The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: Moses

  • The Life After

    “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.”

    1 Corinthians 13:12

    Some of the great questions of all time deal with what happens after one dies. The Bible, of course, has many clues for us if we will just take the time to read them. The Old Testament saints understood there is a life after death. They often referred to being gathered unto their people and fathers in death (see (Genesis 25:8; 35:29; 49:33; and many more). Consider one event that may help us. It is recorded in three of the four Gospels: The Transfiguration.

    Jesus took Peter, James, and John up into a mountain to pray. “And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering” (Luke 9:29). As Jesus prayed, he was “transfigured” before them (see Matthew 17:2). “30. And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias: 31. Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem” (Luke 9:30-31). Moses and Elias (Elijah) were there talking with Jesus about His decease. This word decease means “exit; exodus; (figuratively) death.” Moses and Elijah were speaking to Jesus of the death He was about to accomplish – which is why Jesus came to earth as a man (see Romans 5:8-10; Hebrews 2:14-15; 1 Peter 3:18). Peter, James, and John had fallen asleep. However, when they awoke, they saw Jesus in His glory along with Moses and Elijah.(see Luke 9:32-33).

    Consider the many things that this brief meeting tells us. First, we can understand that there is life after death – for Moses and Elijah had died hundreds of years earlier! More than that, the disciples recognized who they were. Moses and Elijah were known by their personalities (for there was no way they knew what they looked like. There were no pictures of them!). Moses and Elijah are both well known in their character and deeds in the Old Testament. Also note: they were two men. They were still human beings. They had not turned into angels with wings. Remember that Jesus, after His resurrection, was in human form. “Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have” (Luke 24:39). Moses and Elijah had bodies much like we will have one day. 1 Corinthians chapter 15 tells us much about this. Especially see the following: “It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body” (1 Corinthians 15:44).

    Moses and Elijah were standing there having a conversation with Jesus. This tells us that they were not in any kind of a “soul-sleep”. They were quite conscious in their conversation! They were having a time of fellowship with Jesus, speaking of his pending death that they knew was about to take place. What Moses and Elijah had spoken of while they lived on this earth was only a foretelling of what Jesus was about to complete. “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” (John 3:17). Those who put their trust in Jesus will have eternal life. It is the choice of each individual person. “18. 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. 19. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil” (John 3:18-19). Jesus came to save anyone who would believe. However, those who do not believe upon Jesus will have God’s eternal wrath upon them – forever (see John 3:36). This is the second death (see Revelation 21:8).

    We can recognize that Jesus had told His disciples about His pending death shortly before He took them up that mountain. “Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day” (Luke 9:22). However, it seems as if they did not comprehend what it was that Jesus was telling them. It is good to know, that Jesus was able to have a conversation with Moses and Elijah about His pending death. They knew and understood what was about to take place. That is another encouraging insight into the after-life – we will know and understand things that we do not here in this life. “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known” (1 Corinthians 13:12).

    Have you rejected Jesus in this life, only waiting for the eternal wrath of God, the second death?

    Or

    Have you trusted in Jesus in this life, understanding that one day you will know Him even as you are known – for eternity?

    Find out how to trust in Jesus with your life.

  • 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?

  • 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?

  • Joshua

    “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”

    Joshua 1:9

    Joshua was born a slave in Egypt. He saw the mighty works of God revealed in the ten plagues, providing the exit of the Israelite people out of bondage. Joshua saw the parting of the Red Sea for God’s people, and the destruction of the Egyptian army. About two months later, Moses called upon Joshua to lead an army against the Amalekites. In this battle, as long as Moses’ arms were held high in the air, Joshua was able to lead the people in winning that battle until the enemy was defeated (see Exodus 17:8-16). “And the LORD said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven” (Exodus 17:14). God wanted Moses to write this victory down and remind Joshua. Have you considered that this was done so that Joshua would remember this as he prepared for the battles in the Promised Land?

    Joshua was called Moses’ minister (a servant). “And Moses rose up, and his minister Joshua: and Moses went up into the mount of God” (Exodus 24:13). This is the time-frame when God gave Moses the “tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written” (see Exodus 24:12). Joshua was with Moses when Moses came down from the mount and saw the golden calf (see Exodus 32:17).

    While the Israelites traveled through the wilderness, Moses set up a special tent where he met with God (before the Tabernacle was built. See Exodus 33:7-11). Joshua stayed in that tent. “And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle” (Exodus 33:11).

    Most people remember that Joshua was one of the twelve spies sent to spy out the Promised Land. Only he and Caleb believed God (see Numbers 15). Joshua was not afraid to stand up with Moses and Caleb against the 10 spies, the majority. Joshua and Caleb revealed that they believed God was greater than the difficulties ahead, and God would defeat the enemies for them. However, because the people listened to the ten spies, God declared they would wander in that wilderness for forty years until that generation died. All died in the wilderness except for Joshua and Caleb, two who believed God. Even with the delay of 40 years to enter the Promised Land, Joshua stayed with Moses. For those 40 years in the wilderness, Joshua and Caleb watched as the older generation died off, but each day brought them closer to the Promised Land.

    Looking back upon Joshua’s life, notice something. Throughout the wanderings, God was preparing Joshua to be the successor to Moses. Remember the defeat of Og, king of Bashan where Moses encouraged Joshua to not be afraid of his enemies (see Deuteronomy 3:21-28 and Numbers 21:33-35). “21. And I commanded Joshua at that time, saying, Thine eyes have seen all that the LORD your God hath done unto these two kings: so shall the LORD do unto all the kingdoms whither thou passest. 22. Ye shall not fear them: for the LORD your God he shall fight for you” (Deuteronomy 3:21-22).

    Before Moses died, he revealed God had chosen Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land (the land of Cannan). “7. And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people unto the land which the LORD hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it. 8. And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed” (Deuteronomy 31:7-8). God would be with Joshua.

    When Moses died and Joshua became the leader of God’s people, God encouraged Joshua. “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest” (Joshua 1:9).

    Looking back at Joshua’s life, God had been preparing him for many years for the task at hand.

    First, Joshua had to obey God. We read no hesitation on his part. Even more encouraging is that he completed what God asked him to do. “As the LORD commanded Moses his servant, so did Moses command Joshua, and so did Joshua; he left nothing undone of all that the LORD commanded Moses” (Joshua 11:15). See also: “So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD said unto Moses; and Joshua gave it for an inheritance unto Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land rested from war” (Joshua 11:23).

    Remember how Joshua felt at the end of his life. “14. Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD. 15. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:14-15).  

    Have you considered the things God has placed in your live to prepare you for what He has planned for you?

  • 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?

  • The End from the Beginning

    “Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:”

    Isaiah 46:10

    Have you ever considered the fact that God knows all things, even the things that have not happened yet? As you read your Bible, do you ever notice instances such as these? Sometimes it is just fun to dig into God’s Word and chase down some verses to see where they take you. Often times one will be amazed at the omniscience of God. Consider the following quick run through a certain family line.

    Isaac Rebecca had twin boys, Esau and Jacob. Jacob chose to follow God, and Esau chose to become a profane person (Hebrews 12:15-17). Esau’s descendants became the enemies of God’s people (who were the descendants of Jacob). They had many conflicts through the years. Check out just one of these descendants, Amalek, Esau’s grandson and his lineage.

    Moses had led God’s people out of Egypt, and a people came against them. “Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim” (Exodus 17:8). Joshua led the people to a great victory, while Aaron and Hur held up the arms of Moses (see Exodus 17:8-16). Moses understood that they would have war with Amalek (the Amalekites) from generation to generation.

    When Moses sent twelve spies into Canaan land to bring back a report, we learn that the Amalekites lived in the land of the south (Numbers 13:29). When the spies returned, ten did not believe God would allow them to conquer the land while two, Joshua and Caleb, declared they should go and posses it because they believed God (see Numbers 13:1-33). The people listened to the ten who said they should not go (Numbers 14:1-39). Because they did not like the response of God for their disobedience, they decided to go and try to take the land of Canaan – without the Lord (see Numbers 14:40-45). It was then that the Amalekites and Canaanites defeated God’s people.

    When Moses was preparing the new generation to enter into the Promised Land (the land of Canaan), he gave many instructions. Read one of the following: “17. Remember what Amalek did unto thee by the way, when ye were come forth out of Egypt; 18. How he met thee by the way, and smote the hindmost of thee, even all that were feeble behind thee, when thou wast faint and weary; and he feared not God. 19. Therefore it shall be, when the LORD thy God hath given thee rest from all thine enemies round about, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance to possess it, that thou shalt blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven; thou shalt not forget it” (Deuteronomy 25:17-19). However, there is no mention of eliminating the people of Amalek found in the book of Joshua.

    If you remember, because they did not eliminate the enemies of Canaan land, they then became a thorn in the side of God’s people. God’s people would forget Him, God would allow the enemy to oppress His people, the people would cry out to God, and God would send a deliverer. We can read that the Amalekites were one of their enemies (see Judges 3:12-13). One of the most famous encounters in the book of Judges is when the people of Amalek joined the Moabites and went up against the Israelites when God rose up Gideon to be their judge (see Judges 6-7). We read that God allowed Gideon to defeat them with only 300 men. However, God delivered His people from the Amalekites other times in the book of Judges (see Judges 10:11-12).

    Years later, when Saul was king, God wanted the Amalekites destroyed. “2. Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I remember that which Amalek did to Israel, how he laid wait for him in the way, when he came up from Egypt. 3. Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have …” (1 Samuel 15:2-3). God even told them why He wanted them destroyed. You may remember that Saul kept the king, Agag, alive with some of the oxen and sheep. When Samuel asked King Saul about it, Saul declared he had obeyed God. Nevertheless, because he had not, God removed the kingdom from Saul. Samuel did what King Saul had refused to do: kill King Agag. A few years later, David fought the Amalekites (see 1 Samuel 27:8). The Amalekites invaded and stole the wives of David and his men (see 1 Samuel 30:1-20). David again defeated them. Not much else is mentioned about the Amalekites. However, one may notice that something interesting happens. We meet someone who is an Agagite.

    Most people remember the events of Esther. The enemy of the Israelite people (the Jews) is Haman. “And the king took his ring from his hand, and gave it unto Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the Jews’ enemy” (Esther 3:10). Notice he is the Agagite. He was most likely a descendant of Amalekite kings (remember King Agag that Saul was to kill). Haman plotted to annihilate the Jewish people. Because of Queen Esther’s obedience and bravery, she was able to save her people. Moreover, Haman the Agagite (and his ten sons) was hanged. We do not read of the Amalekites or the Agagites coming against God’s people again. Does this help you understand why God repeatedly told His people to “blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven” (Deuteronomy 25:19)?

    Do you believe that God knows the end from the beginning? “Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure” (Isaiah 46:10).

    Do you recognize God has a plan because He knows all?Have you chosen to do what God has planned for your life, much as Esther obeyed God’s plan?

  • 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/

  • Gain Patience and Never Waver

    “But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”
    James 1:4

    Believers are those who chose to trust in Jesus by faith. In the book of James, we learn what must be done next. “2. My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3. Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience” (James 1:2-3). Temptations in this verse are not quite what we may think they are.  

    • Temptations means “trials; a state of trial in which God brings His people through adversity and affliction in order to encourage and prove their faith and confidence in Him.” 
    • Trying means “approved; tried; the means of proving; a criterion or test by which anything is proved or tried; as in faith by afflictions.” 
    • Worketh means “to work out; bring about; accomplish; to carry out a task until it is finished; to effect; to produce.” 

    It is hard to think of trying times as being considered joyful. Nevertheless, James wrote to encourage Christians to understand that now that they had faith in Jesus, that faith must be tried: put to the test. Once that faith is put to the test having been proved, that Christian will gain, or have, patience. Patience means “endurance; perseverance or constancy under suffering in faith and duty.” This patience refers to the quality that does not surrender to circumstances or succumb to trials. How many times have we learned that we are to “stand fast”? “Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle” (2 Thessalonians 2:15). (See also: 1 Corinthians 16:13; Galatians 5:1; Philippians 1:27; Philippians 4:1; 1Thessalonians 3:8; etc.) Patience is to be associated with hope (“Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father” 1 Thessalonians 1:3). Christians are encouraged to understand that with faith comes trying times – but Christians are to persevere, consistently, with patience by standing fast. See what patience gives Believers. “But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” (James 1:4). Consider these times of trying as building character so that God can use that Christian for Him!

    One cannot help but think of Moses. He was forty years old when he went out to try to help his people in Egypt who had become slaves. He ended up killing an Egyptian who was smiting a Hebrew (see Exodus 3:11-15). After Moses slew that Egyptian, he buried him in the sand. When Pharaoh heard, he wanted to kill Moses. So, Moses fled to Midian. It was forty years later when God called Moses out of the burning bush (that did not burn) to go back to Egypt to deliver God’s people the right way (see Exodus chapter 3). Moses was eighty years old when he went to face Pharaoh to deliver God’s people from slavery. Yet God was able to use Moses. 

    James helped Christians understand what to do when they were faced with those trying times. “5. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 6. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed” (James 1:5-6). Wisdom means “in respect to divine things: deep knowledge; natural and moral insight; represented as a divine gift, and including the idea of practical application.” If a Christian does not know how to live right, or what to do in a specific situation, all one must do is to ask God – for He will show Christians how to live and what to do through His Word, the Bible. However, one must remember that after asking God for wisdom in a situation, and then He tells that one what to do (according to God’s Word), it should be done: “nothing wavering.” Wavering means “to separate oneself from; to contend with; to be in strife with oneself; to doubt; hesitate; waver.” Do not change your mind, or talk yourself out of doing what is right. Even when something does not seem easy to do, a Christian’s life should not be lived as a ship on a stormy sea – tossed about from highs to lows. Instead, as we have learned, a Christian is to stand fast, “nothing wavering,” faithful. When one continually shifts from high to low, understand the following: that one cannot expect God to answer their prayer. “For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord” (James 1:7). Read the following warning of a life lived like that. “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways” (James 1:8). Double minded means “doubtful; a person who suffers from divided loyalties – such as one who wishes to maintain a religious confession, desiring the presence of God in his life, but on the other hand, he loves the ways of the world and prefers to live according to its mores and ethics.” When a Christian constantly wavers, or is “double minded,” never fully committing to the Christian life, they will be unstable in everything. We are not to love the ways of the world. We are to follow Christ and His Word.

    Have you chosen to endure trials, gaining patience, enabling you to live a life that does not waver so God can use you?

  • Do not Disregard

    “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him.”
    Hebrews 2:3

    Because of what Jesus did, Christians are to remember the following. “Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip” (Hebrews 2:1). Give the more earnest heed means “to apply one’s mind to something; attend to that person or thing spoken of.” As Christians, who hear of the things of Christ, it is imperative that the things taught are implemented in one’s life “lest at any time we should let them slip.” Lest at any time we should let them slip means “to be cautious in allowing something to slip away, suggesting a gradual and almost unnoticed movement past a certain point; to move stealthily as a thief; to glide away; to swerve or deviate from something, i.e.: truth, law, precepts, to transgress, to disobey: lest we drift away from that which we have heard.” This is a warning not to depart from the foundational teachings of what Jesus did for Christians. Be careful that you do not disregard God’s Salvation given by the life of His Son, Jesus.

    “For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward” (Hebrews 2:2). The angels in the Old Testament that are referred to in this verse are the messengers of God who delivered His Word to the people. Moses was one who gave them the Ten Commandments that came from God. Do you remember the fourth commandment? “8. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: 10. But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work …” (Exodus 20:8-10a). They were told to not do any work on the Sabbath day. However, we find an instance when one gathered sticks on the Sabbath day. “32. And while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man that gathered sticks upon the sabbath day. 33. And they that found him gathering sticks brought him unto Moses and Aaron, and unto all the congregation. 34. And they put him in ward, because it was not declared what should be done to him. 35. And the LORD said unto Moses, The man shall be surely put to death: all the congregation shall stone him with stones without the camp. 36. And all the congregation brought him without the camp, and stoned him with stones, and he died; as the LORD commanded Moses” (Numbers 15:32-36). Judgment was swift. The man who willingly broke God’s Law was put to death. This event is to put us in mind as to what Hebrews 2:2 is speaking: “every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward.” (See also Hebrews 10:26-28.) In the Old Testament, “just recompense” was often swift and severe. However, we never hear again in the Scriptures of another person gathering sticks on the Sabbath. I believe all remembered that event and learned something important.

    Having that event in mind, read the following verse: “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him” (Hebrews 2:3). Many people heard Jesus speak of this salvation, and it was confirmed by many witnesses who recorded this in the Bible (“first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him”). What is this salvation? Read the three following verses to help in the understanding.

    • “But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name” (John 20:31).
    •  “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:10).
    • “But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel” (2 Timothy 1:10).

    Because of what Jesus did upon the cross, one can receive salvation. However, it must not be neglected. If we neglect means “to be careless of; make light of, neglect, be negligent, not regard.” It is sometimes easy for Christians who are living here on earth to forget that they belong to Jesus and are to obey His Word instead of compromising to the world’s ways. After understanding the previous verses, Christians are to recognize the importance of not “neglecting” the salvation we have received, purchased with the death of Christ on the cross. With this knowledge, we are to realize the importance of appropriating the faith of Christ in our hearts into the actuality of our lives. All of the world needs to see and understand by a Christian’s lifestyle just what has happened in that heart. A Christian is to live so like Christ that anyone who sees wants what that Christian has: Salvation only by faith in Jesus.

    Have you disregarded the “so great salvation” of God?

    Or

    Have you appropriated your faith in Jesus into the actuality of your life?

    How to be Saved

  • Stephen

    “And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.”
    Acts 6:8

    In the early church, the new Believers were encouraged to continue, “stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). However, soon there were thousands of new Believers, and they chose men to help in the ministry of the church. Once they chose these men to be ministers, see what we read. “And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith” (Acts 6:7). God blessed, and more people were saved. 

    Stephen was one of the seven men chosen who stood out in his service to God. “And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people” (Acts 6:8). Recognize that when God begins to work, Satan likes to stir trouble. “Then there arose certain of the synagogue … disputing with Stephen” (Acts 6:9). The religious leaders began to argue with Stephen. Understand something important. “And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake” (Acts 6:10). Consider what Jesus had taught his followers. “For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist” (Luke 21:15). Gainsay means “contradict.”  They may not have received the truths that Stephen taught about faith in Jesus, but they could not refute those truths either.

    Because the religious leaders did not like what Stephen was doing, or what he was saying, read the following to understand what they did next. “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 not only stirred up all of the people, but they set up false witnesses, erroneously accusing Stephen. These men brought Stephen before the council and accused him of speaking against the Temple and the Law of Moses (see Acts 6:12-13).

    When that happened, Stephen preached the Gospel message to them, which in essence, was a fulfillment, or completion, of the Law of Moses. He explained to them from the Old Testament Scriptures, in a review of their history, a bold defense of the Christian faith. He offered to the religious leaders a Biblical theology in his examination of the Old Testament in light of Jesus’ coming. In his remembrance, he made it a point to remind them that throughout their history, there was never a time that the entire nation worshiped God – but there was always a remnant of true Believers.

    Stephen began with Abraham, a true man of faith! For when God told him to leave his family and walk with God, Abraham followed God’s Word. When God told Abraham He would bring forth a great nation from him (even though he was old and childless), Abraham believed God. God proceeded to give Abraham a son, Isaac, who fathered the sons who became the twelve tribes of Israel.

    Stephen reminded them of Joseph (who was initially rejected by his brothers), and Moses (who was initially rejected by his people). Even though both of these men were rejected at first, they were received as leaders the second time. It was then that they were able to save God’s people in that time in history.

    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.

    What was their response to Stephen’s presentation of Jesus? “When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth” (Acts 7:54). These religious leaders were “cut to the heart,” but instead of repenting and turning to Jesus (as we saw many people had done), they ran upon Stephen and bit him with their teeth. Notice that Stephen did not fight back, but looked up and saw into heaven. When Stephen declared that he saw Jesus, “Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord” (Acts 7:57). They put their hands over their ears and ran upon him, hostilely. They proceeded to stone Stephen. Yet Stephen had forgiven his enemies, and Jesus received him into heaven.

    These religious leaders, who had studied the Old Testament Scriptures, yet they had not kept the words recorded therein – for they rejected Jesus, the One of whom it was all written. Remember what Jesus replied to the High Priest before His death. “… Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven” (Matthew 26:64). Then, they will believe in Jesus.

    Have you believed upon Jesus whom the Old Testament history presents as our Saviour?

    How to be Saved