The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: Jesus

  • The Work of Faith

    “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
    Philippians 1:6

    First Thessalonians was written to the church at Thessalonica, which Paul established on his second missionary journey (see Acts 17). There had been an uprising incited by Jews who rejected the teaching of Jesus, and Paul and Silas were sent away by night – keeping them safe. Although they had not been in Thessalonica long, enough people believed when they heard the Gospel message preached, and a church was established.

    Paul recognized their “work of faith” as he wrote to this church. “Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father” (1 Thessalonians 1:3). It would be good to remember what Jesus had told the people when they asked him what work they must 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). That One whom God sent is Jesus. Our only work of salvation is to believe in Jesus, whom God sent. Once you believe in Jesus by faith, He will be with you, helping you – always. Paul also wrote about this in his letter to the Philippians. “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6).  In this verse, recognize that the “good work in you” refers to what Jesus had explained. It is faith (belief) in Jesus. It is referred to as our only work for salvation. But if you noticed, Paul also commended their “labour of love.” This tells of how they revealed their love for Christ by obeying His Word and becoming more like Him. Read how this is revealed in the book of James. “17. Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works” (James 2:17-18).  Faith and works go hand in hand to reveal Jesus to the lost world. It is important to understand that believing in Jesus is vital, but it is just as important to put the principles of God’s Word into action in one’s life. It is then that God is able to work, and the world will see what God has done in the heart.

    This faith and labor of love led them to the “patience of hope” that was revealed in them. In each chapter of 1 Thessalonians, Paul reminded them of that hope – as they waited for the return of Jesus to take them home to heaven.

    Paul also had an important message for them. “For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake” (1 Thessalonians 1:5). Paul declared that they (Paul, Silas, and Timothy) had preached the Gospel message of Jesus. Remember that Gospel message they preached: “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 …3. … 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 15:1-4). Paul recognized that this Gospel message had come to the people in Thessalonica not “in word only.” Sure, they heard the words of the Gospel message, but Paul wanted them to understand something else. Those words came to them in “power, and in the Holy Ghost.” To understand this better, see the following. “Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thessalonians 2:14). One is “called” by the conviction by the Holy Spirit of sin in one’s heart after hearing that Gospel message. What one does with that call (that conviction) is up to the individual. Some repent (have a change of heart and mind about sin, turning away from that sin toward Christ). Remember that is our only “work” for salvation. Others refuse that call (that conviction), choosing instead to continue on the path that leads away from a changed life in Christ. Each person has to make that choice. However, when one responds to that call, there is a specific power revealed. Read what Paul wrote about it. “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). The Gospel message of Christ is the power of God to salvation to everyone that believes. It is then that one is able to live a Christ-like life – which is what Paul, Silas, and Timothy had done.

    Have you believed, by faith, in Jesus which is the power of God unto salvation, enabling you to live a Christ-like life?

    How to be Saved

  • The Christian’s Goal

    I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
    Philippians 3:14

    Paul, the Apostle, lived as a mighty example of a Christ-like life. He had once tried serving a religion, but when he met Jesus, he understood the uselessness of it (see Philippians 3:1-10).            

    Although Paul was not perfect, he understood that the goal of his life was to follow Jesus – wherever that may lead him (remember, he wrote this letter to the church at Philippi from prison!). “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:12). Paul understood something very important that Christians today should understand, too. “We love him, because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19). John wrote, understanding that without God loving us first, we could never love Him. Do you remember how God revealed His love to us? “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:10). God sent His only Son, Jesus, to be the “propitiation for our sins.” This means that Jesus became the atoning sacrifice that God demanded for my sin, taking away my penalty of death – for Jesus died for me. Because of that, Paul declared, “I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.” When Paul relinquished his will, trusting Christ, Paul had been saved. He then belonged to Jesus. However, living here on earth, he still lived in his physical body, in a world of sin. Nevertheless, Paul understood that by following after the things of Christ, he was becoming more like Christ. Because of that, Paul wanted to “apprehend” a Christ-like life. Moreover, one day Paul would be in heaven with Jesus, perfect in every way.

    Paul used a race to help understand something one cannot physically see. The Christian life is a spiritual one, and you cannot see the spirit. However, one can see the results of living a Christ-like life, and that is what Paul wanted Christians to understand. Just as in a race, one must focus the eyes upon the goal, the finish line, without looking back. “13. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14). Each Christian is to strive to know God by understanding and living a Christ-like life.    

    How can a Christian who lives in this world possibly reach for and live a Christ-like life? Remember back to what Paul already told them in Philippians 2:5: “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” No one can do it unless that Christian has the mind of Christ. Being like Jesus must be the goal in a Christian’s life. “Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you” (Philippians 3:15). Perfect means “full-grown in the knowledge of the truth in comparison to the babes in Christ.” Another way to understand it is that there are mature Christians who know and understand God’s Word. Be thus minded means “to think or sense mentally one and the same thing; as in ‘the same mind be in you as in Christ.’” Paul was setting himself up as an example of one who had learned to have the mind of Christ. The Christians were to follow his example, and any other who lived the same – and God would reveal the right Christian lifestyle example to follow. “16. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. 17. Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample” (Philippians 3:16-17). Paul lived his Christian life becoming more like Christ. He was a great example to follow. Part of their Christian duty was to recognize fellow Christians who were striving to become more Christ-like, because they could be examples as well.

    However, Paul parenthetically gave an important warning. “18. (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19. Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)” (Philippians 3:18-19). There are many who do not strive to be Christ-like, and instead become enemies of the cross. They were to recognize true followers of Christ, following them, and remember the enemies Paul warned them to avoid – those who mind earthly things.

    Paul reminded them of something important. “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20). Although we live here on this earth now, Paul wanted them to remember that a Christian’s home (the word conversation means “citizenship”) is (and one day will forever be) in heaven with Jesus. We are to look for Jesus, the Saviour, who will return for us one day.

    Do you have the mind of Christ, which enables you to press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus?

  • Sanctified to a Christ-like Life

    “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”
    1 Corinthians 6:11

    Many Christians today have not put forth much effort to grow in their Christian lives. They have remained immature, never taking the time to read or study God’s Word. When a Christian does not know what the Bible teaches, they cannot grow in their Christian walk with Christ.

    Paul understood the Christians at Corinth had not grown in Christ (they were still immature, not having learned how to live as a Christian); Paul dealt with their godless lifestyles. “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16). Apparently, these Believers did not even understand that God’s Spirit lived within them. God would discipline any who did not take care of (i.e. live a life pleasing to God) their new life in Christ (see 1 Corinthians 3:17). The Believers (Christians) were to understand that they could no longer live according to the world’s ways. They were to live according to God’s ways. We can find these “ways” recorded in the Bible. Remember what we are to understand: “the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God” (see 1 Corinthians 3:17-18). 

    Each person is accountable for his or her own life and the way he or she lives according to God’s Word. “1. Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:1-2). Believers (stewards) were above all, to be found faithful as “stewards of the mysteries of God.”  Steward means “one who manages a house and is accountable to the owner.” Faithful means “servants or ministers who are faithful in the performance of duty.” Paul not only taught them, but he was an example to them.

    After addressing a particular problem that had remained in the church at Corinth, Paul listed more things they were not to allow. “But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat” (1 Corinthians 5:11). Paul is teaching them things that would help them in their Christian walk. Use the following definitions to understand these verses: 

    • Keep company means “to mix together; to mingle together; to have fellowship or keep company with.”
    • Brother means “members of the same Christian community.”
    • Covetous means “one who wants more; a person covetous of something that others have; a defrauder for gain.”
    • Idolater means “a servant or worshiper of idols.”
    • Railer means “railing (clamoring with insulting language; uttering reproachful words); or reviling (treating with language of contempt).”
    • Drunkard means “drunken; drunkard (an excessive use of strong liquor; a person who habitually or frequently is drunk).”
    • Extortioner means “rapacious (given to plunder; disposed or accustomed to seize by violence or force); an extortioner (wresting anything from a person by force, authority, or by any undue exercise of power; illegal exaction).” 

    God will deal with the lost world who commits theses acts. “But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person” (1 Corinthians 5:13). Put away means “to remove; to expel; to excommunicate.” Christians are not to keep company with people who behave in any of these manners – especially if they claim to be a Christian. See that it even included that we are “with such an one no not to eat.” Eating with someone is an intimate form of fellowship. (Remember the progression of sin in Psalm 1:1-6.)

    Why can we not hang around people like this? Paul explained to them why they could not. “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:11). Once one becomes a Christian, it is important to understand they are different. Sanctified means “to withdraw from fellowship with the world by first gaining fellowship with God.” Spending time with people living contrary to God’s Word will do harm to God’s church, instead of good, and especially in the lives of each Christian. We are to understand that because of Jesus, we are sanctified. Therefore, we must follow God’s Word, which is full of basic Christian principles of how to live a life pleasing to God. 

    Read what Paul reminded them of again. “19. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20. For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). If each Christian would just remember that they were bought with a price, and they are no longer their own, it would be much easier to live a life pleasing to God.

    Do you remember that you are sanctified, bought with a price, and you are no longer your own?

  • God Gives the Increase

    “So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.”
    1 Corinthians 3:7

    Paul, the Apostle, 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, and rose again the third day. This was a message the world did not, and could not understand. It is a mystery to them. “7. But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 8. Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory” (1 Corinthians 2:7-8). If the people in Jesus’ time had understood that Jesus had come to deliver them from sin, they never would have crucified Him. Paul wanted Believers to understand that their job was simply to preach this Gospel message, and God would reveal Himself to the individual.

    If God’s church would operate under this system, simply preaching and teaching Jesus, see what is promised. “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). If God’s people (Christians) would simply present the Gospel message, God would reveal Himself; and Christians could never even imagine what He will do. Remember when Peter first preached Jesus on the day of Pentecost – three thousand were saved on that day (see Acts 2:41).  In addition, just a few days later, he preached again and five thousand were saved (see Acts 4:4). In every city Paul entered, he preached Jesus, and many people believed.

    Why did God want to reveal such mighty things to us? “12. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:12-14). Remember that once a person is saved (becomes a Christian) that they have a new nature (God’s Spirit). God gave His Spirit, “that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.” God will then teach each Christian exactly how to live a life pleasing to Him (as one reads God’s Word, and listens to godly teaching). People, who do not know Jesus, do not understand why Christians want to go to church, or revival, or even read the Bible, as they learn how to live a Christian life – for “they are foolishness unto him.” Non-Christians cannot understand these things “because they are spiritually discerned.” Christians have a different nature.  

    Paul understood that the Believers in the church at Corinth had not grown in maturity in Christ as they should have, so he reprimanded them. “1. And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. 2. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. 3. For ye are yet carnal…” (1 Corinthians 3:1-3). Because they had not yet learned how to live a Christian life, they were still “carnal” (carnal means “weakness; frailty; of persons being worldly”).

    Paul then explained to them the importance of different teachers and workers. “5. Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? 6. I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 7. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase” (1 Corinthians 3:5-7).  Some workers plant the seed (plant means “to be the first to preach the gospel in a place”), another may water (watered means “to water, irrigate; used metaphorically of instruction”), but only God gives the increase (gave the increase means “to grow, increase, or add something”). Only God saves people.

    “8. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour … 10. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. 11. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:8-11). Each Christian is supposed to plant and water – for we are all to tell others about Jesus. We are to be a “wise masterbuilder” – just like Paul was. Wise masterbuilder means “a skillful, expert workman or builder; an architect.” But most importantly, the foundation must be Jesus (foundation means “the elementary doctrine and instruction; fundamental doctrine or principle – which is Christ”). The Gospel message of Jesus must be taught first in order for anyone to be saved.

    Do you plant or water, sharing the Gospel message of Jesus to others?

    How to be Saved

  • The Excellency of the Power of God

    “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.”
    2 Corinthians 4:7

    Paul had been called to be a light to the Gentile people, telling them of the Gospel message of Jesus. He wanted all to understand each person is a sinner (see Romans 3:23), and that all would die an eternal death unless they trusted in Jesus (see Romans 6:23). Paul understood the importance of teaching the truths of the Gospel message. “1. Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; 2. But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God” (2 Corinthians 4:1-2).

    • Dishonesty means “shameful actions; disgraceful conduct; hidden things of shame; clandestine conduct of which disciples of Christ should be ashamed.”
    • Craftiness means “shrewd; unscrupulous; the employment of any or all means necessary to apprehend an end.” 
    • Handling the word of God deceitfully means “adulterating the word of the gospel (and its instructions of men in religion) with the notion of unjust lucre, gain or profit.” 
    • Manifestation means “to make visible or observable.” 

    Paul was not dishonest, crafty, or deceitful in the way he taught the Gospel or doctrines of Jesus. Instead, he made it not only visible in his life but also observable in his lifestyle. That is to be the conscience effort of each Christian – to tell others simply and honestly, without any trickery, about Jesus. However, more than that, we are to “flesh” it out – live it daily. So that all can see what God can, and will do, through Christian’s lives. Remember Jesus’ final instructions before he ascended into heaven: to be witnesses to the uttermost part of the earth (see Acts 1:8). Each Christian is responsible to share the Gospel message of Jesus.

    Paul continued. “3. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4. 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 4:3-4). Paul had not failed to tell others consistently about Jesus, so if they did not receive or understand the Gospel message it was because “the god of this world” (which is Satan) hid it from them. Remember how many had rejected Jesus – who declared to all, that He is the Light of the World. “19. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved” (John 3:19-20). Most people find it easier to believe a lie (remember Satan is the father of lies, see John 8:44), instead of the truth.

    Paul understood the heart of the message. “5. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6. 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 4:5-6). Only God can convict the heart of sin. Only Jesus can save. “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us” (2 Corinthians 4:7). Earthen vessels means “the human body as formed of clay and this feeble and frail.” Paul understood that it was not in his frail, human, body that the ability to save was given, but it is in the power of God alone. Yet God used Paul in his frailty to accomplish God’s plan.

    Is it difficult to allow God to use one to accomplish His plan? Paul declared that with every part of his being, he lived a life that revealed Jesus to any who saw him (see 2 Corinthians 4:8-11). But with that came much persecution and troubles on every side. Nevertheless, Paul understood the importance of putting his own flesh to death and living in the Spirit. “So then death worketh in us, but life in you” (2 Corinthians 4:12). Because Paul followed God’s will, not living for himself, others could see Jesus, which allowed them the opportunity to choose life eternal.

    Jesus is always the best example to follow. “Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work” (John 4:34). Meat means “denotes sustenance; nourishment.” Jesus understood that pleasing God, doing the work He has for one, is very important – even life sustaining. We are to follow Jesus’ example. Christians are not to do what we want, but what God wants us to do. Jesus completed everything God wanted Him to do (see John 19:30).

    Have you allowed God to use you, in your frailty, to accomplish His plan for you as you share the Gospel message?

    How to be Saved

  • Jesus, the Only Salvation

    “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

    Paul heard of some troubles in the church at Corinth. He then wrote a letter to the Corinthians (the book of 1 Corinthians in the New Testament Bible). He addressed them as the fellow Christians, saved by grace, which they were. He also wanted to remind them of something. “God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:9). No matter what problems Christians may have, God is faithful to those who are called by Him.

    Paul had heard of the factions and discord that was troubling the church at Corinth. “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10). It was not good to have factions or discord in the church. These had caused contentions in the church. The first problem Paul addressed concerned the Believers who had been saved under different leaders ministries. They were making an issue out of something that should not have been a cause for division. “12. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. 13. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?” (1 Corinthians 1:12-13). Can you readily recognize the problem Paul pointed out? The people were choosing to follow a man instead of God. They were divided because some had been saved under the teaching of Paul, some under the teaching of Apollos, and even some of them under the teaching of Peter (Cephas). Only one group was correct – the group that declared, “and I of Christ.” All, who are Believers, are saved by Jesus Christ. “10. Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead …12. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:10, 12).

     The Believers in Corinth had neglected the foundational truth Paul (and even Apollos and Peter) had taught – “the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:4). It was not by the preacher or teacher that one was saved, it was by the Gospel message of Jesus. The people had forgotten that salvation (deliverance from the penalty of sin) was only through Jesus, and instead they were fighting amongst themselves over their favorite teacher, emphasizing the one who had baptized them. This caused divisions. There was to be unity. For when the people were divided, they did not do what they were supposed to do. Because they were so busy fighting, they were not growing in their Christian life. The people were not reaching out, teaching people about Jesus. Not only that, but they were to teach the new Believers how to live that new life in Christ. These things were to be the primary functions of the church.

    The people in the church at Corinth had turned the focus from the Gospel message of Jesus to the baptism by one of God’s servants. Paul dealt with this issue. “17. For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 18. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:17-18).

    Paul wanted to remind the people of something important: it was not the messenger who presented the Gospel message that was to be remembered (“not with wisdom of words”), but it was the message that was to be remembered. Paul taught Jesus in simple language that anyone could understand. By the world’s standards (“to them that perish”), this is foolish, for the better the orator, the more likely people will be enticed to do as the speaker teaches. Nevertheless, Paul wanted them to understand this is not the way to bring someone to Christ. For when people are saved, it is not the great speaker, but “it is the power of God.” Only God has the ability to save souls. “For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe” (1 Corinthians 1:21). God does not operate by the world’s wisdom. God chose to use people to declare the Gospel message to other people, introducing them to the only way to be saved. “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). The Gospel message of Jesus is the only way in which one can be saved.    

    Have you chosen to follow man instead of God?

    Or

    Are you growing in your Christian life and telling others about Jesus?

  • Jesus: The Power of God unto Salvation

    “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

    Paul was not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ. He wanted the people to hear the Gospel message of Christ. “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). Paul wanted people to understand some important truths of the Gospel of Christ, which is the only means of eternal salvation. 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.” Paul was not ashamed to tell anyone what Jesus could do for them. Paul wanted people to understand the ability to be delivered from sin. It was important they heard the truth. It is then an individual must decide what to do with that truth (the Gospel message that salvation is only through Jesus). It is a choice to believe it, or reject it.

    Paul explained to the people of sin, and then proceeded to teach them why they needed “salvation” that comes only from Jesus. “21. Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools” (Romans 1:21-22). God had revealed Himself to mankind, but they did not give Him the glory and honor He deserved. Many did not fully understand the separation of sinful man from God. They did not believe what God had revealed to them, instead, “Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools.” The next verses (in Romans chapter one) tell how the people were foolish by not recognizing God as the Creator, but instead change Him into a corruptible image. They rejected God. Therefore, when man rejected God, “God also gave them up to uncleanness” (see Romans 1:24) allowing mankind to be just what they are – sinful creatures. Once this happens, mankind often chooses to live a depraved lifestyle. Understand: God does not make anyone do anything, but God wants all of mankind to choose to turn from sin and accept the free gift of salvation that He offers.

      Nevertheless, just because God does not make mankind do anything (as in choosing to believe in God and accept his gift of salvation), He does require man to be accountable for his deeds. “6. Who will render to every man according to his deeds: 7. To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: 8. But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath … 11. For there is no respect of persons with God” (Romans 2:6-11). Therefore, we understand that man without Jesus is exceedingly wicked. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Moreover, there is a penalty: God will “render to every man according to his deeds.”

    One must understand that without the Law found in the Old Testament, man did not fully understand their lost condition or their need of salvation. “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin” (Romans 3:20). See that the law revealed that man is sinful. Then one can understand the importance of salvation that is only available through the Saviour, Jesus. “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith” (Galatians 3:24). Once one recognizes that he or she is a sinful man who stands before a Holy God, a choice must be made. To continue in that sin, or ask God to take that sin away.

    How did God plan for that sin to be taken away – enabling man to stand justified before God? See the following verse: “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24). Justified means “the justification bestowed by God upon men through Christ, through the instrumentality of faith.” Because of what Jesus did upon the cross (took the penalty of sin), see what Paul revealed. “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law” (Romans 3:28). The law only revealed sin; it could not take away man’s sin. Faith, in what Jesus did to take away that sin, is the only thing that justifies man before God. Only those who believe God and his gift of salvation will gain eternal life. It is a choice. Continue in sin, or believe Jesus will take that sin away.

    Remember that when Jesus came, God made salvation available to anyone. “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). Whosoever believeth.

    Is your foolish heart darkened, professing yourself to be wise, becoming a fool?

    Or

    Have you believed, by faith, in what Jesus did upon the cross to take away your sin?

    How to be Saved

  • A Religion, or a Relationship?

    “Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart.”
    Ephesians 4:18

    A religious practice had so engrained itself into the Israelites during the New Testament times that the people no longer realized they were to look for their Messiah: for their hearts had become hardened. When Jesus came and died to set them free from their religious system, restoring the relationship with God, they rejected Him. The religious Jews had their understanding darkened – they just did not get it. See this explained in the following verse. “Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart” (Ephesians 4:18). Blindness means “callousness or hardness.” Paul was a Pharisee, a part of that religious system. He had been instructed in the Old Testament, and declared that, “after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee” (Acts 26:5). He not only knew the Old Testament Scriptures, but he lived by them. He was very religious. However, when Jesus called him, Paul listened to, and obeyed, that call. It was then that Paul understood that he had been living in darkness. He saw the Light, Jesus, and believed. He then had a great burden to tell the religious, Jewish people who were living in darkness and help them understand that Jesus was the only way to remove the “blindness of their heart.” Paul became a missionary in the New Testament times, wanting to declare the truth of Jesus to those religious, Jewish people. When he entered a city, he migrated toward the Jews and their Synagogues where he taught them Jesus from their Old Testament Scriptures. Some believed, but overall the Jewish people rejected the message. So much so that many times these religious Jews tried to kill Paul. When Paul was rejected repeatedly, he declared that he would take the Gospel message to the Gentiles “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). There was a dynamic shift.

    The Gentiles have predominately received the Gospel Message since that time. However, one cannot help but recognize that today, not many Gentile people are willing to receive the Gospel Message of Jesus. One can understand that there is a sort of darkness that has come upon the world as a religious system of “Christianity” has taken precedence within the world today. Many who claim the name of “Christian” today have a religion, not a relationship with Jesus Christ. Paul could see this happening in the newly established church in his day. “Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart” (Ephesians 4:18). Blindness means “callousness or hardness.” Just as the Jews had their religious system, many churches have established their own “religious system.” This leads to people believing in a “church” or “religious acts” (such as baptism, attending church, doing good deeds, loving others, or a recognition of God, etc.). Above all, one must actually hear the call of repentance of sin (repent means “to think differently; a change of mind demanding a change of action”), and then turn to Jesus who is the “Salvation of God” (Acts 28:28). One’s heart must be enlightened by the Light, Jesus: “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).

    How can one’sheart be enlightened today? “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). One must have a personal, life-changing encounter with Jesus. Without Jesus, one has a religion. A religion is a cheap copy of the real thing. It would be a tragedy for anyone to have attended church, followed the religious instructions of what to do to live as a “Christian,” yet to never really know what a true Christian life is. Paul recognized that many Jews in his day had a religion. He then understood what Isaiah had written and quoted it. “26. Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive: 27. 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 28:26-27).

    Have we come full circle? Do the people today hear, and not understand? Do they see, yet not perceive? Have the hearts of the people “waxed gross” and become “dull of hearing?” Have the religious people in the churches today closed their eyes, lest they be converted? Why has this happened? “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). Without a change of heart that receives Jesus, one cannot become a true Christian.

    Do you have a religion?

    Or

    Have you believed in your heart unto righteousness, confessing Jesus, establishing a relationship?

    How to be Saved

  • The Strong One versus the Stronger One

    “But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.”
    Galatians 3:22

    Jesus was teaching the people. He wanted them to understand the power He held. The people were having a hard time understanding, so he explained. “When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace” (Luke 11:21). This “strong man” he is referring to is the prince of this world, the devil. (See Ephesians 2:2: “Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience.”) We are to understand something very important. However, in order to understand this, one must know the difference between one who belongs to Jesus and one who does not.

    One, who believes in Jesus by faith, belongs to Him. “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). Also, understand it by the following verse. “But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe” (Galatians 3:22). We then declare that a Believer (Christian) has Jesus in their heart.

    A person who does not have Jesus in the heart (an unconverted sinner) does not have Him in His rightful place. Instead, by default, Satan has taken up residence (“a strong man keeps his palace”). In this condition, the person sins willfully, which is a picture of Satan’s “goods.” This is the place where Satan dwells, where he works. This becomes his stronghold, the place of which he wants to keep away from Jesus. Satan then can continue to do his wickedness. That is the condition of all without Jesus in their heart. Moreover, all seems well in that life, until there is a challenge to this status quo. When Jesus is presented, the battle begins.

    As Jesus continued teaching them, He told them of a Stronger. “But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils” (Luke 11:22). Jesus is the Stronger One. Notice what He did. Jesus has invaded what Satan thought was his territory. Jesus has been (and still is) destroying Satan’s armor and claiming his spoils. [“He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8) and “And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it” (Colossians 2:15.)] Understanding this, we can learn that one who has repented of their sin, asking forgiveness from God, has been freed from the strong one (Satan) and belongs to the Stronger One (Jesus). A decision has to be made by each individual, for there is no neutral ground in this conflict. If one thinks they can remain neutral and stay out of the conflict, this is what Jesus said, “He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth” (Luke 11:23). A side must be chosen.

    When one believes in Jesus by faith, that heart is now clean. The difference (of the decision) is whether the individual has accepted Jesus into that heart, making His residence permanent. Remember the following must happen: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). This decision has to be made. The danger of trying not to make a decision is pictured in what Jesus told them immediately after explaining all of this.

    See what happens when one does not become a “new creature” in Christ (believe in Jesus by faith). When one cleans up, lives good for a while without actually having a nature change that is required to live as a true Christian, read what happens. “24. When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. 25. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. 26. Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first” (Luke 11:24-26). When one cleans up, lives religiously, or just in their own righteousness without the true righteousness that comes from Jesus’ finished work on the cross, the last state of the person is worse than the first. That person is left with no hope and will suffer the wrath of God that is yet to come.

    “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise” (Ephesians 1:13). Once sealed, always belonging to Jesus (the Stronger One).

    Are you one who has cleaned up your life on your own (still bound by the strong one),

    or

    Have you become a new creature in Christ (belong to the Stronger One)?

    How to be Saved

  • Knowledge of Sin

    “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.”
    Romans 3:20

    When we think of the first man Adam, we remember that it was by him that sin entered into the world. However, immediately after that sin came a promise from God – He would send one to deliver mankind from that sin. “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel” (Genesis 3:15). From that point forward, mankind waited for God to send the Promised One; and from then on, mankind recognized the separation from God. 

    Just as sin entered into the world by one man, Adam, also because of that sin came death. “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned” (Romans 5:12). We understand as we read the Bible that God revealed mankind’s sin to them through the centuries, by His Law. “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin” (Romans 3:20). In having this Law, people could understand just how sinful they were, and just how far from God they had become. Instead of living by faith – looking for the Promised One, the people tried to obey that Law – but failed. “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all” (James 2:10).

    We also understand after reading Romans 3:20, that no man can be justified by that Law. However, this was not revealed without the assurance that God sent One who could deliver mankind from sin and death. (Death is a result of the initial disobedience of man.) “19. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. 20. Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: 21. That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 5:19-21). This helps us understand that the purpose of the Law given by Moses is to reveal mankind’s sin. We can then understand that God never intended for mankind to live perfectly under the Law, for it is impossible. However, the intent of that Law is to reveal to mankind their need for grace – only provided by the Savior, Jesus (that One promised from Genesis 3:15). “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ” (John 1:17). It is then we can begin to understand the grace that Jesus offers. Grace is something offered that no one deserves.

    To help one understand the fulfillment of Genesis 3:15 better, read the following: “14. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15. And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. … 17. 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 2:14-17). When Jesus came, lived a sinless human life, died upon the cross, and rose from the dead, he defeated the devil and death – allowing Him to be able to reconcile people to God once and for all.

    When Jesus came, He fulfilled every letter of the Law. This is something that no man had ever done, or ever will do. In that fulfillment, he took upon himself the curse of the Law for us (because we are cursed for not fulfilling it). See what he accomplished by doing this. “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree” (Galatians 3:13). (Compare that with Deuteronomy 21:22-23.) All one has to do is believe, by faith, that Christ took that curse for us.

    We must understand that the Law was only given to reveal mankind’s sin. The Law cannot save anyone. One must have faith in Jesus. Throughout the Old Testament, we can read of the failure of mankind because they were unable to fully obey the Law. In the New Testament, we see that through Jesus, He not only fulfilled that Law, but also died so that we could have eternal life. If only one would believe. Just as through Adam, all will die, through Jesus, all can live. “21. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive …” (1 Corinthians 15:21-22).

    Have you come to the knowledge that you are a sinner, needing salvation that only comes by faith in Jesus?

    How to be Saved