The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: Faith

  • Know Ye Not?

    “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain”

    1 Corinthians 9:24

    Paul had visited Corinth on two different missionary journeys, spending at least eighteen months on one visit. He also wrote two letters to the church established in Corinth that we have to read even today. In these letters, we find much that should apply to all Christians. Paul wrote one letter when he heard of problems in the church. There were divisions beginning to form that needed to be stopped. There was also sin being allowed into the church that left unchecked, would destroy the church from within. Paul understood the importance of dealing with these issues, quickly, to help the young Christians to grow in Christ as they should. “That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God” (1 Corinthians 2:5).

    When Paul wrote, we find that he recognized their condition. “And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:1). Notice Paul said he could not speak unto them as spiritual, but carnal. They were still babes in Christ. Because they had not yet learned how to live a Christian life, they were still “carnal” (carnal means “weakness; frailty; of persons being worldly”). This revealed that they were living according to the world and its’ standards, not according to God’s. “For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?” (1 Corinthians 3:3). After addressing their divisions, he reminded them that God’s Spirit lived in them. “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16). Did you notice how that verse began? “Know ye not”. This was a big part of their problem. They had not taken the time to “know” what they needed to know in order to live as they were supposed to live. Paul mentions this several times in this letter. Take note of the following:

    • “Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?” (1 Corinthians 5:6).
    • “Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? …” (1 Corinthians 6:2:).
    • “Know ye not that we shall judge angels? …” (1 Corinthians 6:3).
    • “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? …” (1 Corinthians 6:9).
    • “Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? …” (1 Corinthians 6:15).
    • “What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? …” (1 Corinthians 6:16).
    • “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” (1 Corinthians 6:19).

    Paul addressed many thing that they did not know. One more thing they did not know was that the Christian life is much like a race. And Paul was a great example for them to follow. “24. Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 25. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible” (1 Corinthians 9:24-25). Paul compared this Christian life to a race that all are running. Think of a race: there is a course, a goal in sight, and a reward. The Christian life can be thought of in much the same way:

    • there is a course (a godly lifestyle one lives according to God’s Word),
    • a goal in sight (keeping eyes on Jesus, living that life so others can see and come to know Jesus),
    • and a reward (eternal life in heaven with Jesus someday where Christians will receive rewards for things done on this earth for Jesus).

    Just as runners have to train, exercise, and eat right, Christians who want to live a life pleasing to God must also train, exercise and eat right. How? Christians are given God’s Word to teach them how to live a life pleasing to God. It takes much work and exercise to strengthen spiritual muscles to put away the sins of the world and instead choose the things of God (see 1 Timothy 4:6-9). Eating right would consist of putting God’s Word into the Christian heart and mind (see Psalm 119:11) as opposed to the things of this world. This was an area that the Corinthian church needed to work on: knowing how to live the Christian life.

    There is one important difference in a physical race, and the race of the Christian life, that Paul explained to them. In a physical race, there is only one winner, but in the race of the Christian life, all will receive eternal life with Jesus – only the personal rewards will be different, according to how the race is run (see 1 Corinthians 3:11-15).

    Do you know how to run the race that is the Christian life, understanding how to please God?

  • Lesson 12: Paul Before Rulers: Acts 24 – 26

    Key Verse

    But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

    —1 Peter 3:15

    Key Verse Thought: Read the Key Verse. Sanctify means “to regard as holy; to withdraw from the fellowship with the world by gaining fellowship with God.” Once we have given our heart wholly to God, we will be ready at anytime to tell anyone about Jesus. In this lesson, we will discover that Paul was always ready to tell anyone he was around about Jesus.

    Emphasis: We are to be willing and able to share one’s personal testimony (of when Jesus called upon one’s heart and the response to that call). In addition, to be able to tell what Jesus is doing in their life (the job Jesus has called them to do).

    Lesson Summary: In our last lesson, we learned that when the religious leaders in the Temple accosted Paul, the chief captain saved Paul’s life by arresting him. When the chief captain found out about the plot against Paul’s life, he sent Paul by night to Caesarea. Because the chief captain found nothing worthy of death, he sent Paul to Felix, the governor, to hear Paul’s case.

    In this lesson, we will find that Felix, the governor, wanted to hear the words of Paul’s accusers first, and then he would hear Paul. After hearing both sides of the case, Felix found nothing worthy of Paul’s death – but he kept Paul in custody. Felix, along with his wife Drusilla, visited Paul several times. When they visited, they asked Paul questions about “the faith in Christ” (see Acts 24:24). We will find out what came of these discussions.

    When Festus succeeded Felix, Paul was still not released – to please the Jews. Festus did make a trip to Jerusalem talking with the religious leaders, but he would not send Paul to them. Festus agreed to hear the religious leaders’ case against Paul, giving Paul an opportunity to defend himself. Paul then appealed to Caesar (see Acts 25:11).

    King Agrippa visited Festus, and Festus told him of the troubles of Paul. Moreover, Festus wanted to hear from Paul himself. When Paul spoke before King Agrippa, he gave his personal testimony. He told of his life apart from Jesus, and the call Jesus extended to him. Paul told of his trust in Jesus, and the job given to him as a messenger to the Gentile people, preaching Jesus to them. Paul then invited King Agrippa to respond to the Gospel message. We will learn of King Agrippa’s response in this lesson.

    Note to teachers: A very important aspect of this lesson (if you are teaching a group) would be good to give your students an opportunity to give their own personal testimony. It may feel difficult if it is the first time they have shared, but it is important that they learn how to share with others – for it is the duty of each Christian to tell others what Jesus did for them.

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 12 Questions

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 12 Children’s Worksheets

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

    We decorated a foam cross with stickers to help remember the Gospel Message that Jesus is now alive!

  • Live a New Life

    “So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.”

    Romans 8:8

    All of mankind is sinful and guilty before God (see Romans 3:23). However, Jesus can take that sin away by His grace for those who have faith in Him. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). After this, Christians are to understand that we have been purchased (see 1 Peter 1:18-19). “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:20). We belong to God, and we are to live for Him. However, we still live here on earth where sin reigns. What are Christians to do?

    We are to remember that God’s Law not only reveals the knowledge of sin (see Romans 3:20), but reveals our sin to us (see Romans 7:7). By knowing what God’s Word says, we learn how God expects Christians to live. Nevertheless, it can be difficult. Paul explained this. “For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin” (Romans 7:14). Paul wrote about his struggle to do right (see Romans 7:14-24). Because the new spiritual man and the old carnal man (carnal means “under the influence of the desires of things pertaining to the flesh or body”) are of opposite natures, they fight against each other. The old nature is comfortable in its sinfulness, but the new nature of Christ within hates that sin – causing conflict. Paul understood that as long as he physically lived on this earth, although in his heart and spirit he would be obeying God’s law, in his flesh he would never be perfect. Nevertheless, Paul made a choice to follow the Spirit and obey God’s Word. Paul understood it was an issue of the heart.

    A Christian should never consider himself perfect, without sin, – only forgiven by Jesus.

    Read what happens once we submit to and obey God’s Word. “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (Romans 8:1). When we decide to walk after the Spirit, it means we choose to oppose the flesh, not indulging in the affections and lusts of the physical nature, but instead determine to follow God’s Spirit. We are to live our lives to the best of our ability, walking in the spirit (see Romans 8:2-4).

    We can better understand this in the following verses. “5. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God” (Romans 8:5-8). We understand that the description “flesh” and “carnally minded” represents someone who allows sin to rule in the heart and cannot please God (“enmity against God”). On the converse, “Spirit” and “spiritually minded” represents someone who allows Jesus (who is Life) to rule in that heart. In Romans 8:9-11, we understand more about this difference, reminding us that God’s Spirit lives within us, helping us. (Especially note, “… Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his” Romans 8:9b. It is important to make sure one truly belongs to Jesus. The Spirit will make that known.) With this new nature, the Spirit of God living within, Christians live differently.

    Paul encourages people who have given their hearts and lives to Jesus to understand the importance of living those lives in a pleasing manner.“1. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:1-2). Just as Jesus willingly died for each Christian, each Christian is then to willingly present that life to Jesus as a “living sacrifice”. What does this mean? Living sacrifice means “the physical life and existence … always with some duration as a living and constant sacrifice.” God expects His people to live a life, always, as if they belong to Him – acceptable to Him. That is the very least we can do (“reasonable service”). Paul went on to remind us that because we are now spiritual creatures, we are to not be “conformed” to this world. Conformed means “to be fashioned alike; one is not to be molded by the external and fleeting manners or ways of this period of time, but to undergo a deep inner transformation that can only be brought by the Holy Spirit.” Instead, a Christian is to be transformed. Transformed means “that invisible process that begins to take place in a Christian during their life here on earth.” How are Christians transformed? By renewing one’s mind. Renewing means “a renovation which makes a person different than in the past.” One does this by reading and living according to God’s Word. Prove means “to put to the proof or examine; the notion of proving a thing whether it is worthy or not.” Once Christians know how to live, they are to implement those things into their lives.

    A Christian is to live a life, not like the rest of the world, but different from the world!

    Have you believed by faith, received God’s grace, and now live a transformed life, pleasing to God?

    Find out how to Receive God’s Grace.

  • That I May Know Him

    “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death.”

    Philippians 3:10

    The New Testament tells us much of Paul and his ministry. When one reads the New Testament, Paul’s life stands out. Most remember that he led three missionary journeys spreading the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ, before he was taken as a prisoner to Rome. Remember how he often referred to himself. “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God” (Romans 1:1). He was an amazing servant. Paul understood that God sent him to share the Gospel message (see Acts 9:15, 20:24).

    Although God was able to do much through the life of Paul, Paul understood something very important. Philippians tells us a bit about Paul. His understanding of who he was and what was important should be an example for all Christians. “Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more” (Philippians 3:4). If there was ever a man who could attain salvation by works of righteousness, it would be most difficult to beat Paul. He gives a listing of all of his worldly and religious achievements that should have gained him salvation if that was how salvation could be attained:

    • “5. Circumcised the eighth day,
    • of the stock of Israel,
    • of the tribe of Benjamin,
    • an Hebrew of the Hebrews;
    • as touching the law, a Pharisee;
    • 6. Concerning zeal, persecuting the church;
    • touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.” (Philippians 3:5-6).

    These seven things were such religious attainments in his day, one would think he was bound for heaven. However, he learned salvation could not be acquired by works. Read what he wrote in a letter to Titus: “5. Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6. Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7. That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life” (Titus 3:5-7). Paul understood that it did not matter who he was or what he had achieved in his life. Salvation did not come by works of righteousness that he could do. It only came by the mercy and grace of Jesus. “8. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9. Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

    Beyond the understanding that nothing Paul could do could have earned him salvation, he recognized something important. 7. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,” (Philippians 3:7-8). He had to forsake everything that he was and thought he should be to follow Christ. He had to die to his old life. “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).

    In this new life, Paul explained what was important. “9. And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10. That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death” (Philippians 3:9-10). Paul understood his righteousness was through “the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God”. What better righteousness could one ever want or need?! However, because of this righteousness which is of God, Paul understood that this enabled him to know Him. He wanted “the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord” (see Philippians 3:9). This knowledge can only come when one chooses to make Jesus Lord in that life. Paul understood this. Paul decided that he wanted to know Him. “13. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14). Paul spent his life getting to know his Lord, Jesus, personally. He pressed on toward the mark, forgetting what was behind understanding that he had not apprehended. As good as he was, Paul understood the importance of continually reaching to attain the things Christ wanted for his life. He wanted to know Jesus more, and the more he knew Him, the more Paul wanted to serve Him. Because Paul forsook who and what he was, trusted in Jesus Christ, making Him Lord of his life, Paul became a mighty servant for Jesus. He not only shared the Gospel Message of salvation available only through Jesus, but he was able to write down much of the New Testament. In those writings, we find out how to know Jesus. As we know Jesus better, we understand and accomplish the things God has planned for our lives. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).

    Have you trusted in Christ for salvation?

    Have you made it your desire to know Jesus more, then enabling you to understand the plan He has for your life?

    Learn how to trust Christ for salvation.

  • 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?

  • Philip

    “Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.”

    Acts 8:35

    Philip went to Samaria to share the Gospel Message of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection. Many of the people believed in Jesus. Philip listened to God when He spoke to him – for when God sent him away from the many people who were being saved into a desert land, Philip went. While Philip was there, he met one man who was searching for the truth about Jesus. This man needed someone to teach him, and God sent Philip to be that one who could show him how to know Jesus.

    An Ethiopian eunuch had been to Jerusalem. He was on his way home, reading the writings of Isaiah. (Isaiah is the Major Prophet in the Old Testament which includes the most prophecies of Jesus.) The Spirit told Philip to join that chariot (see Acts 8:27-29). When Philip ran to meet that chariot, he heard the man reading from Isaiah, which told of the Messiah (Jesus) who was to come. Philip asked the Ethiopian if he understood what he was reading. “And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him” (Acts 8:31). Philip immediately recognized that this man was open to hearing the message of Jesus. “32. The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: 33. In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth” (Acts 8:32-33). This Scripture is from Isaiah 53:7-8. The eunuch asked of whom this was speaking. “Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus” (Acts 8:35). Philip preached Jesus right out of Isaiah chapter 53. Preached means “to proclaim the good news; preach the gospel.” Philip told the Ethiopian Eunuch about Jesus. One can only imagine the message that Philip shared! The death and resurrection of Jesus was still recent enough that many people were still talking about the event, not fully understanding what had transpired. But Philip preached Jesus from the Old Testament Scriptures, revealing what had taken place.

    What was the Ethiopian Eunuch’s response to this “good news?” “… And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God” (Acts 8:37). This man understood that Jesus had died for sin, was buried, and lived again. By the Scriptures in Isaiah and Philip’s preaching, this Ethiopian Eunuch believed in his heart that, “Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” How had this happened? “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Because Philip was faithful to share the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ, the Ethiopian Eunuch found Jesus and believed upon Him – and was saved.

    The Ethiopian Eunuch wanted to be baptized to identify his life with Jesus (see Romans 6:3-6). “And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him” (Acts 8:38). Read the interesting thing that happened next. “And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing” (Acts 8:39). Philip disappeared, but the Ethiopian Eunuch went on his way rejoicing.

    Read what God had revealed to David, which he then recorded in the Psalms. “Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God” (Psalm 68:31). God knew that one day an Ethiopian Eunuch would go to Jerusalem to worship – searching for God (see Acts 8:27). (Also read Solomon’s prayer in 2 Chronicles 6:32-33 for God to hear a stranger calling to God.) God sent Philip to tell that Ethiopian Eunuch how to be saved. This should be an encouraging thing to understand that if someone is searching for God, God will send someone to show that person how to find Him. Just like God sent Philip to the Ethiopian Eunuch. Read what is specifically written for each Christian: “13. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:13-14). Preacher means “apostles and teachers to preach, publish, or announce religious truth; the gospel with its privileges and obligations.” Every Christian can teach someone else the truth about Jesus. These verses in Romans were quoted from the Old Testament book of Isaiah (Isaiah 52:7). Notice that these verses are found in the chapter right before Isaiah 53 that tells about Jesus’ suffering death – the very chapter that the Ethiopian Eunuch had been reading! And God sent him one, Philip, so that that man could be saved.

    Believers are supposed to tell others about Jesus. Do you think that Ethiopian Eunuch who had been searching for Jesus, finally finding Him, told others how to meet Jesus? Imagine the people he was able to teach about Jesus once he returned home! Christians must understand the necessity of telling others about Jesus, so that that someone can tell can tell someone else. That is how the Gospel message has always been shared – from one person to another.

    Do you know of someone special that you can tell about Jesus.

  • Crossroads

    “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:”

    1 Peter 1:7

    There are choices to be made everyday. Some choices are minor with few consequences. Others have major ones. However, many people do not seriously consider the most important choice that will be made: one’s destiny after death. There are only two choices, heaven or hell. The way is clearly explained in the Bible, yet most do not take the Words to heart. Read what Jesus said: “28.… for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, 29. And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation” (John 5:28-29). Jesus taught them the only good work that one could do to inherit eternal life. “28. Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? 29. Jesus answered and said unto them,This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent” (John 6:28-29). Each person is given the opportunity to make that choice. To reject or believe in Christ.

    After one accepts Christ, the next important decision is to choose whether or not one will live a faithful Christ-like life. There are many examples of people in the Bible who have made a definitive decision to walk with Jesus, daily. One great example is Peter.

    While Jesus walked on this earth, Peter (along with the other disciples) readily walked with Jesus. When Jesus was arrested, Peter was the one who wielded the sword, cutting off the ear of the servant of the high priest (see Mark 14:47 and John 18:10). However, just a few verses later we read as Peter denies even knowing Jesus. “But he began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this man of whom ye speak” (Mark 14:71). Peter had a decision to make. When he was questioned as to whether or not he knew Jesus, Peter denied Him. He was challenged about his faith in Jesus. We can read that initially, Peter failed miserably. We should be grateful that this was not a lasting failure.

    When Jesus rose from the dead, the women were specifically instructed to go tell Peter. “But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you” (Mark 16:7). Peter met Jesus in Galilee. Jesus spoke to Peter, and He gave Peter a chance to make a better choice. “So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him,Feed my lambs” (John 21:15). Three times Jesus asked Peter. Three times Peter declared that he loved Jesus. Jesus had a job for Peter, if he would only follow Jesus. Peter had a decision to make – was he finished following Jesus with all of the turmoil surrounding Him and His death? Or did Peter want to fully commit his remaining life to follow Jesus, obeying His commands? Peter not only declared he loved Jesus, but as we begin the book of Acts, we find Peter became quite the leader and preacher of the Gospel Message (see Acts 1:15-26; 2:14-40). After that first amazing sermon, “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:41).

    Peter had come to a crossroad in his life. Initially, he denied Jesus. However, when given a second chance Peter fully committed to following Jesus. “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:7). Peter had faced a great trial of his faith in Jesus. He chose to make his faith in Christ his faith. He understood how precious that faith in Jesus truly was, and Peter endured. At that crossroad, when Peter chose to continually walk with Jesus, he chose to make it his faith regardless of what others did. He remained faithful throughout the rest of his life. Peter was an apostle of Jesus, yet he was a servant as well. He recognized that he had a precious faith only through the righteousness of God and Jesus Christ (see 2 Peter 1:1).

    In the book of 1 Peter, Peter wrote about the importance of being obedient to Jesus, not living as he had once lived when he was ignorant of the things of God. Instead, Peter recognized the value of denying himself and choosing instead to become holy in his life. He believed it was important for him to live each and every day in the fear of the Lord (see I Peter 1:14-17). Fear means “a good connotation as in a godly fear; reverence.” Peter encouraged other Believers to do the same.

    Do you have the precious faith that comes only through the righteousness of Jesus Christ?

    Have you come to the crossroad of life, choosing to deny yourself and instead to follow Jesus?

  • The Resurrection and the Life

    “Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:”

    John 11:25

    Most remember reading about Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, who was sick and died. When Martha questioned Jesus about Lazarus’ death, Jesus told her that he would rise again. Martha believed in a resurrection, one day. “25. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26. And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? 27. She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world” (John 11:25-27). Do you see where her faith fell short? She did not yet believe or understand that Jesus had power over life and death. Mary went to Jesus, and they all went to the tomb. “39. Jesus said, Take ye away the stone.Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. 40. Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?” (John 11:39-40).

    When Jesus called Lazarus from the grave, Lazarus rose from the dead. Jesus drew the people’s attention to God, His Father, “that they may believe that thou hast sent me” (see John 11:42). More importantly, we read “many of the Jews which … had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him” (see John 11:45).

    A short time later, Jesus went to Bethany where Lazarus lived. “There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him” (John 12:2). Mary took a costly ointment (one often used to anoint bodies for burial) and anointed the feet of Jesus. Judas Iscariot asked why the ointment wasn’t sold to give the money to the poor. “This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein” (John 12:6). Jesus understood why Mary had done this. “Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this” (John 12:7). Although it appeared no one understood, Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem for the final week of His life. But did someone understand?

    This is the same Mary who chose to sit at the feet of Jesus a previous time Jesus came to eat with them, listening to Him teach. Remember that her sister, Martha, complained to Jesus because Mary wasn’t serving with her. “41. And Jesus answered and said unto her,Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42. But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41-42). Jesus declared that it was good that Mary had chosen to sit at the feet of Jesus, listening to Him teach. “And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word” (Luke 10:39). Take note that Mary “heard his word”. She understood when Jesus taught. No one could ever take away from Mary that which she learned at the feet of Jesus.

    Now, we have remembered that Mary was one who heard Jesus as He taught, and she witnessed Jesus raise her brother from the dead. Remember something that Jesus revealed to His disciples often, although they did not understand. “From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day” (Matthew 16:21). Jesus had often declared that He would die and live again (see Matthew 17:22-23; Mark 8:31; 9:31; Luke 9:22; 18:31; etc.). After remembering these things, one can understand why Jesus said, “Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this” (John 12:7b). Jesus knew that Mary understood that He was going to die soon. Jesus knew, and we can understand that Mary knew. She may not have fully understood what all was about to transpire, but we can see she believed. Jesus acknowledged this. She had witnessed the death of her brother, Lazarus. Four days later, she witnessed Jesus raise him from the dead. It was only a short time later that she anointed Jesus’ feet with oil. Something in her heart had obviously clicked, and she understood. She must have remembered what Jesus had said to Martha, her sister: “25. … I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26. And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?” (John 11:25-26).

    Do you know where Mary was obviously absent? “Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene” (John 19:25). (See also Matthew 27:56.) Although there were women named Mary at the foot of the cross, it appears that Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, is absent. She understood that even when Jesus died, He would live again.

    Mary believed.

    Have you acknowledged that Jesus is the resurrection and the life, and whosoever believes in Jesus, shall live?

    What to do when you belive.

  • A Departing from the Faith

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

    Hebrews 3:12

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

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

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

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

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

    Do you have only a professing faith?

    Or

    Do you possess a life transforming faith?

    How to become saved.

  • Righteousness

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

    Luke 18:9

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

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

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

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

    How to receive Christ.