The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: Jesus

  • God Loves You

    “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
    Romans 5:8

    What does it mean when someone says that God loves you?

    Paul was zealous for God. He was a Pharisee of the Pharisees (this means he was very religious!). He knew God’s Word – better than most people. He went to the Temple (church to us today) all of the time. And when there was a new Way (Christianity) in town, he fought against it. Read what Paul wrote, “13. For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: 14. And profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers” (Galatians 1:13-14). In his persecution of the church of God, he even imprisoned those who believed in Jesus.

    Paul went on a special trip to find more of those who believed in Jesus, when he met Jesus for himself. He found out just how much God loved him. See how he understood what Jesus did for him: “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). God showed Paul how much He loved him by sending His Son, Jesus, to die for Paul, a sinner. That changed Paul’s life! He no longer went about persecuting those who gave their hearts and lives to Jesus, he became one of the most well known preachers in the New Testament! He completely changed.

    Paul penned the book of Romans for us to read. Within that book, one cannot help but recognize the sinfulness of people, the penalty of death for each person because of that sin, and the need of the Saviour, Jesus (the only One who can take away that penalty of sin). He explained the reason Jesus came into this world. Remember that God gave His Son, because He loves you!

    With that thought in mind, see the following: “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). God is waiting for you to come to repentance and know His Son, Jesus.

    When should you answer His call? “(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)” (2 Corinthians 6:2). Today is that day. Do not wait! 

    Read the following message Paul preached to those who placed their faith and trust in Jesus: “But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life” (Romans 6: 22).

    Now can you see just how much God loves you?

    How to be Saved

  • God’s Greatest Gift

    “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
    Romans 6:23

    “Remember the familiar Bible lessons of Jacob and one of his sons, Joseph. Joseph was the eleventh son and the last to be born to Jacob before he returned to the land promised to Abraham and Isaac. Joseph was a godly young man in spite of adverse circumstances in his life. God used him to save his family from starvation during a time of famine throughout the lands.

    “In the Old Testament, Joseph is one of the people we compare to a picture of Christ. … God promised to send One who would deliver a sinful people from their sins. The first time was when man sinned in the garden (Genesis 3:15), and then we saw God promise Abraham that all people would be blessed through his descendants (Genesis 22:18). We even saw a picture of what God would do—lay down the life of His Son. In this lesson, we see once again the promise of a mighty Deliverer who would come (Genesis 28:14). And better yet, we see a picture of a mighty deliverer in Jacob’s son, Joseph. When Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery, they meant it for evil. ‘But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive’ (Genesis 50:20). God sent His Son, Jesus, to save the world from their sin. He was the greatest gift ever given. But sinful man crucified him (evil against Him), and God took what man intended to be evil and delivered us from our sins by Jesus’ death. Just as Joseph recognized that he was placed in a position to save the world from starvation, Jesus came to save the world from ‘the wages of sin … death’ and instead give us the ‘gift of God … eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.’ Notice the faithfulness of Joseph and the blessings of God upon him … for although he endured many problems (his brothers hated him; he was sold into slavery; he was falsely imprisoned and forgotten; and so on), he remained faithful to God. And God blessed Joseph’s life. …

    “Joseph is an excellent example of enduring hatred and rejection from family members and still walking with God. When he was sold as a slave, Joseph still lived as an upright young man, choosing to do what was right in God’s eyes. When falsely thrown into prison, God was still with Joseph, and Joseph honored God with his life.

    “… God promised to send One who would deliver a sinful people from their sins. …God planned to send His Son, Jesus, from the beginning, and he constantly reminded mankind that He would come, sometimes giving them a verbal promise and other times a physical picture (like Joseph) to help them (and us today) understand. Jesus is God’s greatest gift, for he came to save people from their sins. … Just as Joseph saved people from starvation, Jesus came to save mankind from sin.”

    “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

    (Excerpt from Year One Quarter Two, Lesson 4 of The Biblical Path of Life)

    What is the greatest gift God ever gave? His Son, Jesus—to pay the penalty for our sins.

    Have you accepted this gift?

    How to be Saved

  • God’s Promise

    “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

    One of the most famous verses in the world is: “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). But has anyone actually stopped to understand what this verse really means?

    God sent His Son, Jesus into the world. He gave His Beloved Son, Jesus, to pay the penalty for each individual person’s sin. The penalty for sin is death. However, because God is a loving and gracious God, He made provision for Jesus to pay for a person’s sin with His life. All one has to do is believe upon Jesus, receiving this great gift. Can you better understand this verse now? “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). Read the next verse in that passage to understand even more so as to why Jesus came: “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” (John 3:17).

    After reading both of those verses, understand that the gift of the pardon for sin is offered – all one has to do is receive it. God wanted each person in the world to be saved from the penalty of sin. This pardon from sin is understood as a promise from God – but only for those who accept that gift.

    What if one chooses to continue in sin, rejecting the gift God offered? “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him” (John 3:36). This, too, is a promise.

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

    Have you chosen to receive the gift of salvation (life) by believing in Jesus?

    How to be Saved

  • A New Creature

    “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

    Have you ever heard something that scared you? I mean really scared you?! What do you think of the following?  “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him” (John 3:36). Believing in Jesus, having eternal life sounds wonderful! But did you notice the second part of that verse? If one does not believe in Jesus, they won’t see life (won’t live with Him for eternity). However, the worst part is the final part of that verse. If one doesn’t believe in Jesus, the “wrath of God abideth on him.” What an awful thought!

    If that doesn’t scare you, try this one. “For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it” (Hebrews 4:2). There is so much more to believing in Jesus than just saying you believe in Jesus. Notice that in that verse it said the Gospel was preached (the Gospel message is that all are sinners and Jesus died on the cross to take away that sin). Did you also notice that the same Gospel that was preached did not profit some of them? What made the difference? In some of them, it was not “mixed with faith in them that heard.”

    One problem is that many say, and really think, that they believe in Jesus. However, one must really understand what that means. Hearing and saying one believes is not enough. The missing part is that it has to be mixed with faith when one hears. “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). The whole chapter of Hebrews 11 reveals people who pleased God because of the faith they had in them (the faith of the Gospel message). That faith was revealed in their lives. The people listed in that chapter had forsaken the old way of life (living according to the world) and had lived a new life pleasing God. This change is revealed in the following verse: “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). One who has the faith to be saved must completely forsake the old life in every way. That one can then live a new life in Christ.

    Have you believed the Gospel message having it mixed with faith?

    Are you a new creature living a new life in Christ?

    How to be Saved

  • Be Still

    “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10

    There is much fear in the world today. I have never known a time when so many people are afraid of almost everything. Today is a day of uncertainty. One hears of earthquakes, fires, hurricanes, illnesses, the downfall of the economy, rumors of wars, and so many other things of which to be afraid.

    Why shouldn’t one be afraid?

    What does God’s Word teach us about fear? We are to remember that God is with us. “1. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 3. Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof” (Psalm 46:1-3). If we walk with God, He will be with us. 

    Remember what Paul wrote to Timothy: “7. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 8. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord …” (1 Timothy 1:7-8a). If one has Jesus in their heart and life, and is walking with Him, that Christian should not be afraid.

    However, there is one thing a Christian is to fear.

    What is that? We are to fear the Lord, doing what His Word says to do. “Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil” (Proverbs 3:7). That should be rather easy – for if we walk with God, we will depart from evil. So that when all of the troubles of the world seem to come against us, we can stop and be at rest knowing God is in control. “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth” (Psalm 46:10).

    Do you take time to be still and know that God is with you?

  • Seek Good and not Evil

    “Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken.”
    Amos 5:14

    According to Amos 5:14, we are to seek good things in this world, not evil. Many times, God’s people had quit seeking good and were continually doing evil. God often sent a prophet to speak His words to the people; frequently it was when God’s people were in sin and rebellion. The prophets were sent to remind the people to seek God and follow His commands.

    If you think about it, the prophets had a fascinating role in history. Not only did God send His prophets to tell the people to seek God and follow His commands, but they were entrusted with God’s Word to be delivered to the people. Exposing the sins of the people and revealing the need for repentance (turning a humble heart back to God) took much courage. Although it was a difficult task, we see faithful men accomplish what God asked of them. Even when the people refused to listen at the time, we see God working to fulfill His plan. As students of the Bible, we should never be afraid to study the words written in the books of prophecy. Understand that God knew and chose these men. 

    God called Isaiah. God asked whom He could send; who would go? Isaiah answered God’s call to go and tell. He obeyed when God called.

    God knew Jeremiah before he was born. He knew Jeremiah would be a prophet for God (see Jeremiah 1:4-10). He called, prepared, sent, and promised to be with Jeremiah. Jeremiah prophesied for over forty years.

    Ezekiel was called by God to speak to the children who were born in captivity, for many of them would be the ones who would later return to Jerusalem after the seventy years of captivity. He helps us understand the importance of teaching our children about the things of God.

    Daniel proved himself worthy to be use by God when he refused to obey the king and instead chose to obey God’s commands. He and his three friends were not afraid to stand and choose to obey God rather than man. They are mighty examples for us to remain a separate and faithful people, despite adverse circumstances.

    The prophets were called such because they were messengers of God, men whom God called to proclaim “the word of the Lord” to His people, the Israelites. The Gentile nations were usually only mentioned as either a source of conflict with the nation or for being blessed because of Israel. Primarily, the prophets were to expose the sins of the people, revealing the need for repentance and to remind the people to obey God’s laws. “Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken” (Amos 5:14). The prophets told of two very important events: the first and second coming of Jesus. They gave many insights as to the timing, the place, and even the manner in which He would come. Even when they could not fully understand everything they recorded in God’s Word for us to read today, they were faithful to obey God and His commands.

    Remember that God never gives us anything to do that He won’t help us complete, if we only will trust Him. Because only God knows all, we sometimes have trouble obeying when we don’t understand. As we read, we can understand that the prophets were faithful men who followed God, even when they didn’t completely understand. Sometimes the prophet held only a piece of the future events. These prophets each held different pieces of information given to them by God. Now we can read the entirety, put those pieces together, and see they all point to Jesus.

    Have you put the pieces together to see Jesus?

    Also seen on Lighthouse Gospel Beacon Blog.

  • A Light in the Darkness

    “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.”
    1 Corinthians 10:11

    God often reminded His people what He expected of them. Before they were led into the land God promised to them, see what He told them: “Ye shall not do after all the things that we do here this day, every man whatsoever is right in his own eyes” (Deuteronomy 12:8). He also told them: “… thou shalt hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, to keep all his commandments which I command thee this day, to do that which is right in the eyes of the LORD thy God” (Deuteronomy 13:18).

    Not too long after the people were given these warnings, we read about a particularly tragic time. It is recorded in the book of Judges. A dominant theme is found within this book: “In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25). Notice that it doesn’t say they did wrong; they thought what they were doing was right. Although it didn’t appear wrong to them, it was wrong in God’s eyes. They did not obey the commands God had given them. We can read that the Israelites had rejected God as their king. They chose to be friends with the enemy nations. They also continually chose to turn to the enemy’s idol worship. However, we understand that God never left His people. When the enemy oppressed, God sent a judge (a champion) to deliver them from the hands of their enemies. Gideon and Samson are probably the most familiar judges. The book of Judges reveals some terribly vile things that took place. One excessively despicable event even led to civil war within the nation, almost annihilating one of the twelve tribes.

    God’s people were supposed to reveal to the world the love of God for those who follow and obey His Words. “1. And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: 2. And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God” (Deuteronomy 28:1-2). But instead, they rejected God and His Word to do what they thought was right. “In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25). Because of this, we read what God said the consequences of not obeying the word of the Lord would be. “62. And ye shall be left few in number, whereas ye were as the stars of heaven for multitude; because thou wouldest not obey the voice of the LORD thy God. 63. And it shall come to pass, that as the LORD rejoiced over you to do you good, and to multiply you; so the LORD will rejoice over you to destroy you, and to bring you to nought …” (Deuteronomy 28:62-63a). They were not a light, revealing God in the world. 

    There are so many examples in the Bible of which we should take notice. They are there to remind us of what happens when we cease to obey God’s Word and choose our own path. “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come” (1 Corinthians 10:11). Jesus wants Christians to be a light in this world. “14. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16). When the Christians in the churches cease to be obedient to God’s Word, it is much like a light that is put under a bushel. Compromising Christians hurt themselves, their families and their churches. Worse than that, they can also contribute to the decay of a whole nation. We can see this pictured in the book of Judges.

    Are you a compromising Christian, hurting loved ones and contributing to the decay of a nation?

    Or are you a light, showing Jesus in this world?

  • Secrets

    “That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.”
    Matthew 13:35

    Have you ever been told a secret? Did you want to keep it a secret or tell someone else? Secrets are hard to keep, yet the most important “secret” ever is not shared nearly enough. God had secrets, and He told many of them to His people. We can know those secrets today if we will just read His Word.

    The prophets of God revealed secrets that had been “kept secret from the foundation of the world.” “That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world” (Matthew 13:35). It is important to know about the prophets from the Old Testament, and become familiar with what they had to say. The Old Testament prophets were important then, and they are still important today. If you have ever read any of the books of the prophets from the Old Testament, they are full of strange events and tellings that, to the common person, make no sense. They seem like mysteries or secrets.

    Although the Bible is full of mysteries, God wants us to understand the mysteries, or secrets, of the Old Testament. He wants us to realize that it all centered on the coming of Jesus, God’s Son. “25. Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, 26. But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith” (Romans 16:25-26). Once we have Jesus in our heart and read God’s Word daily, we can understand those mysteries. We do not need prophets today because we have the prophets’ words written in the Bible. Our job is to know God’s Word so we can share this “secret” that has been revealed to the world. The books of the Old Testament are very important.

    Jesus told of a Rich Man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31. The Rich Man died without trusting in Jesus. Lazarus, a very poor man on earth, died trusting in Jesus. When the Rich Man was in hell, being in torments, he could see Lazarus in the bosom of Abraham. The Rich Man cried out for some water to cool his tongue. However, he was told that there was a great gulf fixed between the two that could not be crossed. The Rich Man then asked for someone to be sent back to warn his five brothers, lest they too end up in hell. Read Abraham’s response to him: “30. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. 31. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead” (Luke 16:30-31). Everything they needed to hear to be warned about that place had been recorded in the words of Moses and the Prophets. Remember, the mystery of the Gospel message of Jesus Christ was revealed in the Old Testament “by the scriptures of the prophets” and it was “made known to all nations” according to Romans 16:25-26.

    Just as Jesus told of the Rich Man and Lazarus, the Law and the Prophets had the words that could have saved the Rich Man’s soul for eternity if he had only believed them. It is very important to understand that without Jesus in our hearts, it is never enough. Many of the prophet’s words were warnings to the people.

    Are there any words of warning we need to share with our friends or family?

    Also published at Lighthouse Gospel Beacon.

  • Choose to do Good

    “Seek the LORD, and ye shall live …”
    Amos 5:6

    ‘The Israelites sinned against God when they forsook Him and worshiped creatures (golden calves, Baal, etc.). They also walked in the ways of the heathen (the wicked and idolatrous nations around) instead of walking in God’s Laws and statutes they had been taught. Notice that in the New Testament, Paul preached to people in the same condition. He warned that the wrath of God would fall upon those who knew the truth, but did not live it out in their lives: “18. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19. Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 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, 23. And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25. Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen” (Romans 1:18–19, 21–25).’

    Notice that Paul portrayed a progressive departure from the truth of righteousness they knew. It was not a sudden departure. Search your heart to see if you are guilty of knowing the way of righteousness, yet not living in the truth of it. This is an important question for each Christian to consider!

    ‘What should we learn from Israel’s obstinacy? Jesus should be our ultimate example. “21. … [B]ecause 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: 24. Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed” (2 Peter 2:21–22, 24). 

    When we know what is right, we should do it. “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin” (James 4:17). Seek God if one is not sure — remember Amos’ plea, “Seek the LORD, and ye shall live …” (Amos 5:6). We should never sin away our lives — as Israel did. For, “… There is a sin unto death …” (1 John 5:16).’

    Have you chosen to do good and to seek the Lord?

    Excerpts from The Biblical Path of Life, Year Two Quarter One, Lesson 10; Shallum – Hoshea. www.biblicalpath.com

  • God’s Enduring Love

    “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”
    Romans 3:23

    ‘Just as the Israelites were told of their sin and called to repentance, the same call is extended to us today. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). All are guilty of sin, and there is a penalty to pay. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). In addition, God provided one who paid the penalty for us — if only we would receive. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Just as God extended a call to the Israelites, warning them before judgment would fall, God warns us today. “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). What response does God require? “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). What are we to do with that information? “Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near” (Isaiah 55:6).’

    Have you called upon the Lord while he is near?

    Excerpt from The Biblical Path of Life, Year Two Quarter One, Lesson 9; God’s Enduring Love. www.biblicalpath.com