The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: Seek

  • He Leadeth Me

    “4. Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. 5. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.”

    Psalm 25:4-5

    Have you taken time to consider the importance of the words in the following hymn?

    He Leadeth Me: O Blessed Thought!

    Author: J. H. Gilmore (1862)

    1. He leadeth me: O blessed thought!
    O words with heavenly comfort fraught!
    Whate’er I do, where’er I be,
    Still ’tis God’s hand that leadeth me.

    Refrain:
    He leadeth me, he leadeth me;
    By his own hand he leadeth me:
    His faithful follower I would be,
    For by his hand he leadeth me.

    2. Sometimes mid scenes of deepest gloom,
    Sometimes where Eden’s flowers bloom,
    By waters calm, o’er troubled sea,
    Still ’tis God’s hand that leadeth me. Refrain

    Refrain:
    He leadeth me, he leadeth me;
    By his own hand he leadeth me:
    His faithful follower I would be,
    For by his hand he leadeth me.

    This hymn reminds Christians of the importance of allowing God to lead their lives with “heavenly” encouragement as we traverse this world. Consider: the creator of the universe is interested in leading each of us as his dear children, expecting us to follow Him. “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children” (Ephesians 5:1).

    Remember one of the most famous Psalms that David wrote to help us. “1. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever” (Psalm 23:1-6). When one will follow the Lord, He will lead. The Lord will provide a place to reside while providing one’s needs. Sometimes the path may be in the “scenes of deepest gloom”. Yet even in those times, we are to remember “thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me” (see Psalm 23:4). The Lord will lead. However, one must choose to follow. Each individual must seek the path that the Lord has for them. “4. Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. 5. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day” (Psalm 25:4-5). If we will ask, the Lord will lead. Not only will He lead, but He will teach as well. It is in those times that we become a faithful follower. Sometimes we must wait upon the Lord, and it is then we learn to be patient and trust in Him.

    If one will only entrust the path of his or her life to the Lord as The Shepherd, it would change the outcome of that earthly life. It would be a life that is pleasing to the Lord.

    Have you chosen to follow the Lord, seeking the path that He has for your life?

  • An Example to Follow

    “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”

    Proverbs 14:12

    Why do we not see a great revival in our day?

    There is a great revival recorded in the Bible (see 2 Kings 22 – 23:28 and 2 Chronicles 34-35).

    Notice what we see about young King Josiah 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: and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem from the high places, and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images” (2 Chronicles 34:3). While Josiah was yet young, he began to seek after God, and then he began to purge the land of the false gods and religious practices. Read what this entailed: “3. … he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem from the high places, and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images. 4. And they brake down the altars of Baalim in his presence; and the images, that were on high above them, he cut down; and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images, he brake in pieces, and made dust of them, and strowed it upon the graves of them that had sacrificed unto them. 5. And he burnt the bones of the priests upon their altars, and cleansed Judah and Jerusalem. 6. And so did he in the cities …” (2 Chronicles 34:3-6). Not only did he break the idols and groves down, but he also broke them in pieces “and made dust of them.” They were utterly destroyed. Especially recognize that those things had to be eliminated (purged from the land). This is very important because the land had to be purged before reformations could begin.

    While working on repairing the Temple, they found the book of the Law. Shaphan, the scribe, returned to the king and told him what the high priest had found. “… And Shaphan read it before the king” (2 Kings 22:10). What did the king do? “And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the book of the law, that he rent his clothes” (2 Kings 22:11). Read what King Josiah understood once he heard the words of the book of the Law, “… for great is the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this book, to do according unto all that which is written concerning us” (2 Kings 22:13b). The king recognized just how far from God the nation was living. He not only sought God, but he acknowledged the sin of this people and even their father’s before them. 

    King Josiah was a good king. Not only did he remove the wicked things from the land, but he also humbled himself before God when he heard the Law read. Although Josiah led one final revival in Judah, where the people sought God, they had forsaken God long enough that there was only room for discipline. God saw the people living in a continual state of wickedness. We can read of God’s longsuffering and extension of Judah’s kingdom because of King Josiah’s repentance and reforms (see 2 Kings 22:11-20). One thing significant thing we should understand is the importance of reading God’s Word. Once King Josiah heard God’s Word read, he understood and knew what God had expected from His people – and just how far they had fallen short.

    We should also recognize that that time of renewal was not enough – for as soon as King Josiah died, the people reverted back to their idolatrous practices. See one important thing that they had forgotten: “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12). When the people chose to do what they wanted over faithfully obeying God’s commands, they lost their kingdom, riches, land, and many people died (Babylon besieged them and took many captive).

    Now what should we learn from this example?

    It was good for Josiah to seek God early in his life. “I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me” (Proverbs 8:17). Just as Josiah removed and eliminated all of the old ways of their lives, utterly destroying them, understand what each person is to do once they have trusted in Christ: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Christians must remove all of the ways of their life before Christ and begin anew. It is very important to read the Bible. Reading God’s Word will bring that same repentance in our hearts and lives today. We too, must do as King Josiah did – depart from evil and do what is right.

    Until we go back and read God’s Word, recognizing just how far from God our nation has gone, we will never understand what must be done to correct our problems. There has been no such time of national repentance (as in the days of King Josiah) in many years. Instead, the wickedness has become engrained in our society. Because of this, we should expect God’s judgment to fall upon us at any time.

    Have you prayed that you would be faithful to read God’s Word learning to depart from evil and choose to do what is right?

  • Can One Know God?

    “But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.”
    Deuteronomy 4:29

    Not many people today were born into a Christian family. What does this mean? Most often, they do not understand or know God. How can one find God? How can one know God?

    In the life of King Hezekiah, we can read of a hope for someone whose family does not know of God or the things of God. King Hezekiah was the son of a terrible king of Judah, King Ahaz. King Ahaz had not only forsaken God, but he also worshiped idols – even sacrificing some of his sons to the false god Molech. Still through all of that, Hezekiah came to know God, and he pleased God in all that he did. When Hezekiah became king, he removed all of those high places where his father worshiped and even broke down all of those images the people worshiped. 

    How was Hezekiah able to come to know God, knowing the family into which he was born? Read the following verses: “But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul” (Deuteronomy 4:29). One has to seek God. Also read the following: “The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God” (Psalm 14:2). God knows when someone seeks after Him, for He is watching and waiting! Hezekiah opened the doors of the house of the Lord at the beginning of his reign (see 2 Chronicles 29:2). That was the place to begin. He then followed God’s Word.

    According to the following verses, we can understand that King Hezekiah took the time to seek God’s Word so he would know what God required to reestablish the relationship that had been severed. “22. And if ye have erred, and not observed all these commandments, which the LORD hath spoken unto Moses … 24. Then it shall be, if ought be committed by ignorance without the knowledge of the congregation, that all the congregation shall offer one young bullock for a burnt offering, for a sweet savour unto the LORD, … 25. And the priest shall make an atonement for all the congregation of the children of Israel, and it shall be forgiven them; for it is ignorance: … 26. And it shall be forgiven all the congregation of the children of Israel, and the stranger that sojourneth among them; seeing all the people were in ignorance” (Numbers 15:22-26). That was what God required in the Old Testament times, while the kings ruled. It is always important to know what God requires – and it is recorded in His Word. As we read the New Testament, Jesus came to set us free from the rigorous duties of the Law. “For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect” (Hebrews 10:1). See simply what Jesus did: “8. Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; 9. Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. 10. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all” (Hebrews 10:8-10). Jesus came to set us free from the continual sacrificial system of the Law.

    Read what God did for Hezekiah for seeking Him with all of his heart. “And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered” (2 Chronicles 31:21). Because King Hezekiah sought God, doing just what God’s Word required, he not only found God, but God was honored. God then caused King Hezekiah to prosper. God was then free to bless His people openly – revealing Himself to not only Judah, but also the nations around. King Hezekiah became one of the greatest kings of Judah.

    Anyone who seeks God can know God. However, what does it take to know God? “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). It takes faith. “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:26). One can know God only by faith in Christ Jesus.  

    King Hezekiah is a great example of one who can give us hope. A hope that when God is sought, He will hear – as long as one comes to Him with a repentant heart. God can forgive anyone who will ask. “8. But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation … For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:8-10, 13).

    Have you come to know God, understanding knowledge of God only comes by faith in Jesus?

    How to be Saved

  • Seek the Lord While He May be Found

    “6. Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 7. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.”
    Isaiah 55:6-7

    In the Old Testament, God’s people were primarily Israelites (Jews). There were rare exceptions when a Gentile left their people (and their false gods) to become one of God’s people who believed in the one true God (Ruth is an excellent example of this!). However, it was foretold that there would one day be a time when the invitation to join God’s family would become an open invitation to the Gentile people – until the time of the Gentiles is fulfilled. We live in those days. Moreover, it appears that those days may be coming to a close very soon. See the following verses: “25. For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. 26. And so all Israel shall be saved …” (Romans 11:25-26a). When God’s people rejected Jesus as their Messiah, declared vividly when Jesus was crucified, God began to close the door of salvation for the Jewish people “blindness in part is happened to Israel,” opening the door of salvation wide open for the Gentiles. The tables were turned: mainly Gentiles would be saved and few Jews during this time in history. However, soon the door will close for the Gentile nations, and God will open the door of salvation wide for the Jewish people. This is already beginning to happen.  

    A primary place this is told of is in the book of Isaiah. In Isaiah chapters 54-55, we see a picture of the restoration of Israel that would happen one day, and a calling of the Gentile people. “Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee” (Isaiah 55:5). The following verses are a great invitation. “6. Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 7. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon” (Isaiah 55:6-7). Notice the urgency in calling upon the Lord while He may be found. One cannot delay!

    Why do we need to turn to the Lord for forgiveness? “8. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. 10. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater” (Isaiah 55:8-10). What does this mean?

    When a person understands they are a sinner and that they need a Savior, they hear from someone about the Word of God (telling of Jesus’ atoning death), and that Word goes into the heart of a person much as a seed enters the soil. The watering of God’s Word causes the seed to bud. A person is then saved. It does not make sense to the average person (God’s ways are higher), but when they only believe, God can do His work! See what we understand just happened in that heart. “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11). When God’s Word is accomplished in the heart, that person is no longer a condemned sinner, but a new creature in Christ (see 2 Corinthians 5:17). How does one feel after they have asked Jesus into their heart? “For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands” (Isaiah 55:12).  The whole earth will rejoice!

    Have you allowed God’s Word into your heart, believing in Jesus?

    How to be Saved

  • Faith and Hope

    “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.”
    Romans 15:4

    Watching events in the world today, do you ever wonder why God allows some things to happen? Have you noticed the crime, injustices, wickedness, violence, strife, and so much more that happens continually? Does it seem like ungodliness is constantly in your face, yet there is nowhere to turn and hide from it? Believe it or not, this is nothing new. This has all happened before.

    Remember back for a minute to a small book in the Old Testament named after a prophet who had much of the same question for God. He asked God, “O LORD, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save!” (Habakkuk 1:2). He wanted to know why he could see so many living in such sin and wickedness, knowing that God was displeased, and why God was allowing it to continue without doing anything about it.

    God answered Habakkuk. “Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvellously: for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you” (Habakkuk 1:5). God proceeded to tell Habakkuk that He was about to do something so mighty that it would be hard to believe such a thing could happen. God’s people had been living contrary to God for so long, and they had chosen instead to involve themselves wholly in idolatry. Because of their rejection of God and His ways, God was going to allow the enemy to come into the country, steal a select group away, and destroy the rest of the people and nation. The enemy that was coming to destroy was a “terrible and dreadful” people. God was going to use this wicked people to come into Judah and destroy. However, because God knows the heart of all people, He knew whom he would allow to be spared from the wrath of His judgment upon His people. This group of people would be taken into the enemy’s land that was wholly given over to idolatry. Hearing this, Habakkuk was greatly trouble. He did not know or understand that in that place, this group of people would be cured of idolatry forever. It would be then that God would allow them to go back to their homeland and rebuild.

    When Habakkuk did not understand, he still waited to hear from God. Once again, God answered him. God wanted him to write it down for all to know and understand, because if God says something is going to happen, be assured it will happen! The greatest verse in this book, the verse that is the most instructive is found next. “Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith” (Habakkuk 2:4). No one who places faith in anyone or anything besides God is “upright” in God. Remember: “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12). The most important faith a person can have is the saving faith in Jesus. “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). Once one has the saving faith of Jesus, that person is able to “live by his faith.” “16. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth … 17. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:16-17). In the world, people think seeing is believing. God wants us to understand that believing is seeing.

    How did Habakkuk respond to this thought of living by his faith in God and His Word? The entirety of chapter three in Habakkuk is a prayer that turns into a song. Habakkuk remembered what God had done for His people in the past, and the hope God gave for the future. God had never left them. This comforted Habakkuk and gave him hope. “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4).

    Habakkuk put into practice what we should know to do: “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). When Habakkuk sought God, God answered and encouraged Habakkuk.

    Does God’s Word comfort you, encouraging you to live a life of faith in this world?

  • The Heart of the Matter

    “6. Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 7. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.”
    Isaiah 55:6-7

    Hezekiah was the greatest king Judah ever had (see 2 Kings 18:5). He was compared back to King David, the man after God’s own heart. Hezekiah made great reformations in Judah, eliminated idols and reinstated worship of the one true God. His heart was right before God. “And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered” (2 Chronicles 31:21). Hezekiah led the people to follow God.

    Hezekiah had a great sickness, and Isaiah told him that God said Hezekiah would die of that sickness. Hezekiah prayed. God healed. God did a great sign to show Hezekiah he would live. The Babylonians came when they heard Hezekiah was sick. He showed them all of the treasures of Judah. We can read that his heart was lifted up (2 Chronicles 32:25). He was prideful of all he had. He should have given God the credit for all of the treasures of Judah. He should have been a vocal witness to the Babylonians. “Howbeit in the business of the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent unto him to enquire of the wonder that was done in the land, God left him, to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart” (2 Chronicles 32:31). God knew what was in Hezekiah’s heart, but now all knew what was really in Hezekiah’s heart: Pride. “Notwithstanding Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the LORD came not upon them in the days of Hezekiah” (2 Chronicles 32:26). Hezekiah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem humbled themselves before the Lord, and God’s wrath was delayed.

    Hezekiah’s son, Manasseh, became the worst king Judah had. “But did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, like unto the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel” (2 Chronicles 33:2). One can read a listing of his wickedness in 2 Chronicles 33:3-9. One terrible thing he did was “to cause his children to pass through the fire,” which is child sacrifice. God went on to declare that Manasseh did worse than the heathen whom the Lord had removed before the children of Israel. God sent men to warn Manasseh and the people, but they would not listen. Isaiah was a prophet of God during Hezekiah’s reign and even into Manasseh’s reign. Read something recorded in Isaiah that we can still read today: “6. Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 7. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon” (Isaiah 55:6-7).

    Because of the wickedness of Manasseh, God allowed the enemy to take him captive into Babylon. “And when he was in affliction, he besought the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers” (2 Chronicles 33:12). While in Babylon, Manasseh sought the Lord and humbled himself before Him. After calling upon the Lord, Manasseh forsook his way, and turned unto the Lord. God heard his supplication and had mercy on this wicked king. God pardoned him, allowed him to return to Judah, and even sit upon the throne once again. “The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit” (Psalm 34:18).

    Manasseh proceeded to do much good: he reinforced the city, took away the strange gods, idols, and altars he built in the house of the Lord, and cast them out of the city. He repaired the altar of the Lord and commanded Judah to serve the Lord God of Israel. “Nevertheless the people did sacrifice still in the high places …” (2 Chronicles 33:17a). In Hezekiah’s day, the people humbled themselves before the Lord with Hezekiah. In Manasseh’s day, the people continued in their false worship even after Manasseh turned his heart to God. God’s wrath would come.  

    Remember, God sees the heart. “20. If we have forgotten the name of our God, or stretched out our hands to a strange god; 21. Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart” (Psalm 44:20-21).

    Do you understand God knows the secrets of the heart?

  • Be Not Deceived

    “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”
    Galatians 6:7

    If you read the history of Israel (the Northern Kingdom) in the Old Testament, keep in mind that none of the kings of Israel was considered good because they led Israel to sin against God. They had established a religion worshiping golden calves in Dan and Bethel, not the one true God. The Israelites sinned against God when they forsook Him and worshiped creatures (golden calves, Baal, etc.) like the nations around them. They also walked in the ways of the heathen (the wicked and idolatrous nations around) instead of walking in God’s Laws and statutes they had been taught. At any point in Israel’s history, the kings could have sought God (remember the prophets constantly preached for the people to seek God!). Instead, we read that they continued in the sin of Jeroboam I, who made Israel to sin. Read what is recorded in Proverbs that they should have known: “He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him” (Proverbs 11:27). Because they sought mischief, they got it. (Mischief means: “bad; wicked; evil; of inferior quality.”) Remember the turning point in the nation Israel, the point from which they did not return: when they refused to hear the Word of the Lord from the prophets of God. At any point, the kings of Israel could have remembered God’s laws and commandments, kept them, and encouraged the people to keep them. They lived the way they wanted instead of the way God taught them. Because of this, they were conquered, losing their kingdom. “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7).

    Since we are to learn from history, we must notice the progression of sin in the nation Israel. One of the best examples of this progression is in Psalm 1. First, one walks with sinners, then stops and talks with them, and finally sits with them. Desiring sin and walking with sinners begins with lust. Lust means “a strong desire; a longing; to satisfy carnal appetites.” Read what James 1:14–15 says, “14. But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” This is a great reminder to seek the things of God, not the things of this world. When we know what is right, we should do it. “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin” (James 4:17). If one is not sure, seek God. Remember Amos’ plea, “Seek the LORD, and ye shall live …” (Amos 5:6). We should never sin away our lives — as Israel did. For, “… There is a sin unto death …” (1 John 5:16).

    Notice that in the New Testament, Paul preached to people in the same condition. He warned that the wrath of God would fall upon those who knew the truth, but did not live it out in their lives: “18. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19. Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 21. Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23. And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25. Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen” (Romans 1:18–19, 21–25). Search your heart to see if you are guilty of knowing the way of righteousness, yet not living in the truth of it. This is an important question for each Christian to consider!

    Do you live out the truth of God’s Word in your life?

  • Do you Seek the Lord?

    “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?”
    Amos 3:3

    God sent a man named Amos to deliver an important message to the people of Israel. The people were living contrary to the Word of God, worshiping idols, and were practicing an empty religion. Amos asked them an important question: “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3). He proceeded to remind them of the sin in which they were walking that was contrary to God and His Word. He wanted the people to understand that they would not live in peace or prosperity when they chose to reject God’s Word and live in sin. Judgment that was coming was the result of the sin of the people. God told Amos what would happen, and Amos was faithful to warn the people. The condition of the people was getting worse and worse. The problem was the sin in the heart of man. That is the same problem in the world today.

    The people of Israel had been dealt with before because of sin. Nevertheless, they had returned to that sin. God wanted them to understand that there was a limit to His patience with them. Amos had a message for them. “Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken” (Amos 5:14). Sure, they had a religious practice, but they were not serving the one true God in that religious practice. Remember what Jesus called the religious rulers seven times in Matthew chapter 23. “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness” (Matthew 23:27). Jesus called them hypocrites! They looked like they belonged to God on the outside, yet their hearts were contrary to the teachings of God’s Word. Jesus saw their hearts – they were dead and unclean.

    How often do people today claim to be a Christian, yet their lifestyle is contrary to the Christian life recorded in the Bible? What is even worse, how often do people think they are a Christian, but God knows their heart is “full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.” God has left an invitation to any who would turn from evil and seek after Him. However, many have not. They hear the truth from the Bible, yet they do not receive the Gospel message of salvation. Moreover, many who say they receive that salvation continue to live in the same manner as before – contrary to the teachings found in the Bible. God sent Amos with a message for the people to “seek good, and not evil, that they may live.” It is to be the mission of the church, and all Christians, to make that invitation known. It is then left for them to choose to believe.

    Faith in Jesus must be real. See what Paul wrote: “I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness” (Romans 6:19). Faith is to be appropriated in the life of the one who claims to be a Christian. All who see one called a Christian must be able to see Christ in that life. Remember what James wrote. “19. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” (James 2:19-20). It isn’t enough just to believe, one must live out that faith, showing that Jesus is there. One may be able to put up good front or show here on earth, but understand that God can see the true heart. Remember that Jesus knew that the Pharisees appeared beautiful on the outside, but within they were full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.

    Remember what David told his son, Solomon, before Solomon became king: “… for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever” (1 Chronicles 28:9b).

    Do you seek Jesus?

    Can others see Jesus in your life every day?

    How to be Saved

  • Jesus, the Light of the World

    “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
    John 8:12

    Does the world seem like it is a very dark place anymore? There is so much unrest and wickedness in the world today, it feels as if there is little hope for a peaceful future. Much of the evil persists in the darkest of the day, under the cover of night. “The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble” (Proverbs 4:19). What is one to do?

    God knew the wickedness in the hearts of people. Remember: “2. The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. 3. They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one” (Psalm 14:2-3). What a sad state people came to be! Yet because God loved us, he sent His Son, Jesus. He gave Jesus to be the light to bring people out of that darkness. “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12). In the light, one can see. One can know where to go. Why is it so important to follow the Light, Jesus? “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 26:18).

    What an amazing thing Jesus is able to do:

    • turn one from darkness to light
    • turn one from the power of Satan unto God
    • give forgiveness of sins
    • give an inheritance by faith in Jesus

    Read how Jesus simply stated it: “I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness” (John 12:46). Who wouldn’t want to live in the light as opposed to living in darkness (where wickedness abounds)?

    So why is the world still in such darkness? “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 3:19). Some people just love darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil.

    What are those who choose Jesus, the Light, to do? First, remember from whence you came. If you give your heart and life to Jesus, you are no longer that person you once were. You are a new creature in Christ, so you no longer do the wickedness of the darkness. “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8).

    How can this world become a brighter, less dark place to live? We are to be a light in this world. We must tell more people about Jesus so that they can have the opportunity to turn from the darkness of sin to the Light of Jesus. “14. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).

    Do you walk in the light, showing others Jesus in your heart and life?

    How to be Saved

  • A New Creature

    “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

    Have you ever heard something that scared you? I mean really scared you?! What do you think of the following?  “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him” (John 3:36). Believing in Jesus, having eternal life sounds wonderful! But did you notice the second part of that verse? If one does not believe in Jesus, they won’t see life (won’t live with Him for eternity). However, the worst part is the final part of that verse. If one doesn’t believe in Jesus, the “wrath of God abideth on him.” What an awful thought!

    If that doesn’t scare you, try this one. “For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it” (Hebrews 4:2). There is so much more to believing in Jesus than just saying you believe in Jesus. Notice that in that verse it said the Gospel was preached (the Gospel message is that all are sinners and Jesus died on the cross to take away that sin). Did you also notice that the same Gospel that was preached did not profit some of them? What made the difference? In some of them, it was not “mixed with faith in them that heard.”

    One problem is that many say, and really think, that they believe in Jesus. However, one must really understand what that means. Hearing and saying one believes is not enough. The missing part is that it has to be mixed with faith when one hears. “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). The whole chapter of Hebrews 11 reveals people who pleased God because of the faith they had in them (the faith of the Gospel message). That faith was revealed in their lives. The people listed in that chapter had forsaken the old way of life (living according to the world) and had lived a new life pleasing God. This change is revealed in the following verse: “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). One who has the faith to be saved must completely forsake the old life in every way. That one can then live a new life in Christ.

    Have you believed the Gospel message having it mixed with faith?

    Are you a new creature living a new life in Christ?

    How to be Saved