The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: Jesus

  • Grace, Unearned and Unmerited Favor

    “And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God”

    Luke 1:30

    Every Christmas, we remember “The Christmas Story” of Jesus birth. Have you ever considered the amazing events that took place only nine months earlier?

    We are introduced to a remarkable young woman in the book of Luke. God sent an angel to give her a special message. “28. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. 29. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. 30. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God” (Luke 1:28-30). There are a few interesting things to consider. The words “highly favoured” mean “to be acceptable, favored, highly favored as in Luke 1:28 meaning to bestow grace upon … It really does not mean to show favor to, but to give grace to, since Mary was to bear Jesus Christ, the whole treasure of God’s grace, in her womb.” God found Mary as one acceptable upon whom He could bestow His grace. Did you note that God was placing “Jesus Christ, the whole treasure of God’s grace, in her womb”? She could not possibly have understood the actual implications of these words. God saw her character, describing her in this manner, and found in her one to shed his grace.

    God had not only taken notice of Mary, but the Lord would be with her. Notice her reaction to the understanding that God saw her, took note of her, and that she would be given grace (highly favoured) from God: “she was troubled at his saying”. The words she was troubled mean “to disturb wholly, that is, agitate (with alarm): trouble”. This thought disturbed her a bit. Consider for a minute that we know God sees and knows all. However, most people would be a bit troubled at the thought that God was watching, recognized, and set you apart (in particular) to send you a special message from an angel. That would be unnerving enough! When the implications of this reached Mary, the angel told her to “Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.” The word favour means “favor, acceptance, grace … unearned and unmerited favor.” Take note that This “grace” would enable her to perform the task that God was placing before her. The words favour and grace are often interchangeable in the Bible.

    What was the message from the angel? “And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS” (Luke 1:31). God was sending the One promised from the beginning of time. Mary did not understand how this could happen, so she asked a question. “34. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? 35. And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God… 37. For with God nothing shall be impossible” (Luke 1:34-35, 37). Mary would have to do nothing except believe that God would do what God said He would do. Her response is quite famous: “And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her” (Luke 1:38). Her answer portrayed the character that God saw in her. She responded in the affirmative to God.

    We find that when Jesus was born, grace had come, and He is now available to anyone who will believe. “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). It is revealed in “the Word” which is Jesus. “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ” (John 1:17).

    Today, God still calls people in His grace (“unearned and unmerited favor.”). “8. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9. Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). The word grace in this verse means the same as the word favour in Luke 1:30: “unearned and unmerited favor.” One is saved by grace: unearned and unmerited favor. God provides the grace, we believe by faith. We can do nothing else but believe upon the one that God sent: His only Son, Jesus. “16. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” (John 3:16).

    When God called Mary, she responded in the affirmative to God. When God calls individuals today to give to them “unearned and unmerited favor”, each one should respond in the affirmative to that call. It is only then that one can be saved through faith in Jesus. No one can do anything to be saved, one must just believe and receive.

    Have you heard the invitation from God to receive His grace, only available by faith in Jesus?

    What to do when you hear the invitation to receive His grace: How to be saved.

  • Faithfully Follow

    “24. Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 25. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.”

    Matthew 16:24-25

    Nehemiah helped rebuild the city walls of Jerusalem, reinforcing the city. Not only that, but many times the enemy’s plans were thwarted, and God’s people were able to complete the walls in fifty-two days.

    Once the city was reinforced and protected, it was time to organize the people. Nehemiah appointed jobs to people and selected men to be rulers in the city. He taught them of the importance of appointing guards to protect the gates of the city, controlling what was allowed inside Jerusalem. The people gathered together and asked Ezra to read the book of the Law to them. After hearing God’s Words, the people recognized their sin, repented, and began to live according to God’s Word. This was followed with a time of prayer. After acknowledging their sin, they made a covenant with God to obey His commands.

    Nehemiah returned to Shushan to serve the king again – just as he had promised. After a short time, he returned to Jerusalem. When he arrived, he saw much sin – beginning in the house of the Lord. Eliashib, the priest, was friends with Tobiah (their adversary) and had allowed him to move into the Temple. The Levites were working outside of the city instead of taking care of the house of the Lord. The people were working, buying, and selling on the Sabbath – breaking God’s commands. They had intermarried with the nations around, again; for the high priest’s own grandson had married the daughter of Sanballat, the enemy of God’s people. Nehemiah confronted the people and their sin. He warned the people of the great evil to transgress against God. The sin was corrected. Nehemiah prayed for God’s people. Take time to recognize just how often Nehemiah prayed. Knowing God’s Word and prayer are key in living right before God.

    One of the truly sad parts of the book of Nehemiah is that without the constant reproof and the presence of Nehemiah, the people did not continually obey God. They quickly forgot God’s Word, reverting back into their comfortable lifestyles – living however they wanted. If Christians are not careful, we too, will enter into that same trap that the Israelites fell into once they returned to Jerusalem. Christians tend to see and become part of the world in which we live – contrary to Biblical teachings. “15. Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever” (1 John 2:15-17). We are warned, and then encouraged to do the will of God.

    Christians are to remember what Jesus taught. “24. Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 25. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. 26. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:24-26). It is important for Christians to deny themselves and follow Jesus – daily!

    Christians today have a great advantage that God’s people did not have in the Old Testament. Each person who gives their heart and life to Jesus has God’s Spirit given to them – to teach them right from wrong. The people in Jerusalem had Nehemiah. Nevertheless, when he left, they forgot. God’s Spirit, that Jesus called the Comforter, never leaves a Christian – so we should never forget. Remember what Jesus told His disciples. “15. If ye love me, keep my commandments. 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” (John 14:15-17). That Comforter Jesus gave enables us to obey God’s commandments written in the Bible. We have no excuse!

    What should motivate Christians to please Jesus in all we do? “11. For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12. Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” (Titus 2:11-12). It would be good to remember what Jesus prayed for his disciples on that last night in the garden. “14. I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. 16. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world” (John 17:14-16). Christians, today, have God’s Word and His Spirit. We must remember that we are not of this world, just as Jesus is not of this world.

    Do you pray often, choosing to deny the things of the world and faithfully follow Jesus?

  • Repent and Turn

    “Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.”

    Ezekiel 18:30

    Ezekiel was taken captive by the Babylonians in the second taking of the people. God called Ezekiel to speak specifically to the children of the captives in Babylon. The children would live there, but after seventy years would be allowed to return to the land of Israel. “And go, get thee to them of the captivity, unto the children of thy people, and speak unto them, and tell them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear” (Ezekiel 3:11). Ezekiel was to give the Words from God. The people had to choose if they would receive the message and act upon it, or not.

    One important message God gave to Ezekiel was a warning with a specific call to His people: “Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin” (Ezekiel 18:30). Ruin means “stumbling block; it is an obstacle, a cause of falling or sinning”. They must understand that God would judge each life. It was up to each individual person (“every one”) to repent and turn from his or her sin (transgressions). God did not want sin to be their “ruin”; the obstacle between them and God. In turning from sin, they were to turn to Him – the same as it is today. Remember: the people of Israel were evicted from their land because of their sin against God, forsaking Him for idol worship, and refusing to repent (see 2 Chronicles 36:14-21). The obstacle of the people’s sin separated between them and God. However, the children who came after them would not be held accountable for their parents’ sins. Each one of them had the choice: the choice to repent and turn to God, or refuse to repent and remain in sin.

    Remember what they should have already known. God did not want the people to die in their sins. He had made a provision for them, if they would only hear and obey. Each person had a choice: life or death. Moses had presented the choice to them many years before.

    “14. But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.

    15. See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil;

    16. In that I command thee this day to love the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live…

    17. But if thine heart turn away, so that thou wilt not hear, but shalt be drawn away, and worship other gods, and serve them;

    18. I denounce unto you this day, that ye shall surely perish, and that ye shall not prolong your days upon the land…

    19. … I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live” (Deuteronomy 30:14-19).

    Moses had presented them with the choice as to how they would live here on earth and in the land God had promised His people. Ezekiel was reminding them of the same choice. Moreover, Ezekiel wanted the people to understand that this decision related to more than this earthly life in the here and now. There was an eternity to consider.

    God never changes. God wanted to save people in the Old Testament times, New Testament times, and He still wants to save people today. However, God allows each person to choose – to believe, or to not believe. Understand that every person is a sinner before a holy and righteous God (see Romans 3:23). Moreover, all of man’s righteousness is as filthy rags in God’s sight (see Isaiah 64:6). But we should recognize how to have life eternal. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Whosoever believes in Jesus can have life! Instead of choosing continual sin, one must choose Jesus by faith: then he or she can have life. God wants all to understand: He judges each individual person on his or her response to Him. “He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (John 3:18).

    One must receive the righteousness of Jesus, who takes our sin and replaces it with His righteousness: “For he hath made him (Jesus)to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). That comes by belief.

    Just as Moses told the people: “But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it” (Deuteronomy 30:14). Paul recalled the same thing, quoting it in Romans: “8. But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:8-9).

    God leaves the choice with each individual as to whether he or she will believe. What happens if one chooses to reject the gift of salvation that Jesus offers? “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him” (John 3:36).

    What do you choose?

    To turn from sin, receiving everlasting life.

    Or

    Have you chosen to have the wrath of God abide upon you?

    Choose to Live by turning from sin: How to be saved.

  • 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