The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: Church

  • Barnabas

    “For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.”

    Acts 11:24

    In the early church, persecution came. When the persecution came, the new Believers scattered, taking the name of Jesus with them. As they told others about Jesus, more people became Believers. “And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord” (Acts 11:21). These new Believers turned unto the Lord. They changed the course of their lives to a direction that pleased the Lord. This is the message Jesus sent with Paul:“To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me” (Acts 26:18). The people needed to know the importance of turning from darkness to the Light (Jesus – see John 8:12: “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”)

    Once the people turned to the Lord, one needed to teach them how to live this new life in Christ. Word reached Jerusalem of the many who had turned to Jesus. “Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch” (Acts 11:22). Barnabas was sent. He was a man who lived out in his life the faith he had placed in Jesus. Remember what faith in Jesus is: Faith means “faith in Christ; the means of appropriating what God in Christ has for man resulting in the transformation of man’s character and way of life – also called Christian faith.” Barnabas was the kind of man who would be able to help the new Believers learn how to live this new way of life. “Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord” (Acts 11:23). Barnabas saw the grace of God in these new Believers. Grace means “especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life.” Remember what Jesus taught. “Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit” (Matthew 12:33). This “good fruit” was already being revealed in the people’s lives. Barnabas recognized in the Believer’s lives what had happened in their hearts. This greatly encouraged Barnabas!

    Barnabas also exhorted (encouraged) them. The new Believers must intentionally, with purpose of heart, cleave to the Lord. They would cleave unto means “to adhere to, persevere in: abide still, be with, cleave unto, continue in (with).” Barnabas taught them the importance of persevering and continuing to walk with Jesus.

    The next verse is pretty special. It tells us much about who Barnabas was and how God was so able to use him to help new Believers. “For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord” (Acts 11:24).

    • Barnabas was a good man:There are not many men called good in the Bible. Barnabas was one. Good means “good and benevolent, profitable, useful.” Remember what Jesus taught: “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh” (Luke 6:45). Whatever is in the heart is what comes forth. Barnabas obviously had good in his heart.
    • Barnabas was full of the Holy Ghost: When something is full, there isn’t room for other things. To be full of the Holy Ghost (Spirit) means one has emptied himself of the world and the things of the world and instead replaced them with the things of God. Christians are commanded to do this. “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18). Most people tend to focus on the first part of that verse, but they forget the command of the second part. That is a pretty important thing to remember! Being filled with the Spirit will enable one to serve the Lord – much like Barnabas!
    • Barnabas was a man of faith: Remember that faith is “appropriating what God in Christ has for man resulting in the transformation of man’s character and way of life.” Barnabas lived a transformed life. He had become more like Christ.

    Did you notice the result because of Barnabas’ life and conduct? We read that “much people was added unto the Lord”. What a statement! Because Barnabas chose to live a Christ-like life, being filled with the Holy Spirit, he was able to help many others come to know Jesus.

    Have you chosen to be good, emptied of self and filled with the Holy Spirit, and live a life of faith?

  • Choose to be a Servant

    “And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.”

    Mark 10:44

    Remember, there are choices to be made everyday. Some choices are minor with few consequences. Others have major ones. The most important will always be the choice of where one will spend eternity. Next, one must choose how to live here on earth. Although Peter was a Believer, Peter was one came to a crossroad in his life. Initially, he denied Jesus. However, when given a second chance Peter fully committed to following Jesus. He is only one of many of whom we can read about in the Bible. Mark was another. Many remember that Mark left in the midst of Paul’s first missionary journey with Barnabas. When Barnabas wanted to take Mark on the second journey, Paul refused. The strife between Paul and Barnabas was so great, they separated. Paul took Silas on the second missionary journey, and we do not hear much more of Barnabas. However, we can learn more about Mark.

    Mark is first mentioned in Acts when many were gathered at his mother, Mary’s, house in prayer for Peter (see Acts 12:12). We learn that Mark was related to Barnabas (see Colossians 4:10). When Paul and Barnabas began to travel preaching the Gospel message, they took John Mark (see Acts 12:25). “And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister” (Acts 13:5). Mark was to minister to Paul and Barnabas on this journey. It appears that the events that took place at Paphos caused Mark to loose courage and leave for home (see Acts 13:6-13). This is why Paul refused Barnabas’ request to take Mark on the second missionary journey. Mark had not proven himself as a faithful minister (a servant). Consider Mark’s thoughts as he quit, not remaining a faithful minister (servant) for the furthering of the Gospel message.

    Time passed, and we learn a few things of what happened to Mark after his great failure. Mark is mentioned in Paul’s letters to Colosse. About twenty years had passed, and Paul was in prison. He sent a letter to the Colossians. We learn that Mark (Marcus) was still alive and actively serving Christ. “Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)” (Colossians 4:10). Mark was with Paul, and maybe going to see the Colossians. Paul wanted them to receive Mark. Paul described Mark (Marcus) as a fellow-laborer: “Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers” (Philemon 1:24). Mark became of help to Paul. Read what Paul wrote in second Timothy: “… Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry” (2 Timothy 4:11). Not only was Paul a servant of Jesus Christ (see Romans 1:1), Paul had obviously recognized what Mark had become: a faithful servant of Jesus.

    Peter, a servant of Jesus (see 2 Peter 1:1), acknowledged Mark in 1 Peter. “The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son” (1 Peter 5:13). Most believe these comments refer to the fact that Peter was the one who won Mark (Marcus) to Jesus. It also helps us recognize that Mark had proved himself as a faithful Christian in his service with Peter.

    We have the witness of the two great Apostles (and servants) of Jesus (Paul and Peter) that Mark was considered profitable for the Christian ministry and was faithful for many years. However, probably the most important acknowledgment is the fact that the Holy Spirit inspired John Mark to record the book of Mark, one of the four Gospels. He was privileged to be one of the four who recorded the life of Jesus’ life here on this earth. Mark wrote primarily to the Romans presenting Jesus as a Servant. “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). Mark emphasized what Jesus did more that what Jesus said. Jesus revealed He was God’s Son by the actions He did while on the earth – for He changed the world forever.

    Mark is a great example of one who in spite of an early failure, did not quit the Lord and proved himself faithful to the end. When Mark was faced with a major crossroad in life (remaining with Paul on his missionary journey), he chose to turn and leave. However, when given another chance to be used by God, Mark chose to follow Christ in ministry with Paul, Peter, and in the recording of Jesus’ life. It is interesting that Mark wrote of Jesus, acknowledging Jesus as God’s Servant. Mark wrote how Jesus’ works verified His Words. He focused on the importance of what Jesus did. In those actions of Jesus, Mark helped all who read to recognize that Jesus truly is the Son of God.

    It is almost as if Mark understood that actions are as important as words. He wrote what Jesus said: “And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all” (Mark 10:44). Mark recognized Jesus was a faithful servant of all. Where Mark had once failed as a servant, he learned from his failure and became a great servant for Jesus, following Jesus’ example.

    Have you chosen to become a faithful servant of Jesus Christ?

    Do you allow your actions as a servant of Jesus to speak louder than your words?

  • 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?

  • Blessed is he that Readeth

    “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.”

    Revelation 1:3

    The book of Revelation often has a bad connotation attached to it. Many are afraid to read it because they have heard it said that Revelation is a difficult, if not impossible, book to understand. Because of this, many are afraid even to attempt a study into the book of Revelation. Nevertheless, remember what Christians are to know. “16. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17. That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The hope is that if one would only read the book of Revelation, that one’s interest would be piqued to a deeper study of what it says.    

    The first two verses in this book declare just exactly what this book is and is to be. “1. The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: 2. Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw” (Revelation 1:1-2). Revelation means “uncovering; unveiling; disclosure; spoken of future events.” From the title and first verse of the book of Revelation, we are to understand that this is not a book of mystery, but a book of revealing or disclosure of things that would come to pass. Jesus told John, the Apostle, of things that would come – for John was a witness of Jesus, having walked with Him, learning from Him.     

    See what Jesus said of those who would read, hear, and keep these words. “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand” (Revelation 1:3). Keep means “particularly to watch; observe attentively; keep the eyes fixed upon.” In other words, Christians are to not only read and hear the words found within the book of Revelation, but Christians are commanded to watch and observe the times and events of which this book is speaking. We can understand that the words of this book are to be read – attentively. Those who do so will be blessed (means “happy”). What an encouragement for Christians during these days in which we live!

    Jesus spoke to John, directing the words to the church (whom some call the Letters from Jesus to the church). “John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne” (Revelation 1:4). These words are from Jesus, who has always been and always will be, directed initially to the churches in Asia. However, these words are also directed to what is referred to as “the seven church ages” which are understood to have taken place throughout history, from the time when the church was established upon the resurrection of Jesus. See how Jesus revealed this fact. “5. And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, 6. And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen” (Revelation 1:5-6). Because of Jesus death, burial, and resurrection, He enabled Christians, those who believe in Jesus by faith, to become “kings and priests unto God”. 

    • Kings means “a title of distinguished honor; figuratively of Christians.” 
    • Priests means “figuratively, Christians also called priests unto God as offering Him spiritual sacrifices”(see Romans 12:1-2). 

    The Christians minister to and serve the Lord through the church – which is to whom Jesus is speaking.

    Read what will happen. “7. Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. 8. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty” (Revelation 1:7-8). One day, Jesus will come again – and all will see Him, even those who “pierced” Him. In essence, verse 8 means “Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet; in this, Jesus is speaking, assuming all the glory which belongs to God the Father as if confirming what he stated when on earth: “I and my Father are One”; Jesus is the ruler of all (Almighty) – for that is how he is presented throughout Revelation in regard to His Second Advent.” 

    John had been banished to the isle of Patmos to live because of his faithfulness to Christ. Church history records that John had been boiled in oil (and lived) before his banishment to Patmos. Jesus told John to write what he saw. It was for the churches to read (see Revelation 1:10-11). John recorded this for us to know and understand today.

    Are you one who is able to understand Revelation because of your belief in Jesus by faith, understanding that the time of which it is written is at hand?

  • Paul’s Encouragement and Warning

    “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.”
    Romans 15:1

    Excerpt from Y3Q2 Lesson 10: Paul’s Third Missionary Journey:

    “The leaders in the church of Ephesus, of whom Paul had called to himself to speak, needed to realize that Paul would no longer be there physically to rely upon. They had to step up and take care of God’s church. “… 27. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. 28. 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 20:25-28). Paul had done the job God had given him to do: he declared to all of the people the counsel of God (counsel means “God’s purpose, or plan”). He had taught them. Knowing that Paul would not be able to return to them, these men had to be prepared. “29. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them” (Acts 20:29-30). They must not only be prepared themselves, but they must take care of, and prepare, the church over which they were the leaders. Not only would some (“grievous wolves”) come in and try to destroy new Christians, as well as the church, but also there would be leaders arise that would be filled with “perverse things” (perverse things means “perverted; corrupt; vicious; or ‘to turn aside divine truth’”). Some leaders would try to cause people to follow them – not Jesus. What were they to do? “31. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. 32. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified” (Acts 20:31-32). They were to do just as Paul had done – for he had lived his life as an example. Paul warned that after teaching the new Christians how to live a Christian life (following Jesus), they would then have to warn the people, day and night, of these “grievous wolves” who would come “speaking perverse things” and to recognize them. Also, see what else Paul revealed. “I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Support means “to take hold of another mutually as by the hand; i.e. figuratively to support from falling as by the hand; to support, help, assist.” Weak means “without strength, powerless; weak; to be afflicted, distressed as by want, oppression, calamity, and such.” Newer Christians (as well as newer churches) need extra support, for they are weak in their new Christian life. Many new Christians (and even some older ones) are often afflicted and distressed by their want (things they desire, or want, as opposed to things God would have for them), or even what seems to be a calamity in their life. Paul warned that these people needed “support from falling as by the hand,” or assistance, from stronger Christians.

    “After teaching them face-to-face one last time … one cannot help but recognized the impact that Paul had upon these Christians’ lives. These people loved Paul for the life he had lived, faithfully teaching them the things of Jesus.

    “A Deeper Path: It is the responsibilities of church leaders to help new Christians (those who are “weak”) grow in Christ. However, it is not only the responsibility of the leaders, but it is the duty of all Christians. See the following verses. “1. We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification” (Romans 15:1-2). That are strong means “one who is strong, firm, fixed, established” – referring to the things of Christ. Infirmities means “to be weak or powerless; the result of being weak: i.e. referring to the scruples which arise by being weak in the faith of Jesus.” As Christians, we are not to please ourselves, for we must always remember that there are newer Christians who may not understand the things we do – for a newer Christian may not always know what the right thing to do in a situation is. It is the responsibility of every Christian to live a life according to God’s Word, so that newer Christians are not confused. We are to live a life that is right “for his good to edification.” Good means “good, in respect to operation or influence on others; i.e.: useful, profitable, beneficial.” Edification means “building as a process; i.e.: edification, spiritual profit or advancement.” Christians are to live lives that cause other Christians to become better Christians by living a life that pleases Jesus.”

    Do you live a Christian life that helps newer Christians understand how to please Jesus, growing stronger?

  • Christians who Endure Troubles and Sufferings

    “Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.”
    Acts 8:4

    Stephen preached Jesus from the Old Testament to the religious leaders, but instead of receiving the truths he taught, they rejected those Words and killed him. He was the first person who was killed because he believed in, and preached, Jesus. It was at the time of his death that we were also introduced to one of the religious men present at Stephen’s death – a young man named Saul.

    “And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles” (Acts 8:1). Recognize that this incident was the catalyst for a great persecution against the church. After learning of Stephen’s death, people became afraid. Because of this fear, many of the people scattered abroad. Did you notice to whom the persecution was initially directed? The church. And they scattered abroad. The people of the church who scattered were new Believers. They had just believed upon Jesus a short time before, and they were just beginning to learn and grow in this new life. These new Believers were encouraged to continue, “stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). When Stephen was killed, many fled Jerusalem. What did the Apostles do? They stayed in Jerusalem. It would be later that the persecution would come directly to them. They stayed in Jerusalem, available, where the people could find them.

    Some people remained in Jerusalem, mourning the death of Stephen. Because “Saul was consenting unto his death,” read his response to this new “church” that was being formulated. “As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison” (Acts 8:3). We read that Saul “made havock” of the church. Made havock means “destruction; to ravage, waste; to disgrace as by insult; treat with indignity; injure or destroy.” Saul entered into houses and took men and women to prison – all because they belonged to the church.

    There is something very important that Christians today can learn from this event. Who is the enemy of a Christian? “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). The devil (Satan) is the enemy. We can read from this verse that he attacks and wants to destroy Christians. Our adversary, the devil, will attack all Christians. And he uses people to do his job. Remember that in the early establishment of the church, the first persecution was directed at one (Stephen) who was vocal, teaching Jesus aloud to the religious leaders. Stephen was physically silenced. Next, the persecution was against the church. This was all new. They had just experienced the most wonderful event in their lives. They had believed in Jesus, who had died for their sin paying their debt. They had experienced what we can now read in the following verse: “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). I am sure that they had not expected this great persecution! We can read of a warning that was later written to the leaders of the church: “For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock” (Acts 20:29).

    It is easy to see an event, like the death of Stephen, as tragic. And it was! He was a great man of God who did much good for the church in his short ministry. In addition, the persecution of the church was a terrible event, for people were imprisoned because they believed in Jesus. However, in hindsight, we can see much good that came from the martyrdom of Stephen and the persecution of the early church. The church that was in Jerusalem began to scatter abroad – throughout Judea and Samaria. Do you remember what Jesus wanted the Believers to do? “… And ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8b). Thus far, the church was growing in Jerusalem. Once this started, the people began to scatter. “Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word” (Acts 8:4). As they scattered abroad, they began to spread the Gospel message everywhere, all because of the persecution that came after the tragic death of Stephen. Where did they go? The persecuted church “… all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria …” (Acts 8:1b). Now that persecution had begun, God’s Word was spreading specifically into the areas into which God had told His people to spread the Gospel message.

    Read some encouraging Words that Christians need to understand if, or when, we face persecution: “10. Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 11. It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: 12. If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us” (2 Timothy 2:9-12). Did you notice why Christians are to understand why we must endure troubles and sufferings? So that people could “obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus.”

    Do you live a Christian life enduring, so others may obtain the salvation, which is in Christ Jesus?

  • A Temptation to Envy the Prosperous Wicked

    “6. But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.”
    1 Timothy 6:6-7

    “See what Asaph recognized: ‘Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart’ (Psalm 73:1). He was acknowledging the goodness of God to whom God has given a clean heart (forgiven of sin). But in the very next breath, he admits something. ‘2. But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. 3. For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked’ (Psalm 73:2–3). Think for a minute. Have you ever been jealous of someone’s “good luck” or the “cool stuff” they can afford to buy? Maybe someone else can afford to do something you have always wanted to do. That is exactly what Asaph caught himself just about to do. He had been looking at the people who did not belong to God, who had not given their hearts and lives to Him, realizing they were busy pleasing themselves and becoming rich in this world. He was jealous. He was about to “buy into” the lie with which Satan tries to fool us. Do you remember what Jesus told us to do? ‘19. Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also’ (Matthew 6:19–21).

    “Notice that Asaph recognized God’s goodness to those who were of a “clean heart.” Their hearts were with God, forgiven by God. That is where God wants our hearts and even our minds. Do you remember what happened to Achan when he disobeyed God and stole the garment, the wedge of gold, and the shekels of silver. Israel lost the next battle, and Achan and his family were stoned (Joshua 7:20–26). He chose “things” (riches) over obedience to God and His Word. 

    “Asaph saw the prosperity of this world and did not understand (Psalm 73:4–12). He began to think that he had missed. ‘13. Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency. 14. For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning’ (Psalm 73:13–14). He was almost ready to give up his “religion.” He didn’t understand why it seemed he had so many problems and troubles when the wicked didn’t. Notice where it was that Asaph learned what he needed to know about this situation. ‘Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end’ (Psalm 73:17). He found the answers to his questions when he went to “church”, that place dedicated to the things of God. Then he understood “their end.” He recognized his ignorance (“So foolish was I, and ignorant …” Psalm 73:22). He knew God would lead him and give him counsel (Psalm 73:24) and then receive him into glory. It is here that he acknowledges ‘there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee’ (Psalm 73:25b). He had made God his heart’s desire.” (An excerpt from The Biblical Path of Life, Year One Quarter Four, Lesson 4.)

    When you were born, you did not bring anything with you (see Ecclesiastes 5:15-16). Jesus told us to lay not up for ourselves treasure here on earth, but in heaven. He also gave us a warning that where our treasure is, that is where our heart will be. We can also be reminded of this in 1 Timothy 6:6-7: “6. But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.” After remembering this, see what we are to do: “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:2).

    Are you content with what you have?

    Have you made God your heart’s desire?

  • The Door

    Something has happened in my lifetime. When I was a young person growing up in church, everything was about Jesus. Jesus loved me. Jesus died on the cross for my sin.

    Sin?

    What sin?

    I learned that disobedience to any of God’s commands was sin. And that sin separated me from God. In church, I learned that that separation from God could be restored – but only by Jesus’ death on the cross to pay the penalty for my sin. Once I heard this, I wanted to have that relationship restored. I didn’t want to be separated from God for eternity. Once I recognized that I had sinned, and wanted God to forgive me of that sin, I trusted Jesus was the only One who could take that sin away (see John 14:6).

    But something has happened in most churches. What Jesus did on the cross to take away sin is only mentioned once in a blue moon. Now the focus has turned to the thought that God loves everyone. He wants us to love everyone. The way to show the world that we love them is to bring them into the church, just as they are, and the church will minister to them. The church shows love by meeting any physical or emotional need they may have. Meeting those needs is a wonderful way to show the love of God – but only if one has first showed them that Jesus is that love of God. Remember “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). God’s love is revealed in the death of Jesus on the cross to pay the penalty for individual’s sin in order to restore that broken relationship. By not making this the primary message in the churches today, many churches have in essence pushed Jesus out of the door and closed it. It’s almost as if many churches have made their own door (good works, meeting people’s needs) and replacing Jesus as the Door of the sheep. That is the condition of the church in the final church age, portrayed in Revelation 3:14-22.  They are doing so well, doing works, that they don’t even realize they are in need. Because the churches as a whole are so busy doing good works, they have forgotten to share the message of Jesus and His death to take away individual people’s sin as the Only Way to truly help anyone. Remember what Paul wrote: “For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God” (Romans 10:3). Remember that the “righteousness of God” is Jesus. This is a picture of what is happening.

    But as we see in Revelation 3:20, Jesus is still available to any one who will open the Door (for Jesus is the Door, see John 10:7) to allow Jesus inside. He will come inside, and there can be sweet fellowship. “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me” (Revelation 3:20).

    Are you someone who has allowed Jesus to be pushed out, forgetting why He came?

    Will you be willing to open the door and let Him back in?

    Make sure that you find a church that still faithfully presents the Gospel message of Jesus, the only way to be saved. Make sure that He is the primary focus of your life.

    “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches” (Revelation 3:22).

  • Lesson 12 (Lesson 51): Song of Solomon: The Perfect Love

    Key Verse

    “The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.”  Jeremiah 31:3

    Read the Key Verse with your class.  One thing almost every child learns from a very young age is that God loves them.  What they may not understand is that God’s love is an everlasting love to those who belong to Him.  In the world today, love is a much overused word.  We “love” hamburgers, fries, candy bars, football; the list is endless.  Today we want to help our students understand “perfect” love – a love that is everlasting.  The best example of a perfect love is the love God has for the world in sending His only Son, Jesus, to die for our sins (Romans 5:8).  Help your students understand the love God has for His people.  As we begin our lesson today, help them understand that this is the depth of the love God intended between a man and a woman.  Man is not complete, nor is a woman, without the other:  Genesis 2:18:  “And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.”  Today we will look at Solomon’s description of this kind of love.

    Summary:  Today we finish the Personal Books, concluding with the Song of Solomon.  Song of Solomon is a collective love song written by King Solomon as to a young maiden.  Within we find the beauty of a perfect love.  We will study the Song of Solomon from the basics of a man who loved a woman, and a woman who loved him.  Since we are teaching children, we will remind them that just as God loved us and sent His Son, Jesus, we are to love Him with all of our hearts.  If our students can learn to love Jesus with all of their hearts, then their hearts will be prepared to one day love a man or a woman.  Remember, Christians are the bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:25: Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;”).  Keep this thought in mind as we study the Song of Solomon, for the Song of Solomon is a picture of the love of Christ for his church, and the love the church should have for Christ, under the guise of a bride and groom.

    Encourage your students to bring their Bibles and use them!

    Emphasis:   To understand “true love” we must turn to God’s Word.  Just as Jesus loved us (his bride) so much He gave His life for them, we, too, are to love Him with all of our “heart, soul, mind, and strength” (Mark 12:30).  In loving Jesus, our hearts will be prepared to love one another (John 13:34).

     

    Optional Worksheets to be downloaded:

    Lesson 51 – Volume 1 Children’s Worksheet 1

    Lesson 51 – Volume 1 Children’s Reinforcement Worksheet

     

    Ideas for children:

    Stickers always work well with children. Often times I watch Wal-Mart or Oriental Trading Company for specials or deals on things I can use for crafts for Sunday School (i.e. foam sheets, Bible Story scene stickers, crowns, stick on jewels, construction paper, etc.).  I keep a stash and when I need something, I go search in my stash!  Pinterest always has great ideas!

    You could have a coloring sheet that goes with the lesson.

    One idea for today’s lesson:  For today’s lesson you could have your students cut out a very large heart from a red piece of construction paper.  They could either use markers to write or draw ways that we can show Jesus that we love Him.  (Ideas:  read and memorize verses from our Bibles, faithfully go to church, be kind to others, obey Mom and Dad, treat our brothers or sisters kindly, do something nice for someone else, help others, etc.)

     

    Mural idea:

    Refer to the wall in your classroom that has become a mural.

    By now your class should be in a groove as to the direction and areas in which they need to focus and work on to improve their Christian lives.  Use this knowledge to help you address specific areas in each lesson that your class can discuss and share as you add new things to your mural.  Continue to watch as your class grows in their knowledge of not only God’s Word, but areas in their lives that can be corrected, drawing them closer to the Lord.

    Have them each add anything else they may have brought to add to the wall.  Encourage everyone to participate.

  • Lesson 4 (Lesson 43): Psalms 73-89: Book 3

    Key Verse

    “Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God?”    Psalm 77:13

     

    Read the Key Verse with your class.  Ask your students if they like to go to church.  According to our memory verse, attending church is important to God.  That is how we know the way to live a life pleasing to God.  Help them understand the word sanctuary:  a sacred place dedicated to the things of God.  The church today is a place where we gather to focus upon the things of God and to learn of the things of God.  There is no one (or any thing) greater to place our focus and attention upon than God, our God.

    Summary Today we continue with the second of the Personal Books, Psalms.  Remember that the Psalms is broken up into 5 books.  We will look at book three of the Psalms (chapters 73-89) today, comparing them to the book of Leviticus.  If you remember, the main theme of Leviticus was the tabernacle.  That was the tent set up to hold the things of God and where man was to go to meet God.

    When the tabernacle was completed, God spoke to Moses from the tabernacle instead of Mount Sinai.  Once the people were free from the land of bondage, they needed to know how to live.  There was great emphasis placed on the importance of being a sanctified people – set apart from the world and the things of the world.  The people were to learn how to live as a people wholly given to God, in every aspect of their lives.  Leviticus showed the ability to have fellowship with God when man came to Him as a sanctified people.  (Because He is a Holy God and we are a sinful people.)

    The first eleven Psalms of the third book of the Psalms were written by Asaph (he was one of the Levites David appointed to minister before the Ark of the Covenant with songs in I Chronicles 16:4-5.)  We see him at one point as he struggled with jealousy over the prosperous wicked, until he went to the “sanctuary of God” – then he understood.

    We also reemphasize the importance of learning from history (again), and what happens to those who forsake God.  Through this book of the Psalms, we will learn the importance of God’s house, and the importance of serving Him.  It ends with a praise encouraging us to make God’s faithfulness known to “all generations.”

    Encourage your students to bring their Bibles and use them!

    Emphasis:  We are to learn the importance of not desiring the things of this world, but placing our focus (our heart’s desires) upon the things of God.  The one place we can go to achieve this purpose, is the church (the sanctuary – that place dedicated to the things of God).

     

    Optional Worksheets to be downloaded:

    Lesson 43 – Volume 1 Children’s Worksheet 1

    Lesson 43 – Volume 1 Children’s Reinforcement Worksheet

     

    Ideas for children:

    Stickers always work well with children. Often times I watch Wal-Mart or Oriental Trading Company for specials or deals on things I can use for crafts for Sunday School (i.e. foam sheets, Bible Story scene stickers, crowns, stick on jewels, construction paper, etc.).  I keep a stash and when I need something, I go search in my stash!  Pinterest always has great ideas!

    You could have a coloring sheet that goes with the lesson.

    One idea for today’s lesson:  (See picture below).  For today’s lesson I took a coloring of a church building.  I cut out the windows and doors.  The students were able to glue different colored pieces of small tissue paper to the back to make the windows look stained glass or just colorful.  They then took time to color the church building.  We are to encourage them to understand that the church building is a special place because it is the place God’s people go to meet together to place our attention on God and the things of God.

     

    Mural idea:

    Refer to the wall in your classroom that has become a mural.

    By now your class should be in a groove as to the direction and areas in which they need to focus and work on to improve their Christian lives.  Use this knowledge to help you address specific areas in each lesson that your class can discuss and share as you add new things to your mural.  Continue to watch as your class grows in their knowledge of not only God’s Word, but areas in their lives that can be corrected, drawing them closer to the Lord.

    Have them each add anything else they may have brought to add to the wall.  Encourage everyone to participate.