The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: Law

  • 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?

  • Forgiveness and Mercy

    “For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.”

    Psalm 86:5

    King Josiah was a good king. He chose to do what was right. We can read that he was even compared back to King David, and that Josiah “turned not aside to the right hand or to the left” (see 2 Kings 22:2). Turned not aside means “being faithful to God; to veer neither to the right nor to the left.” But see what other information we are given in Second Chronicles. “For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet young, he began to seek after the God of David his father …”(2 Chronicles 34:3). It is because he sought God while he was yet young that set the course for his life.

    The nation of Judah had just endured two of their worst kings: Manasseh and Amon. Because of the sins of King Manasseh, God declared the people would be judged, allowing only a remnant to be saved (see 2 Kings 21:9-16). However, because King Josiah sought God and led the people to seek after God, the judgment was delayed for a time.

    What was it about Josiah that spared him and caused God to delay his judgment?

    Josiah became king when he was only eight years old, and in the eighth year of that reign he began to seek after God. In the twelfth year of his reign, he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem (and even into Israel in the north) from the idol worship by destroying the idols and their places of worship (see 2 Chronicles 34:3-7). In the eighteenth year of his reign, he sent men to repair the house of the Lord (the Temple). While they were repairing the Temple, the priest “found a book of the law of the LORD given by Moses” (2 Chronicles 34:14b). When this book was read to the king, he rent his clothes. Read why he did this: “for great is the wrath of the LORD that is poured out upon us, because our fathers have not kept the word of the LORD, to do after all that is written in this book” (2 Chronicles 34:21b). Although it was in King Josiah’s heart to seek after God, making many great reformations and even repairing the Temple, when Josiah heard what was written in God’s Word, he recognized they deserved God’s wrath. He wanted to hear from God. God revealed that Jerusalem and Judah would be destroyed for her great sin before God, but God had a special word for King Josiah because he inquired of the Lord. “27. Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard thee also, saith the LORD. 28. Behold, I will gather thee to thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered to thy grave in peace, neither shall thine eyes see all the evil that I will bring upon this place, and upon the inhabitants of the same. So they brought the king word again” (2 Chronicles 34:27-28). God spared King Josiah from the judgment to come because Josiah humbled his heart before God.

    Did you notice that the king was not spared because of all of the great deeds and reformations that he made trying to please God? The king was in the process of bringing the people back to the worship of God after eliminating the idol worship. However, when the king heard God’s Words from the Law of Moses (the first five books in the Bible), then he recognized the sin against God. Immediately, King Josiah repented: “humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard thee also, saith the LORD.” It was then that God heard and spared Josiah.

    Understanding the importance of hearing God’s Word, King Josiah called together all of the people, great and small, and read to them God’s Word. “And the king stood in his place, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments, and his testimonies, and his statutes, with all his heart, and with all his soul, to perform the words of the covenant which are written in this book” (2 Chronicles 34:31). Josiah’s heart was changed. He walked after the Lord.

    Recognition of sin came to King Josiah when he heard God’s Word read, and he then displayed true repentance. Josiah then recognized what he must do. He had to seek God: “For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee” (Psalm 86:5). It was then he understood God’s forgiveness and mercy.

    Jesus taught the importance of God’s Word: “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). Without hearing the Word of God, no one would know to believe upon Jesus to have everlasting life or how to then please God in this world. Read what else Jesus declared. “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me” (John 5:39). The Bible is all about Jesus.

    Read your Bible.

    Then you will be able to tell others what the Bible has to say.

    Have you committed to reading the Bible every day, recognizing the importance of God’s Word?

  • From Death to Life

    “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.”

    1 Corinthians 15:22

    Remember Adam, the first man. “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul” (Genesis 2:7). God created man, breathed life into him, and man became alive. “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them” (Genesis 1:27). Adam was made in God’s image. He was perfect, created in righteousness.

    Then sin entered into the world by one man, Adam. Everyone born after Adam was born after the image of Adam. “And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his own likeness, after his image; and called his name Seth” (Genesis 5:3). Just as Adam was in the image of God, Adam brought a son after his likeness. We are all born in the image of Adam, bearing the image of sinful man. We no longer bear the image of God. Because Adam’s sin was passed on to every one born, death passed to all, along with separation from God. “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned” (Romans 5:12). However, God gave Adam a promise that He would send One to restore that broken relationship (see Genesis 3:15).

    We can also remember Abraham, and the promise God gave him – the promise of a Son through whom all of the world would be blessed (the promise of Jesus – see Genesis 12:2-3). Abraham lived by faith, looking forward to Jesus. He believed the promise God gave, and Abraham was called the friend of God. “And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God” (James 2:23). We are to have the faith of Abraham. “6. Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness… 8. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed” (Galatians 3:6, 8). God preached the Gospel message to Abraham.

    After Moses led the people out of bondage in Egypt, God gave Moses the Law. Without the Law, mankind did not know how sinful they were, or how far they were from God. “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin” (Romans 3:20). In that Law, sin was revealed. We can read how God revealed mankind’s sin to them through the centuries by the Law. However, it was not revealed without the promise that He would send One who would deliver mankind from their sin and death caused by that sin.

    Having remembered these things, see how it is recorded in Romans. “19. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. 20. Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: 21. That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 5:19-21). In these verses we can understand that God never intended for man to live perfectly under the Law, for it is impossible. However, the intent of that Law is to reveal to mankind their need for grace – only provided by the Savior, Jesus. “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ” (John 1:17).

    God revealed the last Adam. The last man Adam would be life giving. “21. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive … 45. And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. 46. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. 47. The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven” (1 Corinthians 15:21-22, 45-47). Adam brought death because of disobedience (sin), but Jesus brought life through obedience.

    The key to regaining the likeness of Christ and losing the image of Adam is trusting in Jesus by faith. When Nicodemus came to Jesus asking who He was, Jesus explained to Nicodemus. But more than that, Jesus told Nicodemus what he must do (speaking of Himself in the following verse). “That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:15). He also gave Nicodemus this warning: “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).

    Remember also the encouraging words Jesus gave to Martha when her brother Lazarus had died. “25.Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26. And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?” (John 11:25-26).

    Do you believe this?

    What must one believe?

  • In My Heart

    “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”

    Psalm 119:11

    Excerpt from The Biblical Path of Life – Year One Quarter Four, Lesson 6:

    “Walk in the Law of the Lord (Psalm 119):

      “Just as Moses reminded the people of God’s Law as they prepared to enter the Promised Land, we must know God’s Word as we walk in a Christian life. Then we can be as Psalm 119:1 tells us—“Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.”

      “Notice these words: blessed means “happy”; undefiled means “blameless; upright in one’s conduct.” Who else have we studied that God called upright or perfect? Noah (see Genesis 6:9), Job (see Job 1:1), God told Abraham to be (see Genesis 17:1), God told His people to be (see Deuteronomy 18:13), as well as David (see 2 Samuel 22:24). These men (and God’s people) were blessed when they walked with God (Job was even blessed doubly when he continued with God through his trials).

      “Notice the first verse begins with blessed (which also means “happy”), referring to the one who walks in the “law of the Lord.” This is completely contrary to what we learn in the world today. Many times, we are taught that “rules are impossible to follow, so why try?” How about “rules are only guidelines” or “rules were made to be broken”? Do these sound familiar? These sayings teach us something contrary to what God’s Word teaches us. Psalm 119 teaches us that to be blessed (happy), we must walk in the law of the Lord.

      “Read Psalm 119:2–11. These verses encourage us to seek God with our whole heart (119:2). We are to respect all of His commandments (119:6). Psalm 119:4 tells us we are to keep God’s precepts (laws) diligently (meaning “wholly; speedily”). It does take work.

      “How can we do this? Read Psalm 119:9–11. Listen, seek God with your whole heart, don’t wander (stray from God’s commands), and hide God’s Word in your heart until it becomes a part of who you are. Be encouraged to read the rest of Psalm 119. Let it be an encouragement to those who truly seek to know and please God; to seek God’s heart (remember David?). This principle must be our hearts’ desire in order to walk with God. This Psalm was written by one who truly loved God and did not find His Law laborious. We should be happy to walk in God’s Law.”

      After reading the previous excerpt, consider that the main theme of Psalm 119 is the Word of God. Notice the descriptions of God’s Word given in the following verses: “1. Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD. 2. Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. 3. They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways. 4. Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently. 5. O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes! 6. Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments. 7. I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments. 8. I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly. 9. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:1-9). In reading these verses, one can consider the multifaceted characters of the Word of God. See the following list of words which are frequently used for God’s Word throughout Psalm 119:

      • Law: (most frequently) means “teaching” whether it is the wise man who gently instructs a son, or God patiently teaching Israel. It is here we find just what God requires.
      • Testimonies: is as a witness emphasizing the content of God’s Word.
      • Precepts: a mandate from a superior (God) regarding the duties of those under Him (mankind).
      • Statutes: “to engrave” which implies permanent and unchangeable regulations.
      • Commandments: this word assumes the authority of the commander and the inherent necessity of obeying the content of the charge given.
      • Judgments: ordinances; decisions God has made as a judge in order to make earthly behavior conform to heavenly standards.
      • Word: God’s revelation; promises and revelations from the mouth of God.

      Having recognizing the importance of these words, one should understand the significance of obeying God’s Word (all of the Bible). “Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments” (Psalm 119:6). As we learn the importance of obeying God’s Word and living it out in our lives, we can learn how to abide in Christ. “And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming” (1 John 2:28).

      It is at this point we should acknowledge the importance of the following verse: “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11). God’s Word is to become a part of who we are.

      Have you chosen to hide God’s Word in your heart until it becomes a part of who you are?

    1. A Picture in Ruth

      “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.”

      John 14:21

      In my last post, I remembered a people who had what many call a “Kadesh-barnea” moment: because God’s people refused to obey God to enter into the Promised Land, all but Joshua and Caleb over the age of twenty died in the wilderness. They never progressed into the life God had for them. 

      There is an even greater picture found in an individual. A woman named Ruth.

      Ruth was a woman from Moab who had married into the Israelites. When her husband died, she returned with her mother-in-law, Naomi, to the land of Israel. She declared her faith in the God of Israel (see Ruth 1:16-17). The whole book of Ruth is a beautiful picture of an amazing love story – for both Ruth and Boaz. However, there is also a great picture for us that should be recognized found in the full commitment of Ruth.

      Once in the land of Israel, Ruth began to live according to the Law of God’s people. Naomi immediately recognized God working in the life of Ruth (see Ruth 2). However, there was a major step that Ruth must take. Although she had moved to the land as a part of God’s people, there was something that needed to be done that could only come by a Kinsman Redeemer (Boaz). This would allow her fully live as an Israelite. Naomi, who understood God’s Law, instructed her in what she needed to do. “3. Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: but make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking. 4. And it shall be, when he lieth down, that thou shalt mark the place where he shall lie, and thou shalt go in, and uncover his feet, and lay thee down; and he will tell thee what thou shalt do” (Ruth 3:3-4). Ruth was to present herself to Boaz (much as one would propose marriage), enabling him to be able to bring her fully into the family of God’s people. Ruth had to make the first step. This is a picture of what each Christian must do in order to move forward into a full relationship with Christ. Once one has become a Christian, it is up to that person to present oneself to Christ, in order to fully live a Christ-like life (see Romans 12:1-2 as a reminder). There are four definite steps that will bring our hearts and lives to the place where we can live as Christians in this world.

      Step 1: Wash thyself: Knowing God has forgiven our sin, we need to actively remove sin from our lives.  

      • “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded” (James 4:8).
      • “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).
      • “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

      Step 2: Anoint thyself: We need to remember that we have God’s Spirit within us (our anointing) and allow Him to teach us.

      • “21. Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; 22. Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts” (2 Corinthians 1:21-22). See also 1 Corinthians 2:9-11.
      • “But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him” (1 John 2:27).

      Step 3: Put thy raiment upon thee: Remember that we are clothed with Christ’s righteousness.

      • “Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference” (Romans 3:22).

      Step 4: Get thee down to the floor: Fully commit to the Lord in every aspect of your life, understanding He will help you.  

      • “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).
      • “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him” (John 14:21).

      Too many Christians are willing to remain forever trapped in Ruth chapter two (living with only the gleanings left by others not realizing that God has so much more for them). It would make all of the difference in a Christian’s life if they would just fully commit to this new life found only in Jesus.  “21. He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. 22. Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? 23. Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. 24. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me” (John 14:21-24).

      Have you reached your Kadesh-barnea moment in which you decided to fully submit to and live for Jesus?

    2. Love God

      “And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.”

      Deuteronomy 6:5

      One shows love for God by obeying His commands. Moses had just reminded the Israelites of God’s Law as they were preparing to enter into the Promised Land. He instructed them to obey God’s Law. “That thou mightest fear the LORD thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son’s son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged” (Deuteronomy 6:2). God was bringing them into the land that had been promised to Abraham, a land filled with many false gods. “And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might” (Deuteronomy 6:5). They had previously been warned again to not worship those false gods (see Deuteronomy 4:14-31). After remembering this, read what else they were to do. “And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up” (Deuteronomy 6:7). First, these words of God must be in the parents’ hearts. It would be then that they would be able to teach their children when they sit or when they walk. It is important to teach children the principles found in God’s Word in everyday life situations when they occur. In the morning when they wake, ready to start a new day, with questions in their hearts and minds. As they get ready for bed, and have had challenging circumstances from the day. The Bible says for parents to teach their children the things of God diligently! We can clearly read in these verses the importance of a parent teaching their child the ways of God – to “love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” Take note that teaching children the ways of God is important!!

      Joshua led the people after Moses died. Joshua had learned much about the importance of loving the Lord and obeying His commands. At the end of his life, before he died, Joshua left a word that has been remembered throughout the ages: “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; … but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15). He understood the importance not only of knowing to love and obey the Lord himself, but to teach these things to his children. The whole family, together, would serve the Lord. By teaching this to children, they would know how to live a life pleasing to God in this world. If you read the book of Judges, the book that immediately follows this statement by Joshua, you learn what kind of a nation they became. All because the people forgot God and failed to teach God’s commandments to their children. This is to be a warning to us today!

      Remember also that King David shared things of God with his son, Solomon to prepare him to become king. King David understood the importance of teaching his son to walk in God’s ways and obey God’s commands (see 1 Kings 2:1-4).

      This was Old Testament. Does it apply to the New Testament as well?

      When Jesus was asked what the great commandment in the Law was, remember what Jesus said. “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind” (Matthew 22:37). Jesus was quoting Deuteronomy. “And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” (Deuteronomy 6:5). If they loved God with all of their heart, soul and might, their obedience would reveal that love of God. The Pharisees and Sadducees were supposed to know and do this. Even the religious leaders could not refute this simple answer. Yet they did not understand. They did not believe Jesus.

       “1. Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. 2. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. 3. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous” (1 John 5:1-3).

      It is still important to obey God’s commands that are found in the Bible. When reading Romans chapter 7, one can understand the importance of obeying not necessarily the letter of “The Law” but the spirit of the Law. “What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet” (Romans 7:7).

      Have you taken the time to teach your children to love God and to walk in His ways?

    3. Mercy, Grace, Faith, and Love

      “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.”
      1 Timothy 1:15

      Paul wrote to Timothy, who was a leader at the church in Ephesus, giving him instructions and warnings. Some people had already begun not only to turn from God’s Word, but were leading others away from God’s Word as well. Those people were talking foolishly, babbling (called “vain jangling”), and yet they wanted to be teachers of God’s Law (see 1 Timothy 1:6-7). They had no idea what God’s Law was, what it meant, or what they really believed themselves. Paul warned that it was wrong to let people such as this become teachers. Because they did not know or understand God’s Law, they could not possibly convey the importance of why God had given the Law. “8. But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; 9. Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, 10. … and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; 11. According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust” (1 Timothy 1:8-11). We are to understand that the Law was given to reveal the sin in mankind so that they could recognize the glorious Gospel message (see Romans 3:20). Gospel means “the Gospel plan of salvation, its doctrines, declarations, precepts, promises; the Gospel of God of which God is the Author through Christ.” People who did not understand that God’s Law was given to reveal sin, thereby making known the need for salvation, could not be trusted as teachers of something they not only did not understand, but also had not experienced for themselves. These people have not received the gift of salvation offered, by grace, which frees one from the confines of the Law.  

      Paul never forgot from whence he had come. He understood and remembered that he was a sinful man whose sin was revealed by that Law. He was thankful that he had been forgiven and placed into the ministry of proclaiming the Gospel message. “12. And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; 13. Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 1:12-14). Just because one breaks God’s Law does not mean they will be condemned. Paul had once done it “ignorantly in unbelief.” Understand what he recognized.

      • Paul understood that he had obtained mercy. “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us” (Ephesians 2:4).
      • He recognized the abundant grace that God bestowed upon him. “That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:7).
      • God then extended the gift of faith, which must be received. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8).
      • Finally, Paul understood the love with which God loved him. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

      Read what Paul then understood: “15. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 16. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting” (1 Timothy 1:15-16). There was a specific time in Paul’s life when he recognized that Jesus had come “to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” Note that Paul recognized that he was a sinner, but that he had obtained mercy from Jesus. After Paul received the gift of salvation by faith, he then understood that he was to be a “pattern.” Pattern means “a pattern or example.” Paul believed that if Jesus could save him, a chief sinner (remember he was complicit with murder; see Acts 7:58), Jesus could save anyone who would believe in Him by faith. It is this kind of person who can be entrusted to teach God’s Word. Teachers of God’s Word must remember they have been entrusted with the truth of the Gospel message. The salvation message cannot change. “10. Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead. … 12. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” Acts 4:10, 12).  

      Has your life become a pattern, revealing the mercy, grace, faith, and love bestowed upon you through salvation by Jesus?

    4. The True Gospel Message

      “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.”
      Galatians 1:8

      Apostle Paul, the great missionary had not given his life to please men (see Galatians 1:10-12). He was not teaching a “feel good” doctrine, or a comfortable non-confrontational Gospel. Paul had given his life to be the “servant of Christ.” In that, he could only faithfully teach the truth of the Gospel message that salvation is only by faith in Jesus. He then presented his case (see Galatians 1:10-24).

      Paul understood the Law of Moses for he had been trained in that Law; taught to obey that Law. Because of Paul’s belief in that Old Testament Law, when he heard of the growing church of God, he persecuted it – believing it to be wrong. He even excelled in his position within that religious system. But then Jesus called upon Paul’s heart, and by His grace, Paul was saved. Although Paul knew and understood the Old Testament, when Jesus called upon his heart, he recognized that there was more for him to learn – something he had missed. He had not recognized that the Law and all of the Old Testament pointed to Jesus. He understood something very important. “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). He understood that obeying the Law could not save him. Only faith in Jesus could save him. He believed in Jesus and became a new person.

      Paul defended that life-changing Gospel to the Churches at Galatia (which he had planted as a missionary). Paul wrote to them when he heard that they had forgotten that salvation is by faith. Instead, the people had become legalistic – placing themselves back into obedience of the Old Testament Law. Paul was shocked. “6. I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7. Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:6-8). Paul revealed that some teachers, those who had come in and taught them, had perverted the Gospel of Christ. Pervert means “in a bad sense, to turn into something else; to change for the worse.” It was not another gospel; it was completely false – for they had changed the Gospel message. The Gospel message can be presented in different ways, but the basis can never be changed, or altered. Paul warned that if anyone preached something other than Jesus saves by grace, they were to “let him be accursed.” Accursed means “given up to the curse and destruction; not punishment intended as discipline, but given over to divine condemnation (declared guilty and doomed to punishment).”  

      Paul continued, in his frustration, over their quick reception of wrong teaching from a false teacher. Read what had happened. “And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage” (Galatians 2:4). False brethren means “those who had outwardly become members of the church, sharing in fellowship, but inwardly they were not Christians, having no right to be counted as brothers – for they were missing the kinship of spiritual life.” These “false brethren” had come into the church. They had brought in doctrines that were intended to destroy the Gospel message along with those who preached the Gospel truth. Those false teachers entered into the church spreading legalism (obeying the Law), opposing the freedom from the confines of the Law that Jesus brought.

      But does that mean the Law is unnecessary? Remember the purpose of the Law: “19. … all the world may become guilty before God. 20. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin” (Romans 3:19b-20). The Law came to reveal sin, not to save man from sin. “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified” (Galatians 2:16). Man can only be saved by faith in Jesus who fulfilled the Law, purchasing man’s freedom from the confines of the law. Paul reminded them of this freedom. Remember what Paul wrote in Romans about Jesus delivering Christians from the Law. “But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter” (Romans 7:6). Christians are to live a new life in newness of spirit – not the confines of the Law. Paul emphasized that because we have God’s Spirit, we are to live our lives unto God.

      Have you believed the true Gospel message of Jesus through faith, and that it is not of works?

      How to be Saved

    5. Knowledge of Sin

      “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.”
      Romans 3:20

      When we think of the first man Adam, we remember that it was by him that sin entered into the world. However, immediately after that sin came a promise from God – He would send one to deliver mankind from that sin. “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel” (Genesis 3:15). From that point forward, mankind waited for God to send the Promised One; and from then on, mankind recognized the separation from God. 

      Just as sin entered into the world by one man, Adam, also because of that sin came death. “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned” (Romans 5:12). We understand as we read the Bible that God revealed mankind’s sin to them through the centuries, by His Law. “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin” (Romans 3:20). In having this Law, people could understand just how sinful they were, and just how far from God they had become. Instead of living by faith – looking for the Promised One, the people tried to obey that Law – but failed. “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all” (James 2:10).

      We also understand after reading Romans 3:20, that no man can be justified by that Law. However, this was not revealed without the assurance that God sent One who could deliver mankind from sin and death. (Death is a result of the initial disobedience of man.) “19. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. 20. Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: 21. That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 5:19-21). This helps us understand that the purpose of the Law given by Moses is to reveal mankind’s sin. We can then understand that God never intended for mankind to live perfectly under the Law, for it is impossible. However, the intent of that Law is to reveal to mankind their need for grace – only provided by the Savior, Jesus (that One promised from Genesis 3:15). “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ” (John 1:17). It is then we can begin to understand the grace that Jesus offers. Grace is something offered that no one deserves.

      To help one understand the fulfillment of Genesis 3:15 better, read the following: “14. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15. And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. … 17. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people” (Hebrews 2:14-17). When Jesus came, lived a sinless human life, died upon the cross, and rose from the dead, he defeated the devil and death – allowing Him to be able to reconcile people to God once and for all.

      When Jesus came, He fulfilled every letter of the Law. This is something that no man had ever done, or ever will do. In that fulfillment, he took upon himself the curse of the Law for us (because we are cursed for not fulfilling it). See what he accomplished by doing this. “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree” (Galatians 3:13). (Compare that with Deuteronomy 21:22-23.) All one has to do is believe, by faith, that Christ took that curse for us.

      We must understand that the Law was only given to reveal mankind’s sin. The Law cannot save anyone. One must have faith in Jesus. Throughout the Old Testament, we can read of the failure of mankind because they were unable to fully obey the Law. In the New Testament, we see that through Jesus, He not only fulfilled that Law, but also died so that we could have eternal life. If only one would believe. Just as through Adam, all will die, through Jesus, all can live. “21. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive …” (1 Corinthians 15:21-22).

      Have you come to the knowledge that you are a sinner, needing salvation that only comes by faith in Jesus?

      How to be Saved

    6. Follow Me

      “And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
      Matthew 4:19

      Have events ever transpired that left you uncertain of the future? Did you wonder what would happen next? Were you unsure of where to go or what to do? Often times, one will just go through the motions of everyday life, not sure what else to do.

      Many of the disciples were fishermen when Jesus called them to follow Him. While Peter, Andrew, James and John were fishing (Matthew 4:18-22), Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee and called them to follow Him. “And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). To remember the full circumstances, reread Luke 5:4-11. They had been fishing all night and caught nothing. Jesus asked Peter to push his boat out so Jesus could teach the people. When He finished, Jesus told Peter to “Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught” (Luke 5:4b). When Peter obeyed, he caught so many fish that his net was breaking! He called for the men in the other boat to come help him bring them into the boat. The fish filled both boats. It was then that Jesus called them to leave fishing and follow Him. And they did!

      Three years later, Jesus was crucified.

      Immediately after Jesus died on the cross and was buried, the disciples must have felt much uncertainty. They may have also been in fear for their lives because they were followers of Jesus. Three days after Jesus was put into the tomb, some women approached and saw that the tomb was empty. Angels told them that Jesus was alive, and to go tell His disciples. The women went and told the eleven disciples. Jesus appeared first to Mary Magdalene. She went and told the disciples that she had seen Jesus. He then appeared to the other women who had gone to the tomb. Remember the guards were paid to spread the rumor that Jesus’ disciples had stolen His body. At this time, we can understand most people did not know what to believe.

      Jesus appeared to the disciples in a room where the doors were shut, but one disciple was missing. They could not believe their eyes. Jesus was standing before them – alive! Jesus explained to His disciples what He had done. “44. And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. 45. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures” (Luke 24:44-45). Jesus taught the disciples about Himself from the Old Testament: the Law, the Psalms and the Prophets. Keep in mind that throughout the Old Testament the promise of Jesus was given, and why He was to come. Now they understood what Jesus had been telling them. Jesus then revealed the plans He had for them. And the missing disciple (Thomas)? Jesus appeared again – just for Him.

      Before we go any further, remember something Jesus told them on that night He was arrested. “But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.” (Matthew 26:32). Jesus had appeared to them twice now. However, Jesus promised them that after He had risen again, He would go before them into Galilee. What were they to do? Having remembered this, it would only make sense that when the disciples heard that Jesus was alive, they would go to Galilee. It would be important for them to act upon the words that Jesus gave to them.

      When Peter said he would go fishing, the others went with him. They knew how to fish. The disciples fished all night and caught nothing. When a man (Jesus) on the shore told them to cast on the other side, they caught a lot of fish. It was then that they recognized Jesus. As soon as Jesus was recognized, Peter jumped into the sea to swim to shore. Recognize the blessing those who were fishing together on that day received! They saw Jesus alive, again. Jesus once again went to the Sea of Galilee to see them – just as He had told them He would. Before this day ended, Jesus called Peter, again, to “Follow me” (John 21:19b). Once again, they were reminded to continue with the same mission – to follow Jesus.

      Jesus often meets with His people as they are about every day life activities – especially when they are where they supposed to be. It is then that one can be encouraged through the turmoil of life’s events and remember to “Follow Jesus!”

      Do you remember to follow Jesus, no matter what uncertain circumstances come into your life?