The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: Jesus

  • Ezekiel, a Watchman

    “So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me.”

    Ezekiel 33:7

    God called Ezekiel five years after he had been captured from Jerusalem and carried into Babylon (see Ezekiel 1:1-2). God would send Ezekiel to warn His people of pending judgment for sin. “1. And he said unto me, Son of man, stand upon thy feet, and I will speak unto thee. 2. And the spirit entered into me when he spake unto me, and set me upon my feet, that I heard him that spake unto me” (Ezekiel 2:1-2). Take note that God told Ezekiel to stand, giving him God’s Word, and he was then filled with God’s Spirit which would enable Ezekiel to do the task at hand. In that calling, like other prophets before him, he was warned that the people would not hear him. “But the house of Israel will not hearken unto thee; for they will not hearken unto me: for all the house of Israel are impudent and hardhearted” (Ezekiel 3:7). Take note that God said they were “impudent and hardhearted.” Impudent means “powerful and able to resist. It can have a connotation of stubbornness, impudence, and being unyielding see Ezekiel 2:4; 3:7-8)”. Hardhearted means “inflexible, obstinate, hardened, stubborn of heart: the totality of man’s inner or or immaterial nature”. This sounds like it would be an extremely difficult task!

    Why would the people not hear? Then in turn, why would God not hear them?

    • “Son of man, thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious house, which have eyes to see, and see not; they have ears to hear, and hear not: for they are a rebellious house” (Ezekiel 12:2). They were a rebellious people.
    • “Because they despised my judgments, and walked not in my statutes, but polluted my sabbaths: for their heart went after their idols” (Ezekiel 20:16).
    • “Therefore will I also deal in fury: mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: and though they cry in mine ears with a loud voice, yet will I not hear them” (Ezekiel 8:18).

    To add to the difficulty of Ezekiel’s task, God said Ezekiel would be dumb (unable to speak) for a period of time. “26. And I will make thy tongue cleave to the roof of thy mouth, that thou shalt be dumb, and shalt not be to them a reprover: for they are a rebellious house. 27. But when I speak with thee, I will open thy mouth, and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; He that heareth, let him hear; and he that forbeareth, let him forbear: for they are a rebellious house.” (Ezekiel 3:26-27). Until Ezekiel could speak again, God had Ezekiel act out several signs of warnings (see Ezekiel 4-5). God let Ezekiel know that the dumbness would be removed. In the meantime, Ezekiel was one of the signs that was given to the Israelite people who were already in captivity. “In that day shall thy mouth be opened to him which is escaped, and thou shalt speak, and be no more dumb: and thou shalt be a sign unto them; and they shall know that I am the LORD” (Ezekiel 24:27). That dumbness of Ezekiel would be removed when Jerusalem was destroyed by Babylon. “21. And it came to pass in the twelfth year of our captivity … that one that had escaped out of Jerusalem came unto me, saying, The city is smitten. 22. Now the hand of the LORD was upon me in the evening, afore he that was escaped came; and had opened my mouth, until he came to me in the morning; and my mouth was opened, and I was no more dumb” (Ezekiel 33:21-22). God opened Ezekiel’s mouth so he could speak again.

    God called Ezekiel to be a watchman to the house of Israel. The first time, He was to give them a warning from God (see Ezekiel 3:16-27). Before God opened Ezekiel’s mouth, God called Ezekiel to give another warning, however it included a promise of restoration one day (see Ezekiel 33:22). “So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me” (Ezekiel 33:7). If Ezekiel was not faithful to declare God’s Word to the people, Ezekiel would be accountable for their lives (see Ezekiel 33:8-9).

    Christians live in a world today where most people do not want to hear about God. However, we can share the good news of Jesus with others. We should follow the example of Paul. “5. For our gospel came not unto you in word only …as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. 6. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: 7. So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. 8. For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing. 9. For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; 10. And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come” (1 Thessalonians 1:5-10). Paul not only shared the Gospel message, but lived a Christ-like life. The people heard, saw, and turned from idols to serve the living God by believing in Jesus. This faith in Jesus, delivers from the “wrath to come”.

    Do you live a life where others can see Jesus in you, then able to hear as you share the Gospel message?

    The Gospel Message

  • The Woman at the Well

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

    Luke 19:10

    Jesus spoke to people right where they were. We can read that Jesus explained the Gospel message to the Samaritan woman by water, which she had come to draw. “4. And he must needs go through Samaria. … 6. Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour” (John 4:4, 6). Notice that Jesus knew that He needed to go through Samaria. Even though Jesus came first to the Jews, understand that He did not come exclusively for the Jews. “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10).

    When this woman who lived in Samaria went to the well to draw water, Jesus asked for a drink. “9. Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. 10. Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.11. The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water?” (John 4:9-11). This woman recognized that Jesus was not a Samaritan, but she did not know who Jesus was. He began to explain to her. “13. Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: 14. But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:13-14). She answered like most people who want temporary needs met. “The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw” (John 4:15). Instead of meeting her temporary, physical need, Jesus wanted to give her lasting salvation. However, this woman needed to recognize her lasting need. “16. Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither.17. The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband: 18. For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly” (John 4:16-18). It is at this point that she is beginning to understand that this man was different. “The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet” (John 4:19). She began to explain that she had a religion (see verse 20). However, Jesus explained to her that a religion would not do. “21. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. 22. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews” (John 4:21-22). This woman was focusing on a religious practice in a place. Jesus turned her attention to the Father, God. Worship was not in rituals or ceremonies (religious practices), but real worship must be in spirit and in truth. “23. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23-24). God seeks people who will worship Him in spirit and in truth. However, when this woman did not know how to do this, she told Him what she did know. “25. The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. 26. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he” (John 4:25-26). She did not need a religion. She needed a relationship with Jesus.

    Jesus told this woman what she needed; living water that only comes by faith in Jesus. Jesus then let her know that He knew everything about her, helping her belief. Although she was not a Jew, she was watching for the Messiah – and He presented Himself to her, personally. What did she do with that information? “28. The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, 29. Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?” (John 4:28-29). She not only believed but went back to town and told everyone. They came and met Jesus for themselves.

    What happened because of the woman’s witness? “39. And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did. 40. So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days. 41. And many more believed because of his own word; 42. And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world” (John 4:39-42). The Samaritan Woman believed, “And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman” (John 4:39).

    Have you forsaken religion for a relationship with Jesus, then telling others of Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world?

    Learn how to meet Jesus: How to be saved.

  • Jeremiah’s Help in a Time of Need

    “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.”

    Hebrews 6:10

    Jeremiah faithfully proclaimed God’s Words to the kings and the people, warning them of the coming destruction and captivity, if they did not repent and return to God. When the people failed to repent, God allowed the Babylonians to besiege Jerusalem. Jeremiah witnessed the captivity of Judah by Babylon and the destruction of Jerusalem, the city where God had chosen to place His name. Even through all of this, Jeremiah continually shared the Word of the Lord with the people. We should recognize that at times he suffered and was rejected. This helps us understand why Jeremiah is known as the “Weeping Prophet”. Often, his life was in danger. However, we never read that Jeremiah quit God.

    Remember a few of the times Jeremiah was unjustly imprisoned, and God’s protection, allowing him to continue delivering God’s Words to the people and the kings.

    • Jeremiah was put in the stocks: (Jeremiah 20:1-2).
    • Jeremiah was shut up in the court of the prison in the king’s house: (Jeremiah 32:2-3).
    • Jeremiah was falsely accused, they smote him, and put him in prison: (Jeremiah 37:13-15).
    • He was in prison when Jerusalem was taken by Babylon (see Jeremiah 38:28).

    Probably the most familiar time we remember is when Jeremiah was lowered into a dungeon (probably an old cistern) where he sunk in the mire. Read some of when Jeremiah was in the dungeon: “1. Then Shephatiah … heard the words that Jeremiah had spoken unto all the people, saying, 2. Thus saith the LORD, He that remaineth in this city shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence: but he that goeth forth to the Chaldeans shall live; for he shall have his life for a prey, and shall live … 4. Therefore the princes said unto the king, We beseech thee, let this man be put to death … 5. Then Zedekiah the king said, Behold, he is in your hand … 6. Then took they Jeremiah, and cast him into the dungeon … that was in the court of the prison: and they let down Jeremiah with cords. And in the dungeon there was no water, but mire: so Jeremiah sunk in the mire” (Jeremiah 38:1-6). Jeremiah was put into a “dungeon” (probably an empty cistern) where there was no water.

    “7. Now when Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, one of the eunuchs which was in the king’s house, heard that they had put Jeremiah in the dungeon… 8. Ebedmelech went forth out of the king’s house, and spake to the king, saying, 9. My lord the king, these men have done evil in all that they have done to Jeremiah the prophet, whom they have cast into the dungeon; and he is like to die for hunger in the place where he is: for there is no more bread in the city” (Jeremiah 38:7-9). This man, Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, had compassion for Jeremiah. He wanted to spare Jeremiah’s life.

    “10. Then the king commanded Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, saying, Take from hence thirty men with thee, and take up Jeremiah the prophet out of the dungeon, before he die. 11. So Ebedmelech took the men with him… and took thence old cast clouts and old rotten rags, and let them down by cords into the dungeon to Jeremiah. 12. And Ebedmelech the Ethiopian said unto Jeremiah, Put now these old cast clouts and rotten rags under thine armholes under the cords. And Jeremiah did so. 13. So they drew up Jeremiah with cords, and took him up out of the dungeon: and Jeremiah remained in the court of the prison” (Jeremiah 38:10-13). Although Jeremiah was still in prison, his life was no longer under threat of death and starvation. Jeremiah remained in the court of the prison until Jerusalem was taken by Babylon (see Jeremiah 38:28).

    What makes this event so interesting?

    Babylon besieged Jerusalem for about eighteen months before they took they city. Many died before and during this taking of Jerusalem (to remember the tragic invasion, read Jeremiah 52 and Lamentations). So with the fear of death and destruction, God gave Jeremiah a special word of encouragement to give to Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, the man who had saved Jeremiah’s life. “15. Now the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah, while he was shut up in the court of the prison, saying, 16. Go and speak to Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring my words upon this city for evil, and not for good; and they shall be accomplished in that day before thee. 17. But I will deliver thee in that day, saith the LORD: and thou shalt not be given into the hand of the men of whom thou art afraid. 18. For I will surely deliver thee, and thou shalt not fall by the sword, but thy life shall be for a prey unto thee: because thou hast put thy trust in me, saith the LORD” (Jeremiah 39:15-18). God understood that Ebedmelech the Ethiopian was afraid during the days that Babylon besieged the city. To help this man understand that Jeremiah was a true prophet of God, God promised that Ebedmelech the Ethiopian would be spared. This was because he took care of Jeremiah, God’s man, and Ebedmelech the Ethiopian had put his trust in God.

    Read a couple of verses that should help us understand the importance of this act. Jesus said the following to his disciples when he sent them out to preach to the people: “He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward” (Matthew 10:41). Ebedmelech the Ethiopian received his life in Jeremiah’s day for helping Jeremiah.

    The writer of Hebrews encourages us with the following: “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister” (Hebrews 6:10). Even today, we are to minister to other Christian’s in Jesus’ name.

    These verses help us understand that Ebedmelech the Ethiopian did a good thing by helping the prophet Jeremiah. And God let him know by sparing his life during that terrible time, “because thou hast put thy trust in me, saith the LORD”.

    Have you put your trust in the Lord and remembered to minister to other Christians in Jesus’ name?

  • Learn to Walk Faithfully

    “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:”

    Colossians 2:6

    Christians are to understand that once becoming a Christian there must be a moving forward in the Christian life. It begins with a consistent walk, becoming established in the faith. “6. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7. Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving” (Colossians 2:6-7). Reading the Bible, is a great place to learn how to walk as a Christian (see 1 Peter 2:2). Then, one begins to grow in that Christian life.

    Paul compared the Christian life to a race. “24. Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 25. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27. But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway” (1 Corinthians 9:24-27). These verses instruct that a Christian life is to be continually moving forward, striving for the goal at the end. With that moving forward, Paul said he kept his body in subjection. He understood the importance of keeping his life true to the Word of God so that he would never lose that Christian testimony. However, he also understood it took much work, and he knew it was a continual process of moving forward in his relationship with Jesus. “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). Paul continually moved forward in his growth in Christ. Have you ever heard the saying that “if you are not moving forward, you are moving backward”? It is very true. If Christians do not continually read their Bible, pray, and live according to God’s Word, they digress in that growing process, becoming ineffective Christians.

    Peter also reminded Christians that scoffers will come. “3. Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, 4. And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation” (2 Peter 3:3-4). Scoffers means “to deride; to mock; a mocker, scoffer, spoken of impostors or false prophets.” Not only will there be mockers, impostors, and false prophets, but also there will be men who question Jesus’ promise of returning for the church. Nevertheless, read the assurance we find in God’s Word. “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). Jesus will come again, but He is waiting for any, and all who will, to be saved. Remember also what Paul wrote: “12. Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13. Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:12-13). See also: “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8). There is even a crown for Christians who love Jesus’ appearing.

    These teachings are not new, just reminders. “17. Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. 18. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen” (2 Peter 3:17-18). Grow means “to exceed; increase.” God’s Word is full of warnings: to beware, and to not be led away by error, or even by complacency (remember: “Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip” Hebrews 2:1.) Instead, Christians are called to continually “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” When one grows in grace, that life is transformed. This then causes that Christian to love and seek after God and the things of God. By growing in the knowledge of Jesus, one is continually moving forward in that relationship. That is what Peter was encouraging Christians to do. Read the warning for one who does not grow (or ceases to grow): “But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins” (2 Peter 1:9).

    Christians are to understand that once becoming a Christian, they are not finished – for there is a growing process that must take place. Remember also the examples we have in Peter and Paul. Paul understood that he became the mighty man of God he was because of the grace of God (see 1 Corinthians 15:10). However, it also took the labor of Paul to endure, thereby growing in Christ.

    Remember: A Christian is never to stop growing in the Lord.

    Have you progressed in your Christian life, becoming more like Christ?

  • Live by Faith

    “Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.”

    Habakkuk 2:4

    What is faith? Many speak of their “faith” today. But not many mention what that faith is. Or where it is placed. We can learn many things about the faith as described in the Bible. Faith means “a term indicative of the means of appropriating what God in Christ has for man resulting in the transformation of man’s character and way of life; Christian faith; a firm and confiding belief in Jesus and His gospel…” Notice that faith is belief in Jesus and His Gospel (His atoning death, burial, resurrection, and His return one day). But faith is much more than that. It is also the appropriating what God has for each individual life, resulting in the transformation of that person’s character and that person’s way of life.

    Read some insight we have on faith mentioned in the Old Testament. “Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith” (Habakkuk 2:4).

    • Upright means “ethically; a moral life; to declare right.”
    • Just means “lawful; righteous; God himself is the standard for ethics and morality.”

    Consider one who is lifted up and is not upright. This is one who has chosen to live as they so choose. “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12). This death can be speaking of more than this life; it can also speak of eternity. Remember what Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life” (John 5:24). The Bible teaches us that there is either eternal death or eternal life. The difference is belief in Jesus, which makes one just before God (see Romans 5:8-9). Becoming just (righteous) is obtained by faith in Jesus. This helps us understand that Habakkuk 2:4 describes two peoples: one who is “not upright”(one who is lost and apart from Christ); and one who is “just” (one who has received the righteousness of Christ by faith). The one who continues “not upright” will end up in eternal death.

    Habakkuk 2:4 is quoted in the New Testament three times, helping us understand it even better. The first time Habakkuk 2:4 is quoted is in the book of Romans. “For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17). The book of Romans explains that justification before God is by faith in Jesus, alone. This is salvation.

    The second place Habakkuk 2:4 is quoted is in Galatians. “But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith” (Galatians 3:11). The book of Galatians teaches one who has trusted in Jesus how to then live that life out of faith while living here on this earth. Read the following example of this: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). A Christian no longer chooses to please self, but to please Jesus, who “gave himself for me.” We read in Habakkuk that the “just” will live by his faith. Once one has obtained faith by belief in Jesus (salvation), each Christian is to learn to live his faith in Jesus. A Christian must “hold fast” to the things that are to be learned from the Bible (see 2 Timothy 1:13). Once we learn these things and begin to live by them, what happens to that Christian life? The righteousness of God is then revealed in that Christian’s life.

    The third time Habakkuk 2:4 is quoted in the New Testament is in the book of Hebrews. “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him” (Hebrews 10:38). Understand what happens if a Christian becomes fearful and does not move forward in their Christian walk by faith. God is not pleased when a Christian does not continue forward in their Christian walk but draws back (this means they go into apostasy – forsaking the ways and truths of God’s Word). To encourage Christians, we can read of a whole chapter listing people who forsook the pleasures of this world to seek after and follow God and His Word (see Hebrews 11). Read the key to living by faith: “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).

    Once a Christian understands how to live and walk by faith, what will they have? “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). These things should help every Christian understand the importance of living by faith and not forsaking the teachings found in God’s Word. Why is it important to live by faith? “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:7). Each Christian’s goal should be to be found “unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.”

    Have you believed in Jesus by faith?

    Have you chosen to appropriate that faith into your life by continually living for Him?

    Link to learn How to be Saved

  • Now is the Day

    “(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

    The kings of Judah repeatedly wavered between worship of God and idol worship. They often led the people in idol worship. This was in direct disobedience to what God commanded and required of His people (see Exodus 34:10-17; Deuteronomy 29:10-29). King Manasseh (the worst king of Judah) led the people deeply into idol worship. He was very wicked, and although he humbled himself before God and took away the strange gods from the land, his son Amon restored them once he became king. Amon died after being king for only two years, and his son, Josiah, became king of Judah. Because the people were so deeply involved in idol worship, they should have expected God’s judgment. Judah had witnessed God’s judgment fall upon Israel for their departure from God as they were carried captive by Assyria (see 2 Kings 17:6-18). Judah, too, had forsaken God and disobeyed His commands. God sent a prophet named Zephaniah to speak during the reign of King Josiah.

    Zephaniah declared the words from God: “I will utterly consume all things from off the land, saith the LORD” (Zephaniah 1:2). The people should have recognized the severity of this warning; especially after having witnessed what the Assyrians had done to Israel, the kingdom to the north. However, Zephaniah explained further what God would do. “I will also stretch out mine hand upon Judah, and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem …” (Zephaniah 1:4a). God was speaking in judgment against the nation of Judah and the city of Jerusalem.

    Zephaniah listed six particular things that God would deal with; things God wanted them to understand (see Zephaniah 1:4b-6):

    1. “4b. and I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place”. God is dealing with their idolatry.
    2. “and the name of the Chemarims with the priests”. The word chemarims means “priests who led the people in idolatrous worship.” God would deal with the priests who led the people in this idol worship.
    3. “5. And them that worship the host of heaven upon the housetops”. The people were involved in astrology (think horoscopes): worshiping the sun, moon, and stars.
    4. “and them that worship and that swear by the LORD, and that swear by Malcham”. The word malcham means “the national idol of the Ammonites. Another name for Molech.” These people had a “religion” where they worshiped God and Molech. They had forgotten: “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD” (Deuteronomy 6:4). They compromised wanting to have a part in both. Remember of what they were warned: “14. Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which are round about you; 15. (For the LORD thy God is a jealous God among you) lest the anger of the LORD thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth” (Deuteronomy 6:14-15).
    5. “6. And them that are turned back from the LORD”. This is apostasy – one who knew God but turned their back on Him, forsaking Him. Read some insight in the New Testament as to how God feels about this. “20. For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them” (2 Peter 2:20-21).
    6. “and those that have not sought the LORD, nor enquired for him”. This is describing one who has never known the Lord. This had happened before. “…and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel” (Judges 2:10). Ones we call lost.

    Because the people had continually rejected God as their Lord, God would now be to them a judge. However, before judgment would fall, there was an invitation to return to Him. “2. Before the decree bring forth, before the day pass as the chaff, before the fierce anger of the LORD come upon you, before the day of the LORD’S anger come upon you. 3. Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD’S anger” (Zephaniah 2:2-3). Those who turned to God were “hidden” in the day of His anger.

    What is the importance today of remembering the words Zephaniah declared from God to the Israelites? Paul preached on Mars Hill to all those who met together to discuss their gods and philosophies of the day. He called their attention to the altar of the “unknown god” to teach them of the God they did not know: “27. That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: 28. For in him we live, and move, and have our being … 29. Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device. 30. And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 31. Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead” (Acts 17:27-31). Paul pointed them to Jesus.

    “(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). The invitation to come is still given today.

    Have you heard the invitation to seek after God only, by recognizing Jesus as your Lord?

    What is the invitation?

  • Who is Jesus to You?

    “He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?”

    Matthew 16:15

    Most people remember that Micah was the Old Testament prophet who declared Jesus would be born in Bethlehem (see Micah 5:2). But other than that, most people do not take time to hear the message God gave Micah to deliver. Micah called the people to “hear” God’s Words. He warned them that God saw their sin, and judgment was coming because of habitual sin. He declared that there would be a time that the Jewish people would not be considered a people (Assyria and Babylon carried them captive from their land, ending the kingdom years). However, God promised that He would restore them as His people – one day.

    After hearing that God would discipline His people (showing He truly loved His people), remove idol worship from them (only allowing place to do what is right – worshiping the one and only true God), and promising to restore them one day, recognize something else. “18. Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. 19. He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea” (Micah 7:18-19). Did you notice the final question Micah asked as he was closing the book? He asked “Who is a God like unto thee?” God in that verse means “might; power; strength.” God wanted to be more than a name to His people, He wanted to be a reality to them – someone they deemed as all powerful; one who can do anything. God would never fail to keep a promise He made to His people, so they were to live on that hope, remembering to watch for that Promised One (Jesus who was to come). No matter how far away from God the Israelites strayed; God would not forsake His people forever. One day, when they recognize Jesus as their Lord (see Hosea 5:15 and Philippians 2:6-11), God will fulfill His promise to them. Because He is a merciful God, He will take those sins and cast them into the depths of the sea, where they can never be retrieved – never to be seen again. The book ends with this reminder: “Thou wilt perform the truth to Jacob, and the mercy to Abraham, which thou hast sworn unto our fathers from the days of old” (Micah 7:20). This is another reminder that God will keep His promises – including sending Jesus.

    Just as Micah called God’s people to “hear,” we too, are to “hear” God’s Words today. Even Peter, as he preached in the early church, said. “And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe” (Acts 15:7). Peter understood the importance of preaching the Gospel message so people could believe. What is the word of the Gospel? How can one believe?

    There is nothing anyone can do (no works: see John 6:28-29) that can save anyone. How then can one be saved? One must recognize his or her sin, asking for forgiveness from God, and believe that He will save one (through faith in His Son, Jesus). Only belief in Jesus as the One who came to pay the penalty for sin can save. Jesus told them how. “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). Once one recognizes that a life apart from Jesus, there is a decision to be made. One must decide who Jesus is to him or her. Remember what Jesus asked his disciples. “13. When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? 14. And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. 15. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16. And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17. And Jesus answered and said unto him,Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealeditunto thee, but my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 16:13-17). Each person must choose if they will recognize Jesus for who He is: “the Christ, the Son of the living God”. Christ means “anointed, that is, the Messiah.” Messiah means “Christ, the anointed; the Saviour of the world.” Just as God’s people in the Old Testament had to decide just who God was to them, today, one must decide who Jesus is to them. Is He your Saviour, the one who came to forgive your sins, giving you a new life in Christ? “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).

    Be encouraged to understand the importance of hearing and obeying God’s Words, deciding who Jesus is to you. Also, remember that Christians are to be living examples in the world today. What kind of an example do you want to be? One like Judah and Israel (who failed miserably and were eventually carried away from their homeland, disciplined), or do you want to be an obedient example, like Jesus – who obeyed his Father unto death, even the death of the cross (see Philippians 2:8).

    Who is Jesus to you?

    Find out How to be Saved Here

  • What is Required

    “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”

    Micah 6:8

    Micah was an Old Testament prophet. He called the people to “hear” God’s Words that God gave Micah to deliver. He warned the people that God saw their sin, and judgment was coming because of habitual sin. Micah spoke mainly to Judah during the reign of King Hezekiah. King Hezekiah heard the message from God delivered by Micah, and this prompted King Hezekiah to make great reformations in Judah (see Jeremiah 26:18). Because Hezekiah sought God during those days, God defeated the Assyrian army for them (see 2 Kings 18-19).

    Like many prophets before him, Micah reminded the people where they had failed, calling for the people to repent and to have a right relationship with God. Recognize just how foul the people’s understanding of God had become. “6. Wherewith shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? 7. Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?” (Micah 6:6-7). They honestly had become so influenced by the bad kings (think of King Ahaz who offered his son as a sacrifice to the god Molech), that they actually believed God would accept the sacrifice of a firstborn child to gain forgiveness from God. By asking these questions of God, they revealed their hearts toward God.

    It would be good to remember back to King Saul. He thought the offering was more important than obeying God’s Word. Samuel reminded him that it was a right heart, not outward actions that God wanted. “And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams” (1 Samuel 15:22). These thoughts help us understand the Old Testament viewpoint that religious ritual devoid of spiritual reality and a life that is dedicated to the Lord is worthless (see Psalm 40:6-8; Isaiah 1:10-20).

    What does God want? What does He require? God had already told them what He required of them – they had just chosen to disregard God’s commands. “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8). This is the same message God had preached to the people from the beginning of time. All God expects from His people is for them to walk humbly with Him. Remember the following: “4. Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: 5. And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. 6. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: 7. And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up” (Deuteronomy 6:4-7). After reading how far the people had gotten from God, can you understand why God wanted them to constantly talk about His commands and teach them to their children? Then they would constantly be reminded of what God’s Words were. Even with the Law in the Old Testament, the people did not understand that they could not become a righteous person in and of themselves. “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith” (Galatians 3:24). All of the Law was to reveal that they were a sinful people who had nothing to offer, but deserved the penalty of death before a Holy God. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

    Remember Cain. He rose up and killed his brother because God did not accept his sacrifice. Cain had a religious ritual, but he did not have a spiritual reality – coming before God with a true heart. God saw Cain’s heart (which was revealed to us by the killing of his brother). Where does this leave one?

    Remember what Jesus said when the people asked what work they needed to 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). Later, Paul and Silas tell a man what to do when he asks: “30. And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31. And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house” (Acts 16:30-31). Faith is the opposite of works. One must believe on Jesus because He is the one who paid the penalty for sin (His death on the cross), enabling one to be saved. It is then, and only then, that one is able to do what God requires: “to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God” (see Micah 6:8). When you read Galatians 5:22-23, this explains that these actions are only enabled by the Holy Spirit which is given to one when they are saved.

    Have you trusted in Jesus, enabling you to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

    How to be Saved

  • Obedience to Salvation

    “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”

    Philippians 2:12

    Jesus is the ultimate example on how Christians are to live in this world. Hence the name Christian; Christ-like. Paul spent much time recording many instructions and examples of what to do.

    When you read Philippians 2:6-8, you are to understand Jesus is God. He stepped away from His throne in glory “… and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:7). Jesus took the form of a servant (while remaining God), and was made in the likeness of men (while remaining God). Jesus had to become a man in order to pay man’s penalty for sin: death. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). Now does that verse make a lot more sense?

    While Jesus lived in the form of a servant, made in the likeness of man, He was obedient to His Father, God. “And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8). It was then that he paid the penalty for man’s sin, providing the opportunity of eternal life. Jesus died so that anyone who would trust in this act of “payment for my sin”, could gain salvation. This is the Gospel message. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth …” (Romans 1:16). Salvation here means “of spiritual and eternal deliverance.” How does one gain eternal deliverance? By trusting in Jesus as one’s Lord.

    Once one believes that Jesus died upon the cross to pay for sin, then trusting in Jesus as one’s Lord, there is a growing process that is to begin. One of the first things a Christian is to learn is to walk in obedience to God’s Word. One who belongs to Christ must learn to joyfully surrender to His will. Jesus was willing to lay aside His glory for a time, becoming a man, in obedience to His Father. Christians are to lay aside the sinfulness of this world, in obedience to God, our Father, understanding one day we will be with Him in heaven. “12. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 13. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God” (Romans 6:12-13). One of a Christian’s greatest concerns should be to not live a disappointing life for Christ. God is good in that He will place other Christians in our lives to help and encourage us.

    There are many lives recorded in the Bible that also help us understand how to live as a Christian. Paul was one of the great ones. He understood the importance of obedience, and recorded the following to help us understand. “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). Work out means “to work fully, that is, accomplish; by implication to finish… perform, work out.” It is important for Christians to accomplish, finish, what God has for us to do. It emphasizes that it is our responsibility. Salvation here means “of the present experience of God’s power to deliver.” This helps us understand that we are not doing it alone – for God’s power is helping us. We are to not come short of what God has for our lives here on the earth, today. “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). God working in me emphasizes that God enables us; for we cannot do it on our own. But He allows us to accomplish things for Him while we are on this earth – if we will only obey Him. All that we accomplish for the Lord here depends upon His working in us to accomplish His plan.

    Read what the writer of Hebrews left to encourage us as he came to the close of the book. “20. Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21. Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen” (Hebrews 13:20-21). A Christian can be “perfect in every good work” (complete, accomplishing everything God wants us to accomplish on this earth). Note that it is doing His will, and recognizing that Jesus is the one who accomplishes these things in our lives. We cannot do it alone.

    There are no shortcuts to working out one’s salvation. It is a constant, day by day, working at growing in a more Christ-like life. It is much like working out a temporary survival in this wicked world. The greatest thing to understand is that Christians have been given the Holy Spirit within to teach us and lead us into the truths found in God’s Word. Our hope of surviving today is knowing that we have a permanent home with Jesus one day.

    Have you learned to obey the Lord, enabling you to work out your own temporary survival (salvation) in this wicked world?

  • To Confess, or Not to Confess

    “42. Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: 43. For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.”

    John 12:42-43

    Jesus’ Miracles revealed His compassion and the call to faith – to believe in Jesus. However, many did not believe even though they saw many great miracles. Yet, Jesus still taught them.

    As Jesus taught by parables, it was almost like He was speaking in a riddle, or a secret code. It was intended specifically for Believers to enable them to understand His teachings. This was so they could hear and grow in their faith, because the lost world does not understand the things of God (see John 12:39-40). Although Jesus wanted specifically to teach His followers about heavenly things, in those parables, there was another call for a time of decision – to follow Jesus and His teachings, or to refuse them and thereby reject Him. This helps us understand that the miracles Jesus did, and the many parables Jesus taught, were very important – for many people believed upon Him, becoming His followers. We can also read that not all who saw and heard believed in Jesus.“42. Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: 43. For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God” (John 12:42-43). (Confess “means to agree with; confess publicly, acknowledge openly; profess ‘the Lord being Jesus.’”) There were many among the chief rulers who believed because of Jesus words; however, they were hesitant to admit that belief. They were afraid of their “friends” or “colleagues”, the Pharisees. It is important to recognize that no one should be afraid to acknowledge that they believe in Jesus – no matter what one’s friends might say. (Remember what Jesus said in the book of Matthew. “32. Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. 33. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven” Matthew 10:32-33.)

    See how Jesus responded to the lack of any of the chief rulers to confess. “44. Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. 45. And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me. 46. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. 47. And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world” (John 12:44-47). Jesus cried out. One can almost sense His frustration in consistently declaring the truth, yet the refusal of most to act upon it. Jesus directed the people’s attention to God. When the people saw Jesus, they were in fact seeing God – for Jesus had come to the earth to tell mankind, as the “light into the world” that He had the words of life – if only one would hear them. Jesus knew their hearts. If they rejected Jesus, God would judge them (see John 12:48-50).

    Remember how simple it is to become a Christian once one is called. “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 … 13. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:9-13).

    Not only did Jesus call the people to a time of decision, to believe in Him or to reject Him, Jesus taught them what they must do. “23. And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. 25. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?” (Luke 9:23-25)

    Have you been called to belief in Jesus?

    Have you forsaken the world to follow Him?

    Click here to know how to be saved.