One example is Adam and Eve. (This is not my official 21 list that I have later in the post). but later went on to really see the revelation of God's full kingdom and realized that it didn't matter where he was in that kingdom because it was all about God. Joshua 24:15 "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." These characters, many of whom are considered heroes of the faith, struggled with various forms of temptation, including lust, greed, and pride. However, Saul disobeyed God on several occasions and ultimately lost His favor. About Us; Contacts; BIBLE. In a world that tells us our past defines us, the Bible tells us that with God, nothing is impossible, and anyone can be changed. By "confess," I mean that you should agee with God about how bad it was and ask Him to forgive you for what you did. Christ died on the cross to take away our sins, and through His shed blood, we can be forgiven. One such character is Samson. And because of His resurrection, we have hope for eternal life. (Genesis 25, 27, 30), Rachel, who wrote the book on love at first sight, was a nomadic kleptomaniac. These are just two examples of Bible characters who did not overcome adversity. Now there was a famine in the land; so Abram went down to Egypt to sojourn there, for the famine was severe in the land. What can we learn from their failures? If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9), Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10), The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18), A new heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you; and I will remove from your body the heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. (Ezekiel 36:26), I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. (Romans 12:1), -Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2), And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. What can you do today to model a healthy posture toward the messes we face? Lastly, Paul persecuted Christians and consented to the death of Stephen before his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus. Now Sarai, Abrams wife had borne him no children, and she had an Egyptian maid whose name was Hagar. $ 5.00 More Good Choices, Bad Choices: 40 Bible Characters Decide The Bible teaches us that God always does what He says He will do. Consider the prevailing trend of "unhealth" among some of the Bibles greats: Adam, the first man, was a blame shifter who couldnt resist peer pressure. In Christ, we are given a new identity and a new purpose. Choices often result in eternally significant consequences. This led to his downfall, as he was captured by the Philistines and had his eyes gouged out. Or do you hold back a little, pray, and wait for God's ultimate say in the matter? These people changed their attitudes by learning to trust their God and you can too. No one can unscramble scrambled eggsexcept God. While Moses story doesnt specifically mention his faith, it is clear that Moses went through a significant transformation in his life. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. No matter how we define bad and good, the Bible teaches us that anyone is capable of change with Gods help. And one said, Is this not Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite? David sent messengers and took her, and when she came to him, he lay with her; and when she had purified herself from her uncleanness, she returned to her house. "Each time he said, My grace is all you need. Jesus calls God "Father" and the word in Hebrew is more like "Daddy." What does that tell us about how close they were? He committed adultery with Bathsheba and had her husband Uriah killed to cover up his sin, leading to the tragic consequences for his family and kingdom. They were specifically told not to eat from the tree of knowledge, but they chose to disobey God. These stories remind us that even the strongest people can succumb to temptation if they are not careful. Jonahs story teaches us that we should always obey God, even when it is hard. It came about when he came near to Egypt, that he said to Sarai his wife, See now, I know that you are a beautiful woman; and when the Egyptians see you, they will say, This is his wife; and they will kill me, but they will let you live. Now he waited seven days, according to the appointed time set by Samuel, but Samuel did not come to Gilgal; and the people were scattering from him. And he went away and discussed with the chief priests and officers how he might betray Him to them. But he forsook the counsel of the elders which they had given him, and consulted with the young men who grew up with him and served him. From then on he began looking for a good opportunity to betray Jesus. Another example is King David, who was tempted by Bathsheba, the wife of one of his soldiers. This blog post will highlight 21 bible characters who changed from bad to good. Saul then became a Christian himself and changed his name to Paul. I believe the Bible demostrates that even if we were perfect parents , (as God was to Adam and Eve), you can still have less than perfect kids as a result. Find out now and avoid repeating their errors. Even if one was considered a non-believer or gentile, as the Bible termed, one can be grafted into Gods family tree! Do you worry about your status, your wealth, your achievements, or your beauty? 20+ Messed Up Bible Heroes And What We Can Learn From Them After Bathshebas husband died, David cried out to God for forgiveness. (view less). Themes will be grace, redemption, salvation, mercy, restoration, etc. (view more) The Bible is full of stories of sinners who became saints, outcasts who became heroes, slaves who became kings- all because they encountered the God who transforms lives. 1 Corinthians, 1 John, 1 Kings, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, Exodus 2, Exodus 32, Galatians 6:7, Genesis 12, Genesis 16, Genesis 18-20, Genesis 25, Genesis 26, Genesis 27, Genesis 31:19, Genesis 3:12, Genesis 35:21, Genesis 3:6, Genesis 4:8, Genesis 9:20-21, Hebrews 11, Hebrews 12:4, Hebrews 4:16, Job 2:9, Judges 16, Numbers 12, Numbers 12:13, Numbers 20:11. Finally, we learn from David that God is always willing to forgive us when we repent of our sins. Hello there Mr. Mubemba! 30 He said to Jacob, "Quick, let me . (1 Kings 11). 5 Bible Characters Who Were Successful After Miserable Failure These stories can teach us a lot about life and how to overcome failure. Do you sometimes boast about your blessings? This book will reinforce the fact that . He was on his way to Damascus to persecute more Christians when he was suddenly knocked off his horse and blinded by a light from heaven. You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are. In his days Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up, and Jehoiakim became his servant for three years; then he turned and rebelled against him. (Hebrews 12:4). Through Him, we can have forgiveness for our sins and hope for eternity. 3 Bible Characters Who Made Terrible Choices: Learn from Their Mistakes It is a great comfort to know, that God's plans and purposes are not changed by men and women who make wrong or foolish choices. Required fields are marked *. Finally, Paul teaches us the importance of faithfulness. It also teaches us that we can always come back to God no matter how far we have strayed. very nice, selected scriptures that teach that its not our weakness that count, but Gods grace toward us. 1. How to Fix Bad Decisions - Topical Studies - Bible Study Tools When she spoke against Moses, she was struck with leprosy. I enjoyed writing this post! Another well-known story is that of Cain, who killed his brother Abel out of envy. Please go in to my maid; perhaps I will obtain children through her. And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai. Ron, This is superb. The Bible is real, for real people who need a real God and a real redeemer. He went for laughs and it fell flat. With all our imperfections--He still uses us! Service, Church, Worship, Preaching, pastor, staff, relationships, fiery furnace, Worship General, love your enemies The Bible teaches us that God always does what He says He will do. This post is all about bible characters who changed from bad to good. However, they succumbed to the temptation of the serpent and ate from the forbidden tree, resulting in their expulsion from the garden and the introduction of sin into the world. but went on to be an example of patience, wisdom, and forgiveness of those same brothers. Now when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain, the people assembled about Aaron and said to him, Come, make us a god who will go before us; as for this Moses, the man who brought us up from the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him., Aaron said to them, Tear off the gold rings which are in the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me.. (view more) King David's sin There's no question that David is one of the Bible's more important figures. (Hebrews 4:16) This is what redemption is all about. After he denied Jesus, he was filled with remorse and begged for forgiveness. (view more) They also serve as a warning that disobedience has consequences. We can also avoid situations that may lead to temptation and surround ourselves with positive influences, such as friends who share our values and beliefs. Instantly, the thought came back that ALL His vessels--the eartly ones at any rate--are flawed. This is what these bible characters were known as before their stories changed! Scripture: He met Jesus and repented of his sin. Remember that you are a brand-new creation. No matter how many times we fail, He is always there for us, ready to help us start again. The Epic Fails Of 5 Prominent Bible Characters - aifc Now when morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people conferred together against Jesus to put Him to death; and they bound Him, and led Him away and delivered Him to Pilate the governor. agreed. He promised to give half of his possessions to the poor and repay anyone he had cheated four times over. But when Jesus met her, He loved her and restored her. It teaches us about the importance of faith, hope, and love. He yearned for truth and came to Jesus to learn more about Him. And he went away and discussed with the chief priests and officers how he might betray Him to them. 20 Bible verses about Good Decision Making Examples And although there were still repercussions for his choices, David was restored in Gods eyes. Copyright 2003-2023 | Outreach, Inc., All rights reserved. Biblical Reference: Luke 22:54-62 & Acts 2:14-42. His grandchildren were left behind to perish in the waters. Paul writes a letter to Philemon requesting that he forgives Onesimus and welcome him as a brother in Christ and not as a slave. The consequences of sin can be severe, both in this life and the next, and can have a negative impact on our relationships with others. What are six bible characters that had to make choices? (Judges 16), Eli, who ruled over Israel, was a hopelessly incapable father who lost his sons to immoralityand to an untimely death. Grace of the Father, Son and Spirit teaches us to no to ungodliness but empowers us in our dysfunctional lives to know that we are and always will be loved, adopted and redeemed children of God. However, Davids life can teach us important lessons about how to live our lives. Nicodemus was a Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council (Sanhedrin). The prodigal sons story teaches us the importance of repentance and forgiveness. Do you feel you must control the things and people that are around you? I will talk about their history, sin, or what they did when they were bad and their conversion to being good and serving God. Bible interpretations. Take this to heart: You are perfectly made for exactly what God calls you to do. We can all benefit from following his example. He became one of the most influential apostles, spreading the gospel throughout the world. Scripture: None Tags: Bible, Preaching, Culture, messy (view more) Manage Settings (view less). We need someone who is perfect and holy to save us from our sin and its consequences. Then his father and his mother said to him, Is there no woman among the daughters of your relatives, or among all our people, that you go to take a wife from the uncircumcised Philistines? But Samson said to his father, Get her for me, for she looks good to me.. but in God's timing and strength, he ended up preaching the gospel to multitudes of people and lived up to his nickname of "a Rock in the Faith.". He studied for two years with Wycliffe Bible Translators and has a passion to share Christ and see all people groups of the world reached with the Gospel. The Bible is full of stories of people who failed to love others. First, we learn from David that it is important to always stay close to God. So David sent and inquired about the woman. God help the modern day Pharisees who are never wrong! (Genesis 12 and 20), Sarah, the most gorgeous woman by popular opinion, let her husband sleep with another woman and then hated her for it. Now when morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people conferred together against Jesus to put Him to death; and they bound Him, and led Him away and delivered Him to Pilate the governor. 1 - David, a Man after God's Own Heart (1 Samuel 13:14) David is one of the best-loved Bible characters. Now Samson went to Gaza and saw a harlot there, and went in to her. 21 Bible Characters who transformed from bad to good. When an earthquake shook the prison, and the prisoners chains came loose, the jailer thought that the prisoners had escaped. Then all the people tore off the gold rings which were in their ears and brought them to Aaron. 5. Finally, Peter learned that it is important to have faith in God, even when things are tough. Solomon clung to these in love. Love, Church, Preaching, Prayer, dedication, preparation, prepare, Result, Time, length, Leadership General For their mother has played the harlot;She who conceived them has acted shamefully.For she said, I will go after my lovers,Who give me my bread and my water,My wool and my flax, my oil and my drink.. Thankyou It really helped me in my research as am preparing a sermon on the encounter with God.,, thankyou. What lessons can we learn from their stories? Encourages me not to give up and submit my all-everything I am and everything I am not-to Kingdom work. The Bible teaches us that God always does what He says He will do. Exodus 14:8-14, Tags: More Good Choices, Bad Choices: Bible Characters Decide When Noah disobeyed God and built the ark, he only saved his own family from the flood. Judah and his daughter-in-law produced the line of Jesse who was David's father. So, if you are struggling today with any flaws or mistakes that are bogging you down, remember that there is hope and forgiveness available to you. God article though and like the points! But when Onesimus met Paul, he repented of his sin and became a follower of Jesus. Samsons story teaches us the importance of obedience. Big losses can lead to emotional distress. Answers is the place to go to get the answers you need and to ask the questions you want Dean Shriver suggests a novel approach to the "fuzzy edges" of tithing. (Genesis 16), Lot, who lost his father early in life, had a serious problem with choosing the wrong company.