The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: Jesus

  • Shine as Lights

    “15. That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; 16. Holding forth the word of life…”

    Philippians 2:15-16a

    In the Old Testament, God had a plan for His people, Israel. The children of Israel in the wilderness are a good picture of what God wanted for them. He had them taken into the land of Egypt, a family of seventy (see Genesis 46:27), to make of them a great people. God brought them out of Egypt by His mighty hand (see Deuteronomy 7:8). He provided for them (food, water, a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night). God helped them mightily defeat enemies (for one example, see Exodus 17:8-13). God led them, even as they murmured against Him. “12. And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be my people. 13. I am the LORD your God, which brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, that ye should not be their bondmen; and I have broken the bands of your yoke, and made you go upright” (Leviticus 26:12-13). He gave instructions for the building of a Tabernacle to be erected in the middle of the camp where the presence of God would dwell in their midst (see Numbers 2:17 and Deuteronomy 23:14). “2. And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no. 3. And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live” (Deuteronomy 8:2-3). In all of these things, God wanted them to learn to trust Him, depend upon Him, and live for Him. He wanted to be their God, and for them to be His people

    As God brought them into the land He had promised to Abraham, the Israelites were to be a people who revealed God to the world. We find examples that they did this. Consider a couple:

    Rahab had heard of what God did for His people, Israel. Remember what Rahab told the two spies that she hid: “9. And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you. 10. For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that wereon the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed. 11. And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath” (Joshua 2:9-11). She believed God would destroy her city, and she believed God could save her and her family from death (see Joshua 2:12-13). She saw the Light within the nation of Israel, and she wanted that Light. Rahab joined Israel. She learned to trust God, depend upon Him, and live for Him. She is even in the lineage of Jesus (see Matthew 1:5-6).

    Ruth is a great example of one who saw a Light in the life of Naomi. Ruth chose to leave her family, her people, and her home to go to the land of Israel with Naomi. Most remember what Ruth told Naomi: “16. And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: 17. Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me” (Ruth 1:16-17). Ruth did not want to remain in her land of darkness. She wanted the Light she saw In Naomi and in her land. Ruth learned to trust God, depend upon Him, and live for Him. She married Boaz, and became the great-grandmother of King David. She, too, is found in the lineage of Jesus (see Matthew 1:5-6).

    When Jesus came, He was that Light the world needed. “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). He called Paul to tell others how to turn from darkness to light. “16.But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; 17.Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, 18.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 26:16-18). Paul turned many to The Light (Jesus), and he encouraged Believers to do the same. “15. That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; 16. Holding forth the word of life…” (Philippians 2:15-16a).

    Are you a Believer who lives, shining as lights in the world, holding forth the Word of Life, so others can know Jesus?

  • The Love of God

    “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

    Luke 19:10

    The world often presents us different views of God. One is a God of love who accepts everyone and everything. The other is a God who is an unimpassioned, silent, and a cold abstraction, who has no thought of what happens to or with mankind. Both of these are completely wrong according to God’s Word. God created man in His image (see Genesis 1:26). “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul” (Genesis 2:7). This should reveal much to us. After He created Adam and Eve in the garden, He fellowshipped with them (see Genesis 3:8). That is until sin separated between man and God (see Genesis 3:9-11). God is righteous and holy (see Psalm 145:17), and He judges with righteousness and truth (see Psalm 96:13). Sin separates from Him. Therefore, God immediately promised the way of restoration for that broken fellowship, caused by sin (see Genesis 3:15). From that day forward, they were to believe God’s promise, by faith, and look forward to that day. God kept that promise. He sent His only Son to provide the opportunity for any one to have that relationship restored. “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). This reveals the love that God has toward each person that has ever been born.

    It is important to recognize that the wrong idea about who God is will allow for wrong ideas about who we are. Because God created us, certain things about us are set and cannot be changed (think height, gender, skin color, etc.). Most importantly, each person is born a sinner. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). We cannot change the fact that we are sinners. However, God sent His only Son to deliver us from that sin (see John 3:16). Understand what it was that happened when Jesus died upon the cross. “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” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus took the sin of each person upon Himself when He died upon the cross. “Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father” (Galatians 1:4). Jesus took that sin and paid the penalty to set us free and to restore that broken relationship between man and God. Remember, the penalty for sin is death. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). Yet God offers a free gift. It is important to recognize what it is that God desires. “8. But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 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 10:8-10). Acknowledging that one is a sinner, and that Jesus died to set each one free from the consequences of sin, the choice to receive or reject the gift of life that God offers is then left up to each individual. Once one hears, God wants each person to believe. Each person is required to make a choice.

    God sent His only Son to purchase a people for Himself. “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” (Titus 2:14). John (one of the Apostles) describes what he learned because he trusted in Jesus. “That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ” (1 John 1:3). John recognized that the relationship with God could be restored with Him because of His Son Jesus. John wrote about Jesus so that all could understand the heart of God in sending His Son, Jesus. “But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name” (John 20:31).

    However, if one rejects who God is, this will lead to a wrong life, heading on the wrong path, ultimately leading to the wrong destiny. “17.For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18. 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 3:17-18). Why did God send Jesus? “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10).

    There are only two choices:

    Believe Jesus is God who came to forgive one’s sin and to restore the relationship with God.

    Believe not, rejecting the free gift of life through Jesus, and continuing in sin. That one will spend eternity in darkness (in the lake of fire) separated from God (see Revelation 20:11-15).

    What did you choose?

    Make the right choice: How to be saved

  • Choose Christ

    “But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.”

    John 20:31

    Jesus will be the final judge for each and every person (see John 5:22 and Revelation 1:18). Jesus gave us the terms of salvation. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life” (John 5:24. See also John 6:40). The eternity of each individual is determined by what they do with Jesus: whether or not one receives Christ as their Saviour is the deciding factor. Once one hears of Jesus, a decision must be made. That decision determines one’s destination: heaven or hell.

    Jesus told us His judgment of two people while He was still here on the earth. Most people remember the thief on the cross. “42. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. 43. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:42-43). Jesus declared this man’s eternal fate at that time. He would be with Jesus; for this man chose Jesus.

    The other man was Judas Iscariot. He is worth considering.

    In the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, many followed Jesus. Consider that Judas must have been one and heard Jesus’ teachings for he was called to follow Jesus. Judas walked with Jesus for about three years listening to Jesus teach. He saw Jesus heal many and saw Jesus for who He really is: the Son of God. “But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name” (John 20:31). Judas had just as much opportunity as the other disciples to fully commit his heart and life to Jesus. Remember the privilege he had as he walked with Jesus as the chosen twelve. “14. And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, 15. And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils” (Mark 3:14-15). Even with this, Judas needed to commit his own heart and life to Jesus. When Jesus asked His disciples a life-changing question, remember the answer given. “69. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. 70. Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?71. He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve” (John 6:69-71). Jesus knew their hearts, and He knew that Judas had not truly believed. With this information, Judas still had to make the choice for himself: believe in Jesus or reject Him. This was a perfect time for Judas to change his heart. Instead he choose to be a thief. “This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he (Judas) was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein” (John 12:6). Judas stole money from Jesus’ ministry. He decided to make money betraying Jesus to the religious leaders (see Matthew 26:14-16). “And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him” (John 13:2). The devil put betrayal into his heart. But recognize that Jesus still offered him a chance to change his mind by letting Judas know that He knew Judas’ plans. Judas still had a choice. “Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dippedit. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon” (John 13:26). Jesus knew Judas’ heart. Judas could have chosen Christ, asking forgiveness right then. However, when Judas did not repent (change his heart and mind), remember what happened. “And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him,That thou doest, do quickly” (John 13:27). Satan had opportunity to enter Judas. Judas then betrayed Jesus.

    Remember part of Jesus’ prayer in the garden that night before He was crucified. “While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled” (John 17:12). Jesus knew that one of the twelve disciples would reject Him. “Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me” (Psalm 41:9; see also John 1:18). Yet Jesus called Judas to be one of His twelve disciples, ultimately leaving Judas the choice.

    “3. Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4. Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood…” (Matthew 27:3-4a). Afterward, Judas was sorry; for he saw that he was condemned. But it was too late. His choice had been made. Jesus declared that Judas was lost (the “son of perdition” see John 17:12).

    Many church goers appear to be in the same condition as Judas. Some have joined the choir. Others have a great part of service in their churches. They hear the Word of God preached and many sermons on redemption of what is required for salvation. Yet they continue in the same path, never choosing Christ. Just as Judas. For some, like Judas, they may wait until it is too late.

    Have you chosen to reject the sin of this world and accept Christ as your Saviour, choosing to walk with Him?

    How to be saved.

  • What it Takes

    “To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.”

    Acts 10:43

    There are many that believe that one can live a good, honest life, doing good, and their good deeds will allow them entrance into heaven. Yet the Bible teaches contrary. Jesus declared there is only one way. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). One must receive Christ, for good deeds will not allow one to go to heaven, where Jesus’ Father is. There is a great example of this truth found in the book of Acts.

    We are introduced to a man named Cornelius. Read how this man is described. “A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway” (Acts 10:2). Devout means “one who reverences aright, shows piety (a profound reverence, love and obedience toward God, often shown through prayer, worship and faithful service) toward God.” He was a very religious man. However, religion will not allow one to go to heaven. Cornelius appeared to be close, but close does not count. Yet it does appear that Cornelius was doing all that he knew to do in order to please God. “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). He lacked saving faith, but Cornelius was diligently seeking after God. Because of this, we can recognize God’s intervention. In the case of Cornelius, God sent him an angel with a message. “And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God” (Acts 10:4). God heard the prayer of Cornelius, seeking after God. Notice that the angel did not deliver the means of salvation to Cornelius. The angel only gave a message to send for a man named Peter. “He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do” (Acts 10:6). Peter would tell Cornelius what he needed to do. It is always interesting to note that angels are not given the job of delivering the plan of salvation. Angels deliver messages, but God has given Believers the privilege of sharing the Gospel Message with the unsaved.

    Although there is much relevance to the salvation of Cornelius, recognize that although he was a good religious man, that was not enough. When he sent for Peter, Peter came to tell Cornelius what he must do. While Cornelius was waiting for Peter to come, he gathered his kinsmen and near friends to hear this special message (see Acts 10:24, 33). Peter then preached Jesus to Cornelius (see Acts 10:34-43). “To him (Jesus) give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins” (Acts 10:43). When one believes in Jesus, immediately he receives remission of sins. Remission means “forgiveness; to release sins from the sinner. This required Christ’s sacrifice as punishment of sin, hence the putting away of sin and the deliverance of the sinner from the power of sin although not from the presence of sin. That will come later after the resurrection when our very bodies will be redeemed (see Romans 8:23).” A special thing to notice in the salvation of Cornelius, and his family and friends: immediately when they believed in their hearts (even while Peter was still preaching), they were saved. God knew that in their hearts, they each believed by faith, Jesus, and they immediately received salvation. They proceeded to magnify God and showed what had happened in their hearts through the act of baptism (see Acts 10:46-48).

    Yes, there is much more to the importance of the salvation of Cornelius, and his family and friends. Nevertheless, it is imperative to recognize that when Cornelius was trying his best to please God, seeking after Him, he learned that it was not enough. However, God sent one to tell him what must be done to be received by God. When Cornelius and his friends and family heard what they were lacking (faith in Jesus), once they believed in their hearts, immediately God accepted them. They had not known what to do until Peter taught them of Jesus and remission of sins (see Acts 10:43). People today, must understand that being good or religious is just not enough. Everyone needs to know what it takes to be truly saved. Just as Peter told Cornelius what to do, this is each Believer’s job today: share the Gospel Message of Jesus and the necessity of remission (forgiveness of sins).

    Do you know what it takes to be saved?

    If you do, understand the importance of sharing the Gospel Message of salvation only by faith in Jesus?

    How to be saved.

  • Seek God and Never Forsake Him

    “… The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.”

    2 Chronicles 15:2

    King Asa knew what to do when an enemy came up against Judah. He placed his trust in the Lord (see 2 Chronicles 14:11). When he cried out to God, God delivered them. After this great victory, God sent His prophet to them with a message. “1. And the Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded: 2. And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you” (2 Chronicles 15:1-2). Azariah, the son of Oded, reminded God’s people of something they should have already known. Something of which King Solomon had been warned long ago. “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: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever” (1 Chronicles 28:9).

    • Know means “to perceive, to understand, acquire knowledge, know.”
    • Perfect means “complete; whole; perfect.”
    • Heart means “the totality of man’s inner or immaterial nature… These are the deepest, innermost feelings.”
    • Willing means “taking pleasure in.”
    • Mind means “the inner person; … The most interesting meaning of the word … is it means ‘one who has died,’ with the emphasis on the personal identity of an individual while alive.”

    These words give us a clear understanding of what God expects.

    • First, they were to know God: more than just a general knowledge of God, but to take time and learn about Him, to actually know Him. Today, we know God because of Jesus. Remember: “6. Jesus saith unto him,I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 7. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him” (John 14:6-7). Not only is Jesus they way to the Father, when we know Jesus, we know God. Jesus also taught us that we are to learn of Him. “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls” (Matthew 11:29).
    • Next, they were to serve Him with a perfect heart: with one’s whole being. Paul gave us the example of Jesus. “21. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22. Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23. Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously” (1 Peter 2:21-23). When we know Christ, we follow in His steps.
    • One must also have a willing mind: this is one who takes pleasure in the things of God, completely giving up oneself to focus upon the things of God. Remember what the New Testament teaches: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). Christians allow Christ to live through them. See also Romans 12:1-2.
    • They were also to recognize that God knew the intentions of their hearts and their very thoughts. They could not pretend with God – for He knows all. One cannot be a hypocrite before God. In the New Testament, God still knows the heart. “And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God” (Luke 16:15). We learn that Jesus, too, knows. “And Jesus knowing their thoughts said,Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?” (Matthew 9:4).

    Asa and God’s people were also given a warning: to not forsake God, or He would forsake them. God wanted them to know something: “The LORD is with you, while ye be with him” (see 2 Chronicles 15:2). We are encouraged with the same thought in the New Testament. “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded” (James 4:8). If there is anything that separates between you and God, eliminate it. Remember: “1. Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: 2. But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear” (Isaiah 59:1-2). If Christians are failing in their relationship with God, it is not only their fault, but it is usually sin that keeps God from hearing. Although Christians have the forgiveness of sin (see Colossians 1:12-14), we must remember: “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear” (Isaiah 59:2). Our duty is to confess them before God. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

    Do you seek to know Jesus, following His example?

    Do you recognize when sin separates, understanding you must repent?

  • Hardhearted, Deaf, and Blind

    “For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.”

    Acts 28:27

    Paul preached the Gospel Message of Jesus. He went on three specific missionary journeys, traveling to many towns and countries to deliver the message of salvation only through Jesus Christ. Acts chapters 13-28 tell of Paul’s travels, ending with his trip by ship to Rome as a prisoner. His heart’s desire was to see the Jews believe upon Jesus and accept Him as their Messiah (Christ), their Saviour. However, many rejected his preaching of the Gospel Message of Jesus. “4. And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks. 5. And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ. 6. And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles” (Acts 18:4-6). Can you sense his frustration that his people, whom he loved dearly, would reject the only salvation through Jesus? Because of this rejection, he went to the Gentiles to teach them of Jesus.

    When Paul finally made it to Rome as a prisoner, he was met by a group of Jews who wanted to hear what Paul had to say. There were misunderstandings as to why he was imprisoned by the Romans. “For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain” (Acts 28:20). He wanted them to understand that because the Jewish religious leaders rejected Jesus as the Messiah, “the hope of Israel”, he had been arrested. He had an opportunity to tell this group of Jews about Jesus. Throughout the Old Testament, God had promised to send One who would restore the relationship between God and man, caused by Adam’s initial sin in the garden (see Genesis 3:15). That separation has been between God and man since then. However, God sent His only Son, Jesus (see John 3:16), as the One who could restore that relationship. “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). Jesus is the only way to salvation. Paul spent many years teaching this truth to people, winning many people to the Lord. However, there were many who rejected Jesus – especially among the Jews. He recognized this would happen, for hundreds of years earlier Isaiah had been told the same basic thing (that the people would not hear see Isaiah 6:9). This saddened Paul, especially because as much as he tried to persuade the people of the truth about Jesus, most of the Jews still rejected Him. Paul then quoted from Isaiah: “For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them” (Acts 28:27). Waxed gross means “to thicken, that is, rendered callous.” Because the hearts of the people where callous to the truth of Jesus, their hearts were hardened. Worse yet, they closed their eyes to the truth of Jesus’ salvation. This message from Isaiah (called Esaias in the New Testament) is quoted in each of the four Gospels. Remember an easier one to understand: “39. Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, 40. He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them” (John 12:39-40). The Jews had rejected Jesus so often, hardening their hearts and refusing to see, that they were no longer able to believe. Paul understood this. However, Paul recognized that many Gentiles believed in Jesus. “Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it” (Acts 28:28). Salvation is available to any who will “hear it.”

    Have you noticed that the same thing seems to be happening again today? Almost anywhere one goes today, people’s hearts have “waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed”. There comes a point in each person’s heart when they have rejected Jesus so often, hardening the heart and refusing to see, that they are no longer able to believe. This is a scary place for anyone to reach. “(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now isthe accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)” (2 Corinthians 6:2). When one hears the call of the Gospel Message of Jesus, one should immediately respond and not delay! Now is the day of salvation – not tomorrow. If you have loved ones whose hearts appear to have “waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed”, don’t give up on them. Continue to pray. It may be that you can be instrumental in bringing them to Christ.

    Have you heard the call of the Gospel Message in your heart, or shared it with others?

    Have you understood the importance of responding to that call, receiving Jesus into one’s heart and life before it is too late?

    How to be saved

  • Thine Are We, and On Thy Side

    “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”

    Galatians 2:20

    Most remember David who became the greatest king of Israel. After God removed King Saul for disobedience, remember why God chose David. “And when he had removed him, 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). David chose to fulfill God’s will with his life. We are not the only ones who recognize this in David’s life. Remember the following.

    King Saul recognized the Lord was with David and had departed from Saul (see 1 Samuel 18:12). “And Saul sought to smite David even to the wall with the javelin; but he slipped away out of Saul’s presence, and he smote the javelin into the wall: and David fled, and escaped that night” (1 Samuel 19:10). Because of this, David spent many years running for his life. Many men joined David, helping him. During the time David was in Ziklag, another group of men came to help David. Why did these men give of their time, their talents, and their very lives to help David? One man revealed the heart of these men. “Then the spirit came upon Amasai, who was chief of the captains, and he said, Thine are we, David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse: peace, peace be unto thee, and peace be to thine helpers; for thy God helpeth thee. Then David received them, and made them captains of the band” (1 Chronicles 12:18). These men became the captains of the group known as David’s “mighty men”. These men recognized that God was with David, so they chose to be on David’s side and help him. God had touched the hearts of these men to assist David as he followed God.

    When David became king, one of the first things he did was to take Jerusalem, making it the capital of Israel. He then began to build up the cities around. “So David waxed greater and greater: for the LORD of hosts was with him” (1 Chronicles 11:9). We find that these “mighty men” strengthened themselves with David, helping him. “These also are the chief of the mighty men whom David had, who strengthened themselves with him in his kingdom, and with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel” (1 Chronicles 11:10). These were amazing warriors! You should take time to read some of the astonishing things they were able to do in battle (see 2 Samuel 23:8-23 and 1 Chronicles 11:10 – 12:40).

    Why is it so crucial to understand the importance of these mighty men in David’s life? God gave these “mighty men” to David, enabling him be the king he was for the people of Israel. Keep in mind that these “mighty men” defeated many enemies with David. They gave their all to follow and serve David, their king. Today, Christian’s are to be just as committed to the Lord as these “mighty men” were to David. Christians are to have the same allegiance toward Jesus that Amasai had toward David, “Thine are we, David, and on thy side” (see 1 Chronicles 12:18). Remember: to live for the Lord is a choice. Christians are to recognize Christ’s ownership of their lives and accept it. It is then we decide: “Lord, I am Yours by right, and I wish to be Yours by choice.” It is only then that we allow Jesus to be the Lord that He is to be in our lives. “2. All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits. 3. Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established” (Proverbs 16:2-3).There are a few of verses that we should memorize to help us keep this mindset.

    • “For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s” (Romans 14:8).
    • “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).
    • “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” (Romans 12:1).

    This is only a small sampling of verses encouraging us to commit fully to Jesus, following and serving Him. The following verses could be prayers to help us accomplish this task:

    • “Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name” (Psalm 86:11).
    • “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). (ALL of Psalm 137 is good.)
    • “Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness” (Psalm 143:10).

    Have you chosen to make Jesus the Lord of your life, deciding to live for Him, and delighting to do His will?

  • I Was Blind, but Now I See

    “He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.”

    John 9:25

    Jesus had another opportunity to teach the people. “And as Jesuspassed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth” (John 9:1). We learn that the disciples thought this man was blind because of sin – his or his parents. Jesus wanted to dispel an old thought – that all sicknesses, injuries, or birth defects are caused by sin. “Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him” (John 9:3). Jesus taught that sin was not the cause of this man’s blindness. In the case of the blind man, it was so “that the works of God should be made manifest in him.” Manifest means “to become or be made visible or manifest; make known.” God had a plan for this blind man to receive his sight, bringing Jesus into his life.

    Not only was the blind man to understand what God was doing, it was important for all to know that Jesus was there to do those works of God. “4. I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.5. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world” (John 9:4-5). Jesus would not be walking on the earth for long, and He had work to do (see John 5:36; John 17:4). As long as Jesus was there, He was the Light. “6. When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay. 7. And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam,(which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing” (John 9:6-7). This blind man could see.

    From these events, we understand this man was born blind so that at this time in history, God would be revealed to this man and to the world. God’s plan was now known. Because he obeyed the words of Jesus, he could see. This man, who had only known darkness, now understood the importance of light.

    When the people saw that this blind man could now see, they had many questions. When they asked him what happened, he explained (see John 9:8-11). When the Pharisees asked him what happened. He told the story again (see John 9:13-16). They wanted to know who he thought Jesus was. “They say unto the blind man again, What sayest thou of him, that he hath opened thine eyes? He said, He is a prophet” (John 9:17). At this point, this is all he knows about Jesus. The Pharisees asked his parents (see John 9:18-23). When the Pharisees told him to give God the glory because they declared Jesus was a sinner, read the man’s response. “He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see” (John 9:25). Because the Pharisees still do not believe or understand, they asked him again how he could see. “He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear it again? will ye also be his disciples?” (John 9:27). This outraged them. “We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is” (John 9:29).

    Watch this man’s understanding and faith begin to grow: “30. The man answered and said unto them, Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes. 31. Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth. 32. Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind. 33. If this man were not of God, he could do nothing” (John 9:30-33). This man who was blind is beginning to see the Light: he recognizes that the Man who healed him was of God. After these statements, the religious leaders cast him out.

    But Jesus found him. “35. Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him,Dost thou believe on the Son of God?36. He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him? 37. And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee.38. And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him” (John 9:35-38). This man became a Believer.

    This blind man did not know anything about Jesus; he was ignorant. This is how most people are when introduced to Jesus. They really know little or nothing about Him. When the man began to understand what Jesus had done for him by giving him sight, his faith began to grow. As he explained to the Pharisees what happened, he began to understand – really see. When faced with Jesus again, he believed. When one recognizes that Jesus is the only way to salvation, and willingly responds in faith, this is the simple Gospel Message.

    The Pharisees could see, yet they would not acknowledge Jesus. Because they could see and rejected Jesus and the truth of who Jesus is, their sin remained (see John 9:39-41).

    Have you chosen to “see” and remain in your sin?

    Or

    Are you able to “see” Jesus is the Light, and the only way to salvation?

    The way to salvation.

  • The Marks of a True Believer

    “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;”

    John 8:31

    Jesus taught the people the way of salvation – only through true belief in Jesus that brings a change of heart and life (see John 8:1-32). At this point, many believed. “As he spake these words, many believed on him” (John 8:30). This is the first step of salvation. However, Jesus wanted them to understand it was more than a “mental assent” to Jesus. Belief demands a changed life that begins in the heart (see Romans 10:9-10). In these teachings, Jesus taught them much more than the way of salvation. He revealed to them the ways to identify true salvation – in their own lives and even in the lives of others.

    We remembered the step of salvation: “As he spake these words, many believed on him” (John 8:30).

    Jesus continued with the first mark of true salvation: “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him,If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed” (John 8:31). Indeed means “truly; of a surety.” For those who truly give their hearts and lives to Jesus, making Jesus the Lord of that life, it is only natural that one must continue in Jesus’ Word (see 2 Timothy 3:14-17). One must read and learn more about the Bible. As one learns more about the Bible, that life is changed from the inside out. One learns to walk like Jesus (see Colossians 1:10; 2:6-7, and Ephesians 5:8).

    The next thing Jesus emphasized was knowing the truth: “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). Make you free means “to liberate; the result of redemption.” Knowing the truth of God’s Word gives Christians much freedom. Jesus fulfilled the Law for us, setting us free to walk with Him according to His Word (see James 1:22). Christians are to continue in that liberty. Paul later emphasized the importance of keeping one’s liberty and not returning to the bondage of the Old Testament Law (see Galatians 5:1).

    The Pharisees challenged Jesus: “They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?” (John 8:33). If you know the history of the Israelites at all, this statement might make you laugh. This nation had been in bondage many times through the years. For example, Moses led them out of bondage in Egypt (see Exodus 5-14). Think of the times of the Judges where God had to send deliverers many time to free the from bondage. Even in the days of the Pharisees who challenged Jesus, God’s people were under the bondage of Rome.

    The bondage the Pharisees were referring to was something completely different than what Jesus was trying to get them to understand. “Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin” (John 8:34). Jesus came to set them free from the law of sin and death (see Romans 8:2). With that freedom comes an understanding that we are to no longer be servants of sin. Later, Paul taught more on this subject (see Romans 6:12-14). All of Romans chapter six will help in the understanding of the importance of not allowing sin to rule a Christian’s life. Christians are to yield to righteousness.

    Jesus taught that true Christians will hear God’s Word: “He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God” (John 8:47). People had come to Jesus before this to hear the Word of God (see Luke 5:1). Jesus later calls Christians His sheep: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). We know that the Bible is the Word of God.

    A Believer must keep His Word, for it is a proof of the salvation in the heart. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death” (John 8:51). Why is it so important to keep His Word? “21. He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.22. Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? 23. Jesus answered and said unto him,If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. 24. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me” (John 14:21-24). Manifest means “to disclose (by words): appear, declare (plainly), inform.” Not only does keeping His Word show that we love Him, but Jesus said He would manifest Himself to those who keep His Word. Obedience to God’s Word is a key mark of one who is a true Believer (see 1 John 2:3-6).

    When others see you, do they find the marks of a true Believer?