The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: Jesus

Believe in Him
“That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.”

John 3:15

Almost everyone has either heard or memorized John 3:16:“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” However, have you ever stopped to understand what this verse really means?

In John 3:16, we are to recognize the way in which God loved the world. Because sin had entered into the world, there was a breach between God and man. The penalty for sin is death (see Romans 6:23). There was only one way to bridge that separation and give life. Because God is a loving and gracious God, He sent His Son, Jesus, into the world.“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). God gave His Beloved Son, Jesus, to pay the penalty for each individual person’s sin with His life. All one must do is believe upon Jesus, receiving this great gift. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Can you better understand this verse now? Read the next verse in that passage to understand even better as to why Jesus came: “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” (John 3:17).

After reading both of those verses, understand that the gift of the pardon for sin is offered – all one has to do is receive it. This pardon from sin is understood as a promise from God – but only for those who accept that gift. God wanted each person in the world to be saved from the penalty of sin, however God allows each person to make the choice: believe unto salvation or believe not (“He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” John 3:18).

Why would God, who is known for His great love, condemn people? Each person was already condemned because of that separation. God provided the way to be saved – leaving the decision up to each individual. People condemn themselves when they choose to not believe in Jesus (the Light, see John 8:12) and continue in sin. “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil” (John 3:19). Those who choose to not believe, love darkness – because their deeds are evil. Surprisingly, many people enjoy sin.

What if one chooses to continue in sin, rejecting the gift God offered? John summed up the consequences of rejecting this gift of Jesus in the last verse of that chapter. It tells what becomes of one who does not believe that Jesus came and died, living again, enabling Him to take away the sin of each individual who would only believe. “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him” (John 3:36). This, too, is a promise.

No one talks about the wrath of God anymore. What exactly is the wrath of God? It is mentioned most often in the New Testament. One clear understanding of it is found in the reading of Romans chapter one. In that chapter, one can understand that God’s wrath is holy and just in its’ indignation against sin. It is so much more than just anger at the willingness of people to continue in sin, it is extreme anger mingled with disgust or abhorrence of that sin.

How can one escape the wrath of God. and choose this gift God offered? Remember what Jesus declared: “That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:15). It is declared simply in the Scriptures: “9. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:9-10). Because one receives the Lord Jesus, believing by faith, that one will be saved from God’s wrath. “Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him” (Romans 5:9).

Life is fleeting and short. No one knows what tomorrow may hold. It is up to each individual to decide. Choose life (eternal with Jesus), or receive the penalty for sin – the wrath of God abiding on him.

Each person has a choice to make:
- Believe on the Son and have everlasting life, or
- Believe not the Son and have the wrath of God abide upon them.
Have you chosen to receive the gift of salvation (life) by believing in Jesus?
March 8, 2026
Lesson 12: The Revealing by Jesus Christ: Revelation

Key Verse

The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:

—Revelation 1:1

Key Verse Thought: Have you ever read the book of Revelation? Why or why not? Have you ever heard that it is too hard to understand? Read the Key Verse. Revelation means “uncovering; unveiling; disclosure; spoken of future events.” We are to understand that the book of Revelation is not meant to be difficult or even mysterious. The name itself declares that the book is a time of “disclosure of future events.” In this lesson, we will learn what Jesus told his servant, John.

Emphasis: We are to understand that the book of Revelation is not to be a mystery, for Jesus told His people what would come to pass. It is important for Christians to remember that all of Scripture is to be read and studied, for it is instructional to us, helping us become “throughly furnished unto all good works” (see 2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Lesson Summary: The book of Revelation is just what it says it is in the first verse. “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John” (Revelation 1:1). Jesus revealed to John things to record for Christians to know and understand about things that had already happened and even future events. It not only tells of the differing church ages, but it tells of the second coming of Jesus and the impact that will have upon all of the world.

Because of the volume of the book, we will go back to our overview approach as we study it. We will see the importance of knowing what is found within the book of Revelation. The church ages are described (see Revelation 2–3), as well as the rapture of the church (Revelation 4:1-2). The events that unfold after the church is removed (the Great Tribulation) is depicted in Revelation 6–22; first from earth’s perspective (see chapters 6-11), and then from heaven’s perspective (see chapters 13-19). There are “Seven Seals” (later called “Seven Vials” in heaven’s perspective), “Seven Trumpets”, and “Seven Thunders”. The two beasts will be revealed as they set about to deceive the nations. We will catch a glimpse of Satan’s banishment from heaven when he was cast down to the earth after a battle with Michael and his angels (see Revelation 12). The final demise of Satan will be revealed, as well as the reign of Christ for 1,000 years. At that point there will be the judgment of all of mankind as they stand before the great white throne – each being judged according to their works (see especially Revelation 20:15: “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire”).

Finally, we will conclude our study comparing things lost in Genesis, to things that will be restored as it is declared in Revelation.

Y3Q4 – Lesson 12 Questions

Y3Q4 – Lesson 12 Children’s Worksheets

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

March 1, 2026
Lesson 11: The Abandonment of God’s Truth Revealed: Jude

Key Verse

Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

—Jude 1:21

Key Verse Thought: Read the Key Verse. As we look at the book of Jude in this lesson, we will understand that he warned of apostasy, or abandonment of God’s truth. As we read, we will learn that this apostasy comes mainly because of false teachers and unbelievers. After reading the Key Verse, we are to recognize that the only way to stay with the truth of God’s Word is to do what this verse teaches – especially to “Keep yourselves in the love of God”. Doing this is what will help us not to believe false teachers who oppose God and the things of God

Emphasis: As we look at this lesson, we are to understand that there will be false teaching, but Christians are to contend for the integrity of the truth of God’s Word. In Jude, we are to remember the judgment that befell upon those who rejected God’s Word. Christians are to keep themselves in the love of God, obeying God’s Word, as a witness to the lost world.

Lesson Summary: The book of Jude is the eighth book in the final division of the New Testament: The Nine General Letters to the Jewish Church. Jude, who was also the half brother of Jesus, wrote it.

Jude called for Christians earnestly to contend for the faith. He wrote warnings to Christians that there were false teachers who had not only rebelled against the teachings of Jesus, but that were leading people from the truth of the Gospel message. This is called apostasy. In order for Christians to understand just what apostasy is, Jude remembered a few previous apostasies: the Israelites in the wilderness, one-third of the angels, and the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha. Jude then recognized the apostasy that was occurring in his day. He compared this apostasy with three: Cain, Balaam, and Korah.

Jude then recalled the life of Enoch, the seventh from Adam. He not only walked with God daily, but he understood and preached against the ungodly. Enoch understood that the Lord would return one day – and he warned others.

After remembering that God knew apostasy would come, Christians are encouraged to build their lives upon the Christian faith and keep themselves in the love of God. By living a Christ-like life, Christians can be a witness to the lost world – and Christians are commanded to live a life that makes a difference in others by revealing Jesus to them. God will hold Christians accountable for this.

Jude ended with the promise that God would enable Christians to do these things.

Y3Q4 – Lesson 11 Questions

Y3Q4 – Lesson 11 Children’s Worksheets

The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three is available through Amazon.

February 22, 2026
Is There a Portal to Another World?

“And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.”

Luke 16:26

Many people search for a “portal” to either enter another dimension or at the very least to peer into one. Innumerable movies have incorporated this into the story-line. These thoughts of a “portal” into another dimension are classified as science-fiction. People dream of finding a way through one of those “portals”. Scientists perform experiments trying to open a “portal” into another dimension. Man wants to “see what is on the other side.” Humans are limited in the ability to cross that threshold and return. However, there is another “world” that each person should seriously consider. Another “world” that Jesus addressed many times.

Read of a certain rich man and a beggar named Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31.

We are introduced to two men. “19. There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: 20. And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores” (Luke 16:19-20). Notice that the rich man is not named. However the beggar was named Lazarus.

We learn what happens immediately after death. “22. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; 23. And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame” (Luke 16:22-24). One was carried by angels to Abraham. The other was buried, yet he was in hell. The rich man who was in torment, could see Lazarus afar off who was not in torment. The rich man wanted mercy and relief from the torment in the flame. “25. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. 26. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence” (Luke 16:25-26). We find no opportunity for relief from the torment for the rich man. Notice also that there is a great gulf fixed between the two places, and no one can cross it.

Once the rich man realized he would not be freed from his torment in the flame, and Lazarus could not come even for a moment to bring him any relief, the rich man wanted to warn his family back on earth. “27. Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house: 28. For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment” (Luke 16:27-28). He did not want anyone else to be sent to the place of torment in flame where he was now bound. He wanted Lazarus to be enabled to return to his life on earth to go warn the rich man’s five brothers. The rich man did not want his brothers to end up in that place of torment. “29. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. 30. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. 31. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead” (Luke 16:29-31).

This event speaks of very specific men: a certain rich man, Lazarus, and Abraham. One can understand it as a warning. There is another world to consider: an eternal one. The “portal” from one world to the other is death – either eternal death (in hell) or eternal life (in heaven).

It is most interesting that after the rich man was in hell, in torment, he wanted to send someone back to warn his brothers about that awful place. Abraham reminded him of Moses and the prophets (referring to the Old Testament, which foretold Jesus would come). The rich man argued that if one went from the dead, his brothers would repent. Abraham reiterated; if they wouldn’t believe God’s Word, they wouldn’t believe one who rose from the dead. It was not long after Jesus told of this event that He suffered and died upon the cross – to pay that penalty of eternal death for any one who would believe upon Him. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). Jesus was that One who would come back from the dead that the rich man was to be looking for. Only faith in Jesus for remission of sins will keep one out of that place the rich man spoke of where he was “tormented in this flame”, yet there are many today, who do not believe. It will be those of unbelief who will spend eternity in that place of torment called hell.

There has been much debate throughout the centuries as to whether heaven and hell are real places. Jesus declared they were real. When one reads the Bible, the uncertainty should end.

Do you now understand that hell is a real place?

Are you one who has received the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord?

Read how to find eternal life through Jesus.

February 15, 2026
He’s Everything to Me

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:”

John 10:27

The other day, I heard a song played at church that I had not heard for many years. It was called, “He’s Everything to Me.” Although I had not heard the song for a long time, the words came flooding back into my mind and heart immediately. Songs often do that. It reminded me of what I had been reading in John 10 about the Good Shepherd, Jesus. He calls His sheep by name, He leads them out, He goes before His sheep and they follow Him because they know Him. This Good Shepherd not only takes care of His sheep, “…the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep” (see John 10:11). Read what else we learn. “I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine” (John 10:14).

As you read the words to “He’s Everything to Me”, consider what it is saying.

He’s Everything to Me

by Ralph Carmichael

“In the stars His handiwork I see,
On the wind He speaks with majesty,
Though He ruleth over land and sea,
What is that to me?
I will celebrate Nativity,
For it has a place in history,
Sure, He came to set His people free,
What is that to me?

Till by faith I met Him face to face,
and I felt the wonder of His grace,
Then I knew that He was more than just a
God who didn’t care,
That lived a way out there and

Now He walks beside me day by day,
Ever watching o’er me lest I stray,
Helping me to find that narrow way,
He’s Everything to me.”

The song begins with one recognizing the hand of God in nature. Remember: “When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained” (Psalm 8:3). See also: “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.” (Psalm 19:1). God reveals Himself through His creation, yet not many acknowledge God. Most people celebrate Christmas. However, the birth of Jesus means very little to most people. God delivered His people from Egypt with His mighty hand. Yet many people are indifferent to this fact: “What is that to me?” God tells us why He did this: “Unto thee it was shewed, that thou mightest know that the LORD he is God; there is none else beside him” (Deuteronomy 4:35). But more than that, remember: “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). God sent His son, Jesus, who came to take away the penalty of sin (death) to give eternal life to one who would believe by faith. Even with all of this, many people end their thought of God on this note: “What is that to me?”

Nevertheless, to those who receive Jesus Christ as their Lord, all of these things become meaningful. This song reminds us of how special it is that we can be saved by grace through faith: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). We understand that God really does care about us as individuals. It is then that we can meet Him “face to face”. Jesus becomes our Good Shepherd. “27. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28. And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand” (John 10:27-28). Believers (Christians) belong to Jesus for forever.

Because of this, Jesus now walks with us day by day. “6. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7. Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving” (Colossians 2:6-7).

Why is it important to walk with Jesus day by day? “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). He has a plan for each Christian. Because Jesus is our Good Shepherd (see John 10:11), He will watch over us, helping us to walk with Him. “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked” (1 John 2:6). Because of this, we are called to “walk worthy”. “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:10).

The Christian life in this world today can be a difficult one to traverse. Remember what Jesus warned: “Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matthew 7:14). It may be difficult at times, but our Good Shepherd will lead us day by day: “Ever watching o’er me lest I stray, Helping me to find that narrow way”. Why? Because “He’s Everything to me.”

Have you met the Good Shepherd “face to face”, and “felt the wonder of His grace”?

Is He everything to you?

If you have not met Him “face to face” there are Scriptures to introduce you to Jesus.

February 8, 2026
Lesson 7: Become Lively Stones: 1 Peter
Key Verse

Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

—1 Peter 2:5

Key Verse Thought: Read today’s Key Verse. As you read this verse, understand it better with the following definitions:
- Lively stones means “to live as Christians”
- Spiritual house means “spoken of things in a higher and spiritual sense, not literal, as in: Christians as the spiritual house or temple of God”
- Holy priesthood means “referring to all Christians who are said to offer spiritual sacrifices”
- Spiritual sacrifices means “spoken of things in a higher and spiritual sense, not literal, as in Christians in their service, obedience, praise offered to God; an offering or oblation (see Romans 12:1 and Hebrews 13:15-16)”
In this lesson, we will learn how to become “lively stones”.

Emphasis: In this lesson, we are to remember the hope we have in Jesus that allows us to become “lively stones”, living a Christ-like life: no longer living in the flesh, but according to the will of God. We are to know Christians must learn to think and act discreetly, using sound judgment and become self-disciplined – in order to resist the devil, for he wants to destroy Christians.

Lesson Summary: Peter was one of Jesus’ twelve disciples. He became a great leader in establishing the church after Jesus’ ascension. He wrote this letter to the Jewish Christians who scattered during persecutions.

Peter began by reminding them of what Jesus had done by his life, death, and resurrection, which gave all Christians a “lively hope”: the assurance of salvation and eternal life in heaven. Because of that “lively hope”, Peter taught Christians not only how to be holy, but to become “lively stones”: just how to live as Christians. He then called upon Christians, as dearly beloved, teaching them how to live: as citizens, employees, in sufferings, with spouses, and in fellowship with other believers, etc. A Christian’s life should be lived so that no one doubts that that one is really a Christian – and in that life, each Christian is a witness for Jesus, leading others into a life with Christ. Peter gave Jesus as our ultimate example, and then gave Noah’s faith as an example from the Old Testament.

Finally, Peter taught to live soberly: to think and act soberly, discreetly, and to use sound judgment and moderation; to be self-disciplined. By standing fast in our faith, living soberly, Christians are enabled to resist the devil, our adversary. And God promised to help.

Y3Q4 – Lesson 7 Questions

Y3Q4 – Lesson 7 Children’s Worksheets

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

We decorated a paper with Noah’s Ark Stickers remembering Noah’s faith as an example from the Old Testament given in 1 Peter 3 .

The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Four is available through Amazon.
January 4, 2026
Lesson 5: The Shadow Revealed: Hebrews 8-13

Key Verse

For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.

—Hebrews 10:1

Key Verse Thought: After reading the Key Verse, consider what a shadow is (an outline, an image with no definition, a similarity to a real object, etc.). Remember the sacrifices that had to be offered in the Old Testament by the priest to cover the sin of man until a perfect sacrifice could be made. Those sacrifices had to be made every year – but their sins were never taken away; only covered for another year. In this lesson, we will learn how those sins were taken away.

Emphasis: We are to recognize that the Old Testament tabernacle and religious system was only a shadow of what God had planned. Jesus was the fulfillment of God’s plan. All those who believed by faith – from the Old Testament through to today, will be saved. Once believing in Jesus, by faith, Christians are to live right.

Lesson Summary: Hebrews is the first book in the fifth, and final division, of the New Testament. Although the author is undeclared, many agree Paul wrote it. It was written specifically to the Jewish Christians, but is very relevant to Gentiles Believers as well. As we began Hebrews last week, we learned that after speaking to His people in many different ways during the Old Testament timeframe, God had then chosen to speak through His Son, Jesus. We also learned that Jesus is the High Priest. As we begin today, the writer of Hebrews began with a summary of what had already been taught in the first half of the book.

In this lesson, we learn that the tabernacle of the Old Testament was to be a shadow, or a prefiguring of something perfect. That shadow was to give God’s people a glimpse of heaven. Not only that, but also each part of the tabernacle (Temple) was to reveal Jesus – including the sacrificial system. We will find out how Jesus was revealed in the different parts of the tabernacle. The tabernacle and the sacrificial system was to continually remind the Jewish people of the promise God had made of sending One who would restore the severed relationship between man and God.

After remembering the stringency of the Old Testament sacrificial system, we will learn another reason the book of Hebrews was written: to help the Jewish Christians understand that Jesus’ death on the cross was the promised sacrifice that they had been looking forward to all of those years. They were to believe by faith. Moreover, many of the men and women from the Old Testament did believe by faith – and were saved. We will remember many as they are listed in Hebrews chapter eleven. With the encouragement that so many have believed and lived by faith, Christians are to be encouraged by them: for they are called “so great a cloud of witnesses.” Finally, Christians are encouraged, again, to run the race by living a godly Christian life.

Y3Q4 – Lesson 5 Questions

Y3Q4 – Lesson 5 Children’s Worksheets

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

We made a coloring book of different Old Testament people mentioned in Hebrews 11: the chapter of many faithful.

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

December 21, 2025
Lesson 4: Jesus, our High Priest: Hebrews 1-7

Key Verse

Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

—Hebrews 2:17

Key Verse Thought: Read today’s Key Verse. Behoved means “to be fit and proper.” It was God’s plan that Jesus became a human being, like unto his brethren, so that He could be the appropriate offering that would appease the wrath of God: thereby making “reconciliation for the sins of the people.” That means that Jesus, by His death on the cross, caused God to be merciful toward sinful man. Moreover, because Jesus was human, He is merciful and faithful to any who would believe in Him.

Emphasis: We are to understand what Jesus did: He became a human and died on the cross for the sins of man so that He could become our faithful High Priest, taking our sins away forever. Because of that, Christians are to learn how to grow, being able to handle the meat of the Word so that we can discern good and evil.

Lesson Summary: In our last lesson, we completed the fourth division in the New Testament: Four Letters by Paul Instructing Pastors. In this lesson, we begin the final, and fifth division, in the New Testament: Nine General Letters to the Jewish Churches. Hebrews is the first book in the final division. There are differing opinions as to the author of Hebrews, but many agree that Paul wrote it. The name indicates to whom the book is primarily directed, helping us understand it better: it was written specifically to the Jews. It begins by reminding the Hebrew people that God had spoken to them in many different ways (as we learned throughout the Old Testament), but it was an assurance that God now chose to speak to them through His Son, Jesus.

First, one must remember that in the Old Testament’s religious system, a blood sacrifice was used to cover the sins of the people until a better sacrifice could be provided. Hebrews was written to help the Jews understand that Jesus’ death on the cross was the promised sacrifice, that “better sacrifice,” that they had been looking forward to all of those years. They were to believe by faith. Remembering this will help us as the writer of the book of Hebrews explains this concept to any who would receive. He compared Jesus to Melchisedec.

As we look into Hebrews, we will highlight some important things: who Jesus is, what He did, the call for anyone to understand and believe, and even the obligation as to what believers are to do with this information. We will learn the importance of growing in our Christian life, not having to constantly be reminded of the foundational truths, and to be able to handle the meat of the Word, learning to discern good from evil.

Y3Q4 – Lesson 4 Questions

Y3Q4 – Lesson 4 Children’s Worksheets

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

We made a hanging frame with puzzle pieces around the verse Hebrews 4:12.

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

December 14, 2025
Jesus, the Light that Shines in the Heart

“For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”

2 Corinthians 4:6

Paul was a great missionary, sent by God, to tell others the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. Paul understood the importance of salvation, and he was not ashamed to tell anyone he met what Jesus could do for them. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16). Salvation means “deliverance from sin and its spiritual consequences, and involving an attachment to the body of Christ (the church), and eternal life in the kingdom of Christ.” It was because of this great need of deliverance from sin and its’ spiritual consequences that encouraged Paul to preach the Gospel Message of Jesus. “1. Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2. By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:1-2). Many believed what Paul preached, and it changed their lives. However, as may happen when the Gospel Message is preached, some “believed in vain”. Believed in vain means “without effect; a temporary faith makes no appreciable difference in one’s life because the gospel fails to take effect.” Some people make a mental ascent to faith in Jesus, but unless one truly receives Christ in the heart with a changed life (see 2 Corinthians 5:17), it is only a temporary faith – not real. Nevertheless, Paul taught them Jesus, whom Paul had himself received. “3. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4. And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). It is up to each individual to choose as to whether he or she will believe.

Paul recognized the primary focus of his life was to spread the Gospel message of Jesus, however he also understood the importance of living a life so that any who saw him knew he was different – that he belonged to 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 had learned that not all would believe in the Gospel Message of Jesus. Nevertheless, all Christians are to tell others about Jesus and live a life so that others can recognize they have Jesus. It is then up to the individuals to make their own choice – saved or perish; death or life. Wherever Paul went, the people were called to a time of decision – either accept Jesus, or reject Jesus.

As Paul preached faithfully, he recognized that to some, the Gospel Message was hidden. “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost” (2 Corinthians 4:3). More importantly, Paul understood how it was hidden from them. “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them” (2 Corinthians 4:4). Remember: Jesus is the Light of the world. “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” (John 8:12). If one does not receive “the glorious gospel of Christ”, it is because “the god of this world” (Satan) has hidden it from them (blinded their minds). It is interesting that Satan blinds the mind. Somehow, he is able to convolute the simplicity of the Gospel Message. “But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:3). Because of blinded minds, many have rejected Jesus, the Light of the World.

However, read what God does: “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6). God “hath shined in our hearts”. Where Satan blinds the mind, God shines in the heart, “to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ”. If one will receive that Light, one gains the knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Paul understood the importance of the message he was to deliver: Jesus, God’s Son, lived a perfect life, died on the cross, paying for man’s sin, rose again the third day, and is coming again one day. This was a message the world did not, and could not understand – for Satan blinds the mind. However, the Light of the knowledge of Jesus can change one’s life – if one will only believe.

Have you received the Light of the knowledge of Jesus, living a changed life, then becoming a savor of life to others?

Find out how to receive the Light of Jesus: Salvation.

August 3, 2025
Works Shall be Made Manifest

“Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.”

1 Corinthians 3:13

Once one believes that Jesus died upon the cross to pay for sin, then trusts in Jesus as one’s Lord, there is a growing process that is to begin. Christians learn to walk in obedience to God’s Word. We must also learn to joyfully surrender to His will. Christians are to lay aside the sinfulness of this world, in obedience to God, understanding one day we will be with Him in heaven (see Romans 6:12-13). So as we live here on earth, Christians are to live lives for Christ.

There are many lives recorded in the Bible that are examples to help us understand how to live as a Christian. Paul was one of the great ones. He recognized the importance of obedience, and recorded the following to help us understand. “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). This verse does not mean that one “works” for his salvation. Work out means “to work fully, that is, accomplish; by implication to finish… perform, work out; toil; commit.” Christians are to allow the salvation (that we already have because of Jesus) to be manifested (revealed by how we live Christ-like) in the expression of this new life. Christians need to live Christ-like for our own benefit. However, it is more than this. It is also important for Christians to accomplish, finish, what God has for us to do while we live here in this world. This verse emphasizes that it is each Christian’s responsibility. Salvation here means “of the present experience of God’s power to deliver.”

The greatest thing to recognize is that Christians have been given the Holy Spirit within to teach us and lead us into the truths found in God’s Word. “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). God promises that He will work in our lives, helping us to do what is right and pleasing to Him. God working in Christians emphasizes that God enables us; for we cannot do it on our own. When you read “both to will”, it is letting Christians know that it is to be our desire to do what God expects of us. When you read “and to do,” we understand that all that we do for the Lord here depends upon His working in us, fulfilling His plan. He allows us to accomplish things for Him while we are on this earth – if we will only obey Him. Remember: we are not doing it alone – for God’s power is helping us. We are to not come short of what God has for our lives here on the earth. Christians are to actually accomplish what God has for us to do.

There is a picture for us that may help in understanding how we can please God. “11. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13. Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. 14. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward” (1 Corinthians 3:11-14). Once I belong to Jesus (He is my foundation), I choose how to build my life here on this earth. In verse twelve, we find six things built upon the foundation “which is Jesus Christ”. The first three listed (gold, silver, and precious stones), picture things that glorify God. Fire cannot destroy the first three. Fire purifies them. However, fire will destroy the last three mentioned (wood, hay, stubble). These things are representative of things from this life and world that we cannot take with us into eternity. It is important that we choose to build lives here that glorify God, and to not choose the temporary things of the here and now. One day, when I stand before God, I will account for the kind of life I lived for Him. My salvation was determined when I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Saviour. However, one day I will be rewarded for the things I have accomplished for the Lord. (“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. Also see Romans 8:1). Anything I have done that did not glorify Him will be burned up – for “it shall be revealed by fire”.

Something that should make the choices in this life easier: Christians are to remember that our lives are no longer our own, for we have been bought with a price. “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). Remembering that Jesus gave His life to purchase each Christian’s salvation, Christians are to choose to accomplish the things He has for us to do, pleasing Him.

Have you chosen to fill your life with the things of this world that will one day be “revealed by fire”?

Or

Have you determined to build your life with things that glorify God, looking forward to a reward from Him?

July 20, 2025