The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: Christians

  • 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?

  • Disciples

    “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

    Jesus called twelve men to be His special disciples. We now call them Apostles. Each of these men were different from the others. These men had particular qualities and character traits that we can recognize about them. Why do you think that Jesus called such a diverse group to begin the spread of the Gospel message to the world?

    Many children memorize the names of Jesus’ twelve disciples in a Sunday School Class. Do you remember their names, or even much about them? Read one listing of these men: “And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James” (Acts 1:13). In this listing, Judas Iscariot (which also was the traitor) is noticeably missing (see why in Matthew 27:3-5; and Acts 1:16-18). Almost everyone remembers about Judas Iscariot. Jesus knew Judas Iscariot would betray Him (see Matthew 26:21-25 and John 6:64).

    Consider a few of the disciples:

    • Peter was called Cephas (which meas “a stone) by Jesus (see John 1:42). Peter mostly seemed to be bold, yet sometimes he appeared afraid (see Matthew 14:22-33). When Jesus asked His disciples who they said He was, Peter was the first to declare: “And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). Jesus blessed him for this (see Matthew 16:17). Peter is famous for proclaiming he would never deny Jesus. However, Jesus warned Peter that he would deny Him that very night. And he did.
    • James and John were brothers: “And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder” (Mark 3:17). Apparently, they were a bit fiery and defensive of Jesus when He was rejected by the Samaritans: “And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?” (Luke 9:54).
    • Andrew (Peter’s brother), was the first to follow Jesus, and he brought his brother, Peter, to meet Jesus (see John 1:40-42).
    • Philip, brought Bartholomew (Nathanael) to Jesus (see John 1:45-46).
    • Thomas will probably always be known as “doubting Thomas” (see John 20:24-29).
    • Bartholomew (Nathanael) was an honest man who was skeptical when he first heard of Jesus, but immediately recognized who Jesus is. “Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel” (John 1:49).
    • Matthew (also called Levi, the son of Alphaeus) left all and followed Jesus, however Jesus ate at his house first. “And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him” (Mark 2:15).
    • James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James about whom not much is known.

    Was there anything special about these men? They appeared to be average men. Peter, Andrew, James and John were fishermen. Jesus called them from catching fish to becoming “fishers of men.” Jesus taught them to go tell others how to know Jesus. However, the same thing can happen to people today. One may not see Jesus walking down the road, calling an individual to follow Him, but one can understand the call upon the heart when hearing the Bible preached and taught. It is then that each individual who hears that call upon the heart should respond in affirmation. Yes! I will follow Jesus!

    After Jesus resurrected and appeared to His disciples, He took time to speak personally with Peter, who had denied Jesus three times just before His death. Jesus wanted Peter to understand that even though he had failed in one area at that point in His commitment to Him; Jesus still had mighty plans for Him – if Peter was willing to do what Jesus asked of Him (see John 21:14-19). Even when a Christians fails, falling short of what Jesus would expect, if that one will return as Peter did (remember he was the first disciple to run to the tomb, and the first to jump out of the boat swimming to shore to see Jesus), Jesus can still use a repentant Christian. Peter 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.

    As one reads the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), one can understand the growth of these men as they walked with Jesus. When Jesus ascended back into heaven after His resurrection, He entrusted these men to go forth, preaching the Gospel Message. When you read Acts, their growth continued as they understood how to live as disciples of Jesus. They were not the same men that we were introduced to when Jesus called them. It is because of their faithful witness (and many more like them) that we can know the Gospel Message, too. Although we may not know much about these men, we understand enough in that they followed Jesus to the end.

    Christians should learn much from these men. None of them were perfect. None of them were known – until they responded in affirmation to the call of Jesus upon their lives. As Jesus called them, one by one, they each chose to follow Jesus.

    Have you met Jesus, and then chosen to grow in your Christian life?

    Want to know what one must do to be saved?

  • Faithfully Follow

    “24. Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 25. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.”

    Matthew 16:24-25

    Nehemiah helped rebuild the city walls of Jerusalem, reinforcing the city. Not only that, but many times the enemy’s plans were thwarted, and God’s people were able to complete the walls in fifty-two days.

    Once the city was reinforced and protected, it was time to organize the people. Nehemiah appointed jobs to people and selected men to be rulers in the city. He taught them of the importance of appointing guards to protect the gates of the city, controlling what was allowed inside Jerusalem. The people gathered together and asked Ezra to read the book of the Law to them. After hearing God’s Words, the people recognized their sin, repented, and began to live according to God’s Word. This was followed with a time of prayer. After acknowledging their sin, they made a covenant with God to obey His commands.

    Nehemiah returned to Shushan to serve the king again – just as he had promised. After a short time, he returned to Jerusalem. When he arrived, he saw much sin – beginning in the house of the Lord. Eliashib, the priest, was friends with Tobiah (their adversary) and had allowed him to move into the Temple. The Levites were working outside of the city instead of taking care of the house of the Lord. The people were working, buying, and selling on the Sabbath – breaking God’s commands. They had intermarried with the nations around, again; for the high priest’s own grandson had married the daughter of Sanballat, the enemy of God’s people. Nehemiah confronted the people and their sin. He warned the people of the great evil to transgress against God. The sin was corrected. Nehemiah prayed for God’s people. Take time to recognize just how often Nehemiah prayed. Knowing God’s Word and prayer are key in living right before God.

    One of the truly sad parts of the book of Nehemiah is that without the constant reproof and the presence of Nehemiah, the people did not continually obey God. They quickly forgot God’s Word, reverting back into their comfortable lifestyles – living however they wanted. If Christians are not careful, we too, will enter into that same trap that the Israelites fell into once they returned to Jerusalem. Christians tend to see and become part of the world in which we live – contrary to Biblical teachings. “15. Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever” (1 John 2:15-17). We are warned, and then encouraged to do the will of God.

    Christians are to remember what Jesus taught. “24. Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 25. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. 26. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:24-26). It is important for Christians to deny themselves and follow Jesus – daily!

    Christians today have a great advantage that God’s people did not have in the Old Testament. Each person who gives their heart and life to Jesus has God’s Spirit given to them – to teach them right from wrong. The people in Jerusalem had Nehemiah. Nevertheless, when he left, they forgot. God’s Spirit, that Jesus called the Comforter, never leaves a Christian – so we should never forget. Remember what Jesus told His disciples. “15. If ye love me, keep my commandments. 16. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17.Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you” (John 14:15-17). That Comforter Jesus gave enables us to obey God’s commandments written in the Bible. We have no excuse!

    What should motivate Christians to please Jesus in all we do? “11. For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12. Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” (Titus 2:11-12). It would be good to remember what Jesus prayed for his disciples on that last night in the garden. “14. I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. 16. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world” (John 17:14-16). Christians, today, have God’s Word and His Spirit. We must remember that we are not of this world, just as Jesus is not of this world.

    Do you pray often, choosing to deny the things of the world and faithfully follow Jesus?

  • Jeremiah’s Help in a Time of Need

    “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.”

    Hebrews 6:10

    Jeremiah faithfully proclaimed God’s Words to the kings and the people, warning them of the coming destruction and captivity, if they did not repent and return to God. When the people failed to repent, God allowed the Babylonians to besiege Jerusalem. Jeremiah witnessed the captivity of Judah by Babylon and the destruction of Jerusalem, the city where God had chosen to place His name. Even through all of this, Jeremiah continually shared the Word of the Lord with the people. We should recognize that at times he suffered and was rejected. This helps us understand why Jeremiah is known as the “Weeping Prophet”. Often, his life was in danger. However, we never read that Jeremiah quit God.

    Remember a few of the times Jeremiah was unjustly imprisoned, and God’s protection, allowing him to continue delivering God’s Words to the people and the kings.

    • Jeremiah was put in the stocks: (Jeremiah 20:1-2).
    • Jeremiah was shut up in the court of the prison in the king’s house: (Jeremiah 32:2-3).
    • Jeremiah was falsely accused, they smote him, and put him in prison: (Jeremiah 37:13-15).
    • He was in prison when Jerusalem was taken by Babylon (see Jeremiah 38:28).

    Probably the most familiar time we remember is when Jeremiah was lowered into a dungeon (probably an old cistern) where he sunk in the mire. Read some of when Jeremiah was in the dungeon: “1. Then Shephatiah … heard the words that Jeremiah had spoken unto all the people, saying, 2. Thus saith the LORD, He that remaineth in this city shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence: but he that goeth forth to the Chaldeans shall live; for he shall have his life for a prey, and shall live … 4. Therefore the princes said unto the king, We beseech thee, let this man be put to death … 5. Then Zedekiah the king said, Behold, he is in your hand … 6. Then took they Jeremiah, and cast him into the dungeon … that was in the court of the prison: and they let down Jeremiah with cords. And in the dungeon there was no water, but mire: so Jeremiah sunk in the mire” (Jeremiah 38:1-6). Jeremiah was put into a “dungeon” (probably an empty cistern) where there was no water.

    “7. Now when Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, one of the eunuchs which was in the king’s house, heard that they had put Jeremiah in the dungeon… 8. Ebedmelech went forth out of the king’s house, and spake to the king, saying, 9. My lord the king, these men have done evil in all that they have done to Jeremiah the prophet, whom they have cast into the dungeon; and he is like to die for hunger in the place where he is: for there is no more bread in the city” (Jeremiah 38:7-9). This man, Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, had compassion for Jeremiah. He wanted to spare Jeremiah’s life.

    “10. Then the king commanded Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, saying, Take from hence thirty men with thee, and take up Jeremiah the prophet out of the dungeon, before he die. 11. So Ebedmelech took the men with him… and took thence old cast clouts and old rotten rags, and let them down by cords into the dungeon to Jeremiah. 12. And Ebedmelech the Ethiopian said unto Jeremiah, Put now these old cast clouts and rotten rags under thine armholes under the cords. And Jeremiah did so. 13. So they drew up Jeremiah with cords, and took him up out of the dungeon: and Jeremiah remained in the court of the prison” (Jeremiah 38:10-13). Although Jeremiah was still in prison, his life was no longer under threat of death and starvation. Jeremiah remained in the court of the prison until Jerusalem was taken by Babylon (see Jeremiah 38:28).

    What makes this event so interesting?

    Babylon besieged Jerusalem for about eighteen months before they took they city. Many died before and during this taking of Jerusalem (to remember the tragic invasion, read Jeremiah 52 and Lamentations). So with the fear of death and destruction, God gave Jeremiah a special word of encouragement to give to Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, the man who had saved Jeremiah’s life. “15. Now the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah, while he was shut up in the court of the prison, saying, 16. Go and speak to Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring my words upon this city for evil, and not for good; and they shall be accomplished in that day before thee. 17. But I will deliver thee in that day, saith the LORD: and thou shalt not be given into the hand of the men of whom thou art afraid. 18. For I will surely deliver thee, and thou shalt not fall by the sword, but thy life shall be for a prey unto thee: because thou hast put thy trust in me, saith the LORD” (Jeremiah 39:15-18). God understood that Ebedmelech the Ethiopian was afraid during the days that Babylon besieged the city. To help this man understand that Jeremiah was a true prophet of God, God promised that Ebedmelech the Ethiopian would be spared. This was because he took care of Jeremiah, God’s man, and Ebedmelech the Ethiopian had put his trust in God.

    Read a couple of verses that should help us understand the importance of this act. Jesus said the following to his disciples when he sent them out to preach to the people: “He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward” (Matthew 10:41). Ebedmelech the Ethiopian received his life in Jeremiah’s day for helping Jeremiah.

    The writer of Hebrews encourages us with the following: “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister” (Hebrews 6:10). Even today, we are to minister to other Christian’s in Jesus’ name.

    These verses help us understand that Ebedmelech the Ethiopian did a good thing by helping the prophet Jeremiah. And God let him know by sparing his life during that terrible time, “because thou hast put thy trust in me, saith the LORD”.

    Have you put your trust in the Lord and remembered to minister to other Christians in Jesus’ name?

  • Obedience to Salvation

    “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”

    Philippians 2:12

    Jesus is the ultimate example on how Christians are to live in this world. Hence the name Christian; Christ-like. Paul spent much time recording many instructions and examples of what to do.

    When you read Philippians 2:6-8, you are to understand Jesus is God. He stepped away from His throne in glory “… and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:7). Jesus took the form of a servant (while remaining God), and was made in the likeness of men (while remaining God). Jesus had to become a man in order to pay man’s penalty for sin: death. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). Now does that verse make a lot more sense?

    While Jesus lived in the form of a servant, made in the likeness of man, He was obedient to His Father, 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). It was then that he paid the penalty for man’s sin, providing the opportunity of eternal life. Jesus died so that anyone who would trust in this act of “payment for my sin”, could gain salvation. This is the Gospel message. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth …” (Romans 1:16). Salvation here means “of spiritual and eternal deliverance.” How does one gain eternal deliverance? By trusting in Jesus as one’s Lord.

    Once one believes that Jesus died upon the cross to pay for sin, then trusting in Jesus as one’s Lord, there is a growing process that is to begin. One of the first things a Christian is to learn is to walk in obedience to God’s Word. One who belongs to Christ must learn to joyfully surrender to His will. Jesus was willing to lay aside His glory for a time, becoming a man, in obedience to His Father. Christians are to lay aside the sinfulness of this world, in obedience to God, our Father, understanding one day we will be with Him in heaven. “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 6:12-13). One of a Christian’s greatest concerns should be to not live a disappointing life for Christ. God is good in that He will place other Christians in our lives to help and encourage us.

    There are many lives recorded in the Bible that also help us understand how to live as a Christian. Paul was one of the great ones. He understood the importance of obedience, and recorded the following to help us understand. “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). Work out means “to work fully, that is, accomplish; by implication to finish… perform, work out.” It is important for Christians to accomplish, finish, what God has for us to do. It emphasizes that it is our responsibility. Salvation here means “of the present experience of God’s power to deliver.” This helps us understand that we are not doing it alone – for God’s power is helping us. We are to not come short of what God has for our lives here on the earth, today. “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). God working in me emphasizes that God enables us; for we cannot do it on our own. But He allows us to accomplish things for Him while we are on this earth – if we will only obey Him. All that we accomplish for the Lord here depends upon His working in us to accomplish His plan.

    Read what the writer of Hebrews left to encourage us as he came to the close of the book. “20. Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21. Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen” (Hebrews 13:20-21). A Christian can be “perfect in every good work” (complete, accomplishing everything God wants us to accomplish on this earth). Note that it is doing His will, and recognizing that Jesus is the one who accomplishes these things in our lives. We cannot do it alone.

    There are no shortcuts to working out one’s salvation. It is a constant, day by day, working at growing in a more Christ-like life. It is much like working out a temporary survival in this wicked world. The greatest thing to understand is that Christians have been given the Holy Spirit within to teach us and lead us into the truths found in God’s Word. Our hope of surviving today is knowing that we have a permanent home with Jesus one day.

    Have you learned to obey the Lord, enabling you to work out your own temporary survival (salvation) in this wicked world?

  • Search my Heart

    “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

    The following is an excerpt from “The Biblical Path of Life – Year Two, Quarter Two” Lesson 4:

    “As David was addressing the people before Solomon became king, notice that he was able to proclaim that he had lived a life that was pleasing to God. As we have learned, David was not perfect, but when he sinned, he repented and God forgave. Because of that, he was in a position to be an encourager to all of Israel to seek God and obey His commands. We can read of many throughout the Bible who lived a life to the end that was pleasing to God. Read what Paul wrote to Timothy. ‘I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith‘ (2 Timothy 4:7). Just as David’s words were an encouragement to all of Israel as he addressed them, Paul’s words were an encouragement to a young preacher named Timothy. Our goal as Christians is to be able to make the same claim: to fight a good fight, to finish the course God has for our life, and to keep the faith until the end. By living a life pleasing to God, from beginning to end, we can be an encouragement to others that they, too, can live a life pleasing to God…

    “David understood that God saw the intent of man’s heart. See what David recorded that can be an encouragement to us today: ‘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) and’Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart‘ (Psalm 44:21). Also see what Jeremiah recorded about God knowing man’s heart: ‘I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings‘ (Jeremiah 17:10).”

    After reading this excerpt, understand the following:

    Remember that God knows man’s heart. Christians are not perfect, however we have instructions in the New Testament helping us understand how we reveal what is in our heart by living as a Christian: “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. 25. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. 26. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 27. Neither give place to the devil. 28. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. 29. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. 30. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 31. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32. And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:22–32).

    Christians are not to live like the world. “17. This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18. Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 19. Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness” (Ephesians 4:17–19).

    Stop and think about these verses. Be encouraged to compare your own life to these verses and see what kind of a life you live in comparison to God’s Word, and the kind of witness your life is to others.

    Read the warning Jesus gave to those who claimed to be righteous apart from Christ. “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness” (Matthew 23:27). Jesus knew their heart. He understood that they lived a life on the outside that appeared to believe, yet Jesus knew what was in their heart, “all uncleanness”. They could not hide from Jesus what was within their hearts. Jesus knew.

    After reading these verses, consider the following: Knowing that Jesus knows the heart, look into your heart and see if this verse is a picture of your life. “They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate” (Titus 1:16). This is a picture of a life that does not have Jesus in the heart (a Christian). If you do not really know Jesus, today is the day to meet Him. “9. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:9-10).

    Do you live a good life, yet with a heart that has not truly believed in Jesus?

    Knowing Jesus sees the heart, have you believed and confessed unto salvation only through Jesus?

    If you want to know how to be saved, click here: How to be saved.

  • The Hope of Glory

    “To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:”

    Colossians 1:27

    In the Old Testament, the Israelites were to reveal God to the world. All of the world was to recognize the Israelites belonged to God. One way this was revealed was that when the Israelites obeyed and followed God, they were blessed. However, when they walked contrary to God and His Word, the people would be cursed. This was displayed repeatedly in the Old Testament, especially during the times of the kings.

    When David was king, Israel defeated many enemies and ruled over more land than any previous time in history. Remember how God described King David. “… to whom also he (God) 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). When David’s son, Solomon, became king, Israel became the wealthiest nation. Nevertheless, his son was foolish, forgot God, and the kingdom was divided. The nation of Israel did not recover during the Old Testament days. Instead, we discover a nation who, as a whole, continually forsook God, often walking contrary to God’s Word. The Israelites failed in their task to reveal God to the world.

    In the New Testament, God sent His only Son to reveal Himself to the World. When Jesus came, He came to show God to the world. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Jesus not only showed the world the way in which God loved the world, but Jesus revealed God to the world.

    However, He disclosed more than that. “6. Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 7. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.” (John 14:6-7). Jesus then revealed what it takes not only to see God, but also to go and spend eternity with Him. Philip did not fully understand what Jesus was teaching him. “8. Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. 9. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thouthen,Shew us the Father? 10. Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works” (John 14:9-10). Jesus, God in the flesh, came to because He is the only avenue to reach God. Israel in the Old Testament not only failed to reveal God, but also the way to God.

    We can remember one of Jesus’ Disciples, John. He recorded for us his eyewitness accounts of Jesus’ life. He understood the importance of just who Jesus is. He understood the importance of recording the life of Jesus. John had witnessed the events of His life – firsthand! He not only saw, but he understood and believed them. Read why he wanted to share his eyewitness account. “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; 2. (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) 3. That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full” (1 John 1:1-4). John understood the importance of not only knowing Jesus, but telling others the importance of knowing Jesus. He, and many like him, revealed Jesus to their world.

    Remember, “6. Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). Philip did not fully understand at first. But because of Jesus and the testimony of those who understood, Christians today can now understand the importance of Jesus. Once we do, it becomes our job to become a living witness to our world. The Israelites failed in the Old Testament. The first Christians succeeded in telling others about Jesus, that many today are Christians because of their testimony. Paul reminded the people that he had told them of Jesus and they had believed (see Colossians 1:4-22), he reminded them that was his ministry. “27. To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: 28. Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus” (Colossians 1:27-28). Christians need to know that this should be our ministry as well. How are Christians doing today in the revealing of Jesus to those around us?

    Are you a living witness that Christ is in you, the only hope of glory?

  • The Wrong Question

    “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 so many examples in the Bible of which we should take notice. “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). They are there to remind us of what happens when we either choose to obey God’s Word or choose our own path. Throughout God’s Word, one can learn from mighty examples. There is one such event in 2 Kings chapter one.

    Ahaziah, wicked King Ahab’s son, became king of Israel. We find that Ahaziah fell through a lattice in his chamber and was sick (injured). He sent messengers to inquire of Baalzebub, the god of Ekron, to see whether he would recover. Although Ahaziah was a king of God’s people, he sought word from a false god of an enemy nation to find what would happen to him.

    As the king’s messengers were on their way, the angel of the Lord appeared to Elijah, the prophet of God. Elijah was given a word for the king’s messenger to take back to the king. Elijah said, “Is it not because there is not a God in Israel, that ye go to enquire of Baalzebub the god of Ekron?” (2 Kings 1:3b). Why had King Ahaziah inquired of a false god from an enemy nation and not even considered asking of the God in Israel? Read Elijah’s message for the king. “Now therefore thus saith the LORD, Thou shalt not come down from that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die. And Elijah departed” (2 Kings 1:4). The message declared that the king would not recover, but he would die — because he sought an answer from a false god instead of the Lord. The messenger returned to the king and delivered the words from Elijah. The king then proceeded to send captains and soldiers to try and take Elijah, but they failed (see 2 Kings 1:9-15).

    When the angel of the Lord told Elijah to go with the next captain and soldiers, Elijah went to the king. He repeated the same message to the king as before: because the king had not inquired of the Lord, but of the false god, Baalzebub the god of Ekron, the king would not get up off his bed but would surely die. What happened? “So he died according to the word of the LORD which Elijah had spoken …” (2 Kings 1:17a).

    Aside from the fact that King Ahaziah inquired an answer from a false god, he asked the wrong question. He asked if he was going to die. He should have asked what he needed to do to be well. The question of which we need the answer is not if, or when, we will die — we know what the Bible teaches. “And as it is appointed unto men once to die …” (Hebrews 9:27a). Everyone will die sometime (unless of course Jesus returns first!). Nevertheless, see the important part of that same verse: “…but after this the judgment”. The part we should be concerned with is if we are “well” (for the judgment) — whether we will live forever or spend eternity in hell. This is the question we should have answered in our hearts and lives: where will one spend eternity. To spend eternity in heaven is a gift — free; if only we will receive. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8).

    Notice that King Ahaziah was probably angry because the message Elijah sent reminded him of the God of Israel. Most people to whom you witness (share the Gospel message) will not want to be reminded of God. When one is reminded of God, there is an awareness of the sin in that life apart from God (“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” Romans 3:23). Does that make it harder for Christians to tell people about Jesus? We can see by Elijah’s response that he feared the God of Israel, not the king of Israel.

    Christians should learn so much from this event. King Ahaziah asked the wrong question, and from a false god. Elijah pointed out King Ahaziah’s error. It was the king’s choice to correct his error (his sin) or disregard the sin in his life. We must do the same thing. Each person must look into their own heart and life and ask the question — will I live forever in heaven (because I asked Jesus to forgive my sins, making me well) or spend eternity in hell (for refusing the gift of salvation).That is the question each person should have answered in their hearts and lives. We should then ask our family and friends as well: where will they spend eternity.

    Have you asked the wrong question, wondering when and how you will die?

    Or

    Have you asked the correct question, understanding one day you will stand before God to determine where you will spend eternity?

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

  • The Glory Which has been Given

    “And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:” John 17:22

    David understood the act of crying out to God with the desires of his heart, knowing God would hear and answer. “The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth” (Psalm 145:18). We know that Jesus lived out what God’s Word has taught throughout the ages. We see once again, that Jesus makes his petitions known to God in His prayer in the garden on the evening He was arrested, believing God would answer every request: “20. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 21. That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 22. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: 23. I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. 24. Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world”(John 17:20–24).

    Although Jesus had just prayed for his disciples, notice that He was no longer just praying for them. Jesus was now praying for every person born from then on who would believe the Bible and would give their hearts and lives to Jesus (John 17:20). If you will observe, He included the same issues in prayer for us that He had prayed for the disciples, the men with whom He had spent three years ministering. He made known God’s glory (John 17:22), not only to them, but also to the Gentiles as well. (Glorify means “to reveal the divine character and attributes of God. In John 17:22, this is from the verb that means to be accounted, or be of reputation of”.) Christians today are to understand this as well. When the world see a Christian, they should be depicting the “glory” of God. In other words, a Christian should reveal the attributes of God, having this reputation revealed in their lives.“To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27). Also understand that as Believers, the whole world should see and recognize us as Christians.

    Jesus’ heart’s desire is laid out for us in these verses. He wanted the people who believed in Him to understand that He would be in us and that God’s glory would be revealed to us. Then those who believed could understand the love of God. See how this is understood and revealed to us. “16. That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; 17. That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18. May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19. And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God” (Ephesians 3:16–19).

    In John 17:26, Jesus prayed that we would experience the same love from God that He did. How can that happen? “Jesus answered and said unto him,If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him” (John 14:23).

    Something to consider: After Jesus died and rose again, John could look back at what Jesus had taught and lived out in His life. Once John understood that Jesus was God, he penned these wonderful words to help others understand just what he saw and experienced. Jesus was God come in the flesh—to reveal God to a lost world, giving them the power to become the sons of God. “1. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2. The same was in the beginning with God. 3. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.  … 10. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” (John 1:1–5, 10–12). What a privilege! When one receives Jesus, believing by faith, that one becomes a son of God.

    Have you recognized the glory revealed in Jesus, believed, and become a child of God?

    Have you then allowed the world to recognized the glory (the divine character and attributes of God) of God revealed in your life?

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

  • Our Approach

    “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.”

    Hebrews 10:22

    There is a very familiar event that takes place in 2 Samuel. David had been established as king, and he decided to bring the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem, the new capital of Israel. This was important because the Ark of the Covenant (or testimony) with the mercy seat upon it, was the place where God met with man in the days of the Old Testament (see Exodus 25:22). Bringing the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem was a good thing. See that it is also called “ark of God”. If you remember, the Ark of the Covenant had been taken by Hophni and Phinehas into a battle with the Philistines. Israel lost the battle, Hophni and Phinehas were killed, and the Ark of the Covenant had been taken (see 1 Samuel 4:1-10). When it was returned to the land of Israel, the Philistine’s sent it back on a new cart (see 1 Samuel (see 1 Samuel 6:7-12). It ended up in the house of Abinadab where it remained (see 1 Samuel 7:1). Now David was going there to bring it into Jerusalem.

    “2. And David arose, and went with all the people that were with him from Baale of Judah, to bring up from thence the ark of God, whose name is called by the name of the LORD of hosts that dwelleth between the cherubims. 3. And they set the ark of God upon a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab that was in Gibeah: and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drave the new cart. 4. And they brought it out of the house of Abinadab which was at Gibeah, accompanying the ark of God: and Ahio went before the ark. 5. And David and all the house of Israel played before the LORD on all manner of instruments made of fir wood, even on harps, and on psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets, and on cymbals. 6. And when they came to Nachon’s threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it. 7. And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God” (2 Samuel 6:2-7).

    Remember that bringing the Ark of God to Jerusalem was a good thing for David to do. However, he did it the wrong way. He moved the Ark of the Covenant the same way the Philistine’s had moved it, which sounded like a good way to move it. They were having a great time playing music before the Ark of God, much as a time of worship before the Lord. However, David had not taken the time to seek God, nor how He would have it moved. Because of this error, there was a death. David was displeased, “And David was afraid of the LORD that day, and said, How shall the ark of the LORD come to me?” (2 Samuel 6:9). In 1 Chronicles we understand that David found out the way God intended for the Ark of the Covenant to be moved (see 1 Chronicles 15:2). It was then they were successful in moving it to Jerusalem.

    One cannot help but recognize the casual way that even King David approached God. David had no wicked thought in him in this venture. He only wanted to do something good for God and His people. Yet, because he did it man’s way and not God’s way, God was not pleased with David’s effort. David had to seek God, and do things God’s way.

    How often do we approach God with the same attitude? Christians have the right to approach the throne of grace because of Jesus, anytime (see Hebrews 4:16). However, we often come before the Lord presumptuously, much like David. The right is there. But the means must be correct. God is holy, and we are sinful people; even after we have been saved by grace. The grace that we have been privileged with does not give us the right to approach God any way that we want to approach Him. “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water” (Hebrews 10:22).

    When the religious leaders asked Jesus why His disciples did not according to the traditions of the elders, Jesus quoted Isaiah: “6. He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me withtheirlips, but their heart is far from me. 7.Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teachingfordoctrines the commandments of men.8. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men,asthe washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. 9. And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition” (Mark 7:6-9). Recognize that just because they were religious leaders, they were not approaching God in the correct way, for their heart was far from Him. Christians must come before the Lord with a true heart, not worshiping the Lord in vain by keeping man’s traditions.

    Have you considered how you approach God? Is it in the ways of man?

    Or,

    Is it with a true heart in full assurance of faith?