The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: Jesus

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

    Key Verse

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

    —Acts 21:30

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

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

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

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

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

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 11 Questions

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 11 Children’s Worksheets

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

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

    Read the Scriptures on How to be Saved.

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

  • Lesson 10: Paul’s Third Missionary Journey: Acts 18:23 – 21:26

    Key Verse

    20. And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, 21. Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

    —Acts 20:20-21

    Key Verse Thought: Read today’s Key Verses. Paul is the one speaking in these verses. He was telling the people that he had led by example – for in every aspect of his life, he served Jesus, ministering to others (i.e.: he preached Jesus so others could be saved; he went from house to house telling all of Jesus, Jew and Gentile; he encouraged other believers to live a Christ-like life). In this lesson, we will learn more of Paul’s life.

    Emphasis: We are faithfully to tell others about Jesus, understanding God will give us friends to help us. But more than that, we are especially to live a life that is pleasing to Jesus so that other Christians can be encouraged to live correctly by our example.

    Lesson Summary: As we learned of Paul’s second missionary journey in our last lesson, we found that when Paul obeyed God’s direction for his life, God blessed his journey. Not only were many saved, but also Paul gained friends and fellow laborers to help spread the Gospel message. This week we begin with two of those friends.

    Paul visited some of the newly established churches, and he left Aquila and Priscilla in Ephesus. While they were there, they heard a man named Apollos teach the repentance of John the Baptist. Aquila and Priscilla realized that Apollos had never heard of Jesus, the Promised One John came to reveal, so they told him about Jesus. Apollos believed, and became another helper who preached Jesus to others.

    When Paul went to Troas where he met up with some fellow laborers that he had sent ahead, he preached a sermon that lasted well into the night. Around midnight, Eutychus fell asleep in a third floor window and fell to his death. Paul raised him from the dead, they ate, and he continued talking until morning.

    As we continue reading about Paul’s third missionary journey, we find that Luke, the writer of Acts (as well as the gospel of Luke) again joined with Paul and the other helpers. When they reached Miletus, Paul called for the elders of the church in Ephesus to come to him. Paul first warned them of grievous wolves that would come in to try to destroy the new church, and then encouraged these established Christians to help the weaker. Paul reminded them that he had taught them by example – for Paul had lived his life serving Jesus by teaching others about Jesus and ministering to them.

    Paul met Agabus at Philip’s house who foretold that Paul would be bound in Jerusalem. Nevertheless, Paul continued his journey to Jerusalem, where he gave a report of his missionary journey, and heard of the Jews saved.

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 10 Questions

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 10 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to children, the following are a couple of craft ideas to help them remember this lesson:

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

  • A New Life Pleasing God

    “So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.”

    Acts 19:20

    The following is an excerpt from The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Two, Lesson 10:

    “… God allowed Paul to heal people and eliminate evil spirits. With this came people who tried to do the same things. ‘13. Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. 14. And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. 15. And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? 16. And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. 17. And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified‘ (Acts 19:13-17). Vagabond means ‘ones who just wander.’ Exorcists means ‘one who binds by an oath; generally one who by incantation professes to expel demons.’ These men, seven of which were sons of the chief priest, used incantations, professing to cast out demons. Nevertheless, see that even the demons recognized that these men did not know Jesus (for Jesus was not in their hearts). When they tried to cast out the demons, those demons jumped on them, ‘so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.‘ God used this to magnify the name of Jesus. ‘And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds‘ (Acts 19:18). Deeds means ‘an act, practice; works; meaning conduct.’ This caused many to recognize that they were living in a lifestyle that opposed the preaching of Jesus. What did the people do about it? ‘Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver‘ (Acts 19:19). Curious arts means ‘a standard term for magic or black arts; pointing to the lengthy and various rituals involved in incantation ceremonies and the precision with which they were performed.’ The people understood that they must eliminate theses wicked things from their lives. Once they did, read what followed. ‘So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed’ (Acts 19:20). Many people were saved, and God’s Word was spread.

    Paul continued his journey…

    A Deeper Path: See some things we just cannot help but notice. God has always called people to turn from their sin toward Him. ‘If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land‘ (2 Chronicles 7:14). Theses were encouraging words for God’s people in King Solomon’s day.

    God has always warned His people to avoid sin and people who sin. ‘14. Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. 15. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. 16. For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall. 17. For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence. 18. But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. 19. The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble’ (Proverbs 4:14-19). God wants people to live a just life, not a wicked life. God also gave the following warning. ‘23. Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life … 27. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil’ (Proverbs 4:23, 27). It is important to protect each heart – for what is placed in each individual’s heart will come out in that person’s life. Avoid wickedness and evil.

    As God allowed Paul to do many miracles and cast out evil spirits, there appeared a copycat: one who appeared to be able to do the same thing, until the evil spirit declared these men were false and jumped upon them. We, too, must be careful that something that has the appearance of good is not just a form of godliness, denying the power of Jesus (for these men had never known Jesus themselves). ‘Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away‘ (2 Timothy 3:5). Christians are to be cautious and check out and know for certain if that something is truly from God.

    There is something else important to recognize. Once one becomes a Christian and begins to follow the Lord, that person must forsake all of the things of their past life. When Jesus called his disciples, they forsook all to follow Him. ‘And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him’ (Luke 5:11). When the people in Ephesus believed in Jesus and confessed Him as their Lord, they had to remove their “deeds” from their sinful past. Remember what we read in Acts 19:19: ‘Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.‘ It did not matter to them the monetary cost. They wanted to live a new life pleasing God.”

    Have you trusted in Christ, forsaking the things of your past life to live a new life in Christ, following Him?

    What to do to trust in Christ.

    The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Two

  • Jesus is My Friend

    “Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.”

    John 15:15

    On the last night before Jesus was crucified, He gave some important information to His disciples. Jesus knew He was about to leave them, and they would think that they were alone. Jesus wanted to comfort and encourage them. But more than that, He had some instructions for His disciples. One of the special things Jesus encourage them with was that He loved them, and that they were His friends. “13. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 14. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. 15. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you” (John 15:13-15). Jesus was about to lay down His life (and then take it up again: see John 10:17-18). The disciples were to show that they were Jesus’ friends by their obedience. There is a great example of this in the Old Testament. Abraham believed God and obeyed Him (see Hebrews 11:17-19). “And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God” (James 2:23). Abraham was the Friend of God.

    Christians are encouraged to do the same. “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” (John 14:21). Manifest means “to exhibit (in person) or disclose (by words): – appear, declare (plainly), inform, (will) manifest, shew, signify.” Jesus promises to make Himself known to those who obey Him. Remember how Paul described it: “For in him we live, and move, and have our being…” (Acts 17:28a).

    The following verses are speaking of Jesus.“16. For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17. And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 18. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence” (Colossians 1:16-18). Jesus created all things, and all things are for Him. Understanding this, Jesus must have preeminence and be all the world to a Christian. There is an old hymn that puts this thought into words.

    Jesus is All The World to Me

    by Will L. Thompson

    “1. Jesus is all the world to me,
    My life, my joy, my all;
    He is my strength from day to day,
    Without him I would fall:
    When I am sad, to him I go,
    No other one can cheer me so;
    When I am sad, he makes me glad,
    He’s my friend.

    2. Jesus is all the world to me,
    My friend in trials sore;
    I go to him for blessings, and
    He gives them o’er and o’er:
    He sends the sunshine and the rain,
    He sends the harvest’s golden grain;
    Sunshine and rain, harvest of grain,
    He’s my friend.

    3. Jesus is all the world to me,
    And true to him I’ll be;
    Oh, how could I this friend deny,
    When he’s so true to me?
    Following him I know I’m right,
    He watches o’er me day and night;
    Following him by day and night,
    He’s my friend.

    4. Jesus is all the world to me,
    I want no better friend;
    I trust him now, I’ll trust him when
    Life’s fleeting days shall end:
    Beautiful life with such a friend,
    Beautiful life that has no end;
    Eternal life, eternal joy,
    He’s my friend.”

    Recognizing Jesus is my friend, I must be His friend. Jesus must be “all the world to me”. With this understanding, read the warning we find in the book of James: “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God” (James 4:4).

    • Adulterers and adulteresses means “one who is faithless toward God; used of those who neglect God and their duty toward Him and yield themselves to their own lusts and passions; a characteristic of infidelity; adulterous; faithless; idolatrous.”
    • Friendship means “to befriend; love; involving the adopting of the interests of the world to be one’s own.”
    • Enmity means “enemy; hatred; hostility.”

    One cannot be a friend of Jesus and a friend of the world. A choice must be made.

    Have you chosen to be a Friend of Jesus, making Him all the world to you?

  • Lesson 6: Gentile Believers: Acts 9:32 – 11:18

    Key Verse

    When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

    —Acts 11:18

    Key Verse Thought: Read today’s Key Verse. Remember that a Gentile is anyone who is not a Jew. Up to this point, we have learned that the Gospel message of Jesus had spread from Jerusalem into Samaria. So far, we have seen just the beginnings of the spread of the Gospel message to some Gentile people. In this lesson, we will see that the Jewish people finally begin to recognize that the Gentiles, too, could be saved.

    Emphasis: In this lesson, we are to recognize that the Gospel message is not just for the Jew – but that anyone who will believe in Jesus can be saved. As Christians, we should never stop growing and learning. We are to become faithful witnesses – much like Peter.

    Lesson Summary: In our last lesson, we saw the great transformation of Saul, later called Paul, because he responded to the call by Jesus. He was chosen to spread the Gospel message to the Gentile people. (Remember the following verse: “15. But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel” Acts 9:15.)

    We have learned that the church was being persecuted – which was causing the Gospel message to be scattered into the areas around (including Samaria). However, even during a time of persecution, Peter continued to do what God asked him to do. In this lesson, we will read that he continued to heal and even raised Dorcas from the dead.

    Peter stayed at Simon a tanner’s house. During this time of reprieve, he received a message from the Lord. We find Peter still learning more from Jesus (when he saw a vision revealing that anyone could be saved – Jew or Gentile), as he continued to grow in the Lord. He learned that the Gospel message is for Gentiles, too. It was then that Peter obeyed God when He was sent to the Roman centurion, Cornelius’, house. Because Peter was faithful to deliver the Gospel message to a Gentile, Cornelius and many of his friends became Believers. Peter then reported to the other Believers that God could save anyone.

    Y3Q2 – Questions

    Y3Q2 – Children’s Worksheets

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

    We took a white bandana and filled it with all kinds of animal stickers to help us remember Peter’s vision.

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

  • Called to be Saints

    “Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:”

    1 Corinthians 1:2

    We most often call people who have trusted in Jesus for salvation “Christians”. This implies that the one who has given that heart and life to Jesus has become Christ-like. Did you realize that in the New Testament, the name “Christian(s)” is only used three times? (“… And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch” Acts 11:26b.) Another name given for those who have chosen to follow Christ is “disciple”. They are called “disciple” (or disciples) thirty times. Two times they are called “Believers”. However, the most prevalent name is “saints”. We should remember when the Lord sent Ananias to speak to Saul (the persecutor of the new followers of Christ). “Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem” (Act 9:13). Those in Jerusalem who had trusted in Jesus were called “saints”. Many of the letters in the New Testament are addressed to the “saints.” (See Romans, 1 Corinthians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians.) Saints means “holy, set apart, sanctified, consecrated; its fundamental ideas are separation, consecration, devotion to God; separated morally.” Even more interesting, the name “saint” is interchangeable with the word “holy” in several verses. In these verses, the meaning for saint and holy are the same. It is this definition of the word “saint” or “holy” that each Christian should attain.

    Why is it important to understand that those we call Christians are also known as “saints”? There are specific instructions to those called “saints” or “holy”. Because of this, it is important to know what these instructions are so that we can follow them.

    Paul wrote a letter to the Christians in Rome. “To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 1:7). Take notice that the declared that they were “called to be saints”. He does this again in 1 Corinthians. “Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours” (1 Corinthians 1:2). Notice again that Paul declares that “all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ” are “called to be saints”. Called means “called, invited, welcomed, appointed.; the called ones are those who have received the divine call having conformed to God’s saving purposes.” What is one who has been called to be a saint (holy) to do? “1. 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. 2. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:1-2). Note Paul wrote, “holy, acceptable unto God”. Remember, this means “holy, set apart … its fundamental ideas are separation, consecration, devotion to God; separated morally.” This kind of life is acceptable unto God. How is one to do this?

    Peter gave us instructions. “14. As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: 15. But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16. Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:15-16). Remember, this “holy” is the same word as “saint”. Conversation means “behavior, lifestyle.” Once one has been called to be holy (a saint), that life is to change from the old lifestyle and be holy (live a life in devotion to God) in all behavior.

    Paul wrote instructions to the saints (holy) in the letter to the Colossians. “12. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13. Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. 15. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. 16. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (Colossians 3:12-17). This is a great listing for us as “Saints” today to use to transform our hearts and lives. This will produce a Christ-like lifestyle. We can then be Christians (Christ-like). It will allow us to be able to encourage other Christians as well. Paul gives a great listing to help us understand what kind of life Christ wants us to live and why (“see Ephesians 4:12-32).

    Have you been called to be a saint?

    Do you then choose to live a life that is changed, holy and acceptable unto God?

    Find out how to become a “Saint”.

  • Lesson 5: Saul Becomes Paul: Acts 9:1-31

    Key Verse

    Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

    —Romans 1:1

    Key Verse Thought: After reading the key verse, understand that this verse declares that Paul was called to be an apostle. To remember who the eleven remaining Apostles had chosen, read that it was Matthias (see Acts 1:26). Nevertheless, that is the last time we read of Matthias specifically. We are to understand that God chose Paul (renamed from Saul) to be that twelfth Apostle. In this verse, the word separated means “to separate; to select to some office or work. Paul had been a Pharisee (which means to separate) who had been separated unto the law, or the study of the law. Now he was saying that he was separated to the gospel – the message of Jesus.”

    In this lesson, we will learn how Saul changed, becoming Paul.

    Emphasis: We are to understand that to become a Christian one must believe in Jesus, and that He is God’s Son – by faith, regardless of what any “religion” teaches. Then one must seek to learn more about Jesus by going to church, but especially reading God’s Word – learning directly from Jesus.

    Lesson Summary: Beginning in our last lesson, we saw that the Gospel message was carried out of Jerusalem and Judea into Samaria (remember “… and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” Acts 1:8b). We have begun to learn just how Jesus’ command was being obeyed. In this lesson, we will meet the man God chose to begin the spread of the Gospel message into the “uttermost part of the earth.” He was an avid persecutor of the early church named Saul (whose name was later changed to Paul).

    In this lesson, we will read events you may have heard many times before. Nevertheless, try to learn new things about this event that you may have never grasped before. It will help since we are trying to go through the Bible in historical order, tying events and people together – fitting the pieces of the puzzle together, revealing that the whole Bible is centered on the Gospel message of Jesus, and the spread of it.

    We met the young man, Saul, when he was present at the stoning of Stephen. We then read that he was “consenting unto his death” and “made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison” (see Acts 8:1-3). In this lesson, we will find out that he made this his personal priority – persecuting the “disciples of the Lord” (see Acts 9:1-2), until he met Jesus on the road to Damascus.

    There was a drastic change in Saul when he met Jesus – for even his name was changed to Paul. In this study, we will understand that it took time and much study to prepare for the task Jesus had for Paul’s life – to be the Apostle sent to the Gentile people.

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 5 Questions

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 5 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this lesson to children, the following are a couple of craft ideas to help them remember this lesson about Paul:

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

  • The Unseen Guest

    “… and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

    Matthew 28:20b

    After Jesus resurrected, He revealed Himself many times to His disciples. In Matthew, Jesus appeared to the women who had been at the empty tomb. In Mark, Jesus first appeared to Mary Magdalene. “11. And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not. 12. After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country. 13. And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them. 14. Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen” (Mark 16:11-14). Not only did Jesus appear to the women, but two walking along the road, and then the eleven disciples. Initially, they did not believe Jesus could be alive. Notice Jesus “upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart” because they did not believe He was alive. Apparently, they did not understand that they would see Him again: alive.

    When Jesus appeared to people after His resurrection, they did not expect to see Him. He always knew where they were, what they were doing, and even the conversations that were being had. They were always surprised to see Jesus. For the forty days that Jesus showed Himself alive after His resurrection, I think He wanted the Believers to understand something: He would be with them always. Even when they did not know He was there, Jesus would be with them. When they had conversations in private, Jesus would be with them. When they did not understand what was happening at that time, Jesus showed Himself to them and helped them understand.

    Before Jesus went to the cross, He encouraged His disciples. He promised them they would not be alone. “16. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17. Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 18. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you” (John 14:16-18). Although Jesus was speaking of the Holy Spirit that would come, He wanted them to understand that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit were One, and that when the Spirit came, Jesus would be with them. During the days that Jesus appeared suddenly and talked with His followers, I think He was trying to help them understand that even when they did not realize it, Jesus was there with them. He would then reveal Himself physically to them to help them understand. Soon, He would return to heaven and leave them with the Spirit. But Jesus would still be there with them. This, He wanted them to recognize this.

    Before Jesus ascended back into heaven, He left his followers with these words: “…and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.Amen.” (Matthew 28:20). Jesus promised that He would be with them always. The same is true for all Believers (Christians) today.

    Paul understood this principle. Remember what he wrote to Timothy after he had to stand before rulers: “16. At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. 17. Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.” (2 Timothy 4:16-17). When no one else stood with Paul, he understood that the Lord (Jesus) stood with him. He was not alone.

    My grandparents had a plaque hung in their house. It said:

    “Christ is the Head of this house

    The unseen Guest at every meal

    The silent listener to every conversation.”

    This was always a constant reminder: Jesus is always there whether one acknowledges His presence or not. If Believers (Christians) would keep this in the forefront of their mind, it would not only encourage us greatly, but be a great reminder to behave Christ-like at all times.

    Do you, as a Believer, understand that Jesus is the unseen Guest, with you always?

  • Lesson 4: Philip: Acts 8

    Key Verse

    Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.

    —Acts 8:35

    Key Verse Thought: Read today’s key verse. Understand the word preached means “to proclaim the good news; preach the gospel.” Keep in mind that the focus of the Gospel message is that Jesus died to pay the penalty for man’s sin – if they would only believe. Moreover, that Jesus is alive again. Can you think of a time that you told someone about Jesus? Do you think it is important for Christians to tell others about Jesus? In this lesson, we will learn that it is important to obey God when He tells us to share Jesus with someone else.

    Emphasis: We are to understand the importance of obeying God’s command to tell others about Jesus – for if Philip had not obeyed, the Ethiopian Eunuch would not have understood he needed Jesus.

    Lesson Summary: In our last lesson, we learned of the first person who was killed because they believed in and preached Jesus. Stephen preached Jesus from the Old Testament to the religious leaders, but instead of receiving the truths he taught, they rejected those Words and killed Stephen. We were also introduced to another of the religious men who was present at Stephen’s death – a young man named Saul.

    In this lesson, we will learn a little more about Saul, and the persecution of Believers that caused many to scatter from Jerusalem into Judea and Samaria. This event was the beginning of the persecution against the church. It was also the beginnings of the spread of the gospel into the world.

    We will look at what happened with Philip, another of the seven that had been called out to minister in the church to help the Apostles. Philip left Jerusalem and went to Samaria. While he preached Jesus to the people there, many believed – including a man called Simon who was a sorcerer. After many were saved, Peter and John came to Samaria.

    The next event we will read today is a very familiar event many people may have heard before. An angel of the Lord told Philip to go to Gaza, the desert. Once he was there, the Spirit told Philip to go to the Ethiopian Eunuch who was riding in a chariot reading from the book of Isaiah. After helping this man understand Jesus was taught in the Old Testament book of Isaiah, the eunuch believed in Jesus and was saved. It would be good to understand the importance of Philip obeying the Lord – just so that one individual could be saved.

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 4 Questions

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 4 Children’s Worksheets

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

    We made a scroll with some of the Scriptures the Ethiopian Eunuch was reading when Philip helped him understand about Jesus.

    The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Two is now available through Amazon. It is here you will find the complete lesson.

  • Barnabas

    “For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.”

    Acts 11:24

    In the early church, persecution came. When the persecution came, the new Believers scattered, taking the name of Jesus with them. As they told others about Jesus, more people became Believers. “And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord” (Acts 11:21). These new Believers turned unto the Lord. They changed the course of their lives to a direction that pleased the Lord. This is the message Jesus sent with Paul:“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 26:18). The people needed to know the importance of turning from darkness to the Light (Jesus – see John 8:12: “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.”)

    Once the people turned to the Lord, one needed to teach them how to live this new life in Christ. Word reached Jerusalem of the many who had turned to Jesus. “Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch” (Acts 11:22). Barnabas was sent. He was a man who lived out in his life the faith he had placed in Jesus. Remember what faith in Jesus is: Faith means “faith in Christ; the means of appropriating what God in Christ has for man resulting in the transformation of man’s character and way of life – also called Christian faith.” Barnabas was the kind of man who would be able to help the new Believers learn how to live this new way of life. “Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord” (Acts 11:23). Barnabas saw the grace of God in these new Believers. Grace means “especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life.” Remember what Jesus taught. “Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit” (Matthew 12:33). This “good fruit” was already being revealed in the people’s lives. Barnabas recognized in the Believer’s lives what had happened in their hearts. This greatly encouraged Barnabas!

    Barnabas also exhorted (encouraged) them. The new Believers must intentionally, with purpose of heart, cleave to the Lord. They would cleave unto means “to adhere to, persevere in: abide still, be with, cleave unto, continue in (with).” Barnabas taught them the importance of persevering and continuing to walk with Jesus.

    The next verse is pretty special. It tells us much about who Barnabas was and how God was so able to use him to help new Believers. “For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord” (Acts 11:24).

    • Barnabas was a good man:There are not many men called good in the Bible. Barnabas was one. Good means “good and benevolent, profitable, useful.” Remember what Jesus taught: “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh” (Luke 6:45). Whatever is in the heart is what comes forth. Barnabas obviously had good in his heart.
    • Barnabas was full of the Holy Ghost: When something is full, there isn’t room for other things. To be full of the Holy Ghost (Spirit) means one has emptied himself of the world and the things of the world and instead replaced them with the things of God. Christians are commanded to do this. “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18). Most people tend to focus on the first part of that verse, but they forget the command of the second part. That is a pretty important thing to remember! Being filled with the Spirit will enable one to serve the Lord – much like Barnabas!
    • Barnabas was a man of faith: Remember that faith is “appropriating what God in Christ has for man resulting in the transformation of man’s character and way of life.” Barnabas lived a transformed life. He had become more like Christ.

    Did you notice the result because of Barnabas’ life and conduct? We read that “much people was added unto the Lord”. What a statement! Because Barnabas chose to live a Christ-like life, being filled with the Holy Spirit, he was able to help many others come to know Jesus.

    Have you chosen to be good, emptied of self and filled with the Holy Spirit, and live a life of faith?