The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: Word

  • Study and Know God

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

    John 14:21

    One of the most important things a Christian can do is to faithfully read God’s Word. In that reading, one should begin placing those Words within that heart. “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee”(Psalm 119:11). With God’s Word in one’s heart, that one will begin to recognize what God expects (and does not want) within that Christian life.

    While reading the Bible, it is important to ask God to teach you as you read. “Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes” (Psalm 119:12). Statutes means “precepts and rules which must be strictly obeyed.” God wants us to obey His Word, the Bible. Some Christians find this a difficult thing. People do not want a bunch of rules to obey. What one must understand is the the Bible is not a book full of “do’s and don’ts”. That is the opinion of many. However, read what David wanted: “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law” (Psalm 119:18). Wondrous means “the basic meaning is to be wonderful and to cause a wonderful thing to happen … it is used primarily with God as the subject. He does things which are beyond the bounds of human powers or expectations…” David wanted to read God’s Law to recognize and understand the wonderful things that God does. If you think about it, God’s Word that David read was mostly the five books of the Law: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Can you even imagine how David might have reacted if he had been able to read the complete Bible that we have available to us today?

    After asking God to “open thou mine eyes”, read what else David asked God to do for him. “33. Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end. 34. Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. 35. Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight” (Psalm 119:33-35). Not only did he ask God to teach him, but to give him understanding. He then proceeded to ask God to “make me to go in the path of thy commandments”. Make me to go means “by implication to walk; to guide, lead (forth).” David wanted God to guide him and help him to walk in God’s ways. What did David do when he did not understand what to do? “Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments” (Psalm 119:73). After acknowledging who God is, David asked for understanding to learn. This is just a small sampling of David’s reactions to God’s Word.

    If you remember, David was known as a man after God’s own heart. “And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will” (Acts 13:22). But did you know that God knew this about David before He even chose him to be a king, while he was only a young shepherd boy? When King Saul refused to obey God’s commandments, Samuel gave him this message: “But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee” (1 Samuel 13:14). David was that man.

    Have you ever considered taking this approach as you read your Bible? Begin to hide God’s Word in your heart, keeping you from sin (see Psalm 119:11). Ask God to teach you from His Word (see Psalm 119:12, 18, 33-34). Petition God to guide you, lead you, and help you to walk in His ways (see Psalm 119:35). Remember that David not only acknowledged who God is, but also asked God to give him understanding to learn. David had limited amounts of God’s written word in his day. Today, we have the complete written Word of God, the Bible to study and know (see 2 Timothy 3:16-17). This should be our goal as Christians.

    A great preacher once said, “Bible study gives you knowledge about God. Obedience gives you knowledge of God. You can study the Bible and know about God, or you can obey the Bible and know God.” Make sure you not only read God’s word, but adhere to the teachings. Remember again what Jesus said. “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him” (John 14:21). Manifest means “to exhibit (in person) or disclose (by words): to appear, declare (plainly), inform.” When Christians keep Jesus’ commands, they not only show they love Him, but He will manifest Himself to them.

    Have you taken time study God’s Word, knowing about God?

    Or

    Have you learned to obey God’s Word, thereby knowing God?

  • Repent and Turn

    “Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.”

    Ezekiel 18:30

    Ezekiel was taken captive by the Babylonians in the second taking of the people. God called Ezekiel to speak specifically to the children of the captives in Babylon. The children would live there, but after seventy years would be allowed to return to the land of Israel. “And go, get thee to them of the captivity, unto the children of thy people, and speak unto them, and tell them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear” (Ezekiel 3:11). Ezekiel was to give the Words from God. The people had to choose if they would receive the message and act upon it, or not.

    One important message God gave to Ezekiel was a warning with a specific call to His people: “Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin” (Ezekiel 18:30). Ruin means “stumbling block; it is an obstacle, a cause of falling or sinning”. They must understand that God would judge each life. It was up to each individual person (“every one”) to repent and turn from his or her sin (transgressions). God did not want sin to be their “ruin”; the obstacle between them and God. In turning from sin, they were to turn to Him – the same as it is today. Remember: the people of Israel were evicted from their land because of their sin against God, forsaking Him for idol worship, and refusing to repent (see 2 Chronicles 36:14-21). The obstacle of the people’s sin separated between them and God. However, the children who came after them would not be held accountable for their parents’ sins. Each one of them had the choice: the choice to repent and turn to God, or refuse to repent and remain in sin.

    Remember what they should have already known. God did not want the people to die in their sins. He had made a provision for them, if they would only hear and obey. Each person had a choice: life or death. Moses had presented the choice to them many years before.

    “14. But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.

    15. See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil;

    16. In that I command thee this day to love the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live…

    17. But if thine heart turn away, so that thou wilt not hear, but shalt be drawn away, and worship other gods, and serve them;

    18. I denounce unto you this day, that ye shall surely perish, and that ye shall not prolong your days upon the land…

    19. … I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live” (Deuteronomy 30:14-19).

    Moses had presented them with the choice as to how they would live here on earth and in the land God had promised His people. Ezekiel was reminding them of the same choice. Moreover, Ezekiel wanted the people to understand that this decision related to more than this earthly life in the here and now. There was an eternity to consider.

    God never changes. God wanted to save people in the Old Testament times, New Testament times, and He still wants to save people today. However, God allows each person to choose – to believe, or to not believe. Understand that every person is a sinner before a holy and righteous God (see Romans 3:23). Moreover, all of man’s righteousness is as filthy rags in God’s sight (see Isaiah 64:6). But we should recognize how to have life eternal. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Whosoever believes in Jesus can have life! Instead of choosing continual sin, one must choose Jesus by faith: then he or she can have life. God wants all to understand: He judges each individual person on his or her response to Him. “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).

    One must receive the righteousness of Jesus, who takes our sin and replaces it with His righteousness: “For he hath made him (Jesus)to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). That comes by belief.

    Just as Moses told the people: “But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it” (Deuteronomy 30:14). Paul recalled the same thing, quoting it in Romans: “8. But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:8-9).

    God leaves the choice with each individual as to whether he or she will believe. What happens if one chooses to reject the gift of salvation that Jesus offers? “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).

    What do you choose?

    To turn from sin, receiving everlasting life.

    Or

    Have you chosen to have the wrath of God abide upon you?

    Choose to Live by turning from sin: How to be saved.

  • In My Heart

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

    Psalm 119:11

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    1. Christians who Endure Troubles and Sufferings

      “Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.”
      Acts 8:4

      Stephen preached Jesus from the Old Testament to the religious leaders, but instead of receiving the truths he taught, they rejected those Words and killed him. He was the first person who was killed because he believed in, and preached, Jesus. It was at the time of his death that we were also introduced to one of the religious men present at Stephen’s death – a young man named Saul.

      “And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles” (Acts 8:1). Recognize that this incident was the catalyst for a great persecution against the church. After learning of Stephen’s death, people became afraid. Because of this fear, many of the people scattered abroad. Did you notice to whom the persecution was initially directed? The church. And they scattered abroad. The people of the church who scattered were new Believers. They had just believed upon Jesus a short time before, and they were just beginning to learn and grow in this new life. These new Believers were encouraged to continue, “stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). When Stephen was killed, many fled Jerusalem. What did the Apostles do? They stayed in Jerusalem. It would be later that the persecution would come directly to them. They stayed in Jerusalem, available, where the people could find them.

      Some people remained in Jerusalem, mourning the death of Stephen. Because “Saul was consenting unto his death,” read his response to this new “church” that was being formulated. “As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison” (Acts 8:3). We read that Saul “made havock” of the church. Made havock means “destruction; to ravage, waste; to disgrace as by insult; treat with indignity; injure or destroy.” Saul entered into houses and took men and women to prison – all because they belonged to the church.

      There is something very important that Christians today can learn from this event. Who is the enemy of a Christian? “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). The devil (Satan) is the enemy. We can read from this verse that he attacks and wants to destroy Christians. Our adversary, the devil, will attack all Christians. And he uses people to do his job. Remember that in the early establishment of the church, the first persecution was directed at one (Stephen) who was vocal, teaching Jesus aloud to the religious leaders. Stephen was physically silenced. Next, the persecution was against the church. This was all new. They had just experienced the most wonderful event in their lives. They had believed in Jesus, who had died for their sin paying their debt. They had experienced what we can now read 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). I am sure that they had not expected this great persecution! We can read of a warning that was later written to the leaders of the church: “For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock” (Acts 20:29).

      It is easy to see an event, like the death of Stephen, as tragic. And it was! He was a great man of God who did much good for the church in his short ministry. In addition, the persecution of the church was a terrible event, for people were imprisoned because they believed in Jesus. However, in hindsight, we can see much good that came from the martyrdom of Stephen and the persecution of the early church. The church that was in Jerusalem began to scatter abroad – throughout Judea and Samaria. Do you remember what Jesus wanted the Believers to do? “… And ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8b). Thus far, the church was growing in Jerusalem. Once this started, the people began to scatter. “Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word” (Acts 8:4). As they scattered abroad, they began to spread the Gospel message everywhere, all because of the persecution that came after the tragic death of Stephen. Where did they go? The persecuted church “… all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria …” (Acts 8:1b). Now that persecution had begun, God’s Word was spreading specifically into the areas into which God had told His people to spread the Gospel message.

      Read some encouraging Words that Christians need to understand if, or when, we face persecution: “10. Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 11. It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: 12. If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us” (2 Timothy 2:9-12). Did you notice why Christians are to understand why we must endure troubles and sufferings? So that people could “obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus.”

      Do you live a Christian life enduring, so others may obtain the salvation, which is in Christ Jesus?

    2. Faith Comes by Hearing

      “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
      Romans 10:17

      After much healing and preaching, Jesus sent the multitude away. “35. And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. 36. And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships. 37. And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. 38. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?” (Mark 4:35-38). First, recognize Jesus told them to pass over to the other side. They should have had confidence that they would make it, because Jesus told them they would. Next, see that they should not have worried because Jesus was with them. This can be seen as a practical test to see if they had learned anything that Jesus had been teaching them. How did they fare? We find these seasoned fishermen afraid in a storm.

      Jesus slept on the ship – even when a storm arose. The disciples were fearful and woke Jesus. “39. And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? 41. And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” (Mark 4:39-41). Jesus rebuked the storm, and it ceased. Jesus then questioned the disciples. How could they be so afraid? Understand that their lack of faith caused them to fear. Faith here means “in an absolute sense of Jesus as the Son of God, the Messiah and Savior.” Jesus wanted to know why they had no faith. After all the things the disciples had witnessed and learned, they still needed to know more. They still did not understand Jesus is God. There is an important verse that can help us understand what the disciples had not yet learned. “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Jesus is the Word of God. Remember: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1).

      Most remember when Jesus fed the five thousand men plus women and children. As He was teaching, Jesus had compassion on them and because much time had passed, He fed them with the five loaves and two fishes (see Matthew 14:13-21). John tells us what the people’s reaction to this miracle was. “When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone” (John 6:15). They wanted to force Jesus to become a king.

      Instead, Jesus sent the disciples in a ship across the sea where He would join them. Jesus went up on the mount to pray. “22. And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. 23. And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. 24. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. 25. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. 26. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.” (Matthew 14:22-26). Remember, Jesus had told them to go to the other side before Him. When the disciples saw someone on the water, they were afraid.   

      “27. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. 28. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. 29. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. 30. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. 31. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? 32. And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. 33. Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.” (Matthew 14:27-33). Peter asked Jesus to call him onto the water to Him. Peter acted, in faith, when he heard Jesus. However, as Peter walked on the water, he became afraid. He still had more to learn. When he cried out, Jesus saved him. After these events, we see the disciples’ faith had grown. They now acknowledged that Jesus is the Son of God.   

      Do you read your Bible, hearing the Word of God, allowing your faith to grow?

    3. Obey, or Run Away

      “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path”
      Psalm119:105

      Have you ever recognized God speaking to you through His Word? Did you understand there was something He wanted you to do? Have you ever chosen to do what you want to do instead of following the plan God has for your life? God’s Word is to be a light for your path giving you direction. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm119:105). 

      One cannot help but remember back to a man in the Bible who chose to do what he wanted to do over what God wanted him to do. He was told by God to do a job. However, instead of obeying God, he ran the other direction. This man’s name was Jonah. He was a prophet of the Lord.

      God told Jonah, “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me” (Jonah 1:2). Instead of obeying God, read what Jonah did. He went, found a ship, bought a ticket, boarded the ship, and went to sleep. No problems! Everything is lovely! He must be in God’s will for everything to have worked out so well! However, see what God’s Word tells us: “But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD” (Jonah 1:3). He thought he was fleeing from the presence of the Lord – all because he did not want to do what God wanted him to do. One important thing to consider: can anyone hide from God? “Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?” (Psalm 139:7). The following verses (in Psalm 139:8-12) declare there is no place one can hide from God. Nevertheless, Jonah was so comfortable in his position of flight from God that he went to sleep in the belly of the ship.

      Jonah was still asleep when a great storm arose that terrified even the seasoned mariners that were in charge of the ship. They were afraid the ship would be broken. “Then the mariners were afraid, and cried every man unto his god, and cast forth the wares that were in the ship into the sea, to lighten it of them. But Jonah was gone down into the sides of the ship; and he lay, and was fast asleep” (Jonah 1:5).

      Jonah knew the storm had come because of him. Jonah had not implemented what he knew: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm119:105). Jonah was supposed to follow the path God’s Words had given to him. Jonah knew what God had told him to do. Instead, he went the opposite direction, ending up on a ship in the midst of a terrible storm. Jonah told the men to throw him overboard, and the storm would cease. “15. So they took up Jonah, and cast him forth into the sea: and the sea ceased from her raging. 16. Then the men feared the LORD exceedingly, and offered a sacrifice unto the LORD, and made vows” (Jonah 1:15-16).

      God knew what they would do. See what He had already done. “Now the LORD had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights” (Jonah 1:17). 

      What did Jonah do once he was imprisoned in the belly of the fish? “Then Jonah prayed unto the LORD his God out of the fish’s belly” (Jonah 2:1). Jonah understood. It was his fault that he was there. Jonah cried out to God to help him. “When my soul fainted within me I remembered the LORD: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple” (Jonah 2:7). Jonah recognized his failings, promising to do what he was supposed to do. “But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD” (Jonah 2:9). Once he repented, “And the LORD spake unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land” (Jonah 2:10).

      Jonah went to Nineveh. He warned the people. Everyone from the king down repented and turned to God. Because of Jonah’s warning, the whole city was saved. However, Jonah will forever be known as a reluctant prophet who was swallowed by a great fish for disobeying God.

      Are you willing to disobey God’s plan for your life, running away ending up ineffectual, until you recognize God and repent?

      Or will you choose to make God’s Word a lamp unto your feet, and a light unto your path?

    4. Testimonies

      “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”
      John 1:14

      Solomon was an exceedingly wise man. He was a very wealthy man. This was all because when God asked him what he wanted, Solomon asked for wisdom of God to rule His people. God then gave him wisdom and wealth beyond measure. All heard of King Solomon’s great wisdom and wealth. His fame spread throughout the world. The queen from Sheba went to meet King Solomon for herself. She saw all of his great wealth and asked him every question that was in her heart. When she could ask of no more to ask, she recognized something: “Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the half was not told me: thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth the fame which I heard” (1 Kings 10:7). But more importantly, she recognized God through Solomon’s life: “Blessed be the LORD thy God, which delighted in thee, to set thee on the throne of Israel: because the LORD loved Israel for ever, therefore made he thee king, to do judgment and justice” (1 Kings 10:9).

      When Jesus came, He preached to the people great things of God. He healed many. He wrought many miracles. Yet when the people came out to see a sign, instead of recognizing God through the life of Jesus, remember what He told the crowd. “The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here” (Luke 11:31). Remember that the queen of Sheba (the queen of the south) acknowledged God when she met with King Solomon. Most of the people that went to see Jesus did not acknowledge God. Jesus is far greater than King Solomon; for Jesus is God. Because the people would not recognize Jesus, He declared that judgment would rise up and condemn them. They did not understand something very important: Jesus came so that all would have the opportunity to know God. However, each one must believe.

      Men wrote of what they had understood as they walked and talked with Jesus. We can remember Jesus’ Disciples as they recorded for us their eyewitness accounts of Jesus’ life. They recognized the importance of just who Jesus is, that He was God come in the flesh. “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). They understood the importance of recording the life of Jesus as they witnessed the events of His life – firsthand! They not only saw, but also understood and believed in Jesus.

      John taught about Jesus was from his own eyewitness account. See why he wanted to share his eyewitness account. “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; 2. (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) 3. That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ” (1 John 1:1-3).

      Although many did not understand just who Jesus was when He came, God’s Word helps us recognize those who did. They left a testimony that Jesus was God come in the flesh. More importantly, they explained to us that Jesus came to save people from their sin – if one will only believe. However, only those who believe Jesus is the Christ, that once and for all sacrifice for sins, will be saved. “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… 13. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:9–10, 13). 

      Are you one who has believed the testimony that Jesus is God?

      How to be Saved

    5. Whose Servant are You?

      “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”
      James 1:22

      In today’s world, it isn’t very popular to obey God.

      The admonition to serve God with all of our hearts, and not to turn from His way, is very important for Christians. In order to follow God, it is important to obey His Word. Obedience is extremely important to Him (and this is repeated numerous times to His people). In order to obey God, we must know what His Word says.

      How can one know God’s Word? One must first seek after it and hide it in their heart. How does God’s Word get into one’s heart? “10. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. 11. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:10-11). One must search after God, read the Bible, and memorize His Word for it to be found in our heart.

      Once we hide God’s Word in our hearts, we know what to do. We can understand what God expects from us. However, the most important thing comes next: we are not only to hear it, but also to do it! “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves” (James 1:22). Notice if we just hear God’s Word and do not do it, we deceive ourselves.

      Read the following warning: “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” (Romans 6:16). When one chooses to do what they want over what God says to do, that person has yielded himself, or herself, to sin. But, when one chooses to obey God, it is considered obedience unto righteousness.

      Are you a servant to sin?

      Or, do you obey God’s Word unto righteousness?

    6. The Word of Our God

      “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.” Isaiah 40:8

       The Bible is the Word of God. It has been preserved for us to read, but very few people read and understand what the Bible has to say to us today. 

      According to most statistics, young people are growing up and leaving the church and faith in God by the droves. The main reason can be found in the lack of knowledge and understanding of what one believes about God and why. There is a mighty gulf between the level of spiritual training in children, youth, and even adults, and the knowledge one needs to live in today’s world.  

      Growing up in a Christian home is no guarantee that one understands the Bible or how to live a Christian life. Being saved as a young child, I learned many Bible “stories,” but it wasn’t until later that I began to understand how all of these stories fit together. My parents had a book of pictures revealing a timeline throughout Bible history. It helped me begin to understand how all of those “stories” were connected together. It also helped me begin to see that Jesus was planned from the beginning of time to redeem mankind because of sin. I wanted to know and understand the Bible, so I began to study.  

      The most important thing about studying the Bible should be to learn the basics of the Biblical interpretation and how it should be applied to our lives. A good Bible study needs to be more than a compilation of “stories” we have always heard. The word “story” even brings to the hearers’ mind that they are make-believe. Many people don’t really understand that the Bible is not just a compilation of popular Bible “stories” or favorite Bible passages. The Bible is not full of “stories” but real events in real people’s lives. Children, as well as adults, need to understand that each of these events all fit together as part of a bigger picture – much like pieces of a puzzle. Not only do these events interlock, but they have a purpose: to reveal Jesus and why He came.  

      All people, especially children, are capable of learning so much more. The Biblical Path of Life is one such study meant to simplify the understanding of the reader and making the Bible relevant to a Christian’s life — young or old — by comparing Scripture to Scripture. The most important thing one can understand is just how important their Bible is. One needs to learn how to take care of their Bible and become familiar with it. Everyone should understand the importance of reading God’s Word! Even beginning readers should be encouraged to read their Bible. At first, even the youngest readers will be hesitant to read. But with a little encouragement and help, they can become excited about reading their Bible. Each week they can become a little more proficient at reading, and that fact will encourage them greatly. No one is too young (or old) to begin to love the Word of God or to learn the principles found within God’s Word!  

      The Bible means nothing to us if we do not apply the principles within to our lives to become more like Christ. In order to understand how to live a Christian life pleasing to God in the world today, we must first know what His Word says. 

      Have you taken time to read your Bible today? 

      Also published at http://lighthouse.pub/blog/2020/01/31/the-word-of-our-god/?src=n

    7. How to Prepare for Living a Christian Life

      “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”

      (2 Timothy 2:15)

      Timothy was a great Christian and Paul’s faithful friend. Although Timothy’s mother and grandmother had taught him about Jesus, Paul had led Timothy to Jesus (taught him how to be saved) and watched him grow in his Christian faith.

      Paul wrote a letter of encouragement to Timothy. After reminding him of his salvation, he encouraged him to step up to the task God had placed before him. Timothy was to not be ashamed of the Gospel message, but to be willing to stand up faithfully and teach the truths of that Gospel. And to even be proud if he suffered “afflictions of the gospel” (see 2 Timothy 1:8-10).

      Paul had taught him the importance of sound doctrine. “13. Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 14. That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us” (2 Timothy 1:13-14). See the following definitions to help you understand what Paul was telling Timothy:

      • Form: “a sketch, or concise, representation or form”
      • Sound: “sound doctrine, i.e.: true; pure; uncorrupted”

      Paul wanted Timothy to understand the importance of holding on to the sound doctrine – true, pure, uncorrupted – that he had been taught (that is now recorded in God’s Word for us to read). Paul followed this with a warning that there would be some who would turn away from him when he stood for the truths in God’s Word –  for Paul had already seen a departure from the faith, leaving him to stand alone in Asia (see 2 Timothy 1:15). Paul had already warned him this would happen (see 1 Timothy 4:1). But Paul also encouraged Timothy that he could endure this because the Holy Spirit dwells in us – He won’t leave!

      But how do you prepare for a life pleasing to God? “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). Christians must study and know God’s Word. They must be able to discern between the truth of God’s Word and false teaching. This is just the first step in knowing how to live a Christian life. But it is a very important one.

      There is a child’s song that I am reminded of…

      “Read your Bible, pray every day, and you will grow, grow, grow!

      Don’t read your Bible, or pray every day, and you will shrink, shrink, shrink!”

      Do you want to grow?

      Or do you want to shrink?

      The choice is up to you!