The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: Walk

  • 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

  • How to be Blessed (Happy)

    “1. Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. 4. The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. 5. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 6. For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.”
    Psalm 1:1-6

    Who in this world doesn’t want to be blessed (happy)? The Bible clearly helps us understand how to be blessed. “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful” (Psalm 1:1). This should be rather simple to understand.

    • Do not walk in the counsel of the ungodly. (Do not walk with people who are morally wrong, following their advice.)
    • Do not stand in the way of sinners. (Do not stand, or make the course of your life, with sinners – those who choose to disregard God’s Word.)
    • Do not sit in the seat of the scornful. (To sit down and live, or dwell continually, with those who scoff or mock the things of God.)    

    One can notice that there is a progression. First, one walks with sinners. Most do not find this a big deal. However, then one stands with them and chooses to make them their “friends.” Finally, one sits down with them, dwelling continually with them, and they proceed to disregard, scoff and mock the things of God. It does not happen all at once. It takes time with most people. A little compromise here, a little compromise there, and before one knows what happens, one can be quite comfortable dwelling in this world and its system – far from God and His plan.

    Now that we have read what one is not to do, see what Psalm one tells one to do. “But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night” (Psalm 1:2). Read, know and live God’s Word – and enjoy it for it is important! When one does that, life is compared to a tree planted by a river that grows and thrives, producing fruit (see Psalm 1:3). Compare that picture with the following: “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: 11. 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 55:10-11). God’s Word lived out in one’s life makes all of the difference!

    Read the life of one who chooses to walk with the ungodly: “4. The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. 5. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous” (Psalm 1:4-5). The ungodly will be driven away and not allowed to stand or sit with the righteous.

    The finality is declared in the closing verse of Psalm one. “For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish” (Psalm 1:6). God knows those who belong to Him. The rest will perish (they will be like the worthless chaff that is driven away). Remember what makes the difference: “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).

    Are you “blessed?”

  • Know God’s Way

    “Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.”
    Psalm 25:4

    Have you ever wondered what God has for your life, or how to find out?

    What is most important thing a Christian can do?

    The most important thing a Christian can do is to know God’s Word. Many Christians think it is enough to have a general idea of what is in the Bible. However, the following verse declares we need to know more of it: “Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths” (Psalm 25:4). What paths?

    The Bible is full of people who have chosen to know God’s ways, and follow in His paths. There are also many people recorded that chose to not follow in God’s paths. Each person is to read the Bible to find out what happens in a person’s life when they follow God’s paths, and what happens when people choose to make their own way in the world, disregarding God’s paths. “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come” (1 Corinthians 10:11). The Bible was written for us to not only come to know Christ as our Saviour, but to follow the examples that are recorded within so we know how to live a life pleasing to God. Knowing what is in the Bible can keep us from much heartache in our lives. It can also bring us much comfort and encouragement. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).

    Some people find the Bible too difficult to read. Others may think it takes too much time to read. There are many excuses as to why people do not know or understand the Bible. But what does the Bible tell us? “It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter” (Proverbs 25:2). Understanding the Bible can really be very simple. The Biblical Path of Life (http://biblicalpath.com/) is a simple Bible study that basically just organizes a plan on how to know what the Bible is all about. It encourages each person to take the time to read their own Bible in an orderly fashion, so there will be no question as to what God expects from people. Reading, and knowing what the Bible has to say, is the only way anyone can have God show him or her His way. It is then one can know the path God has for their life.

    Do you want to know the path God has for your life?

    How to be Saved

  • Choose to do Good

    “Seek the LORD, and ye shall live …”
    Amos 5:6

    ‘The Israelites sinned against God when they forsook Him and worshiped creatures (golden calves, Baal, etc.). 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. 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).’

    Notice that Paul portrayed a progressive departure from the truth of righteousness they knew. It was not a sudden departure. 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!

    ‘What should we learn from Israel’s obstinacy? Jesus should be our ultimate example. “21. … [B]ecause Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22. Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 24. Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed” (2 Peter 2:21–22, 24). 

    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). Seek God if one is not sure — 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).’

    Have you chosen to do good and to seek the Lord?

    Excerpts from The Biblical Path of Life, Year Two Quarter One, Lesson 10; Shallum – Hoshea. www.biblicalpath.com

  • Read Your Bible

    “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”
    (2 Timothy 3:16)

    “Have you ever tried to play a game with someone without reading the instructions? Was there arguing over unknown rules? Was it a peaceful game or was there much disagreement? Was it any fun?

    How about putting something together without instructions? Or making a trip without consulting directions? Living a Christian life without reading the “rules” is impossible to do. The rules are God’s Word. Read 2 Timothy 3:16. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). Understand it better by using the following definitions:

    • inspiration of God: breathed by God; divinely inspired
    • profitable: helpful; useful; advantageous
    • doctrine: instruction; not only the teaching but also the authority of the teacher
    • reproof: conviction; manifestation of the truth and the results
    • correction: set right again; correct
    • instruction: teaching that includes chastening

    Notice that 2 Timothy 3:16 builds upon itself in its instruction. They are interdependent (mutually dependant) upon each other. First we see it is a doctrine (used for instruction or warning), then as truth (knowing the truth, convincing us of error), correction (morally correcting), and instruction (we see discipline to lead us to righteousness).”  (Excerpt from Y1Q4 – Lesson 6)

    As Christians read the Bible, they can understand the importance of seeking God with their whole heart and to not wander (stray) from God’s commands. It is good to hide God’s Word in your heart until it becomes a part of who you are. “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11). It would be good to read all of Psalm 119. Let it be an encouragement to those who truly seek to know and please God; to seek God’s heart (remember David?). This Psalm was written by one who truly loved God and did not find His Word laborious. Reading the Bible to know God better must be our hearts’ desire in order to walk with God. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105) We should be happy to walk according to God’s Word. “Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it” (Psalm 119:140).

    Christians must read the Bible to remember what God has done, which leads to understanding the value of God’s Word. It is at this point we begin to recognize the importance of walking with God, obeying God’s Words, to live a life pleasing to and blessed by God.

    Do you love to read God’s Word?

    Does the Bible light your path?

  • Faithfulness to Christ

    “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad”           (2 Corinthians 5:10)

    Excerpt from “The Biblical Path of Life, Year Three Quarter Three” Lesson 5:

    “Read Paul’s conflict of continuing to work for the Lord here on earth, many times in tribulation, desiring to be in heaven. “6. Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: 7. (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) 8. We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. 9. Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. 10. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 11. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.” (2 Corinthians 5:6-11) Terror means “the fear of God as in a deep and reverential sense of accountability to God or Christ.” Paul’s conflict was resolved when he understood that God had much work for Christians to do here on earth: teaching Jesus. And that each Christian would stand before the Lord one day to give an accounting of their faithfulness in their Christian walk, “whether it be good or bad.” As we understand that, remember something important that we have already learned. God knows everything, even the things done in secret (see Ecclesiastes 12:14: “For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil”). We are to understand that each Christian will stand before God and be accountable for what they have done with his or her life. What are we to do? We are to “persuade men.” Not only tell about Jesus, but to live for Him, faithfully.

    Why live for Christ? “14. For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15. 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. 16. Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. 17. 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 5:14-17). Jesus died on the cross for man’s sin. Once He gave His life, He gave the ability for any who would believe in Him to have life instead of death. Once a Christian receives that gift of life, he must understand that he is now “in Christ, he is a new creature.” No longer what he once was, a sinner doomed for eternal separation from God. Now, all things are become new. There is a new life to live in Christ; for Christ. “20. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. 21. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:20-21). Because God took man’s sin, placed it upon Jesus (“made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin”), it made those who believe able to stand righteous before God. Each Christian must understand that he represents Christ here in this world. According to the dictionary, ambassador means “a minister of the highest rank, representing the power and dignity of his sovereign. They are ordinary when they reside permanently at a foreign court, but extraordinary when they are sent on a special occasion.” Christians must be considered extraordinary for they do not permanently reside on the earth, but were sent especially by Jesus to represent Him, living right and telling others about Him, until He returns. 

    Paul lived as an ambassador for Christ.”