The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: Christian

  • Lesson 11: Paul Arrested: Acts 21:27 – 23

    Key Verse

    And all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors were shut.

    —Acts 21:30

    Key Verse Thought: Read the Key Verse. Remember that in our last lesson, we learned that the people were opposed to Paul preaching Jesus, and they took him. We will learn in this lesson Paul’s response, and what he said to the people who rose up against him.

    Emphasis: To understand that people may not like us when we tell about Jesus (for they rejected Paul and his testimony). It is important that Christians not only remember when Jesus called upon our heart, but that we are willing to share that with others (our personal testimony).

    Lesson Summary: After learning of Paul’s third missionary journey in our last lesson, we read that he returned to Jerusalem bringing a report. He told the Christians how God had blessed their journey by the many Gentiles that had been reached for Jesus. The Jews rejoiced with him. However, when Paul went to the Temple, he was accosted by an uprising of the Asian Jews. We ended our last lesson with them laying hands upon Paul.

    As we begin this lesson, we will find that the entire city becomes involved in this uprising, and they drew Paul out of the Temple. As they were beating Paul, the chief captain heard and took Paul, then having him bound with chains. This chief captain spared Paul’s life. Paul was then given the opportunity to share his testimony with the people, including the chief captain. We will learn that a testimony is a personal sharing of when Jesus called upon one’s heart, the response to that call, and what God has done in one’s life since. Paul took time to share, briefly, of the sinner he once was. He then told of the specific call that Jesus extended to him, inviting Paul to become a believer in Jesus. Paul then told of his response to that call. He proceeded to shared with the people what Jesus wanted him to do with his life – go specifically to the Gentiles and preach Jesus to them. After learning of Paul’s personal testimony, we are going to learn that it is important for each Christian to be able to give his/her own personal testimony of Jesus’ call, and each response. If you are teaching this lesson to a group, it would be a great encouragement to your students if you were to share with them your personal testimony at a specific place in this lesson. You will then be encouraged to challenge them to come prepared (the next time you meet together to study God’s Word), to share their own personal testimony of Jesus’ call to them.

    After Paul gave his testimony, the people still rejected him. Nevertheless, God encouraged Paul. Even when there was a plot against Paul, his life was spared again. The chief captain then sent Paul to the governor, Felix, so his case could be heard.

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 11 Questions

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 11 Children’s Worksheets

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

    We made Bible markers with the plan of salvation on them. This is to help them remember the Scriptures that teach one how to be saved.

    Read the Scriptures on How to be Saved.

    The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Two 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

  • Study and Know the Things Freely Given

    “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.”

    1 Corinthians 2:12

    As a Christian, have you taken time to not only read, but study your Bible? Many Believers find the Bible too difficult to understand or know. Is this the conclusion you have come to in your life? If you have not taken the time to read and study God’s Word, you are missing an infinite source of encouragement, help, instruction, comfort and even strength that can be gained nowhere else in this world.

    First, one must acknowledge that from Genesis to Revelation, the entire Bible, is the inspired Word of God. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). Did you notice the first word, “All”? That really means all of Scripture is given by God. This reveals that all of the Bible is important – for God gave it to us. This should give us complete confidence in every part of it. For a Christian, the Bible is the authority by which we are to live our lives.

    God has given Christians more than the Bible to read. He gave each Christian the Holy Spirit to help us understand what the Bible says. “12. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual” (1 Corinthians 2:12-13). Christians can have an understanding of what the Bible says. Not only are we to believe that the Bible is God’s Word, but that God gave us the Holy Spirit to help us understand what the Bible says. We are to trust God’s Spirit to help us understand it. This should help us recognize that it is not only imperative that each Christian reads the Bible, but also understands it. The more we read and understand it, the more important it becomes in our lives.

    Knowledge without application is pretty much worthless. In reading and understanding the Bible, one must choose to know how to follow its’ teachings. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). It is important to understand that God has a plan for each Christian’s life, however it is up to each individual to choose to walk in that path. Remember what God tells us about 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 fulfilled God’s will for his life. How did David know what God expected? He asked God. “Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths” (Psalm 25:4). Not only did David ask God to show him God’s way, but to teach him the path God had for his life. The Bible is full of people who have chosen to know God’s ways, and follow in His paths. There are also many people recorded that chose to not follow in God’s paths. Each Christian is to read the Bible to find out what happens in a person’s life when they follow God’s paths, and what happens when people choose to make their own way in the world, disregarding God’s paths. “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). The Bible was written for us to not only come to know Christ as our Saviour, but to follow the examples that are recorded within so we know how to live a life pleasing to God. Paul wrote of this. “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you” (Philippians 4:9).

    Have a confidence that the Bible is completely true. Understand that the Holy Spirit will help Christians understand what the Bible says. Oftentimes, He uses good Bible teachers to help us understand, too (see 2 Timothy 2:2). But none of that will do any good if one does not chose to appropriate what is learned into the heart and life. It is only then that one becomes more like Christ.

    There are many excuses as to why people do not know or understand the Bible. Some people find the Bible too difficult to read, and others may think it takes too much time to read. But what does the Bible teach us? “It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter” (Proverbs 25:2). It is part of what God expects from Christians. To search out matters. It is then that we learn what it is God expects us to do. “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:10).

    Have you taken time to believe the Bible, understanding that God expects you to know it and live your life according to what is written within?

  • Seasoned with Salt

    “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”

    Colossians 4:6

    Some people are born with a gift of having a ready answer for any question or comment. Often times that answer can encourage one. However, there are also times when the ready answer is not what one needs to hear at all. A Christian is to “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man” (Colossians 4:6). But what does that mean?

    The first part teaches us, “Let your speech be alway with grace”. Speech is easily understood as one’s conversations, and the words one speaks. This verse helps us understand what kind of speech we should use: “alway with grace”. What is grace? Grace means “the external form or manner of words or discourses as gratefulness, agreeableness, acceptableness.” Often times it is easy to speak in the heat of the moment, without this grace in our speech. This is one of the things Christians are to improve in their lives. Why is this so important? Remember how Paul encourages us with his example in Corinthians. “Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place”(2 Corinthians 2:14). Savour means “a good odor as accompanying an acceptable sacrifice.” Knowledge means “spoken of what is known; doctrine.” Paul understood what God was able to do through his faithful testimony for Christ, portrayed in the way he lived and spoke. Everywhere Paul went he shared Jesus and the doctrine of salvation – making it known in “every place.” Wherever Paul went, the people were called to a time of decision – either accept Jesus, or reject Jesus. “15. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: 16. To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?” (2 Corinthians 2:15-16). Paul understood the importance of his words and lifestyle. At all times, the world looks at Christians. Christians’ lives are either a savor of death unto death or savor of life unto life. This teaches that Christians are either a witness for the world, turning people from Christ because of their words and lives, or Christians are a witness for Christ in the way they respond correctly to the things in this life.

    Once Christians understand the importance of their speech, they need to understand: seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man” (Colossians 4:6b). Seasoned with salt means “a word or discourse that is appropriate or proper.” Back in the old days, most people knew all of the purposes of salt; for it was a necessity of life. Consider three of the most important uses for salt. These are still useful for today.

    First, salt is often used to season food, giving it taste. Many foods would be tasteless without salt. It is important for Christians to have the Bible hidden in their hearts, allowing His Word to come out in their conversations and answers in life. Psalm 119 is all about the importance of having God’s Word in one’s heart. Christians should read it often, and put much of it into their hearts. What is placed in the heart will come out in one’s speech and lifestyle (see Proverbs 4:23).

    Second, salt is used to prevent corruption and instead be used to preserve. Christians’ lives should be a constant rebuke to the corruption of sin, and an encouragement to choose life. Remember: “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace” (Romans 8:6).

    Finally, consider that salt creates one to be thirsty. One of the greatest things Christian’s lives should do is to cause others to want what they have – Jesus Christ.

    How are Christians able to do these things? Right before this, Paul encouraged Christians what to do to help them to become more like Christ: “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving” (Colossians 4:2). Continue means “steadfastness and faithfulness in the outgoings of the Christian life, especially in prayer.” Paul then gave instructions as to how to “continue” that Christian walk. “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time” (Colossians 4:5). Wisdom means “the skill in the affairs of life; practical wisdom; wise management as shown in forming the best plans; sound judgment and good sense.” Them that are without means “those not belonging to church; not Christians.” This helps us understand the importance of living a faithful Christian life. Christians’ lives are to be lived consistently, so that anyone who sees them (especially the lost: those without Christ) will know, with certainty, that they are Christians. Remember the important way we have now learned to do this. “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man” (Colossians 4:6). What Christians say and the way they respond to situations must be Christ-like. Having God’s Word hidden in the heart will enable one to “know how ye ought to answer every man.” Each Christian is to live every aspect of his or her life so that at any point someone sees them, that person will see Jesus in the Christian’s life.

    Is your speech seasoned with salt, knowing how to answer those without Christ, teaching them how they can know Him?

    How to know Jesus

  • A Departing from the Faith

    “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.”

    Hebrews 3:12

    We are warned of something that will happen in the “latter times”: A departing from the faith. “1. Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2. Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron” (1 Timothy 4:1-2). The departing from the Christian faith is called apostasy. See what that word means: Apostasy is “a falling away… the act of a professed Christian, who knowingly and deliberately rejects revealed truth regarding the deity of Christ and redemption through His atoning sacrifice. It is different from error, which may be the result of ignorance. Apostasy departs from the faith, but not from the outward profession of it (see 2 Timothy 3:5: “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away”). Apostasy is irremediable and awaits judgment. Apostates apparently can only be professors and not actual possessors of true salvation…”

    This is not new. However, it seems to be more prevalent in these days. Jesus dealt with it when He was on the earth. Remember – Jesus knew what was in man’s heart (see John 2:24-25). “64. But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. 65. And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. 66. From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him” (John 6:64-66). Even many people who met Jesus (and even became His “disciples”) turned from Him. We have a warning of this behavior: “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God” (Hebrews 3:12). They did not believe in Jesus, departing from the living God that walked among them. For those who chose to turn away, that is apostasy.

    The Bible has much to say about those who become a “disciple” (what we might call a Christian today), but later chooses to turn and live that life contrary to what the Bible teaches. There is a great difference between one who professes Christ and one who possesses Christ. One must understand what a believing faith is. Faith means “a technical term indicative of the means of appropriating what God in Christ has for man resulting in the transformation of man’s character and way of life; i.e.: namely, Christian faith; a firm and confiding belief in Jesus and His gospel.” The Bible teaches that when one has true faith in Jesus, that old life passes away for they become a new creature in Christ. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). (See also Romans 12:1-2.)

    Read about one who professes Christ only: “What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?” (James 2:14). Faith in James 2:14, 17, 18, 24, 26 means “simply a knowledge and assent to religious truths without good works and therefore, false faith.” So according to this definition, a person who says they have faith, yet there is no evidence (appropriating what God in Christ has for man resulting in the transformation of man’s character and way of life), that is not true faith; it is a false faith. “17. Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. 19. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” (James 2:17-20). These verses describe a dead faith. Saying one believes in God (or Jesus) does not make one a true Believer. Remember that the devils believe, but we know they are not Christians. The works (transformation of man’s character and way of life) is what reveals whether that one had become a new creature in Christ. Remember what Jesus said: “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). One who does His will reveals the faith that is within.

    Understand the truth of Jesus Christ: His death, burial, and resurrection enabling one to gain a new life in Him: see 2 Corinthians 5:21 “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” If you are not sure, Jesus told you what to do: “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me” (John 5:39). Go back and read what the Bible teaches about Jesus and why He came. To search the Scriptures and miss Christ would be a great tragedy. However, after one has learned the truth of Jesus Christ, then chooses to turn from Him, that is eternally fatal. For a vivid picture of this, read 2 Peter 2:20-22. It is a description of one who has heard the truth, maybe even having a temporary outward change, yet ends up turning from that truth. That one has no hope.

    Do you have only a professing faith?

    Or

    Do you possess a life transforming faith?

    How to become saved.

  • Who are You?

    “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

    Romans 8:1

    Are you a natural man? The natural man see the things in this earth. Decisions are based upon what is seen or felt. Usually, one considers the abilities one has to accomplish things. The natural man is in the likeness of Adam. “1. This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him; 3. And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his own likeness, after his image; and called his name Seth” (Genesis 5:1, 3). Did you notice something in those verses? When God made man, He made him in God’s image. However, after man sinned in the garden, his children were after his image – no longer perfect, but now sinful men. “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned” (Romans 5:12). Everyone is born as a sinner. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). However, there is hope. “For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous” (Romans 5:19). Adam disobeyed God, bringing sin upon all of mankind. God gave One who was perfect, His only Son, who was obedient to God. “And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8). Jesus paid the penalty for sin – for anyone who would just believe. “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). That is the only work one can do to have the penalty for sin removed. “Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent” (John 6:29). Believe on Jesus.

    Once one believes on Jesus, having the condemnation of sin removed, we are taught to do something different. “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (Romans 8:1). One can no longer walk in the flesh as a natural man. We are taught to walk after the Spirit. There is a difference. When one has committed that life to Jesus, there is a change of thought and direction. “For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit” (Romans 8:5). This Christian chooses the things of the Spirit.

    Why is this so important? “6. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God… 8. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9. 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 8:6-9). Each person must look into their heart and life to see if they have truly given that life to God by accepting Jesus. It is then one receives His Spirit, enabling one to live a life that is “spiritually minded”. Without Christ, one remains a natural man, unable to please God, for “they that are in the flesh cannot please God.”

    Once you know without a doubt you belong to Jesus and are “spiritually minded”, there is another question that must be asked. Are you a growing Christian? “1. And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. 2. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. 3. For ye are yet carnal…” (1 Corinthians 3:1-3). One who is not a growing Christian can only understand the simplest things about the Bible and the Christian life. To grow, one must read God’s Word and exercise that Christian life. Remember what Paul told Timothy: “6. If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. 7. But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. 8. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come” (1 Timothy 4:6-8). Christians are to be “nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine” and exercise unto godliness which is “profitable unto all things”. Choose to be a spiritual Christian, nourished in faith and good doctrine, and then exercise unto godliness.

    Who are you? A natural man who cannot please God?

    Or

    Are you a spiritual man who is nourished on God’s Word and exercises unto godliness?

    How to become a spiritual man: How to be saved

  • The Biblical Path of Life

    Year Three, Quarter Two

    Now available on Amazon.

    The Biblical Path of Life is a clear and concise study that simplifies the understanding of how the Bible fits together as a whole. The lessons are organized into a few main points, with key verses explained helping one comprehend it better. It compares Scripture to Scripture, revealing that the entire Bible is to introduce one to Jesus and make known the need of Him in one’s life.

    In this third year of this three-year study through the Scriptures, we continue our study of the New Testament (having completed the Old Testament in Year Two). After looking at the life of Jesus as recorded in the four gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, we reach the book of Acts. It is the only book in the New Testament division of History. As we learn about the early days of the church, the spread of the Gospel message is better understood. In those beginnings, thousands were saved at one time becoming disciples of Jesus. Once persecution began and people were killed for their faith, the Gospel message was spread into the known world, and the disciples of Jesus were called Christians. We will witness the great transformation of one of those persecutors as he, himself, became not only a Christian, but in our future studies we will learn that God used him, Paul, to write most of the books in the New Testament.

    This study is for:

    • An individual,
    • A family,
    • A small-group Bible study, or
    • A Sunday School program for all ages.

    The Bible is the most important thing we can to know, for it reveals what God expects from His people. In order to know how to live a Christian life that is pleasing to God, we must first understand what His Word says.

    A Review for The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Two


    “The Biblical Path of Life” brings the Bible to life as you learn how wonderfully everything fits together and how it reveals God’s plan through the ages for man’s redemption.
    Even though I have taught and/or been a student of this study for many years I am constantly learning new things each time I go through the study. “The Biblical Path of Life” has truly grown my faith and matured my walk with the Lord over the years. The Lord is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him!

    ~Donna from Oklahoma

    Click here to learn how to be saved.

  • Paul’s Opportunity

    “Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.”

    Acts 26:28

    The following tells of one time when Paul gave his personal testimony of when Jesus called upon him, and Paul answered that call, trusting in Christ. Recognize a simple pattern.

    • Paul briefly reminded them of the sinner he was,
    • He spent time explaining the specific call Jesus made to him,
    • He told of his personal response,
    • Then the particular job Jesus gave to Paul to accomplish with his life.

    This is a good basis for anyone to use who will give a personal testimony. A personal testimony of when Jesus called upon one’s heart is pivotal in witnessing to someone else.

    When given the opportunity, Paul gave his personal testimony before the rulers:

    • Paul briefly reminded them of the sinner he was:

    “4. My manner of life from my youth, … that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. 6. And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers: 7. … For which hope’s sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews. 8. Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead? 9. I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10. Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. 11. And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities” (Acts 26:4-11). Paul acknowledged that he was a sinner. He even worked against the spread of the Gospel message.

    • He spent time explaining the specific call Jesus made to him:

    “12. Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, 13. At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me. 14. And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 15. And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said,I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. 16. But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; 17. Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, 18. 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 26:12-18). While Paul was yet in sin, Jesus called upon him to be saved (“sanctified by faith that is in me”).

    • He told of his personal response:

    “Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision” (Acts 26:19). Paul was obedient to the call. He was saved.

    • And then the particular job Jesus gave to Paul to accomplish with his life:

    “20. But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. … 22. Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: 23. That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles” (Acts 26:20-23). Even though many wanted to kill Paul for obeying God’s command to go and tell the Gentiles about Jesus, Paul never quit.

    We then read the response of Festus. “24. And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad. 25. But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness” (Acts 26:24-25). Art beside thyself means “to be mad; to rave; a person who speaks and acts in such a way that they appear to others as being out of their mind.” Mad means “to rave as a maniac; madness; insanity.” Festus just thought Paul was out of his mind – crazy. Or did he? Festus did not treat Paul as a prisoner who was crazy. It is very possible that Festus felt the conviction of this Truth Paul declared, and he did not want to admit this Truth.

    • And then Paul invited Agrippa to respond to the Gospel message:

    “26. For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner. 27. King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. 28. Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian” (Acts 26:26-28). What was Agrippa’s response? “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian” (see Acts 26:28). Instead, he rose up and went aside, agreeing that Paul had done nothing worthy of death – or even bonds (means “without freedom”).

    Jesus called Paul, he believed and was saved, and then God sent him to preach Jesus – primarily to the Gentiles. He even spoke to rulers. His testimony of believing in Jesus allowed him to be a witness for Jesus so they could know how to be saved. His example is a good formula for anyone to use who will give their personal testimony of the time they trusted in Jesus. A personal testimony of when Jesus called upon one’s heart is pivotal in becoming a witness for Jesus.

    Have you ever shared your personal salvation experience with anyone else?

    How To Be Saved

  • Peter Grows

    “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.”

    2 Peter 3:18

    The following is an excerpt from “The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Two” Lesson 6:

    “During the time Peter stayed with Simon a tanner, Peter was taking that time of rest and retreat where he prayed. Recognize that God was ready to teach Peter something he needed to learn. While Cornelius’ men were on the way to Simon’s house, where was Peter? ‘… Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour‘ (Acts 10:9b). While Peter was praying, he became hungry, and fell into ‘a trance‘. Trance means “a sacred ecstasy or rapture of the mind beyond itself when the use of external senses are suspended and God reveals something in a peculiar manner.” Peculiar is exactly what we see. Read Acts 10:10-16 where Peter sees a sheet full of animals come down from heaven. God showed this to him three times, telling him to rise, kill, and eat. Nevertheless, Peter argued with God that the animals were unclean. However, God told him not to call common what God had cleansed. ‘Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate‘ (Acts 10:17). Peter had no idea what this meant, but while he ‘doubted in himself‘, men were at his door, asking for him. ‘19. While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. 20. Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them‘ (Acts 10:19-20). Sometimes one does not learn what God wants them to learn – at first.

    “See what Peter learned as he obeyed God’s instruction. What did he do? ‘Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?‘ (Acts 10:21). Read what they said to Peter. ‘And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee‘ (Acts 10:22). The men stayed with Peter, and the next morning went together to Caesarea – to see Cornelius. Read what Cornelius had done while he was waiting. ‘And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends‘ (Acts 10:24). Cornelius called is friends and family to his house. Not only would he hear the Gospel message that was promised to him, but his family and close friends would also hear and have opportunity to respond.

    “Peter was really a special man used by God, but take note of his heart as you read the following verses. ‘25. And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. 26. But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man‘ (Acts 10:25-26). Peter understood, and wanted these people to understand, that it was not Peter who was to be worshiped. God, and God alone, is to be worshiped (see Exodus 34:14).

    “Recognize what Peter learned from the vision God had showed him. ‘And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean‘ (Acts 10:28). That is why Peter went to see Cornelius.

    “Cornelius told Peter what had happened to him (see Acts 10:30-33), ending with the following. ‘… Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God‘ (Acts 10:33b). All of the people present wanted to know what they must do to be saved.

    “Peter reiterated what he had said before, about God teaching him that Peter was not to call any man common or unclean. You can almost see the light bulb going off in his head, as he was beginning to understand what God was trying to teach him. ‘34. Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35. But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him‘ (Acts 10:34-35). Worketh means “figuratively, to do, commit, practice.” Righteousness means “that righteousness which has regard to God and the divine law; internal, where the heart is right with God, piety toward God, and hence righteousness, godliness, i.e.: faith acceptable to God.” Peter was recognizing that he was there to tell these people about Jesus. He then proceeded to preach Jesus (see Acts 10:36-42). Specifically read Peter’s final words in this testimony, as from one who was a witness to what Jesus had done. ‘To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins‘ (Acts 10:43). What did it take to be saved? To believe on the name of Jesus, where the heart can become right with God.”

    As Peter recognized that Jesus came to save anyone who would believe, by faith, in Him (see Romans 10:8-13), he grew in his Christian life. “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen” (2 Peter 3:18). Peter encouraged Christians to continue to grow.

    Do you continue to grow in your Christian life?

    Do you know one who needs to believe in Jesus by faith?

    How to be Saved

  • A “Kadesh-barnea” Moment

    “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

    Many people have recognized the sin in their lives, acknowledging the need of a Saviour, and then taken the step of salvation found only in Jesus. That one has then been “born again”, becoming a new creature in Christ. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). This is the beginning of a new life found only in Christ.

    However, so many Christians never make any progression from that stage of this new life. They have become a Christian, but that is pretty much it. They have taken no steps to grow, becoming that new creation where the old things pass away and all things become new. This is a very sad thing. Understand a picture of this. No one wants their newborn baby to remain a baby forever but to grow each and every day, becoming a child and eventually an amazing adult. God wants each one who becomes a Christian to grow each and every day, becoming a mature Christian. It takes a decision on the part of the Christian as to whether they are willing to grow in Christ or not. There are many pictures of this throughout the Old Testament. A very vivid picture of this is when Moses led the people to the brink of the Promised Land (see Numbers 13).

    Moses sent twelve spies into the land to bring back a report. Ten of the men brought back a report of fear, declaring they looked like grasshoppers in the sight of the people, for there were giants in the land. “32. And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature. 33. And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight” (Numbers 13:32-33). However, two men brought back a good report. “And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it” (Numbers 13:30). Caleb and Joshua declared that God would bring them into the land. “7. And they spake unto all the company of the children of Israel, saying, The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land. 8. If the LORD delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey” (Numbers 14:7-8). They went on to remind the people that God was with them; “fear them not” (see Numbers 14:9). Most remember that the people listened to the ten who said “no” instead of the two who believed God.

    Many people call this the “Kadesh-barnea” moment in the life of Israel. “Likewise when the LORD sent you from Kadeshbarnea, saying, Go up and possess the land which I have given you; then ye rebelled against the commandment of the LORD your God, and ye believed him not, nor hearkened to his voice” (Deuteronomy 9:23). Because they refused to obey God, entering into the Promised Land, all over the age of twenty, except for Joshua and Caleb, died in the land in which they chose to remain. God allowed the children to grow up and enter the Promised Land. This people refused to grow in their faith and walk with God.

    When one becomes a Christian, becoming that new creature where old things pass away, it takes a definite decision to move forward. It is at that point of decision that one becomes more than a new creation, for all things become new (see 2 Corinthians 5:17). A Christian is to begin a new life, putting away the old “conversation” (means lifestyle) which is corrupt. “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). One has put off the old life and then be “renewed in the spirit of your mind”.

    With this new life, putting off the old and being renewed in the mind, one must remember that they are now dead to sin and alive unto God. “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 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 6:11-13). With this mindset, understanding that we are dead to sin and alive unto God, the decision to change the direction of one’s life occurs. Each person’s “Kadesh-barnea” moment: where one makes the decision to yield to God and His will, denying sin and yielding oneself unto God as members of righteousness.

    Have you come to a “Kadesh-barnea” moment where you have decided to fully follow after God and His plan for your life?