out and stoned him.

    Many believed in Jesus. However many rejected Him. The choice was up to each individual.

    Have you been pricked in your heart when you heard the Gospel Message of Jesus?

    Have you responded to the call of God through the Gospel message?

    What is the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ?

  • Is Church Important?

    “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

    Hebrews 10:25

    Jesus’ earthly parents took Him to the Temple when He was a child, and He continued to go as an adult. He not only went to the Temple, but also the synagogue. The synagogues had become common places of Bible teaching and worship. They were started during the Babylonian captivity. Because the people had no Temple in which to worship God, they began to meet in smaller groups for worship and biblical instruction. According to Jesus’ actions, He not only went to the synagogue regularly, but He taught there often as well.

    Jesus’ parents took Him to the Temple the first time shortly after He was born (see Luke 2:27). They took Jesus to the Temple when he was twelve years old (see Luke 2:46). When Jesus was an adult, He still went to the Temple and the synagogue often. “And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read” (Luke 4:16). It was His custom. There are dozens of verses in the Gospels declaring Jesus went to the synagogue and the Temple.

    Do you remember what often happened when Jesus went to the synagogues? Or even the Temple? When he went to the synagogue in his hometown of Nazareth where He read a portion out of Isaiah, see what the people did. “28. And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, 29. And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong” (Luke 4:28-29). Not only were they angry with Jesus, they wanted to throw Him off of a cliff to kill Him. “But he passing through the midst of them went his way” (Luke 4:30). Nevertheless, Jesus did not quit going to the synagogue or the Temple. When He went, He often taught the people. When Jesus taught, He made known the need for repentance of sin. The people would then be given the choice – to accept Him or reject Him.

    See a few of the following examples:

    • A ruler of the synagogue believed in Jesus to heal his daughter (see Mark 5:22-24, 35-43).
    • The people did not believe in Jesus (see Mark 6:2-6).
    • The people of Jesus’ hometown of Nazareth rejected Him, wanting to kill Him (see Luke 4:16-30).
    • Jesus taught in the Temple, and many did believe on Him (see John 7:28-31).

    Because Jesus went to the Temple and synagogues often, many of the religious leaders heard and believed in Jesus. “Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue” (John 12:42).

    Today, we do not go to the Temple, for it has been replaced for Christians with the church building. The church building is the place that Christians go to meet in smaller groups for worship and biblical instruction. (Did you notice that was the same function as the synagogue?) Because Jesus found it important to go to the synagogue often, many recognized who Jesus was during the gathering of people in those locations. It was there that God’s Word was taught. Today, Christians are to attend church often. “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25). Not only are we to attend church to learn more about the Bible, helping us to become better Christians, but for much the same reason that Jesus often visited the Temple and the synagogues – to encourage and teach others about Jesus.

    Admittedly, today’s churches are sometimes difficult places to attend regularly. There are obviously problems in some churches. It may even be difficult to find a true Bible believing and teaching church. However, each Christian is encouraged to go more and more often, for time is short. The synagogues Jesus attended were fraught with religiosity. The leaders taught a religious system and tradition more than God’s Word. Jesus was often challenged, met with confrontation, rejected, and at times even attended at the peril of His life. Yet He continued to frequent them regularly. However, while He was there, He taught the truth. Sometimes He said, “as it is written”, and often He referred to what they had heard and told them, “I say unto you” to correct what they had heard.

    Today, we have the complete written Word of God, and it is important that each Christian knows what the Bible teaches. When a Christian goes to church, one can be pretty confident that there is no fear of death. However, there may be challenges, confrontations, or even rejection. But that is no reason to quit attending church (maybe find a new one!). Jesus attended while He lived here on earth. Christians should be just as faithful, praying God will provide a Bible teaching church to attend. Paul encouraged the men he left in charge at the church in Ephesus. Remember what he taught them: “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood” (Acts 20:28). The church was purchased with the blood of Christ. It is very important to Him.

    Have you found a Bible teaching church in which to attend faithfully?

  • Righteousness

    “And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:”

    Luke 18:9

    There is a very familiar parable that Jesus told about a Pharisee and a publican. “9. And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10. Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. 11. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other menare,extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.12. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.13. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much ashiseyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. 14.I tell you, this man went down to his house justifiedratherthan the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” (Luke 18:9-14). The reason Jesus told this was to draw attention to the fact that some people “trusted in themselves that they were righteous”. This is a very dangerous thing and everyone needs to understand exactly what this means.

    The word righteous has a very long definition in the Greek. Righteous (Dikaios) means “that which is right, conformable to right … When this absolute justice is applied to man, it is stated that there is no man who in his behavior can fully meet the expectations of God in his life (see Romans 3:10: “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one”)…” This very long definition helps one understand what the Bible means when it says righteous. The definition continues, for in Luke 18:9 it has a totally different meaning. Righteous (Dikaios) means “may also apply to the person who establishes his own rules of life. Such was a Pharisee whom the Lord exposed as righteous in himself (see Matthew 9:13: “But go ye and learn whatthatmeaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”; see Luke 18:9: “And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:”). Having set up and kept, or pretended to keep, certain standards, the Pharisees called themselves righteous or just in the sight of God. Most of these rules and regulations, however, were not those of inner holiness and conformity to God, but mere performance of external ceremonial ordinances (see Romans 10:3: “For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.”) … The nonbelievers, referred to as heathen, call others righteous or just, as they compare them with their own standards… Christianity must continually combat such a view …” There is much more to this definition, but this section is very interesting in that it deals with man’s definition of righteous – not God’s. Much like the Pharisee in the parable Jesus told.

    Another time Jesus used this definition was when He was addressing the Pharisees as they challenged Jesus for eating with publicans and sinners whom Matthew had brought to meet Jesus. It would be important for us to remember that when people choose to follow Jesus (as Jesus’ disciples had), there is usually trouble stirring nearby. “10. And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples. 11. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners? 12. But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. 13. But go ye and learn whatthatmeaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Matthew 9:10-13). The scribes and Pharisees (the religious leaders) questioned Jesus – but they did not ask their questions directly to Jesus, instead asking Jesus’ disciples. However, Jesus knew what was happening. He immediately stepped in, and dealt with their challenge of Him eating with sinners. Jesus made it clear why He had come. Jesus had, “not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” If you ponder on that for a bit, understanding what the word righteous means according to what we just read, it might scare you a bit. Jesus told them to learn that they were sick (their self-righteousness would not uphold when they stood before God one day). Until they understood that they were sick (lost, apart from Christ and His righteousness), they would die in their sin and spend eternity in hell. They had to first acknowledge their sin, which leads to repentance. Only a sinner who is repentant before God can receive the righteousness of Christ which gives salvation. “And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith” (Philippians 3:9).

    Have you rejected self-righteousness of your own making and instead chosen to receive the righteousness of Christ?

    How to receive Christ.

  • Follow Jesus

    “The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him,Follow me.”

    John 1:43

    God’s people were to be watching and waiting for the day their Messiah would come. The last book of the Old Testament, Malachi, reminds us of that promise. “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…”(Malachi 3:1a). God revealed that He would send a special messenger to prepare the way before God, Himself, came born as Jesus. The book of John tells us of this messenger who prepared the way, and for whom that way was prepared. “6. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. 8. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light” (John 1:6-8). The man we call John the Baptist was that man sent from God who was the witness who told others of the Light. That light is Jesus (see John 8:12).

    John had baptized Jesus, recognizing that He was the Son of God (see John 1:34). “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). Notice that John the Baptist declared Jesus as the Lamb of God. Not only that, but we see that John had disciples. Disciple means “a pupil or learner; more in that it is one who adheres to and accepts the instruction given to him and makes it his rule of conduct.” These men had heard John’s teachings of repentance and had obviously adhered to his teachings. Notice what we learn as we continue. “And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus” (John 1:37). From John’s teachings, they understood they were watching for the promised Messiah, and then John declared Jesus was the Messiah. So, 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: for it was about the tenth hour. 40. One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother” (John 1:38-40). Notice that these men left John to follow Jesus. John had done His job: he had directed the people’s attention to the Saviour of the world, Jesus. Notice that 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.

    After hearing the good news that Jesus was the Lamb of God and spending the day with Him, read what Andrew did. “41. He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. 42. And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said,Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas,which is by interpretation, A stone” (John 1:41-42). After Andrew believed in Jesus, he immediately found his brother, Simon, and took him to meet Jesus. Today, when a person meets Jesus, becoming a Christian, the immediate response should be to introduce others to Jesus, too.

    “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 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.) “46. And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see. 47. Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!48. Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.49. Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel. 50. Jesus answered and said unto him,Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these” (John 1:46-50). After Jesus told him where he had been, Nathanael believed. Why do you think he would believe after hearing what Jesus told him? (Remember what he must have learned from God’s Word – just as we have learned this from God’s Word. “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good” Proverbs 15:3.) Nathanael recognized that Jesus was the Lord. Remember that each person has the choice – to believe or not to believe. Nathanael believed.

    Have you recognized Jesus and chosen to follow Him?

    Have you then introduced your friends and family to Jesus?

  • The Witnesses

    “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”

    Luke 2:11

    In Malachi, attention was brought to the fact that God recognized those few who truly feared God, rejected the sin, and obeyed His commands. “Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name” (Malachi 3:16). God not only saw them, He heard them. God knew them and wrote of them in a special book of remembrance. These people obviously loved God and sought to know Him more – for they thought upon His name. Remember that the things that one lays to heart are the things that are the most important to one. When one continually thinks upon God, God will continually be in that heart and mind. They were to remember to look for the One God promised from the beginning (see Genesis 3:15). Those people “spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it” (Malachi 3:16a). They encouraged each other often, and God heard.

    As we come to the New Testament after about four hundred years of no new word from God, understand that there were still a few people who truly feared God and thought upon His name. Recognize a few who either heard or witnessed the birth of the One who had been promised throughout the Old Testament: Jesus.

    In Luke, Zacharias and Elizabeth learned they would have a child born to them in their very old age. This child, John, would be the one “make ready a people prepared for the Lord” (see Luke 1:17). The Lord was Jesus, the One promised in the Old Testament.

    An angel came to Mary telling her that she had “found favour with God.” Mary would bring forth a son, and call his name Jesus, “the Son of the Highest” (see Luke 1:26-38). Her reply? “And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word” (Luke 1:38a). She chose to obey God’s plan.

    Mary visited Elizabeth (see Luke 1:39-45). Elizabeth recognized Mary was carrying the child Jesus (before He was born).

    In Matthew, we are introduced to a man named Joseph, espoused to a young virgin named Mary. “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 1:18). Joseph wanted to “put her away privily.” However, as he thought on these things, an angel came to Joseph and told him what was happening (see Matthew 1:18-25). Joseph chose to obey God’s plan.

    Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem (per the decree of Caesar Augustus) where Jesus was born (see Luke 2:1-7). Angels told the shepherds in the fields who were watching their sheep, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). They were told where to find Him. What did the shepherds do? “And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us” (Luke 2:15). They chose to go see Jesus for themselves. “And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger” (Luke 2:16). They found Jesus, and they told everyone (see Luke 2:17-18).

    Joseph and Mary took Jesus to the Temple when He was eight days old (according to the Law). Simeon went to the Temple that day (see Luke 2:21-35). He recognized that the baby, Jesus, was the Lord’s Christ (Messiah). What was his reaction? “30. For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, 31. Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; 32. A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel” (Luke 2:30-32). Simeon recognized Jesus, the Messiah.

    Anna came in that instant (see Luke 2:36-38). “And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem” Luke 2:38). Anna recognized and acknowledged Jesus.

    In Matthew, we are introduced to many people: wise men, Herod the king, all Jerusalem, chief priests, and scribes (see Matthew 2:1-12). The wise men were looking for the new king who was born. The chief priests and scribes told them He would be born in Bethlehem (see Matthew 2:5-6). Although all heard where the new king would be born (wise men, Herod the king, all Jerusalem, chief priests, and scribes), only the wise men went to see Jesus where they fell down and worshiped Him (see Matthew 2:11). The wise men recognized Jesus.

    Many heard of Jesus. Only a few recognized just Who Jesus is. Each one of them had the choice: to believe, or to not believe in Jesus, God’s Son. Remember what Jesus said. “16. 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. 17. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.18. 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 3:16-18).

    Have you only heard of Jesus?

    Or

    Have you recognized Jesus, God’s Son, believing upon Him for salvation?

    What to to when you believe upon Jesus.