The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: Jesus

  • Ordinary People

    “But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.”

    1 Corinthians 1:27

    The enemies were oppressing God’s people. The Midianites, Amelekites, and others came up against the Israelites. Israel became greatly impoverished because of this (see Judges 6:1-6). The Israelites cried unto the Lord. God sent words of encouragement, but He did much more than that. He sent one to deliver them from their enemies. This deliverer, Gideon, was one of the judges.

    Gideon was an Israelite who hid in those days of trouble. He was threshing wheat, hiding it from the Midianites. “And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him, and said unto him, The LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valour” (Judges 6:12). Did Gideon, who was hiding, sound like a mighty man of valor? Gideon was then told to go and save Israel from the Midianites – for God was sending him. Nevertheless, read how Gideon saw himself. “And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house” (Judges 6:15). Gideon did not see himself as one who could do what God had asked of him. However, read the following encouraging words: “And the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man” (Judges 6:16). Most people remember how great of a victory Gideon had over the Midianites with an army of only 300 men. “And he divided the three hundred men into three companies, and he put a trumpet in every man’s hand, with empty pitchers, and lamps within the pitchers” (Judges 7:16). They took trumpets, empty pitchers, and lamps yet won a great victory. (Read Judges 6-7 too remember it all.) God did not see Gideon as he was. God saw how Gideon could be when Gideon trusted in God. God was with Gideon.

    Paul understood that he had been called into salvation through Jesus Christ. But more than that, Paul understood that he was to spend his life going forth sharing the Gospel message of Jesus (see 1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Paul stated that what was wisdom of God was foolishness to the world. “For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe” (1 Corinthians 1:21). He declared that it was through the foolishness of preaching that the Gospel message was spread. Paul understood that the world considered him foolish, but he also recognized that God would use him to do mighty things for God. “26. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27. But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty” (1 Corinthians 1:26-27). Paul became a great missionary who won many people to the Lord.

    God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things for Him. Gideon was an ordinary man going about life, afraid like most people in his day. Yet when God called Gideon, declaring that He would be with him, Gideon was able to become a mighty judge who defeated the enemies. God declared that He would be with Gideon. When God calls a Christian to do something for Him, God will be with that one, helping that one. Read some confirmation of this fact we can find in the New Testament. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). God calls each Christian to walk according to the plan that He has for that life. God is going to help that Christian accomplish that task. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). God will use events to help Christians fulfill His plan.

    We still have that same encouragement. God wants to use ordinary people who belong to Him. God has a plan for each Christian.

    Have you taken time to find out just what it is that God has planned for you in these days?

    http://biblicalpath.com/index.php/how-to-be-saved/

  • Be Encouraged, and Do Not Fear

    “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

    2 Timothy 1:7

    God has called Christians. First, unto salvation offered by His Son, Jesus, and then Christians are called to walk worthy. “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:10). However, many have quit with the calling unto salvation. However, read how a Christian is to then live. “And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again” (2 Corinthians 5:15). Christians are called to live, not unto themselves, but for Jesus.

    Why have many quit, just being content to be “saved”? For many, it may be the fear of what may come with the change of life that true salvation in Christ brings. First, one must die to self. “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). There is a life change. The old life is gone, and a new life has begun. One that is to be centered on Jesus. What encouragement can we read about this fear? “7. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 8. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; 9. Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began” (2 Timothy 1:7-9). God does not want Christians to be afraid, but to recognize that God has a plan “according to his own purpose and grace” for each person who belongs to Him.

    Do not think you are alone in this initial fear. Many are fearful – at first. However, God is good in that He encourages those who belong to Him. He reminds us that He will be with us, helping us accomplish the plan that He has for our lives. Read the small sampling of some encouragment found in the Bible.

    • God encouraging Jeremiah: “Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD” (Jeremiah 1:8).
    • God encouraging Moses: “And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain” (Exodus 3:12).
    • Moses encouraging Joshua: “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee” (Deuteronomy 31:6).
    • God encouraging Joshua: “There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee” (Joshua 1:5).
    • Jesus encouraging Paul: “16. But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; 17. Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send the, 18. To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me” (Acts 26:17).
    • God’s encouragement for Christians today: “5. Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me” (Hebrews 13:6).

    When a Christian walks with the Lord, fulfilling the plan He has for that life, God will not only encourage, but also help that Christian. One should not be afraid of what “man shall do unto me”. What encouragement can we find when things do not seem to be happening according to how we may think they should happen? “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

    Do you walk with God, fulfilling His plan for your life, unafraid of what man may do?

  • Be not Troubled

    “And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels.”

    2 Thessalonians 1:7

    The news today can at times be very troubling. Not only is there much insanity in the world, but sanity is becoming rare. This thought can be quite disconcerting. A great preacher once said, “There are three categories of people in the world today: those who are afraid, those who don’t know enough to be afraid, and those who know their Bible.” Once Christians are able to recognize this, the goal and aim should be to “know their Bible.” Christians are not to be discouraged or troubled in this world. God’s Word gives us much encouragement. Paul wrote words of encouragement to the church at Thessalonica when they were suffering actual tribulations. “And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels” (2 Thessalonians 1:7). What a comforting thought! Paul encouraged them to live worthy, commending them for their “patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure” (see 2 Thessalonians 1:4). Regardless of what happens, Christians are to rest with assurance in Jesus. He will deal with those who have rejected Him. This is a reminder that a Christian’s hope is not to be in this world. “1. If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory” (Colossians 3:1-4). Christians are to rest in the comfort that because we are “risen with Christ”, when He “shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” Then Jesus will come again to fix this broken mess of a world that we live in today.

    In the meantime, the world seems to become darker and darker every day.

    See that in the Old Testament, they wrote that one day Jesus would return (and that was written before He came the first time!). The description was as a “Sun of righteousness” as in a sunrise of a dawning new day. “But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall” (Malachi 4:2). Have you ever heard that it is always darkest right before the sun rises? It will be the darkest time ever in history in the time before Jesus’ second coming. My greatest assurance is that I will escape the darkest days of history that appear to be coming very soon. This assurance only comes because I, personally, have trusted in Christ and have given my life to Him. I understand from reading God’s Word that He will gather His Believers unto Himself before that great and terrible time. Paul wrote about this time. A rumor had spread that Jesus had already returned, and Paul wanted them to understand it had not happened – yet. “1. Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 2. That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand” (2 Thessalonians 2:1-2). Paul understood that the day of Christ was still “at hand.” That was to let them know that it had not happened yet, but to be watching for it will happen. Just as the sun comes up on time (one cannot cause it to come earlier or cause it to wait until later), Jesus will return at His appointed time. However, Christians are looking forward to the day when we will be taken out of this world to be with Him.

    Read the words to a song written by Jim Hill in 1955:

    “What a day that will be
    When my Jesus I shall see
    And I look upon His face
    The one who saved me by His grace
    When He takes me by the hand
    And leads me through the Promised Land
    What a day, glorious day that will be.

    There’ll be no sorrows there
    No more burdens to bear
    No more sickness and no more pain
    No more parting over there
    But forever I will be
    With the One who died for me
    What a day, glorious day that will be.”

    In the meantime, I need to turn off the discouraging news and dig into my Bible. It is in God’s Word that I can be comforted and encouraged.

    Jesus told John of the things that would be in the end (as recorded in the book of Revelation). Read some of the final words recorded: “He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20).

    Jesus said He would “come quickly.” My prayer is, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”

    Are you one saved by His grace, striving to be encouraged and comforted by knowing God’s Word?

    http://biblicalpath.com/index.php/how-to-be-saved/

  • A Counterfeit Christian

    “Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.”

    Acts 8:21

    Satan is very religious. He does not mind if people are religious. He actually uses religion to deceive people. There is a very interesting case in point found in the book of Acts.

    Philip had preached Jesus to the people of Samaria (see Acts 8:5-25). He did many miracles, unclean spirits were cast out, and many were healed. Remember that this was the beginning of the establishment of the church, and that was why these special miracles took place. Many people heard Philip’s teachings. “But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one” (Acts 8:9). When he declared himself as “some great one”, many had thought he was the “great power of God” because he had bewitched them with sorceries for so long (see Acts 8:10-11). He had practiced what could be called a “religion.” It is good to understand that Satan comes with power, signs, and lying wonders. Moreover, one day these things will be personified in The Anti-Christ. “Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders” (2 Thessalonians 2:9).

    However, when Philip preached Jesus to the Samaritans, they believed upon Jesus (see Acts 8:12). “Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done” (Acts 8:13). We read that Simon believed also. The Apostles came when they heard the people of Samaria had received the Word of God. When Simon saw these Believers received the Spirit of God, he offered the Apostles money because he wanted to be able to do this himself. Nevertheless, Peter understood that Simon thought the gift of God could be purchased with money. Simon did not understand salvation. It is a free gift. “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24).

    Peter recognized the condition of Simon’s heart. “Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God” (Acts 8:21). It would be good to remember that Jesus had dealt with this heart issue before. Jesus had done many miracles, and many people believed. Yet read what Jesus understood about those people. “23. Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did. 24. But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, 25. And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man” (John 2:23-25). There is a difference in when one believes in the miracles, and when one believes with the heart unto salvation. Remember how Jesus put it: “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). We remember the importance of belief in Jesus: “And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house” (Acts 16:31). It is not enough to believe in God. One must believe that Jesus Christ (the Messiah) is God. Remember that the devils, too, believe in God. “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble” (James 2:19). However, we know they are not saved. They have remained devils.

    How can one tell when one believes in the heart that Jesus Christ, the Messiah, is God come in the flesh to pay the penalty for man’s sin? “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). The heart is changed. There is a complete change – inside and out.

    What did Peter understand about Simon, the sorcerer? First, Simon was not a true Believer because his heart was not right, and he needed to repent. “21. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. 22. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee” (Acts 8:21-22). In what condition did Peter recognize Simon’s heart was? “For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity” (Acts 8:23). Simon’s heart was not right; therefore, he was in the “gall of bitterness”. Gall here means “poison” and bitterness means “a piercing poison.” The word bond means “the uniting principle” and iniquity means “wrongfulness.” Peter was pointing out that Simon’s heart issue was a piercing poison that was uniting him in wrongfulness. When Simon was confronted with the condition of his heart, we do not read that he repented. “Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me” (Acts 8:24). He just asked Peter to pray for him. Simon recognized that he was a counterfeit Christian. He only had a religion. Yet he did nothing about it. He was content to remain in that condition.

    Have you believed with your heart that Jesus Christ is God, becoming a new creature in Him?

    Or

    Are you a counterfeit Christian whose heart has not truly believed?

    http://biblicalpath.com/index.php/how-to-be-saved/

  • Second Chances

    “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.”

    Hebrews 7:25

    Stephen was one of the seven men chosen who stood out in his service to God (see Acts 6:8). Christians have learned that when God begins to work, Satan likes to stir trouble against them. “Then there arose certain of the synagogue … disputing with Stephen” (Acts 6:9). The religious leaders confronted Stephen. However, see what we can understand. “And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake” (Acts 6:10). The religious leaders may not have received the truths that Stephen taught about faith in Jesus, but they could not refute those truths either. Understand what the religious leaders did instead. “Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God” (Acts 6:11). Suborned means “to introduce underhandedly; to make a secret agreement; to suborn in the legal sense means to induce a person to make a false oath; to commit perjury.” They set up false witnesses who erroneously accused Stephen. Stephen was brought before the council (see Acts 6:12-13).

    Stephen preached to them. He reminded them of their history from the Old Testament Scriptures. In his teachings, he offered to the religious leaders a bold defense of the Christian faith (Jesus). In his remembrance, he made it a point to remind them of something that occurred throughout their history. See if you can understand the thought that he seemed to be presenting.

    God called Abraham to leave his home and family (see Acts 7:2-5). Abraham left the land of the Chaldeans, but he did not enter the land he was supposed to enter into at first. He waited until his father died. Then he finally went where God sent him. 

    Joseph understood God would one day make him a ruler, yet his brothers rejected him – at first (see Acts 7:9-15). It was not until after his brothers had sold him into slavery, Joseph became a prisoner, and was finally lifted up as the second ruler over the land of Egypt that his brothers accepted him as their ruler. 

    Moses believed he was to deliver his fellow Israelites while in Egypt (see Acts 7:17-36). However, when he tried to help one who was suffering a wrong, Moses avenged him and smote the Egyptian. The people refused him as their leader, and Moses went to Midian for forty years until God called him from the “flame of fire in a bush” (Acts 7:30). Moses returned to Egypt. “This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge? the same did God send to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the angel which appeared to him in the bush” (Acts 7:35). Did you notice that the people refused Moses at first, but God sent him a second time? God used Moses to deliver His people from Egypt. Remember: Joseph was initially rejected by his brothers, and Moses was initially rejected by his people. Even though both of these men were rejected at first, when God gave His people a second chance, these men were received as leaders. It was then that these men were able to save God’s people in their time of history.

    It is here one can understand that Stephen made an observation. “This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear” (Acts7:37). Moses had told them of a Prophet who was to come, and that Prophet was Jesus.

    Stephen went on to remind them of God’s Law that they said they would keep, yet they broke. He reminded them that they refused to allow Moses to lead them into the Promised Land, and yet God allowed Joshua to lead them there.

    It sounds as if Stephen was trying to make the point: that God’s people often failed the first time.

    Although there was never a time that the entire nation worshiped God, there was always a remnant of true Believers. Yet as Stephen reminded the religious leaders of these great men of their history, these religious leaders (who knew the history in the Old Testament) had rejected the greatest Deliverer presented to them – Jesus. For Jesus had come to “… save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Stephen rebuked these religious leaders for their unbelief. Remember, it was some of these same religious leaders who had not only rejected Jesus, but had demanded His death (see Acts 7:52). Do you think Stephen might have been just about to tell them that they, too, had a second chance to believe upon Jesus? The Scripture teaches: “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25).

    Yet what did the religious leaders do before Stephen could say anymore? “When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth” (Acts 7:54). They were “cut to the heart.” These religious leaders had studied the Old Testament Scriptures, yet they had not believed the words recorded therein. They had rejected Jesus, the One of whom it was all written. In essence, they rejected their “second chance.” Instead of repenting and turning to Jesus (as many people had done), they ran upon Stephen (only the messenger) and bit him with their teeth. They then killed Stephen.

    However, when Jesus returns one day, then the Israelite people will believe. 

    Do you understand that God will give a second chance to one who initially may have rejected His call?

    http://biblicalpath.com/index.php/how-to-be-saved/

  • What will He Find?

    “I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?”

    Luke 18:8

    Jesus told a parable about a woman who persistently cried to a judge day and night to “Avenge me of mine adversary” (see Luke 18:1-5). The judge would not, but after time passed, the judge agreed to avenge her “lest by her continual coming she weary me.” Because the woman repeatedly asked this of the judge, he granted her request. Jesus said to hear what the unjust judge said. Jesus wanted the people to understand something important.

    Jesus had just been teaching His disciples of the end times, and His coming kingdom (see Luke 17:20-37). He wanted them to know what was expected of them. God hears His people, and He will avenge them of their adversaries – if only they will ask it of Him. Do Christians have adversaries? We all know Satan is our Adversary (1 Peter 5:8). We are instructed to cast all of our cares upon Him (Jesus) (see 1 Peter 5:7), and then we are able to recognize that our adversary, the devil, is trying to destroy us. We are able to cast our cares upon Jesus through prayers. “And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?” (Luke 18:7). God desires that we take our requests to Him. Jesus is declaring that God’s people are to pray, with faith, that God will hear and answer, and Christians are to persevere in those prayers. We know that there are many adversaries – especially in the world today. Many Christians are persecuted and oppressed revealing a great need for prayer in these days “… but the prayer of the upright is his delight” (Proverbs 15:8b). Often times in Scripture, we are encouraged to ask for what we need. Remember what Jesus said, “Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 18:19). God will hear our prayers. Yet often times, we fail to pray. However worse than that, we fail to pray correctly. There is something very important that Jesus is looking for in Christians. “Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak” (Mark 14:38). Jesus spoke the same thought in Matthew and Luke. In John, Jesus prayed this prayer for his disciples: “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” (John 17:14-15). In these words, Christians are to understand that in our spirit, we are ready to be the best Christian we can be. Yet temptation is ever before us to fail in that respect. Jesus prayed that Christians would be kept from the evil that is in this world.

    The end of the parable about the widow and the unrighteous judge ends with this though. “I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8). At the end of time, when Jesus returns, will He find anyone of faith on the earth? To better understand what this means, read what the word faith means. Faith means “appropriating what God in Christ has for man resulting in the transformation of man’s character and way of life; marking various predominant traits of Christian character as arising from and combined with Christian faith; meaning Christian knowledge.” Honestly, are there many “Christians” living this kind of faith in our world today? Have many Christians appropriated what God has for us, resulting in the transformation of our character and way of life?

    Remember what Paul wrote as an encouragement on what it is that a Christian is called to do: “12. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 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. 15. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you” (Philippians 3:12-15). We must forget the things behind and press forward to the “high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” We must live in faith, “appropriating what God in Christ has for man resulting in the transformation of man’s character and way of life.”

    Do not be discouraged.

    Be transformed, by faith, into what Christ wants you to be in Him.

    Have you appropriated what God in Christ has for you, resulting in the transformation of your character to be like Jesus?

    http://biblicalpath.com/index.php/how-to-be-saved/

  • Blessed is he that Readeth

    “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.”

    Revelation 1:3

    The book of Revelation often has a bad connotation attached to it. Many are afraid to read it because they have heard it said that Revelation is a difficult, if not impossible, book to understand. Because of this, many are afraid even to attempt a study into the book of Revelation. Nevertheless, remember what Christians are to know. “16. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17. That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The hope is that if one would only read the book of Revelation, that one’s interest would be piqued to a deeper study of what it says.    

    The first two verses in this book declare just exactly what this book is and is to be. “1. The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: 2. Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw” (Revelation 1:1-2). Revelation means “uncovering; unveiling; disclosure; spoken of future events.” From the title and first verse of the book of Revelation, we are to understand that this is not a book of mystery, but a book of revealing or disclosure of things that would come to pass. Jesus told John, the Apostle, of things that would come – for John was a witness of Jesus, having walked with Him, learning from Him.     

    See what Jesus said of those who would read, hear, and keep these words. “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand” (Revelation 1:3). Keep means “particularly to watch; observe attentively; keep the eyes fixed upon.” In other words, Christians are to not only read and hear the words found within the book of Revelation, but Christians are commanded to watch and observe the times and events of which this book is speaking. We can understand that the words of this book are to be read – attentively. Those who do so will be blessed (means “happy”). What an encouragement for Christians during these days in which we live!

    Jesus spoke to John, directing the words to the church (whom some call the Letters from Jesus to the church). “John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne” (Revelation 1:4). These words are from Jesus, who has always been and always will be, directed initially to the churches in Asia. However, these words are also directed to what is referred to as “the seven church ages” which are understood to have taken place throughout history, from the time when the church was established upon the resurrection of Jesus. See how Jesus revealed this fact. “5. And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, 6. And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen” (Revelation 1:5-6). Because of Jesus death, burial, and resurrection, He enabled Christians, those who believe in Jesus by faith, to become “kings and priests unto God”. 

    • Kings means “a title of distinguished honor; figuratively of Christians.” 
    • Priests means “figuratively, Christians also called priests unto God as offering Him spiritual sacrifices”(see Romans 12:1-2). 

    The Christians minister to and serve the Lord through the church – which is to whom Jesus is speaking.

    Read what will happen. “7. Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. 8. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty” (Revelation 1:7-8). One day, Jesus will come again – and all will see Him, even those who “pierced” Him. In essence, verse 8 means “Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet; in this, Jesus is speaking, assuming all the glory which belongs to God the Father as if confirming what he stated when on earth: “I and my Father are One”; Jesus is the ruler of all (Almighty) – for that is how he is presented throughout Revelation in regard to His Second Advent.” 

    John had been banished to the isle of Patmos to live because of his faithfulness to Christ. Church history records that John had been boiled in oil (and lived) before his banishment to Patmos. Jesus told John to write what he saw. It was for the churches to read (see Revelation 1:10-11). John recorded this for us to know and understand today.

    Are you one who is able to understand Revelation because of your belief in Jesus by faith, understanding that the time of which it is written is at hand?

  • Precious Promises

    “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”

    2 Peter 1:4

    As Peter began this second letter, read how he introduced himself. “Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:1). Also, take note to whom this letter is written: Christians.   

    • Like precious means “equally precious or valuable.”
    • Faith means “appropriating what God in Christ has for man, resulting in the transformation of man’s character and way of life (a.k.a. Christian faith, Christian doctrine, gospel); meaning the doctrines received and believed; all that Christianity stands for.” 

    All who become a Christian are saved in exactly the same way – only through faith in Jesus. However, with that faith is to come a transformation of one’s character and way of life. This is what Peter was calling to mind in his readers. He was affiliating himself with them in like faith, character, and lifestyle. This laid the foundation for what he wanted to teach them.

    God gives the power to live a Christian life. “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue” (2 Peter 1:3). According as means “implying quality, character, circumstances as known in any personal thing; something which is a matter of belief or opinion.”  By this, we understand that Peter is talking about something Christians have, or they should know they have: that is, God’s divine power that has given us all things we need for the Christian life (“all things that pertain unto life and godliness”). We find the “knowledge of him” in the Bible.

    Understand the two things into which God called Christians:

    • Glory means “spoken of that which excites admiration to which honor is ascribed as in the divine perfections as manifested in the power of God.”  
    • Virtue means “superiority or being pleasing to God; moral excellence; perfection; goodness of action.” 

    Recognize that God has called Christians, and they are to be excited about the prospect of being able to become more like Jesus, which is pleasing to God. Moreover, Peter called to mind God’s promises to His people. “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” (2 Peter 1:4). Christians are to “be partakers” because of these promises. God gave many, but think of two specific promises: His Son, Jesus, who was promised from the beginning of time, and the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, who would comfort and teach Christians until Jesus returns (see John 14:26). Remember what we should have learned in Second Corinthians. “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Corinthians 7:1). (See also John 14:21-23). The message has not changed. Christians are compelled to become more like Jesus – not like the world. 

    As Peter continued, he wanted them to understand that once becoming a Christian, one was not finished – for there is a growing process that must take place. Recall to memory what we should have already learned about Christianity: Paul compared it to a race. See the following to remember this. “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). Notice that it implies a continual 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. See the following to remember this. “12. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 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 3:12-14). He 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 and Paul both recognized the importance of Christians continually striving to become more like Christ.

    Have you made a commitment to strive to become more like Christ?

  • Who is He?

    “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace”

    Isaiah 9:6

    It is Christmas time again. Time for decorations, gifts, Christmas parties, visits to family, and so many other events that we consider Christmas celebrations. However, often times we forget what it is we are really to celebrate during the Christmas season.

    Most acknowledge that it is the birth of Jesus that we are to remember. Many even read the “Christmas Story” with family or friends. But have you ever taken the time to truly understand just who Jesus is?

    We remember the prophets of old told of One who would come. “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). We even sing Christmas songs reminding us of this message. In that foretelling we are to understand, it is “The mighty God” who was to come. And He did. First, remember what the angel told Joseph in a dream in regards to Mary. “21. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23. Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us” (Matthew 1:21-23). Next, remember what the angel told Mary. “31. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 32. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33. And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end” (Luke 1:31-33). Both of these declared that Isaiah’s prophecy would be fulfilled in Jesus.

    After Jesus was born, we have record that the angels declared His birth to the shepherds who were watching their flocks by night (see Luke 2:1-20). They went to see the One who was “born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11b). After seeing Jesus, they went and told everyone they saw. “And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds” (Luke 2:18).

    Later, we read that wise men came from the east, followed a star, and asked, “Where is he that is born King of the Jews?” (Matthew 2:2a). How did they respond when they found Him? “And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh” (Matthew 2:11).

    We find many answers in the Bible as to who Jesus is. In describing Jesus, read the following verses:

    • “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1).
    • “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:3).
    •  “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory” (1 Timothy 3:16).
    • “Jesus saith unto him [Thomas], I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).
    • “11. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” (John 1:11-12).

    However, when specifically asked by Jesus, read what Peter understood. “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” (Matthew 16:15-16).

    When one really wants to know Jesus, the heart is touched. “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).

    The shepherds understood Jesus was a Saviour, Christ the Lord.

    The wise men understood Jesus was to be King of the Jews, and they worshipped Him.

    Thomas learned Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. No one goes to the Father except through Jesus.

    Many Jews did not receive Jesus, but those who believed upon Jesus became sons of God.

    Peter understood that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the Living God.

    But, most importantly, who is Jesus to you, today?

    Have you believed, by faith, that Jesus is the Son of the Living God?

    http://biblicalpath.com/index.php/how-to-be-saved/

  • Faith, More Precious than Gold

    “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

    Peter was one of the most well known of Jesus’ twelve disciples. After Jesus’ resurrection, he became one of the great leaders of the church. We can learn much about that ministry in the first twelve chapters of Acts, where thousands of people were saved, and the church was established.      

    In the book of First Peter, Peter wrote a letter to the Christians who had left their homeland, scattering into the countries around. Remember the persecution that had begun (see Acts 8:1; 11:19). Peter wrote words of encouragement to them along with words teaching them more about the Christian life.  

    Peter began by reminding them of the hope that is only found in Jesus’ resurrection. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3).

    • Lively means “to live, have life; of things living, lively, active, and enduring opposed to what is dead or inactive.” 
    • Hope means “those who experience the hope of salvation through Christ, eternal life, and blessedness.” 

    It is only through this “lively hope” of eternal life (by salvation only through Christ) that gives Christians the strength to live a life pleasing to Jesus while here on earth. This “hope” is to give Christians a confidence that people of this world do not have. With that hope, Christians (God’s children) have a promise of inheritance. “To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:4). Remember the promise that Christians have been given of eternal life in heaven with Jesus. Do you remember that “inheritance incorruptible”? Remember what Romans teaches us. “17. And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 18. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:17-18). We should remember the promise of inheritance with Jesus, in Heaven.

    In addition, recall the promise that God will be with those who belong to Him, and will take care of them. “Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Peter 1:5). Notice that it takes “faith”. One day, Christians (because of their faith unto salvation) will live in Heaven with Jesus, forever. See what Jesus said that is recorded in the book of John. “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand” (John 10:28). Christians are promised eternal salvation.

    With that promise, Christians are to rejoice – no matter what. “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations” (1 Peter 1:6).   

    • Manifold means “variegated; many-colored.” 
    • Temptations means “a trial in which God brings His people through adversity and affliction in order to encourage and prove their faith and confidence in Him.” 

    Understand that as Christians there will be many trials that will be endured. Remember what Jesus said in the book of Matthew. “11. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you” (Matthew 5:11-12). However, with those trials, the confidence and faith in God will be strengthened.

    Why are trials necessary? They prove a Christian’s faith. “7. 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: 8. Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 9. Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1:7-9). Fire purifies gold, just as trials purify a Christian’s faith, preparing them to be presented “unto praise and honour and glory” when Jesus returns for His people. It is then that Christians will receive the promised reward of eternal salvation. Remember something else that Jesus said that is recorded in the book of John. “Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed” (John 20:29). Although no one today has physically seen Jesus, because of the written Word of God (the Bible), we have the ability to hear and believe upon Jesus (see Romans 10:9-10).

    Can your faith withstand the trials, making you more Christ like?

    Or

    Do you need to believe upon the One (Jesus) of which you have not yet seen?

    http://biblicalpath.com/index.php/how-to-be-saved/