The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: Year Three

  • Lesson 3: Stephen: Acts 6-7

    Key Verse

    And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.

    —Acts 6:8

    Key Verse Thought: Read the Key Verse for this lesson.

    Understand this verse with the following definitions:

    • Full means “full or complete; abundant”
    • Faith means “appropriating what God in Christ has for man resulting in the transformation of man’s character and way of life; faith in Christ”
    • Wonders means “miracles of the Apostles and teachers”
    • Miracles means “signs and wonders, miracles wrought by Jesus and his Apostles in proof a furtherance of their divine mission; mighty works”

    In this lesson, we will learn that Stephen was called out to be a great worker in the early church.

    Emphasis: We are encouraged to understand that we are to be helpers in the church. When work needs to be done, we should be willing, just like Stephen, to not only do the work but to tell others about Jesus.

    Lesson Summary: In our last lesson, we learned of the work of the Apostles as they preached God’s Word and taught new believers (even after having been put in prison and beaten). In this lesson, we find a new problem in the growing church. First, we look back at just what the church is and where it came from, and then we learn how the Apostles deal with daily needs of the church. One thing that helped in the early church was the choosing of seven men of good report. These men were chosen to help in the daily workings of the church. We will learn more about one of these men – Stephen.

    God used Stephen to do many “great wonders and miracles among the people.” However, when good was being done, the religious leaders rose up and opposed this work. Nevertheless, when they disputed with Stephen, they “were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.” Because of this, they sought for false witnesses to accuse Stephen. When they did this, Stephen preached Jesus from the Old Testament to them. He taught them of Jesus from Abraham until Solomon. This lesson may be a good time to review some of the things we learned in the Old Testament as we look at the sermon Stephen preached to the religious leaders. After preaching Jesus to these men, Stephen refuted the accusations the false witnesses had made against him. But the religious leaders rejected Stephen’s words and took him out and stoned him.

    In these closing verses, we will be introduced to another one of these religious men: a young man named Saul.

    Y3Q2 – Questions

    Y3Q2 – Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to children, the following is a craft that will help them remember Stephen.

    We took blue construction paper, folded it with a picture of Jesus standing to receive Stephen (on the inside), and added cotten balls on the outside for clouds.

    The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Two is now available to purchase through Amazon. It contains the full lesson.

  • Lesson 2: Peter: Acts 3-5

    Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

    —Acts 4:12

    Key Verse Thought: Read today’s key verse. Understand that salvation means “deliverance from sin and its spiritual consequences by the Messiah (Jesus).” It is important to know that the only way one can be saved is by Jesus. In this lesson, we will learn what happened to the disciples when they preached these words.

    Emphasis: It is important to understand that the only way for anyone to be saved is by Jesus, and it is each Christian’s job to tell others. We are to be honest in our service to God, and never lie to God.

    Lesson Summary: In our last lesson, we learned that Jesus gave His followers’ power, the Holy Spirit, just as He had promised. With that power, they were enabled to be witnesses, and they saw three thousand saved. Those new Believers understood it was important to fellowship with other Believers. “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). As they learned more about Jesus, they also learned how to live this new life pleasing Him.

    Peter and John healed a lame man at the Temple gate called Beautiful, which led to an opportunity to preach Jesus. Peter preached that Jesus was the fulfillment of two important prophecies: remembering Moses who told of a Prophet, and Abraham who told of One who would bless all families of the earth. Although the religious leaders rejected this preaching and arrested Peter and John, over five thousand others were saved. Peter and John were ordered to not preach Jesus, but they refused to quit.

    Many Believers sold their possessions and brought the money to the Apostles to help those in need. But there was a couple, Ananias and Sapphira, who lied about the amount their land sold for, keeping a portion back for themselves. Because they lied to the Holy Spirit, they both died.

    As the Apostles continued to preach Jesus and many were healed, they were imprisoned again. Nevertheless, the angel of the Lord released them and told them to return and continue to preach. The religious leaders, once again, ordered them to not preach, but the Apostles proclaimed, “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). We will learn how the religious leaders responded to these words, and how one religious leader’s words spared the Apostles lives.

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 2 Questions

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 2 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to children, the following is an idea for a craft to help them remember.

    We had a picture of the Apostles (that they could color), made a jail, and tied a string to it to remove them from jail. They continued to preach, declaring that they ought to obey God rather than men.

    The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Two is now available through Amazon.

  • Lesson 1: Power to be Witnesses: Acts 1-2

    Key Verse

    But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: 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 1:8

    Key Verse Thought: Read today’s key verse. Use the following definitions to help you better understand this verse:

    • power means “the great power of God, meaning His almighty energy; of prophets and apostles as empowered by the Holy Spirit.”
    • witnesses means “one who has information or knowledge of something, and can give information, bring to light, or confirm something.”

    Recognize that the words in this verse are words that were spoken by Jesus. Jesus planned to give his followers “power” to be the witnesses the world needed – so that the world could know Jesus.

    Emphasis: We are to understand that each person who has Jesus in their heart has God’s Spirit who will enable them to be witnesses for Jesus. Just as the disciples started in Jerusalem (for that is where they were), we are to tell people in our hometown – beginning in our neighborhoods. We are to learn about Jesus and have Christian friends that can encourage us.

    Lesson Summary: We ended our study of Jesus’ life with His final words to His eleven disciples in Matthew 28:19-20. We also took a glimpse of Jesus’ plan for the furtherance of the Gospel message that is recorded in Acts 1:6-8 before He ascended into heaven. In this lesson, we will learn more about these verses as we begin our study of the book of Acts.

    Acts is the only book of History in the New Testament, and Luke, the physician who also wrote the Gospel of Luke, recorded it. In this lesson, we will learn that Jesus kept His promise of sending the Holy Spirit, which gave His followers power to be witnesses – beginning in Jerusalem. With that power, the people in Jerusalem were able to hear the gospel shared by Jesus’ followers in their own language – for there were people from many nations in Jerusalem.

    Peter preached Jesus to the Jews in Jerusalem – many of which had witnessed the crucifixion of Jesus. He declared that Jesus had died, was buried, and raised again – conquering death once and for all. After hearing this, the people were brought to a time of decision. Those people were given the choice to believe or reject, and three thousand of them believed. One of the most important things these new Believers did was that “they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42).

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 1 Questions

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 1 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to children, here is an idea for a children’s craft to reinforce this lesson:

    We made a Bible marker with stickers and the verse Acts 2:42.

    The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Two is available through Amazon.

  • Lesson 13: Luke and John: A Man, but God’s Son

    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

    Key Verse Thought: Read the Key Verse. Many people may be able to quote this verse. Although though this verse is very familiar, we are to understand it in a new light as we study this lesson. The word so means “in this way; in this manner.” This helps us to understand that God really did love the people He created in this world. He revealed that love by giving His only Son, Jesus, to die on the cross, which paid the debt owed because of sin. He did this for whosoever would believe because He did not want anyone to perish. God wants all of His creation to have eternal life with Him. However, God allows each person to choose – to believe in God’s Son, Jesus, or to choose not to believe.

    Emphasis: We are to understand that Jesus was born as a man, but He was God come in the flesh – for He was God’s Son. Jesus came into the world to reveal God to man. Each of the writers of the four Gospels understood this, and they were eyewitnesses of this. Each of these men wrote to specific audiences as a witness to anyone who would believe. We, too, should find someone we can tell about Jesus and become a witness to them telling them of Jesus.

    Lesson Summary: In our last lesson, we learned about two of the Gospel writers: Matthew and Mark. They wrote to specific audiences as a witness for Jesus. They each presented Jesus in a different light: Matthew presented Jesus as the King, and Mark presented Jesus as a Servant. But each of them wanted people to understand who Jesus was and why He had come.

    In this lesson, we continue with the last two Gospel writers: Luke and John. They, too, wrote to specific audiences. Luke was a Greek physician, and he wrote collected evidence declaring of a certainty that Jesus was a Man. He recorded Jesus’ lineage back to the first man, Adam, and then to God. This letter was addressed to a specific friend, Theophilus, and Luke wrote of the availability of the gospel to anyone – not just to the Jews.

    The book of John was written many years after the other three Gospels. John wanted people to understand just who Jesus is. He presented Jesus as God’s Son. It was written to anyone who would believe and receive Jesus as his or her personal Savior. In the book of John, Jesus declared He was “I Am”, whom the people were to recognize was God’s name in the Old Testament. John also told of seven particular witnesses who declared “Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.”

    As we complete our study of the witnesses who wrote the four Gospels, we are to recognize something. Just as they had a specific audience to whom they wanted to tell about Jesus, we are to pray and ask God who he wants us to tell about Jesus. Remember that we, too, are to be witnesses for Jesus in the world today.

    Y3Q1 – Lesson 13 Questions

    Y3Q1 – Lesson 13 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this lesson to children, the following is a craft idea to help them remember this lesson:

    We used stickers to make a poster with the verse John 3:16.

    The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter One is available at Amazon.

  • Lesson 12: Matthew and Mark: The King, yet a Servant

    Key Verse

    But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

    —Philippians 2:7

    Key Verse Thought: Read the Key Verse. We have just completed a look at the life of Jesus here on earth. In this lesson, we will learn of two witnesses who told others about Jesus. One of the witnesses reminded the people that Jesus was the Promised King. The other witness told that Jesus was God’s Promised Servant. In this lesson’s Key Verse, we understand that Jesus came not proclaiming that He was the king, but becoming God’s Servant made in the likeness of men. Because of that obedience, He was revealed as God’s Promised King.

    Emphasis: We are to understand that Jesus was the promised King, yet He was God’s Servant. Because Jesus came, fulfilling God’s plan, people have the opportunity to become Christians. It should then be their goal to want to know Jesus better – just as the witnesses, Matthew and Mark, did and were able to become God’s servants by telling others about Jesus. That is what Christians today are to do – become God’s servants telling others about Jesus.

    Lesson Summary: Read what Paul understood about Jesus in the following verses. “7. But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8. And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10. That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11. And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:7-11). Paul did not believe in Jesus while He was alive on the earth. It was not until much later – after many witnesses had spread the gospel of Jesus that Paul became a Believer. The previous verses Paul recorded sums up what we will learn about in this lesson.

    Matthew understood that God had sent Jesus as the Promised King, and He was a witness to the Jewish people of that fact. We will learn many ways Jesus lived, and taught, as the Promised King.

    Mark revealed that Jesus was God’s Servant. Mark wrote primarily to the Romans – people who did not know or understand the promises of God to His people. In the book of Mark, we will learn just the kind of servant Jesus was – constantly on the move ministering to the people.

    Most importantly, we are to learn that Jesus will be with witnesses of the gospel, even today.

    Y3Q1 – Lesson 12 Questions

    Y3Q1 – Lesson 12 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this lesson to children, the following is a craft idea to help them remember what they have learned.

    We made a banner with a crown to remind us that Jesus is King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.

    Check here to find out more about The Biblical Path of Life, Year Three – Quarter One.

  • Lesson 11: Jesus is Alive: The Four Gospels

    Key Verse

    3b. … Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4. And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 5. And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve.

    —1 Corinthians 15:3-5

    Key Verse Thought: Read the Key Verses. We learned of Jesus death in our last lesson, ending with His empty tomb having only a few women who were witnesses to His resurrection. In this lesson’s Key Verses, we can understand that Jesus not only died for our sins – just like the Old Testament had foretold, but He was buried and rose again – just like Jesus had taught. Finally, we can read that Jesus was seen by Cephas (which was another name for Peter, and which means “a rock”). He was one of Jesus’ twelve disciples. In this lesson, we will learn that Jesus appeared to many more people than this, showing that He truly was alive.

    Emphasis: We are to understand that Jesus died for the sins of the world, and Jesus wants his followers, Christians, to know this. But more than that, Christians are to share this Gospel Message with the world.

    Lesson Summary: In the last lesson, we read that Jesus appeared first to Mary. He then appeared to the other women who had gone to the tomb. In this lesson, we remember again the rumor the guards were paid to spread that Jesus’ disciples had stolen His body. At this time, we understand that many people did not know what to believe. Two particular followers of Jesus were on the road to Emmaus when Jesus began to walk and talk to them – but they did not recognize Him. When they asked Him to stay for dinner, it was not until after He blessed and broke the bread that they recognized Him – and He disappeared. The two immediately went back to Jerusalem and told the disciples. That very night, Jesus appeared to the disciples in a room where the doors were shut. However, one disciple was missing. Jesus opened their understanding, and we will learn that Jesus explained to His disciples what He had done. Jesus then revealed the plans He had for them. And the missing disciple? Jesus appeared again – just for Him.

    After the disciples saw Jesus, they went fishing. Jesus met them, cooking fish for them on the shore. It was here that Jesus began the commission given to His followers. Jesus completed that commission in what we, today, call “The Great Commission” found in Matthew 28:18-20. In that commission, Jesus gave the plan and direction of the furtherance of the gospel. Finally, we will read of the events of Jesus ascension into heaven.

    Y3Q1 – Lesson 11 Questions

    Y3Q1 – Lesson 11 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to children, the following is a craft idea to help them remember this lesson:

    We used resurrection stickers to make a scene to remember Jesus is alive!

    The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three Quarter One is now available through Amazon.

  • Lesson 10: Jesus’ Death, Burial, and Resurrection: The Four Gospels

    Key Verse

    Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.

    —Luke 24:7

    Key Verse Thought: Read today’s Key Verse. We need to understand that Jesus was often called the “Son of man.” In our last lesson, we read that Jesus had been delivered into the hands of sinful men. In this lesson, we will see that those sinful men crucified Jesus, and more importantly that Jesus rose again on the third day. It is important to remember what Jesus had told the people (including the religious leaders). “For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” (Matthew 12:40). Consider the events of Jonah who spent three days and nights in the belly of the whale. We will read that Jesus’ body was in the tomb for three days and three nights.

    Emphasis: We are to understand that Jesus came to die for the sins of the world, and that He lives again. Any who believe this can have the gift of eternal life that Jesus’ life purchased.

    Lesson Summary: As we ended our last lesson, Jesus had been delivered by Pilate to be crucified.

    We will again, in this lesson, read directly from God’s Word. It could never be retold any better than the witnesses that were there who recorded it in God’s Word. If you are in a class setting, try to read as much of it to your students as they are able to understand. Explain the rest to them.

    In this lesson, we begin with the crucifixion of Jesus. Even while Jesus was on the cross, we will read that although there were many who mocked Jesus, at least two believed in Him. After Jesus died on the cross, two men (Joseph and Nicodemus) took Jesus’ body and buried it before the Passover. After Jesus had been dead for three days and three nights, some women went to the tomb to prepare Jesus’ body with spices and ointments. Before they arrived, there had been an earthquake: the stone had been rolled away, revealing an empty tomb. As the women approached, they saw that empty tomb, and angels told them that Jesus was alive. The angels told the women to go tell the disciples. They went and told the eleven. Jesus revealed himself to Mary Magdalene. Mary went and told the disciples that she had seen Jesus.

    One of the watchmen told the chief priests that the tomb was empty, and the chief priests paid them a great sum of money to spread the lie that the disciples had stolen Jesus’ body. Moreover, they told that story, “and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day” (Matthew 28:15b).

    Y3Q1 – Lesson 10 Questions

    Y3Q1 – Lesson 10 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to children, the following is an idea for a craft to make to help them remeber the lesson:

    We took a stand-up foam cross, added stickers to remember Jesus’ resurrection, and a verse.

    Purchase The Biblical Path of Life, Year Three – Quarter One.

  • Lesson 9: Jesus’ Final Journey: The Four Gospels

    Key Verse

    And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem.

    —Luke 9:51

    Key Verse Thought: Read today’s Key Verse. Recognize that Jesus understood He only had a set amount of time to do what God sent Him to do. He knew it was time that He should be “received up.” Received up means “the act of taking up (only found in Luke 9:51).” And steadfastly set means “to set fast or to fix firmly.” In other words, Jesus set forth with fixed purpose. Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem with a particular purpose in mind – He knew it was time to pay the penalty for mankind’s sin by laying down His life, and then taking it up again (“15. … and I lay down my life for the sheep… 17. Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. 18. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father” John 10:15-16). Jesus understood that He was on the way to Jerusalem to die.

    Emphasis: We are to understand why Jesus came. Jesus said, “I lay down my life” (John 10:15 and 17). Knowing that, we are to understand the importance of Jesus going to Jerusalem that final time – and the obedience to His Father that took.

    Lesson Summary: In our last lesson, we learned of many personal encounters Jesus had with different people. Some believed in Jesus. However, a few refused to believe.

    As we begin this lesson, we find that although many believed in Jesus after Lazarus was raised from the dead, there were some who went and reported to the religious leaders what had happened. They began to spread word that they wanted someone to tell them where Jesus was. They made a plan to take Jesus by subtlety and kill Him. In this lesson, we will learn of one of Jesus’ own disciples who met with those religious leaders, promising to deliver Jesus to them.

    As Jesus made his final trip to Jerusalem, there were many who received Him, declaring Him as “the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord” and throwing palm branches down in His path. During Jesus final supper with His disciples, He had much to teach them. Jesus was preparing them for His death – but they did not understand. As they went to the Garden of Gethsemane after that dinner, Jesus took three aside to watch with Him as He prayed. Shortly thereafter, Judas led the religious leaders to Jesus, betraying Him with a kiss. Jesus was arrested.

    There was an illegal trial by night where the religious leaders declared Jesus was guilty of death. When they took Jesus before Pilate, Pilate declared that he found no fault in Jesus. Nevertheless, the religious leaders insisted upon Jesus death, and Pilate delivered Jesus to be crucified.

    Y3Q1 – Lesson 9 Questions

    Y3Q1 – Lesson 9 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to children, the following is a craft idea to help them remember what you learn in this lesson:

    One time we added stickers and a verse to a large foam palm leaf.

    Another time we cut out palm leaves from construction paper, glued verses on them, then attached them to straws to wave as palm branches.

    Purchase Y3Q1 of The Biblical Path of Life.

  • Peter Grows

    “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.”

    2 Peter 3:18

    The following is an excerpt from “The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Two” Lesson 6:

    “During the time Peter stayed with Simon a tanner, Peter was taking that time of rest and retreat where he prayed. Recognize that God was ready to teach Peter something he needed to learn. While Cornelius’ men were on the way to Simon’s house, where was Peter? ‘… Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour‘ (Acts 10:9b). While Peter was praying, he became hungry, and fell into ‘a trance‘. Trance means “a sacred ecstasy or rapture of the mind beyond itself when the use of external senses are suspended and God reveals something in a peculiar manner.” Peculiar is exactly what we see. Read Acts 10:10-16 where Peter sees a sheet full of animals come down from heaven. God showed this to him three times, telling him to rise, kill, and eat. Nevertheless, Peter argued with God that the animals were unclean. However, God told him not to call common what God had cleansed. ‘Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate‘ (Acts 10:17). Peter had no idea what this meant, but while he ‘doubted in himself‘, men were at his door, asking for him. ‘19. While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. 20. Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them‘ (Acts 10:19-20). Sometimes one does not learn what God wants them to learn – at first.

    “See what Peter learned as he obeyed God’s instruction. What did he do? ‘Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?‘ (Acts 10:21). Read what they said to Peter. ‘And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee‘ (Acts 10:22). The men stayed with Peter, and the next morning went together to Caesarea – to see Cornelius. Read what Cornelius had done while he was waiting. ‘And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends‘ (Acts 10:24). Cornelius called is friends and family to his house. Not only would he hear the Gospel message that was promised to him, but his family and close friends would also hear and have opportunity to respond.

    “Peter was really a special man used by God, but take note of his heart as you read the following verses. ‘25. And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. 26. But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man‘ (Acts 10:25-26). Peter understood, and wanted these people to understand, that it was not Peter who was to be worshiped. God, and God alone, is to be worshiped (see Exodus 34:14).

    “Recognize what Peter learned from the vision God had showed him. ‘And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean‘ (Acts 10:28). That is why Peter went to see Cornelius.

    “Cornelius told Peter what had happened to him (see Acts 10:30-33), ending with the following. ‘… Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God‘ (Acts 10:33b). All of the people present wanted to know what they must do to be saved.

    “Peter reiterated what he had said before, about God teaching him that Peter was not to call any man common or unclean. You can almost see the light bulb going off in his head, as he was beginning to understand what God was trying to teach him. ‘34. Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35. But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him‘ (Acts 10:34-35). Worketh means “figuratively, to do, commit, practice.” Righteousness means “that righteousness which has regard to God and the divine law; internal, where the heart is right with God, piety toward God, and hence righteousness, godliness, i.e.: faith acceptable to God.” Peter was recognizing that he was there to tell these people about Jesus. He then proceeded to preach Jesus (see Acts 10:36-42). Specifically read Peter’s final words in this testimony, as from one who was a witness to what Jesus had done. ‘To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins‘ (Acts 10:43). What did it take to be saved? To believe on the name of Jesus, where the heart can become right with God.”

    As Peter recognized that Jesus came to save anyone who would believe, by faith, in Him (see Romans 10:8-13), he grew in his Christian life. “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen” (2 Peter 3:18). Peter encouraged Christians to continue to grow.

    Do you continue to grow in your Christian life?

    Do you know one who needs to believe in Jesus by faith?

    How to be Saved

  • Pricked in the Heart

    “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?”

    Acts 2:37

    The following is an excerpt from “The Biblical Path of Life, Year Three Quarter Two, Lesson 1”:

    “As Peter preached Jesus to the people, he initially directed his message to the Jews, for they had rejected Jesus, crucifying Him. ‘22. Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: 23. Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: 24. Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it‘ (Acts 2:22-24). Holden means “to use strength to hold or retain.” When Jesus could not be held by death, He took the power of death that had previously been held by the devil, Satan. See the following verse to understand this: ‘… that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil‘ (Hebrews 2:14b). Understand that death could not hold Jesus, for he conquered it. (See also, how Paul later explained what Jesus did because of his death on the cross: ‘54b. … Death is swallowed up in victory. 55. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56. The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ‘ 1 Corinthians 15:54b-57.) Jesus gave the power of life to any who would believe in Him.

    “Peter continued to explain to the people that because Jesus could not ‘be holden of it‘, Jesus rose from the dead – and this people, which had waited in the upper room, were witnesses. ‘32. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. 33. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear… 36. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ‘ (Acts 2:32-33, 36). … All of the house of Israel should have recognized that Jesus, whom they had crucified, was both Lord and Christ. Christ means “the Savior of the world.” They were to believe Jesus was the Savior of the world.

    “How did they respond? ‘Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?‘ (Acts 2:37). When they heard the Gospel message preached, they were ‘pricked in their heart.‘ Pricked means ‘greatly pained or deeply moved.’ It is important that the Gospel message had a movement in their heart. Sometimes we call this ‘conviction’ (which means ‘found guilty of an offense‘). However, it is more important what those people did with that movement. Peter told them what they must do. ‘38. Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call’ (Acts 2:38-39). The people had to take action: repent. Repent means ‘to imply pious sorrow for unbelief and sin, and a turning from them to God and the gospel of Christ. To think differently; a change of mind demanding a change of action.‘ Repentance is a response between a sinful man and God. Baptism is an outward testimony of what happened to that individual’s heart. Notice that God ‘called’ them. Call means ‘God’s call through the Gospel message.’

    “Remember what Jesus taught: Jesus wanted the people to receive (receive means ‘to accept an offer deliberately and readily‘) the kingdom of God. Understand the kingdom of God by the following: When the Pharisees asked Jesus when it should come. ‘And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation‘ (Luke 17:20). The words not with observation mean ‘you cannot see it with human eyes.” Jesus went on to say, ‘Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21). Within you means ‘it is located in your heart and affections; not external.’ If you remember, that is one reason we refer to being saved as ‘asking Jesus into your heart.’ You cannot see it with your eyes. The Gospel message is very simple – one must just believe. In other words, simply believe and receive without question. Jesus spent much of His ministry calling people to a time of decision – to believe in Him, or choose to reject Him. When Peter preached to the people, he preached the same message: God must call the individual’s heart, and that individual must repent. Then it is important to reveal to others just what God did (a testimony) by being baptized before witnesses. What did the people do once they understood? ‘Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls‘ (Acts 2:41). Those who believed and responded to God’s call were baptized. Notice that there were three thousand people who believed!

    “What they did next was very important. ‘And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers‘ (Acts 2:42). Once there has been such a change in one’s heart and life, it is important to learn how to live this new life. Continued stedfastly means ‘faithfulness and steadfastness in the outgoings of the Christian life – especially in prayer.’ They understood that learning from the Apostles was important. These new Believers not only learned the doctrine (doctrine means ‘the teaching of the Apostles‘), but fellowshipped with them. Remember that the Apostles had spent three years of their lives walking with Jesus, learning from Him. This is something important that Christians should do even today: learn from Bible teachers who know God’s Word, and fellowship with other Believers as opposed to the lost world who have not given their hearts and lives to Jesus. Next, read of the blessing for those who not only believed, but also shared the Gospel message with others. ‘… And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved‘ (Acts 2:47b).”

    Have you been “pricked in your heart” (been convicted), understanding that you are guilty of sin?

    Have you then believed in Jesus, allowing Him into your heart and life?

    How to be Saved