The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: Heart

  • 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!

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

    Key Verse

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

    —Acts 21:30

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

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

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

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

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

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 11 Questions

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 11 Children’s Worksheets

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

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

    Read the Scriptures on How to be Saved.

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

  • The Response of the Heart

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

    Acts 2:21

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    What is the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ?

  • Seasoned with Salt

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

    Colossians 4:6

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    How to know Jesus

  • A Book of Remembrance

    “Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.”

    Malachi 3:16

    God sent Malachi with a message for His people, beginning with the priests who were just practicing a religion and not serving God according to His Word. The priests, and then the people, had fallen into sin once again. Malachi addressed many of the same sins that Nehemiah dealt with in the lives of God’s people.

    God had Malachi remind the Jews of the great love God had for His people. Yet, God’s people were not living as His people – for they sinned and did not even recognize how great their sin had become. Malachi’s burden was to reveal to the people just how far from God they had fallen.

    One important thing God wanted the people to understand was written in the second chapter. “If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay it to heart, to give glory unto my name, saith the LORD of hosts, I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings: yea, I have cursed them already, because ye do not lay it to heart” (Malachi 2:2). Not only would they not hear God, they had not taken His Words to heart: “if ye will not lay it to heart”. The things that one lays to heart are the things that are the most important to one. So much so that these are the things that make one who they are (as in character, beliefs, attitudes, actions, etc.). This verse was directed to the priests in Malachi’s day. This means that they were not allowing God’s Word to enter into their hearts, making a difference in their lives. Because they had not heard or laid to heart God’s Word, they were in a sinful condition before God. The priests thought they were doing fine because they practiced a religious system, but God knew the condition of their hearts. Because of the condition of the priests, the people in like manner, were also in sin.

    Some of the blatant sins of the day were listed in Malachi. In the midst of that list, see what God said, “… Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of hosts …” (Malachi 3:7b). God continually extended an invitation for the people to return to God, in repentance and change of heart, and God would return to His people. If they would return to God, obeying His commands, God’s people would not be able to contain the blessings He had in store for them.

    During this time, there were still a few people who truly feared God. God recognized those few who rejected the sin and obeyed God’s commands. “16. Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. 17. And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him” (Malachi 3:16-17). God not only saw them, He heard them. They are His “jewels” for they belong to Him. God knew them and wrote of them in a special book of remembrance. These people obviously loved God and sought to know Him more – for they thought upon His name. Remember that the things that one lays to heart are the things that are the most important to one. So much so that these are the things that make one who they are (as in character, beliefs, attitudes, actions, etc.). When one continually thinks on God, God will continually be in that heart and mind. That is when a change in one’s life can take place. Those that God saw that still feared Him, “spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it” (Malachi 3:16a). They obviously encouraged each other often, and God heard.

    This is a good thing to remember today. Much encouragement comes from sharing with others who also fear and serve God. “But exhort one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin” (Hebrews 3:13). God does not expect us to “go it alone”. We learn to not commune with evil ones, for they will corrupt our lives (“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners” 1 Corinthians 15:33). Instead, we are to fellowship with those who walk in the light (because Jesus is the Light). “5. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. … 7. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:5, 7). God gives Christians with whom to fellowship and grow in Christ.

    As we read in Malachi, God keeps a “book of remembrance” of those who trust in God, fear Him, think on Him, and speak often with one another. One day, God will “open the books” (see Daniel 7:10 and Revelation 20:12). What do you want God to have written about you?

    Are you one who has “feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name” becoming more like Him?

  • Purpose in Your Heart

    “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.”

    Daniel 1:8

    The book of Daniel tells of Daniel and his three friends. The happenings in these lives are some of the more familiar events in the Bible. Most people have heard these “stories” often. However, it is important to understand that these are not just “stories”, but historical occurrences in actual people’s lives.

    Daniel was most likely born during the reign of the last good king of Judah, Josiah, and lived while the prophets Jeremiah and Ezekiel spoke. If you remember, King Josiah sought the Lord, removed idol worship, and repaired the house of the Lord. While the repair of the Temple was taking place, they found a book of the Law of Moses (see 2 Chronicles 34:14). After hearing God’s Word, King Josiah read it to all of the people in Judah. “And the king stood in his place, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments, and his testimonies, and his statutes, with all his heart, and with all his soul, to perform the words of the covenant which are written in this book” (2 Chronicles 34:31). There was a change in the king’s life. He chose to serve God.

    Daniel and his three friends, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, were most likely taken during the first siege of Nebuchadnezzar when many nobles and princes were taken captive (about nineteen years before Jerusalem fell). Remember that God allowed Babylon to come up against Jerusalem because they had predominately forsaken God for idol worship).

    King Nebuchadnezzar wanted the best of the young men of Judah to be set aside, to teach them the things of the Chaldeans. It appears the objective here was to make them forget everything about their previous life in Judah, becoming as the Babylonians. We read of four particular young men: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Each of these young men obviously had parents who had not forsaken God (notice the meanings of their names below), but who still served Him in spite of the idolatry around them. Keep in mind that they heard the Word of the Lord read, and hearing it had obviously made a difference in their hearts and lives as well. The names of these four young men were changed. It appears that the name changes were to make them forget the God of their youth, and instead acknowledge the false gods of Babylon. Notice what their names mean and what their names were changed to:

    • Daniel means God is my judge; Daniel was changed to Belteshazzar:Prince of Baal, Bel will protect
    • Hananiah means God is Gracious; Hananiah was changed to Shadrach: illuminated by the sun-god
    • Mishael means Who is like God; Mishael was changed to Meshach: who is like the moon-god and
    • Azariah means God is my Help; Azariah was changed to Abednego: servant of Nego

    Their new names honored Babylonian gods.

    When King Nebuchadnezzar gave the order to eat the king’s meat and drink his wine, and their names, which had honored God, were taken from them, these young men recognized that their commitment to God was being challenged. “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself” (Daniel 1:8). When Daniel purposed in his heart to obey God rather than man, recognize what God did. “Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs” (Daniel 1:9).

    In Daniel’s asking the prince of the eunuchs to permit these four young men to eat vegetables and drink water for ten days instead of the king’s choice foods, it was to allow the Lord to have a chance to prove Himself (see Daniel 1:10-16). When these young men appeared in better condition than any of the others did, they were allowed to continue their diet for the three years. Read what God did for them when they choose to walk in the ways of God. “As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams” (Daniel 1:17). Even more than that, see what was discovered when they were presented to King Nebuchadnezzar. “19. And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king. 20. And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm” (Daniel 1:19-20). Because of their decision, choosing to remain faithful to God’s Word, God blessed them. “And Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus” (Daniel 1:21). Especially notice God allowed Daniel to live through the entire captivity.

    These four young men had been born in a land where they had learned of God. They were carried away to a pagan land. There, they chose to continue to serve God.

    Today, most people have been born into a pagan land. It is your choice: to trust in Christ and “purpose in your heart” to live for Him, or to live like the pagans.

    Have you “purposed in your heart” to obey God and His Word, in spite of the condition of the world around you?

  • What is Required

    “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”

    Micah 6:8

    Micah was an Old Testament prophet. He called the people to “hear” God’s Words that God gave Micah to deliver. He warned the people that God saw their sin, and judgment was coming because of habitual sin. Micah spoke mainly to Judah during the reign of King Hezekiah. King Hezekiah heard the message from God delivered by Micah, and this prompted King Hezekiah to make great reformations in Judah (see Jeremiah 26:18). Because Hezekiah sought God during those days, God defeated the Assyrian army for them (see 2 Kings 18-19).

    Like many prophets before him, Micah reminded the people where they had failed, calling for the people to repent and to have a right relationship with God. Recognize just how foul the people’s understanding of God had become. “6. Wherewith shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? 7. Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?” (Micah 6:6-7). They honestly had become so influenced by the bad kings (think of King Ahaz who offered his son as a sacrifice to the god Molech), that they actually believed God would accept the sacrifice of a firstborn child to gain forgiveness from God. By asking these questions of God, they revealed their hearts toward God.

    It would be good to remember back to King Saul. He thought the offering was more important than obeying God’s Word. Samuel reminded him that it was a right heart, not outward actions that God wanted. “And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams” (1 Samuel 15:22). These thoughts help us understand the Old Testament viewpoint that religious ritual devoid of spiritual reality and a life that is dedicated to the Lord is worthless (see Psalm 40:6-8; Isaiah 1:10-20).

    What does God want? What does He require? God had already told them what He required of them – they had just chosen to disregard God’s commands. “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8). This is the same message God had preached to the people from the beginning of time. All God expects from His people is for them to walk humbly with Him. Remember the following: “4. Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: 5. And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. 6. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: 7. And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up” (Deuteronomy 6:4-7). After reading how far the people had gotten from God, can you understand why God wanted them to constantly talk about His commands and teach them to their children? Then they would constantly be reminded of what God’s Words were. Even with the Law in the Old Testament, the people did not understand that they could not become a righteous person in and of themselves. “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith” (Galatians 3:24). All of the Law was to reveal that they were a sinful people who had nothing to offer, but deserved the penalty of death before a Holy God. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

    Remember Cain. He rose up and killed his brother because God did not accept his sacrifice. Cain had a religious ritual, but he did not have a spiritual reality – coming before God with a true heart. God saw Cain’s heart (which was revealed to us by the killing of his brother). Where does this leave one?

    Remember what Jesus said when the people asked what work they needed to do. “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). Later, Paul and Silas tell a man what to do when he asks: “30. And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31. And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house” (Acts 16:30-31). Faith is the opposite of works. One must believe on Jesus because He is the one who paid the penalty for sin (His death on the cross), enabling one to be saved. It is then, and only then, that one is able to do what God requires: “to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God” (see Micah 6:8). When you read Galatians 5:22-23, this explains that these actions are only enabled by the Holy Spirit which is given to one when they are saved.

    Have you trusted in Jesus, enabling you to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

    How to be Saved

  • To Confess, or Not to Confess

    “42. 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: 43. For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.”

    John 12:42-43

    Jesus’ Miracles revealed His compassion and the call to faith – to believe in Jesus. However, many did not believe even though they saw many great miracles. Yet, Jesus still taught them.

    As Jesus taught by parables, it was almost like He was speaking in a riddle, or a secret code. It was intended specifically for Believers to enable them to understand His teachings. This was so they could hear and grow in their faith, because the lost world does not understand the things of God (see John 12:39-40). Although Jesus wanted specifically to teach His followers about heavenly things, in those parables, there was another call for a time of decision – to follow Jesus and His teachings, or to refuse them and thereby reject Him. This helps us understand that the miracles Jesus did, and the many parables Jesus taught, were very important – for many people believed upon Him, becoming His followers. We can also read that not all who saw and heard believed in Jesus.“42. 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: 43. For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God” (John 12:42-43). (Confess “means to agree with; confess publicly, acknowledge openly; profess ‘the Lord being Jesus.’”) There were many among the chief rulers who believed because of Jesus words; however, they were hesitant to admit that belief. They were afraid of their “friends” or “colleagues”, the Pharisees. It is important to recognize that no one should be afraid to acknowledge that they believe in Jesus – no matter what one’s friends might say. (Remember what Jesus said in the book of Matthew. “32. Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. 33. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven” Matthew 10:32-33.)

    See how Jesus responded to the lack of any of the chief rulers to confess. “44. Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. 45. And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me. 46. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. 47. And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world” (John 12:44-47). Jesus cried out. One can almost sense His frustration in consistently declaring the truth, yet the refusal of most to act upon it. Jesus directed the people’s attention to God. When the people saw Jesus, they were in fact seeing God – for Jesus had come to the earth to tell mankind, as the “light into the world” that He had the words of life – if only one would hear them. Jesus knew their hearts. If they rejected Jesus, God would judge them (see John 12:48-50).

    Remember how simple it is to become a Christian once one is called. “9. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation … 13. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:9-13).

    Not only did Jesus call the people to a time of decision, to believe in Him or to reject Him, Jesus taught them what they must do. “23. And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. 25. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?” (Luke 9:23-25)

    Have you been called to belief in Jesus?

    Have you forsaken the world to follow Him?

    Click here to know how to be saved.

  • A Heart for God

    “The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.”

    Psalm 14:2

    In the life of King Hezekiah, we can read of a hope for someone whose family does not know of God or the things of God. Remember, King Hezekiah was the son of a terrible king of Judah. King Ahaz had not only forsaken God, but also worshiped idols – even sacrificing a son to the false god Molech. He replaced the worship of God with idolatry, and then finally “… and shut up the doors of the house of the LORD …” (2 Chronicles 28:24b); “… and provoked to anger the LORD God of his fathers” (2 Chronicles 28:25b). In spite of all of that, Hezekiah knew God and pleased Him in all that he did. “And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that David his father had done” (2 Chronicles 29:2). Hezekiah was twenty-five years old when he became king and reigned for twenty-nine years. “He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him” (2 Kings 18:5).

    How was Hezekiah able to come to know God, knowing the family into which he was born? Read the following encouraging verse: “But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul” (Deuteronomy 4:29). One has to seek God.

    We can read many of the things that Hezekiah did as king of Judah revealing the process to seek and find God. We can recognize that King Hezekiah took the time to seek God’s Word so he would know what God required to reestablish the relationship that had been severed by the previous bad kings. See where King Hezekiah began. In the first month of the first year of King Hezekiah’s reign, he “opened the doors of the house of the LORD, and repaired them” (2 Chronicles 29:3). His kingship began the right way. He then called the Levites together. “And said unto them, Hear me, ye Levites, sanctify now yourselves, and sanctify the house of the LORD God of your fathers, and carry forth the filthiness out of the holy place” (2 Chronicles 29:5). They had to begin by cleaning themselves, and then the house of the Lord (the Temple).

    King Hezekiah acknowledged something very important. “For our fathers have trespassed, and done that which was evil in the eyes of the LORD our God, and have forsaken him, and have turned away their faces from the habitation of the LORD, and turned their backs” (2 Chronicles 29:6). He recognized that the people had turned away from God, doing evil. Not only did he recognize the sin of the nation, Judah, but he also recognized God’s chastisement upon His people (see 2 Chronicles 29:8-9). What was in King Hezekiah’s heart? “Now it is in mine heart to make a covenant with the LORD God of Israel, that his fierce wrath may turn away from us” (2 Chronicles 29:10). Hezekiah had to have his heart right before God.

    Hezekiah then gave direction to the Levites. After declaring what needed to be done, the work began. The Temple was cleansed (2 Chronicles 29:11-19). They restored the service in the Temple and the relationship with God. “And when they had made an end of offering, the king and all that were present with him bowed themselves, and worshipped” (2 Chronicles 29:29). When it was done God’s way, the people could worship God. After this, King Hezekiah sent letters to all of Judah, calling them to keep the Passover. Hezekiah led the people by example when he brought great offerings into the house of the Lord (see 2 Chronicles 30).

    Once they reestablished the service to the Lord, and the relationship was restored, they had work to do. They removed all of those high places where King Hezekiah’s father worshiped and even broke down all of those images the people worshiped. “Now when all this was finished, all Israel that were present went out to the cities of Judah, and brake the images in pieces, and cut down the groves, and threw down the high places and the altars out of all Judah and Benjamin, in Ephraim also and Manasseh, until they had utterly destroyed them all…” (2 Chronicles 31:1). They had to eliminate. The period of King Hezekiah’s reign has been called the greatest revival Judah experienced.

    Read what God did for Hezekiah for seeking Him with all of his heart. “And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered” (2 Chronicles 31:21). God made King Hezekiah to prosper.

    Who does not seek after God? “The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts” (Psalm 10:4).

    What should we do? “O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is” (Psalm 63:1).

    Also read the following: “The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God” (Psalm 14:2). God knows when someone seeks after Him, for He is watching and waiting! Just as King Hezekiah sought God early, we should, too. “I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me” (Proverbs 8:17).

    Have you sought God, desiring your heart to be right before Him, cleaning your life and eliminating all things contrary to God?

    How to be Saved

  • Prepare Your Heart

    “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life”

    Proverbs 4:23

    David was Israel’s greatest king, Remember that David understood that God saw man’s heart. He recorded: “23. Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: 24. And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24). We can read in the New Testament God’s declaration about King David: “… he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will” (Acts 13:22). God knew David’s heart was seeking after God’s own heart.

    In looking into the kingdoms of Israel and Judah (because the kingdom split), we find that “heart” is in more than ninety-one verses in 1 Kings – 2 Chronicles. Heart mean “the totality of man’s inner nature, the place where wisdom and understanding reside…” Often times we find they either did or did not prepare their heart. Prepare means “make ready; be steadfast and faithful; actual preparation for a future event, especially spiritual preparation.” (Prepare is only in 5 verses in 1 Kings – 2 Chronicles.) However, remember part of King David’s prayer just before Solomon became king: “O LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel … prepare their heart unto thee” (1 Chronicles 29:18). Read some others:

    • Rehoboam (a foolish king): “And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD” (2 Chronicles 12:14).
    • Jehoshaphat right before he made many reforms: “Nevertheless there are good things found in thee, … and hast prepared thine heart to seek God” (2 Chronicles 19:3).
    • Right before King Jehoshaphat died: “… for as yet the people had not prepared their hearts unto the God of their fathers” (2 Chronicles 20:33).
    • King Hezekiah’s prayer right before they observed the Passover: “18. … But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, The good LORD pardon every one 19. That prepareth his heart to seek God, the LORD God of his fathers …” (2 Chronicles 30:18-19).

    We also understand that some had (and some did not have) a perfect heart. Perfect means “complete, whole, perfect”. David encouraged Solomon to have a perfect heart: “And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts …” (1 Chronicles 28:9). However, Solomon did not have a perfect heart: “For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father” (1 Kings 11:4). Keep in mind that there were only eight good kings out of nineteen (and one illegitimate queen) in Judah. Read about some of the following kings of Judah, as one looks at their hearts:

    • Abijam (a bad king): not perfect heart: “… and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father” (1 Kings 15:3).
    • Asa (a good king): perfect heart: “… nevertheless Asa’s heart was perfect with the LORD all his days” (1 Kings 15:14).
    • King Amaziah: good king, but not with a perfect heart: “1. Amaziah … did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, but not with a perfect heart” (2 Chronicles 25:1-2).
    • Uzziah (a good king) who was marvelously helped until he was strong (see 2 Chronicles 26:15): “But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction…” (2 Chronicles 26:16).
    • Hezekiah (a good king) as he prepared before Sennacherib’s invasion: “And in every work that he began … to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered” (2 Chronicles 31:21). However, right before God extended Hezekiah’s life: “24. In those days Hezekiah was sick to the death, and prayed unto the LORD: and he spake unto him, and he gave him a sign. 25. But Hezekiah rendered not again according to the benefit done unto him; for his heart was lifted up: therefore there was wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem” (2 Chronicles 32:24-25).
    • Josiah ( a good king): “Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard thee also, saith the LORD” (2 Chronicles 34:27). Also see about Josiah: “And like unto him was there no king before him, that turned to the LORD with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses; neither after him arose there any like him” (2 Kings 23:25). Josiah was the last good king in Judah.
    • Zedekiah (a bad king): “12. And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD his God, and humbled not himself … but he stiffened his neck, and hardened his heart from turning unto the LORD God of Israel” (2 Chronicles 36:12-13). Zedekiah was the last king before Judah was carried into captivity.

    With the exception of King Josiah, the kings seemed to become worse in their hearts toward God (and we only looked at eight of the kings of Judah). The condition of many king’s hearts are not even declared for us to know. We do know that God knows all hearts.”20. If we have forgotten the name of our God, or stretched out our hands to a strange god; 21. Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart” (Psalm 44:20-21).

    Why is the heart so important to consider? The Bible is given for our instruction (see 2 Timothy 3:15-17). And the Bible is full of examples from which we are to learn (see 1 Corinthians 10:11-12). But above all, remember to apply the following verse: “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23). Keep means “to guard; protect; preserve”.

    Do you understand the importance of guarding and protecting your heart with all diligence, preparing your heart to please God?