Drink From His Cup - Revelation 21:6

Revelation 21:6 ESV

And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment.

From the beginning the end was in sight, for all things are made through Him and for Him and exist in Him.  The life He gives is His own. Those who seek His life shall find it. Their thirst will be quenched forevermore, for in Him life has no end. We will dwell in the presence of the One Who existed before time began and will remain when time is no more. 

He paid our debt and sets us free that we might live. We only have to recognize our thirst and drink from His cup. 

Strong Delusion - 2Thessalonians 2:8-12

2 Thessalonians 2:8-12 ESV 

And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming. The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

There is a strong delusion at work in America. What is bad is called good. Deception is rampant. Lying is now only mis-speaking. Laws are disregarded with alarming frequency. As we deny God, we willingly enter into Satan's embrace. 

We perish for the lack of knowledge. 

For Now And Evermore

In the beginning 
The earth was dark and void
Shapeless and invisible 
Without form

The Spirit drew near the waters
The light began to shine
On the face of the deep
And it began to warm

Much time would pass
The light of the world
Would come to rise
So we could understand 

The same Spirit overshadows
A virgin named Mary
Chosen mother of the Holy One
God becomes a man

Light separates from the dark
The earth emerges from the waters
The waters begin to recede
To reveal the dry land

From this man would come
A people, true companions
They join Him as one
To walk hand in hand

For the light has come
To shine in every heart
Into every dark corner 
Until shadows are no more

As all come to the light
From near and far
To celebrate life and love
For now and evermore 

Two Witnesses - Revelation 11:1-3

Revelation 11:1-3

 Then I was given a measuring rod like a staff, and I was told, “Rise and measure the temple of God and the altar and those who worship there, but do not measure the court outside the temple; leave that out, for it is given over to the nations, and they will trample the holy city for forty- two months. And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.”

At some point the full number to be gathered will come to pass. The church and Israel will both give witness to the truth of God. During this time the nations will "trample the holy city", and so it is even now. The final week of years before Christ comes will be the the most intense, the great tribulation. The first half of that week the witnesses will speak the final words of prophesy before the bowls are poured out on the earth. 

The nations are dividing Jerusalem in the guise of peace, but there is no hope for peace until the return of the Prince of Peace.  Until then, the Devil will be busy. 

This Thing - Luke 2:14-15

Luke 2:14-15 NASB 

“ Glory to God in the highest,

And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”

 When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.”

Who is it that God's peace will be given?  To all men?  No.  The angels speak of the peace given to all that receive His Son. He is pleased with the one that obeys his word. There is no peace or rest for those who do not accept this light which has come into the world.  They are condemned to remain in darkness.  

The shepherds then speak of "this thing that has happened".  The Greek word translated here as "thing" is: (ρημα rhema 68x that which is spoken; declaration, saying, speech, word,) Mounce

This thing or event is actually a word from God. In fact, God's final word is given in the person of His Son, born from above in the form of man, a child held in the arms of his mother, the hope of mankind. 

God has made Himself known. 

Let there be light!

Merry Christmas

There two aspects of our lives which are bound together, yet need balance: doing and being. 

Both are best done in Christ. 

May He be reason in each case. 

Merry Christmas!

sb

Baptized Into Christ - Romans 6:3-4

Romans 6:3-4

Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

Though dead, we are brought into new life and become part of the body of Christ. Our baptism speaks to our own death of self, just as Jesus gave His own life so that we could live. He shares His glory with us, the glory from and of the Father. In that glory we glorify God. 

Everyone experiences death. The blossom of our natural body will fade and drop to the ground. God has given us the gift of choosing life before we leave this earth, and we begin as a new creatures even as we remain in the old body. 

Like Jesus, we are born from above and share with Him as sons of the Father. There is a place for all who would come. This newness of life is the glory of the Father. 

1 Corinthians 12:13

For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body— Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.

You Shall Know - Zechariah 2:10-13

Zechariah 2:10-13

Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion, for behold, I come and I will dwell in your midst, declares the Lord. And many nations shall join themselves to the Lord in that day, and shall be my people. And I will dwell in your midst, and you shall know that the Lord of hosts has sent me to you. And the Lord will inherit Judah as his portion in the holy land, and will again choose Jerusalem.”

 Be silent, all flesh, before the Lord, for he has roused himself from his holy dwelling.

Jerusalem will once again be the dwelling place of The Lord. Instead of warring against God the nations will join themselves to The Lord. Only then will peace reign in Jerusalem. 

When The Lord comes every tongue will be stilled and every knee shall bow, and the world will know that He is God. 

Will Reign - Romans 5:17

Romans 5:17

For if by the one man's offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.

Disobedience brought sin and death to all mankind. Everyone is affected. 

The gift reverses that penalty, but only if accepted. Like Adam, we can choose life, but we must choose. 

We trade one kingdom or authority for another. One or the other will reign.  

The Word Is Against You - Zephaniah 2:4-7

Zephaniah 2:4-7 NASB

For Gaza will be abandoned

And Ashkelon a desolation;

 Ashdod will be driven out at noon

And Ekron will be uprooted.

 Woe to the inhabitants of the seacoast,

The nation of the Cherethites!

The word of the Lord is against you,

O Canaan, land of the Philistines;

And I will destroy you

So that there will be no inhabitant.

 So the seacoast will be pastures,

With caves for shepherds and folds for flocks.

 And the coast will be

For the remnant of the house of Judah,

They will pasture on it.

In the houses of Ashkelon they will lie down at evening;

For the Lord their God will care for them

And restore their fortune.

Israel will find peace at last. This will not come from any effort or plan of man, but will be possible at the hand of God. He will subdue the nations that seek the destruction of Israel as it is written. 

Sin Is Not Counted - Romans 5:12-14

Romans 5:12-14

 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned— for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come.

Sin and death entered the world through one man. Notice Eve is not mentioned. Adam is singled out as the cause of sin. Jesus would be singled out as our sin. 

Our bodies are destined to die, just as we died spiritually with Adam through his disobedience. Jesus would obey perfectly. We are able to live through the sacrifice of this one man. 

The law was given to the Jews. They were unable to keep the law, like Adam was unable to obey God's command in the Garden.  The sins of the Gentiles were not held against them, for they did not have the law. We are able to fulfill the law through Jesus Christ. A way has been made and we are given the power of God that can raise and deliver our souls to the presence of God. The ability to choose life has been restored.  It is a decision each one has to make. 

The light of the law was surpassed when the light of the world rose over Bethlehem and the world was overcome. For all who believe there is no law. Through that one light we are brought together.

Footsteps of Faith - Romans 4:7-12

Romans 4:7-12

“Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven,

and whose sins are covered;

 blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.”

 Is this blessing then only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? For we say that faith was counted to Abraham as righteousness. How then was it counted to him? Was it before or after he had been circumcised? It was not after, but before he was circumcised. He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well, and to make him the father of the circumcised who are not merely circumcised but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.

We can see in these verses God's purpose and goal to create a people for Himself.  God made Abraham a father so that God would be the father to people. Circumcision was made in the flesh but resulted in a heart of stone.  The law was written in stone.

With the new covenant came a new seal, that of the holy spirit.  The Holy Spirit came to rest in the hearts of men, the word of truth was written on the hearts of flesh.  This is the power and seal of our faith. This is the path that leads to God.

Til My Renewal - Job 14:14-17

Job 14:14-17

If a man dies, shall he live again?

All the days of my service I would wait,

till my renewal should come.

 You would call, and I would answer you;

you would long for the work of your hands.

 For then you would number my steps;

you would not keep watch over my sin;

 my transgression would be sealed up in a bag,

and you would cover over my iniquity.

The Hebrew word translated here as "service" implies an endeavor in the company of an army or host.  Our time life on earth is shared by all those who have appeared since man began, over the ages and over the globe. Job speaks of those who place their hope in Christ.  Christ will return with a mighty and heavenly host to join with those of us that remain. 

The renewal is the change that comes with the birth of a new creation from above. We answer the call and our sins are remembered no more. We are washed clean in the sight of God and our iniquities covered when we enter the body of Christ. We will complete our renewal when we receive our new bodies. 

He leads us to green pastures and the water of life.  

Your Former Ignorance - 1Peter 1:13-16

1 Peter 1:13-16

 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober- minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.

Conforming to the world is the most destructive form of ignorance because it opposes God. If we remain in sin, we do so out of ignorance, whether we know the gospel or not.  In fact the one who knows the way of The Lord yet still sins may be more ignorant in the disregarding of that truth.  

Conforming to the image of Christ is what makes us holy, for He is holy. We leave the ignorance of the world for the peace and life of God. 

Religion - James 1:27

James 1:27

Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

Religion is but a function of man. There are many variations, but there is one way to 

God and He has shared that with us. 

Jesus did not share a religion with us. Religion existed long before He came and has flourished after He left.  He left us with the truth, pure and undefiled. 

Galatians 5:6

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.

No Shame - Romans 5:5

Romans 5:5 ESV 

and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

Our faith in Christ finds its assurance in the presence of the Holy Spirit. That confirmation is through the word and is experienced in the life we have received. 

The splendor and glory of God is referenced when we refer to Jesus as the word of God. The love of God is made manifest in us through the Holy Spirit.  The living water flows to us and through us, and is given freely without end. 

We become part of that splendor and glory. Jesus was the exact image of God and He shares that righteousness with His brothers and sisters. Clothed as such we approach God with no shame. 

He Believed - Romans 4:17-19

Romans 4:17-19

as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead ( since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah's womb.

Moses and Sarah are old and barren, beyond their ability to have a child- "as good as dead".  Yet God promised a child and Moses believed.  

God has made a promise to us, just He did for Moses.  We are told we will have life though we inhabit earthly bodies that are as good as dead. This is the life of God.  

We are barren in our attempt at self righteousness.  We are hopeless without the hope of God, which is a sure and certain.

Moses is our example of faith and the father of our faith.  We are no different from him as we strive to live out our faith in faith. 

Let it be said of us, "He believed"!

Desire - Psalms 37:4-5

Psalms 37:4-5

Delight yourself in the Lord;

And He will give you the desires of your heart.

 Commit your way to the Lord,

Trust also in Him, and He will do it.

In each man's heart is the desire for something more. This desire gives us the wings to leave the earth and the limitations of creation.  It is there we can find God, for He has drawn near. 

Our desire can find outlets other than God, but does not replace God as the ultimate fulfillment. In fact, it is only when we find God that are able to truly experience the desires of our heart. 

Not Deceived - 1Timothy 2:13-15

1Timothy 2:13-15 ESV 

For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self- control.

It would seem Paul is stating something which is not part of our typical understanding of what happened in the Garden. By saying Adam was not deceived, he must have eaten the fruit knowing full well the consequence that would follow. 

Perhaps it was love and compassion that caused Adam to partake of the forbidden fruit. Eve transgressed the law, but Adam still loved her. Rather than abandon her, he took and ate the fruit she gave him.  

This is a foreshadowing of the love that God would ultimately demonstrate in His self-sacrifice for His Church, the Bride of Christ.  He would take the punishment for our sins though He was sinless. 

Christ would come through the childbearing of man and would eat the fruit of man's sin, becoming our sin that we might be free of its chains. He was not deceived, for He knew what was inside a man and He knew what we can be. 

We are saved when we believe and continue in our faith in Him who came to us born from the house of David, born of woman and of God. 

Law Brings Wrath - Romans 4:13-15

Romans 4:13-15

 For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith. For if it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. For the law brings wrath, but where there is no law there is no transgression.

There two groups of people in the world. They are the goats or sheep, the ones that will be judged by the law or those freed from that law, which comes from faith. 

When we stand before the judgement throne, this will be the most important thing whether we understand this and believe or not. 

The law remains and stands for all those that reject Christ. They will face the wrath of God. Those that accept Christ and His grace are beyond the law and in the body of Christ. There is no transgression in the kingdom.  The law was not able to accomplish righteousness, but it does stand in judgement. 

Into The Depths - Exodus 15:1-5

Exodus 15:1-5 ESV

1 Then Moses and the people of Israel sang this song to the Lord, saying,

 I will sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously;

the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea.

2 The Lord is my strength and my song,

and he has become my salvation;

this is my God, and I will praise him,

 my father's God, and I will exalt him.

3 The Lord is a man of war;

 the Lord is his name.

4 Pharaoh's chariots and his host he cast into the sea,

and his chosen officers were sunk in the Red Sea.

5 The floods covered them;

they went down into the depths like a stone.

In Revelation the AntiChrist, the beasts, and all those who followed after them were cast into the lake of fire.  The deliverance from Pharaoh foreshadowed our deliverance from the army of Satan as prophesied.

Babylon is thrown into the sea.

Yesterday informs tomorrow and gives us confidence today.

Their Own Desires - 1Timothy 4:1-3

2 Timothy 4:1-3 NIV 

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage —with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.

Doctrine may seem an archaic word for some and signal an unenlightened understanding of Scripture to others. Often the word preached is diluted, incomplete, or misinterpreted. 

There were those from the beginning who rejected the true gospel and devised a gospel more suited to their own desires, but few will argue that the time has come at the present day for going one's own way. Rejection of Christianity seems to be in vogue and the Scripture has been discarded as irrelevant and primitive.  Voices clamor with competing truths which oppose God. 

Our charge is to endure patiently and stay true to the word. 

The time has come and is near. 

 

Final Desolation - Daniel 9:1-2

Daniel 9:1-2 ESV

 In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, by descent a Mede, who was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans— in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, perceived in the books the number of years that, according to the word of the Lord to Jeremiah the prophet, must pass before the end of the desolations of Jerusalem, namely, seventy years.

The final desolation will be the abomination in the temple in Jerusalem in the last week of the last days. 

To The Pure - Titus 1:15-16

Titus 1:15-16 ESV 

To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.

With the eyes we can view the same thing, but see different things. This can be easily demonstrated by a casual experiment. 

The view from the heart is a different matter. What is seen depends more on the heart than the image coming through the eyes. A heart that is purified by the presence of the Holy Spirit is contrasted to the heart of one that remains in darkness. The unbelieving profess to know, but do not. The light of that darkness is dark indeed. 

But Jesus Only - Matthew 17:1-8

Matthew 17:1-8

 And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.

Jesus is the only one transformed in this experience. They glimpse the divine majesty of the man they know as Jesus. 

Moses and Elijah then join Him on this mountain. They represent the law and prophets of the Old Testament. We are not told here what they talked about, but everything revealed previously was in preparation of the coming of Jesus and His salvation of grace. 

The passion of Jesus was yet to come and the Holy Spirit has not been given. The disciples have yet to realize the passing of the old covenant and coming new covenant. 

They hear the voice of God the Father blessing and confirming His Son. He directs the disciples to listen to voice of the Son, who only speaks the words of the Father. In fact, Jesus is the Word. 

They fall down in terror at the voice of the living God. Then the Word comes to them and touches them.  He speaks tenderly to them to rise and fear no more. When they look up they only see Jesus. 

The two witnesses have disappeared. They were used by God to pave the way for his Son. Like John the Baptist, they fulfilled their purpose and now defer to the head of all creation: no one but Jesus only.   

Love Fulfills - Romans 13:10

Romans 13:10

Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

Love fulfills, it is the beginning and end. 

The operative force behind all things. 

We are told that Jesus fulfilled the law. Therefore we know Jesus is love. 

We move and have our being in Him. 

Find your neighbor and love.  

The Promise - Romans 4:14-15

Romans 4:14-15

For if it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. For the law brings wrath, but where there is no law there is no transgression.

Jesus died that we would have a way to be heirs to the kingdom of God. To do so we must die to self. In a sense, Christ died to self in that His death enabled the body of Christ, the Church, to find life. That life exists because we have been freed from the law through the grace of God through Christ. 

The way of faith is justified and the promise is sure.  Faith overcomes the wrath to come. 

Entrusted - 1Timothy 6:20-21

1 Timothy 6:20-21 ESV 

O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,” for by professing it some have swerved from the faith.

 Grace be with you.

The Greek word below for " deposit entrusted" includes the idea of sharing or serving, which goes along with what follows. Timothy has received the bread of life, that is Christ. Paul exhorts him to stay true to the gospel, avoiding the dilutions and contradictions that lead into the shadow of death. 

What seems right to a man can be opposed to God. This has always been the case. The Word was entrusted to Timothy and is entrusted to us, with seal or deposit of the Holy Spirit in each believer. 

Speak the truth of God. He has given us the Word and the Holy Spirit which is the Spirit of truth. 

παραθηκη paratheke; from 3908; a deposit or trust:--

entrusted (1), treasure *(1),

Not Deceived - 1Timothy 2:13-15

1Timothy 2:13-15 ESV 

For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self- control.

It would seem Paul is stating something which is not part of our typical understanding of what happened in the Garden. By saying Adam was not deceived, he must have eaten the fruit knowing full well the consequence that would follow. 

Perhaps it was love and compassion that caused Adam to partake of the forbidden fruit. Eve transgressed the law, but Adam still loved her. 

This is a foreshadowing of the love that God would ultimately demonstrate in His self-sacrifice for His Church, the Bride of Christ.  

Christ would come through the childbearing of man and would eat the fruit of man's sin, becoming our sin that we might be free of its chains. 

We are saved when we believe and continue in our faith in Him.  Persevering to the end, we will join Christ in His kingdom. 

Mystery Of Godliness - 1 Timothy 3:14-16

1 Timothy 3:14-16 ESV 

 I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness:

 He was manifested in the flesh,

vindicated by the Spirit,

 seen by angels,

 proclaimed among the nations,

 believed on in the world,

 taken up in glory.

The household of God is a house of prayer. 

Just as the Israelites were led in the desert by a pillar of fire at night, so is the church in the wilderness of the world, leading the way to the truth of God. 

The church inhabits the mystery of godliness, for we are part of the body of Christ. 

Godliness is a mystery to those who are still of this world. It is the Spirit that vindicates and confirms the Son. It is in the Spirit that we worship and dwell in the house of God. 

At The Present Time - Romans 3:21-26

Romans 3:21-26 

 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

The key word in this passage is faith, which is the key word in the Gospel.  The object of that faith is Jesus, who is in fact God. God put Himself into His creation to show and extend His righteousness to all. 

When we believe we fully enter the present moment, for God is ever present and we find ourselves in His eternal presence. 

Which Is Idolatry - Colossians 3:5-6

Colossians 3:5-6 ESV 

Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming.

Idolatry is as present today as yesterday, or more so. The cult of self has no lack of followers. That road is wide and well traveled though it only leads to the wrath of God. 

By Works Of The Law - Romans 3:19-20

Romans 3:19-20 ESV 

Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.

The law was given to a particular people to bring it to the whole world. That particular people demonstrated the inability of man to comply, and therefore the need for a redeemer. The knowledge of sin includes accountability.  Their failure provided the light and pathway to God.  We learn that our best effort can only fall short of the righteousness of God.  

Every mouth will be silenced before the law, for through the law comes the knowledge of sin. 

The Doers - Romans 2:12-13

Romans 2:12-13 ESV 

 For all who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified.

Having or not having the law does not save anyone. Knowing the gospel of Christ does not save anyone. It is in living a life that is informed by the light of God that we will find righteousness before God.  It is living in the gospel truth. 

When we sincerely seek the will of our Father we will be found. 

The Victory - 1Corinthians 15:56-57

1Cor. 15:56-57 ESV 

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Death travels with sin and lurks in the shadows which oppose the light.  The power of sin lies in the knowledge of good and evil. The choice is before every man, and the choice of life comes through Jesus Christ. He alone was able to fulfill the law. 

He shares that victory with us. 

The Image - Colossians 1:15

Colossians 1:15 ESV 

 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.

A photo is an image of a person,but it is just an image, not the person.  More so was Jesus compared to the invisible God. He took on our image to bring to us the life of God. 

We connect with the Father through the lens and language of our experience. We receive His word we begin to take on the invisible for ourselves. We become reborn like the firstborn of all creation and transferred into His kingdom. 

In the end we will be totally transformed to be like Him, not just in spirit, but in His image in every way. 

Out Of Darkness - 2Corinthians 4:6

2 Corinthians 4:6 ESV 

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Out of the darkness of creation God called for the light. That light has risen in the hearts of man where darkness prevailed. The glory of The Lord shines in the heart of the believer. We rise in that light into the divine. 

That knowledge will allow us to see Jesus face to face. We shall know Him as He know us. 

Hope Does Not Disappoint - Romans 5:3-5

Romans 5:3-5

And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Life brings with it many challenges.  While the particulars may differ from person to person, our ultimate purpose is to find and give glory to God.  Our tribulations serve as a means of finding Him and enable us to grow in relationship to Him. 

We see here a progression of spirit which brings us into a stronger hope based on the promise of God. This hope is more than a wish because our hope is in God.  It is a certain and sure reality that will come to pass. We are able to confirm this by the presence of the Holy Spirit. 

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Born Of The Spirit - John 3:8

John 3:8 NIV 

The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

None are able to see the kingdom of heaven unless born of Spirit. We are reborn and are borne by the Spirit as we begin to walk in the light. We then know where we are going. 

The wind blows wherever it pleases because God's sovereign will goes forth and will not return empty. 

They Ran - Acts 19:13-16

Acts 19:13-16 NIV 

Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon- possessed. They would say, “In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding.

The demon knew Jesus was the Christ. It knew that Paul was a follower of Jesus. 

These Jews used the name of Jesus, but had not believed in His name. They had not taken His name for their own. They had not comprehended or known the spiritual reality of their situation. As such, they were ill prepared for this encounter. 

Since the Jews did not have The Lord with them, they were no match for the evil spirit. They were overpowered and subjected to the dominion of Satan. 

It is critical to know what we know. If we don't have a relationship with Christ, we are subjects of the prince of this world. There will be no place to run. 

The Whole Of Creation - Revelation 22:20-21

Revelation 22:20-21 ESV 

He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!

 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.

The Bible ends with these words. It began with God and ends with His return.  His story encompasses the whole of creation. 

River Of Life - Ezekiel 47:6-12

Ezekiel 47:6-12 ESV 

And he said to me, “Son of man, have you seen this?”

Then he led me back to the bank of the river. As I went back, I saw on the bank of the river very many trees on the one side and on the other. And he said to me, “This water flows toward the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah, and enters the sea; when the water flows into the sea, the water will become fresh. And wherever the river goes, every living creature that swarms will live, and there will be very many fish. For this water goes there, that the waters of the sea may become fresh; so everything will live where the river goes. Fishermen will stand beside the sea. From Engedi to Eneglaim it will be a place for the spreading of nets. Its fish will be of very many kinds, like the fish of the Great Sea. But its swamps and marshes will not become fresh; they are to be left for salt. And on the banks, on both sides of the river, there will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither, nor their fruit fail, but they will bear fresh fruit every month, because the water for them flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for healing.”

The River of Life is before us. We will see it again at the end of Revelation. It will flow into the sea and the sea will be made fresh. Notice that everywhere the river goes it will impart life. 

The light of the temple, the life of God will go forth from the sanctuary. 

The sea of chaos and rebellion will be no more. 

A House Of Prayer - Isaiah 56:6-8

Isaiah 56:6-8

“And the foreigners who join themselves to the Lord,

to minister to him, to love the name of the Lord,

and to be his servants,

everyone who keeps the Sabbath and does not profane it,

and holds fast my covenant—

 these I will bring to my holy mountain,

and make them joyful in my house of prayer;

 their burnt offerings and their sacrifices

will be accepted on my altar;

for my house shall be called a house of prayer

for all peoples.”

 The Lord God,

 who gathers the outcasts of Israel, declares,

 “I will gather yet others to him

besides those already gathered.”

All those who have entered the house of God reside in a house of prayer. Not a dwelling made of stone or the will of man, but a living house of true worshipers who have entered the body of Christ.   

The gathering continues. 

Reason - Daniel 4:34-35

Daniel 4:34-35 ESV 

 At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever,

 for his dominion is an everlasting dominion,

and his kingdom endures from generation to generation;

 all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing,

and he does according to his will among the host of heaven

and among the inhabitants of the earth;

 and none can stay his hand

or say to him, “What have you done?”

Who said it is unreasonable to believe in God?

Believing God and in God is the highest form of reason possible. Lifting our eyes to heaven separates us from the beasts of the field. 

We are planted in this earth to yield a harvest for the glory of God. We were made to share in that glory. 

Singing - Psalms 100:1-2

Psalms 100:1-2

 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!

 Serve the Lord with gladness!

 Come into his presence with singing!

Coming close to The Lord, we enter into the joy and gladness of His light. 

Singing is the natural outcome as we join in the song of love. 

Destroy This Temple - John 2:13-22

John 2:13-22

Jesus Cleanses the Temple

 The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money- changers sitting there. And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the money- changers and overturned their tables. And he told those who sold the pigeons, “Take these things away; do not make my Father's house a house of trade.” His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.”

 So the Jews said to him, “What sign do you show us for doing these things?” Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews then said, “It has taken forty- six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?” But he was speaking about the temple of his body. When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.

The word translated "destroy" comes from a Greek word that includes the meaning of unloosing and unbinding.  Jesus is speaking of the true temple of His body which will be resurrected in three days and will be filled with the church of believers in the days to come. The bonds of death could not hold Him.  Ironically, the temple of the Jews would be destroyed, no longer needed in light of the new temple.  God builds a new temple, setting the cornerstone of a house built from above, without the hand of man.  This is the house of prayer inhabited by worshipers sought by God. 

Until Now - John 2:1-12

John 2:1-12

The Wedding at Cana

 On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

 Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. And he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.” So they took it. When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.” This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.

 After this he went down to Capernaum, with his mother and his brothers and his disciples, and they stayed there for a few days.

The first miracle recorded by John is a wedding in Cana. The wedding is a foreshadowing of the wedding feast to come between Christ and the Church.  "On the third day" brings the resurrection into view, and hints at our betrothal.  

The wine of the first covenant dries up.  His mother had been given the honor of bringing Jesus into the world.  It would appear here that she also has the honor of initiating His ministry.  She says, "they have no wine".  This would be true for the wedding and Israel.  His reply may be indicative of the change between being a son and being the Son of God.  His ministry and mission has begun.  She pays Him no mind, instructing the servants to do whatever He commands. 

The stone water jars each held a "bath" of water used for ceremonial washing.  They were empty, perhaps a sign the sacrificial system had not achieved a true cleansing. Jesus tells them to fill the jars, and they did so till they could add no more. 

As they take the water to the master of the feast, it turns to fine wine. This is the good news, the new covenant offered by God.  He has kept the good until now.  Now is the for our cup to run over. Drink freely. 

Do You Believe - John 1:43-51

John 1:43-51

Jesus Calls Philip and Nathanael

 The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” And he said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

The Word of The Lord emerges from small and humble beginnings.  From a small town in the land of a small people comes the Savior of the world.  

This passage tells us that Phillip and Nathaniel believed, but one must ask what did they believe?  Most likely they believed that Jesus was the long awaited Messiah of Jewish expectation.  They had yet to see the passion of Christ or to understand their role in God's plan. 

The fig tree might symbolize Israel.  A fig is a common symbol for Israel.  It is under the shade of its branches that Nathaniel, an Israelite with no deceit, is found.  Through Israel comes the law which condemns man and through Israel comes the grace of God which saves man.  The fig leaf covered the nakedness of Adam becomes the nation through which God covers the nakedness of mankind when we choose to take His righteousness for ourselves.  

The greatest miracle performed by Jesus was opening heaven for you and me. That door is ever open. 

Eyes To Heaven - Daniel 4:34-35

Daniel 4:34-35 ESV 

 At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever,

 for his dominion is an everlasting dominion,

and his kingdom endures from generation to generation;

 all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing,

and he does according to his will among the host of heaven

and among the inhabitants of the earth;

 and none can stay his hand

or say to him, “What have you done?”

Who said it is unreasonable to believe in God?

Believing God and in God is the highest form of reason possible. Lifting our eyes to heaven separates us from the beasts of the field. 

We are planted in this earth to yield a harvest for the glory of God. We were made to share in that glory. 

A Scroll Was In It - Ezekiel 2:8-10

Ezekiel 2:8-10 NASB 

“Now you, son of man, listen to what I am speaking to you; do not be rebellious like that rebellious house. Open your mouth and eat what I am giving you.” Then I looked, and behold, a hand was extended to me; and lo, a scroll was in it. When He spread it out before me, it was written on the front and back, and written on it were lamentations, mourning and woe.

Ezekiel is not to literally eat a scroll, but to ingest and digest the word given by God. 

The scroll is opened in Revelation by the ascended Lamb.  His reign begins and the Day of The Lord commences. 

Come And You Will See - John 1:35-42

John 1:35-42

 The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, “What are you seeking?” And they said to him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and you will see.” So they came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour. One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ). He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John. You shall be called Cephas” (which means Peter).

John again gives witness to the Lamb of God. This time two disciples leave John to follow Jesus. This is the prophet's mission and intent. They are not called by Jesus, but follow after Him.  This may explain why the apostles were so willing to obey without question when later He would say, "Come".  They knew who He was. 

Jesus turns saying, "What are you seeking?".  Their answer implies they were seeking His presence.  Jesus answers, "Come and you will see."  They would see where He was staying, but so much more. Jesu would open their eyes to the things of God. 

One of the disciples is unidentified, but it is widely thought this is John.  

Andrew tells his brother Simon about the arrival of Christ.  Upon Simon's arrival, Jesus sees the man and the man that he will be. 

You Will See Greater Things- John 1:43-51

John 1:43-51

 The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” And he said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

The Word of The Lord emerges from small and humble beginnings.  From a small town in the land of a small people comes the Savior of the world.  

This passage tells us that Phillip and Nathaniel believed, but one must ask what did they believe?  Most likely they believed that Jesus was the long awaited Messiah of Jewish expectation.  They had yet to see the passion of Christ or to understand their role in God's plan. 

The fig tree might symbolize Israel.  A fig is a common symbol for Israel.  It is under the shade of its branches that Nathaniel, an Israelite with no deceit, is found.  Through Israel comes the law which condemns man and through Israel comes the grace of God which saves man.  The fig leaf covered the nakedness of Adam becomes the nation through which God covers the nakedness of mankind when we choose to take His righteousness for ourselves.  

The greatest miracle performed by Jesus was opening heaven for you and me. That door is ever open. 

Behold - John 1:29-34

John 1:29-34

Behold, the Lamb of God

 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me. ’ I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.” And John bore witness: “I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. ’ And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.”

The Old Testament prepares us for John's announcement and proclamation that Jesus is the One. 

"Behold the Lamb of God,

Who takes away the sin of the world!"

The law was given that we might know our sin. The sacrifice of the lamb would explain the spilling of blood necessary to atone for sin on our behalf.  It is there for all who would come.  Sin is singular in this passage and therefore inclusive of all sin.  For those who believe, all sin is washed away and we are transferred from the world and into the kingdom of God. 

Repentance leads to the revelation of God.  John was preparing Israel for the coming of The Lord.  It is the opening door for hearing the word and the beginning of wisdom. 

John could have known Jesus and not know He was the Anointed One.  The brothers and sisters of Jesus did not recognize Him as the Savior.  John waited for the sign. 

The Holy Spirit had been at work before Christ came, but this different.  John discerned that the Spirit had descended and remained on this man Jesus. This is a new thing God did and is doing.  The Spirit remains on and in the body of Christ at this very moment.  We are sealed in that Spirit as we await the time of our ascension. 

The Testimony - John 1:19-28

John 1:19-28

 And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.” So they said to him, “Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said.”

 (Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.) They asked him, “Then why are you baptizing, if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” John answered them, “I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know, even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.” These things took place in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

"Who are you?", asked those sent by the Pharisees of this man sent from God.  The two would meet in the wilderness.  This is where God has met us, the place where we wander without His grace. 

John's mission was to cry out in our wilderness to prepare us for the coming of The Lord. Through the water of repentance, the way is opened to the salvation of The Lord.  There are no trumpets sounded to announce the King of Kings, but a voice lifted up to speak of the coming Word.  

Prepare and repent. 

The baptism with water represented the cleansing that is made possible through repentance and points the way to Christ Who would forgive all sins.  Jesus would baptize us as only He can do: with the Holy Spirit. 

Loosening a sandal strap was considered too menial of a task for a disciple to perform for his teacher. John says that he is unworthy to even perform that deed for the coming one.  

Open My Lips - Psalms 51:15-17

Psalms 51:15-17

O Lord, open my lips,

and my mouth will declare your praise.

 For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it;

you will not be pleased with a burnt offering.

 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;

a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

Open my lips

Open my heart

Break my spirit

So that it might

Be remade in Your image

That I would be a vessel of your light

To Be Justified - Galatians 2:17-21

Galatians 2:17-21 ESV 

But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we too were found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not! For if I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be a transgressor. For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.

Trying to justify our deeds confirms our misunderstanding and distance from the saving truth of the gospel. 

Our life depends solely on our faith in Christ and the grace He brings. When we are able to enter His life, His life enters us. We live by that faith. 

Made Him Known - John 1:14-18

John 1:14-18

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. ( John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me. ’”) For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known.

He took on our form and content. He entered fully into the state of man, into our flesh and would become our sin, though He was sinless.  John reaffirms this by identifying Jesus by name. The divine did become a man.  He breathed the air of creation and felt the earth beneath His feet.  He occupied space and time.  He did this so we could enter His divinity, so heaven and earth would be joined.  The wedding feast of the Bride of Christ will be a celebration beyond compare. 

The same glory that filled the Tabernacle and Temple now filled the Son of Man.  From the Father comes grace and truth in the man Jesus. 

John alludes to the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and end, in describing Jesus as the one before him that would be following. 

The law was actually a grace given by God.  It was a revelation from God that disclosed how to approach His throne and our distance from His presence.  It would allow the grace and truth of Jesus to be understood. 

This translation says Jesus is at the Father's side. The underlying Greek says He was in the Father's bosom., which may more accurately describe the relationship between Father and Son.  It is within our hearts that the Father and Son come to abide in the heart of the believer. 

Until Jesus came, no one actually saw God.  Jesus came so the blind would see. 

Into Containers - Matthew 13:47-48

Matthew 13:47-48 ESV

 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind. When it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into containers but threw away the bad.

The Greek word translated as containers was used to refer to vessels. 

This parable might refer to our new immortal bodies we will receive when the fullness of time is complete and the full number of believers is achieved. We will leave behind these earthly vessels for the divine. 

The True Light - John 1:9-13

John 1:9-13

The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

True light.  More and more the concept of truth is dismissed. This is a reflection of not knowing God, Who is truth.  Receiving God it too believe in His truth and to live in the truth of His light. It is God's will to share His life. 

There is one true light, for truth is exclusive.  Anything else is false. That is a defining aspect of truth. There is one truth because there is one God.  There is one way to the Father, for He said so.  Espousing multiple ways is disagreeing with God and pagan in nature.  Jesus says He is the door. 

I believe Him. 

Galatians 4:4-7

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.

1 John 5:20

And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.

To Bear Witness - John 1:6-8

John 1:6-8

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.

John was the greatest prophet born of woman under the old covenant. His purpose was to prepare the way for The Lord, in much the same way that Israel was to give witness to their God. 

He came as a witness to bear witness of the light of the world.  He was not in the kingdom of God, for it had not yet arrived. The light had not yet ascended to His throne in heaven.  Those in the coming kingdom would walk in that light and bear witness.  They were born of woman, but reborn from above.  Like Moses looking at the promised land from afar, John see the kingdom was not far away. 

John was not the light, as we are not the light, but His light is within us in the form of the Holy Spirit.  We become the Lamp-stand for the light of the world.  His light shines on us and through us. 

John's purpose was to enable belief in the one to come; to pave the way and draw attention to the Savior of the world.  He would do this. 

The Light Shines - John 1:3-5

John 1:3-5

All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

John tells us that all things came through Him which can point us back to the One Who spoke the Word.  We return to the reality and mystery that God is one, though He is revealed as three.  God created the cosmos and revealed Himself in the creation He brought forth using that same Word. 

Earth is created in darkness, for light is not present. 

The first command recorded in Genesis is, "Let there be light"! That light continues to unfold today. We are told here that life equates to light.  It is not the same thing as the light given by the sun radiating out into space and falling on earth.  This life and light is uniquely given to men. This is the life and light of God.  It is God breathed. 

The light is given to the darkness.  In Genesis we read that before there was light, the earth was void and without form.  Darkness reigned on earth, but began to recede before the light.  In darkness there is no understanding.  Chaos has no part with order.  Life is in the Spirit.  Death resides in darkness.  Then can we say death precedes life?

In darkness we are unable to see our surroundings.  We can only guess at what is not seen and are confined to the limitations of our senses and understanding.  It is in the presence of His light that we are able to realize the reality that lies beyond our world. 

God's mercy allows the darkness to coexist with light.  It may be that we are able to see the light having known darkness.  This provides the path of choice.  The light will shine on every man, but not everyone will turn toward it. 

It became possible to see in the light a beacon that would begin to draw man to God and provide the way to reach Him.  It shines even now. 

Isaiah 45:12-13

I made the earth

and created man on it;

it was my hands that stretched out the heavens,

and I commanded all their host.

 I have stirred him up in righteousness,

 and I will make all his ways level;

 he shall build my city

 and set my exiles free,

not for price or reward,”

says the Lord of hosts.

Isaiah 35:5-6

Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,

and the ears of the deaf unstopped;

 then shall the lame man leap like a deer,

and the tongue of the mute sing for joy.

 For waters break forth in the wilderness,

and streams in the desert;

Acts 26:22-23

To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass: that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.”

1 Corinthians 8:6

yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.

The Word - John 1:1-2

John 1:1-2 ESV

The Deity of Jesus Christ

 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.

The Word appears three times in verse one, which is the number associated with the divine. This underscores John's intent to present the divinity of Jesus. The Word is identified as God.  

A word has its origin with the speaker of that word. It is present before uttered. It represents order and implies the intelligence of that being. It is because this Word has been spoken that we are able to access the revelation of God. 

Genesis opens with the phrase "In the beginning God".  This time the Word is described in the same way and is equated with God. John's gospel opens with that same wording, linking the two events of an ongoing creation. We are given a new perspective of God.  The Word that spoke creation into being took form in that same creation to enable the creation of the new man. God took on the form of that new creature, the first of many that would come.

It is this Word that is written on our hearts and seals us in the truth, bringing us into the new and final form which encompasses the peace and perfection of God. 

Hebrews 13:8

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

1 John 1:1-2

 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us—

Romans 9:5

To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen.

Be Strong And Do It - 1Chronicles 28:9-10

1 Chronicles 28:9-10 ESV 

David's Charge to Solomon

 “And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever. Be careful now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be strong and do it.”

David charges his son, Solomon to build God's temple. A wise man by all accounts, yet he was not able to serve The Lord with his whole heart. Though chosen by The Lord for this honor, Solomon began to forsake God for his many wives. 

We are found whether we seek God or turn the other way. He has chosen us to build a living temple as His sanctuary. He still searches all hearts and knows every thought. 

Be careful now, be strong and do it. 

In My Bones - Jeremiah 20:9

Jeremiah 20:9 NIV 

But if I say, “I will not mention his word

or speak anymore in his name,”

his word is in my heart like a fire,

a fire shut up in my bones.

I am weary of holding it in;

indeed, I cannot.

The word cannot be contained. It goes forth into and throughout creation. It has entered me. I feel the heat and light of that fire. 

It has entered you. It is performing the work of creation, a new creation. It shall not return unfulfilled. 

 

By Faith - Romans 1:16-17

Romans 1:16-17 ESV 

The Righteous Shall Live by Faith

 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

Why is there a possibility for Paul to be ashamed of the gospel?  It is because it is foolishness to the world. It doesn't make sense without the working of the Holy Spirit. Paul does not suffer doubt about this for he knows this to be the truth and power of God. He would be ashamed if he failed to proclaim the good news. 

Though the Jews received gospel first, it was the Gentiles who first believed. The first become last and the last become first. 

Faith is the way to God and this is God's plan for man. It is the way for us to avail ourselves of the righteousness of God, as it is written. 

Desolation Has Come Near - Luke 21:20-24

Luke 21:20-24 ESV 

Jesus Foretells Destruction of Jerusalem

 “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let those who are inside the city depart, and let not those who are out in the country enter it, for these are days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written. Alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! For there will be great distress upon the earth and wrath against this people. They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive among all nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

This prophesy is against Jerusalem and Israel. The "days of vengeance" apply to "this people" primarily, and to Babylon secondarily. This is the judgement against a people chosen by God who rejected Him and blasphemed His dwelling place. 

Revelation represents this judgement and  conclusion from chapter four onward. The letters to the churches in chapters two and three pertain to the Church which is the outcome of Israel's failure and the fulfillment of God's will. 

The time is coming when Israel will come to the feet of Christ and witness to the nations. 

Literal Allegory - Galatians 4:21-26

Galatians 4:21-26

Example of Hagar and Sarah

 Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not listen to the law? For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman and one by a free woman. But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, while the son of the free woman was born through promise. Now this may be interpreted allegorically:these women are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar. Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia; she corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother.

Here is an example of Scripture using a literal meaning to provide a message beyond its literal interpretation.  Both are the word from God.  

Paul explains the allegory. Jerusalem is represented by the slave woman, for she is still held by the law.  The new Jerusalem is born from above and is free. It is born from the promise and is the promised land. 

Israel remains in the present Jerusalem, slave to the law. 

Bearing - Galatians 6:1-5

Galatians 6:1-5 ESV 

 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load.

At first glance, Paul might appear confused when telling us to bear each other's burdens, yet bear our own load. 

Looking a little closer, we find helping one another with the weight of our burdens fulfills the law of Christ. These we are to bear with humble grace and generosity of Spirit. 

We must bear something else, though a different Greek word is used here for "load".  We bear each other's burdens, but we will stand alone before Christ to give an account for our lives. We are not to compare ourselves with each other, but only to the Son. We are made in His image. 

Dragon In The Seas - Ezekiel 32:2-4

Ezekiel 32:2-4 ESV 

“Son of man, raise a lamentation over Pharaoh king of Egypt and say to him:

“You consider yourself a lion of the nations,

but you are like a dragon in the seas;

 you burst forth in your rivers,

trouble the waters with your feet,

and foul their rivers.

 Thus says the Lord God:

 I will throw my net over you

with a host of many peoples,

and they will haul you up in my dragnet.

 And I will cast you on the ground;

on the open field I will fling you,

and will cause all the birds of the heavens to settle on you,

and I will gorge the beasts of the whole earth with you.

We see an anticipation of the beast in Revelation and its ultimate defeat. The members of the army that gathers against The Lord with the beast are listed. 

The rivers will become clean again once the land is no longer fouled by the enemies of God.  The feast of The Lord is attended by the birds and beasts of the earth. 

The nations will then be able to live in peace and worship The Lord. 

Equality

Death is the great equalizer of men. It is the true democratic and equal state dreamed of by many, but so elusive here on earth. All glitter and striving will be reduced to the marrow of our soul; even that is not our own and will be judged. 

Creating a pile of possessions and seeking the trappings of success on earth have no relevance or value when compared to heavenly treasure. Arrogance and pride will find no room in heaven. 

It is a humble and pure heart which will find the peace of God. 

But A Son - Galatians 4:1-7

Galatians 4:1-7 ESV 

 I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything, but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.

When I was a child I thought like a child and was no different than a slave.  In the fullness of time, I put away childish things and received the grace of God's Son. He now receives me as a son and I am able to call Him Father. 

Whether male or female, we all becomes sons when we put on Christ. No longer are we slaves to the elementary principles of the world, but heirs in the liberty of the kingdom which is God's house. 

Build A House - 1 Chronicles 17:25-27

1 Chronicles 17:25-27 ESV 

For you, my God, have revealed to your servant that you will build a house for him. Therefore your servant has found courage to pray before you. And now, O Lord, you are God, and you have promised this good thing to your servant. Now you have been pleased to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever before you, for it is you, O Lord, who have blessed, and it is blessed forever.”

David wanted to build a house for The Lord, but God tells David that He will build a house for David. One of his offspring will rule forever. This is none other than Jesus Christ. 

This is the house of The Lord, the new temple He made possible, and the kingdom which has no end. 

Gathered

Just as Israel will be regathered to Jerusalem from among the nations, so will the Bride of Christ who is gathered from the nations to populate the new Jerusalem. 

Built upon the rock of the Church with the Apostles as the foundation, Israel will be the gate to the nations that will never close. 

A Scroll Was In It - Ezekiel 2:8-10

Ezekiel 2:8-10 NASB 

“Now you, son of man, listen to what I am speaking to you; do not be rebellious like that rebellious house. Open your mouth and eat what I am giving you.” Then I looked, and behold, a hand was extended to me; and lo, a scroll was in it. When He spread it out before me, it was written on the front and back, and written on it were lamentations, mourning and woe.

Ezekiel is not to literally eat a scroll, but to ingest and digest the word given by God. 

The scroll is opened in Revelation by the ascended Lamb.  His reign begins and the Day of The Lord commences. 

True Sabbath And Creation - Revelation 22:12-13

Revelation 22:12-13 NASB 

“Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”

The Bible tells of the beginning and end of creation.  These verses tell us that Christ is the beginning and end. Through Him the word of God is spoken. His word will bring a new creation.  He has begun this thing and He will do it. 

We begin in this creation and will end before Him at his feet. If we find the wisdom of God, we will be rewarded with new life as He intended. This is the true Sabbath and creation. 

God's work is done

Against This People - Luke 21:20-24

Luke 21:20-24 ESV 

Jesus Foretells Destruction of Jerusalem

 “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let those who are inside the city depart, and let not those who are out in the country enter it, for these are days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written. Alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! For there will be great distress upon the earth and wrath against this people. They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive among all nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

This prophesy is against Jerusalem and Israel. The "days of vengeance" apply to "this people" primarily, and to Babylon secondarily. This is the judgement against a people chosen by God who rejected Him and blasphemed His dwelling place. 

Revelation represents this judgement and  conclusion from chapter four onward. The letters to the churches in chapters two and three pertain to the Church which is the outcome of Israel's failure and the fulfillment of God's will. 

The time is coming when they will come to the feet of Christ and will witness to the nations. 

Render - Luke 20:19-26

Luke 20:19-26 ESV 

Paying Taxes to Caesar

 The scribes and the chief priests sought to lay hands on him at that very hour, for they perceived that he had told this parable against them, but they feared the people. So they watched him and sent spies, who pretended to be sincere, that they might catch him in something he said, so as to deliver him up to the authority and jurisdiction of the governor. So they asked him, “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach rightly, and show no partiality, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not?” But he perceived their craftiness, and said to them, “Show me a denarius. Whose likeness and inscription does it have?” They said, “Caesar's.” He said to them, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” And they were not able in the presence of the people to catch him in what he said, but marveling at his answer they became silent.

The question might be what belongs to God?  In whose likeness are we made?  

We have been reborn in the image of Christ. All those who have been sealed in the Spirit are marked by God as His own. All those who do not follow after our Lord belong to the world. They bear a mark contrary to God. 

In His Hand - Jeremiah 51:5-7

Jeremiah 51:5-7 NASB 

For neither Israel nor Judah has been forsaken

By his God, the Lord of hosts,

Although their land is full of guilt

 Before the Holy One of Israel.

 Flee from the midst of Babylon,

And each of you save his life!

Do not be destroyed in her punishment,

For this is the Lord’s time of vengeance;

He is going to render recompense to her.

 Babylon has been a golden cup in the hand of the Lord,

Intoxicating all the earth.

The nations have drunk of her wine;

Therefore the nations are going mad.

All that takes place in the world is allowed by the hand of God.  The deeds of man are done in the freedom God allows to choose between right and wrong, between darkness and light.  That freedom allows us to choose Him. 

Babylon is like the forbidden fruit placed in the Garden.  The wine from her cup looks and tastes good, but drinking that wine is madness. 

We are unable to see everything as God sees it.  His ways are not ours, but we who have chosen Him are going His way.  He tells us what He is doing.  We don't understand now, but we will not be disappointed. 

I Will Give It To Him - Ezekiel 21:25-27

Ezekiel 21:25-27 NASB 

And you, O slain, wicked one, the prince of Israel, whose day has come, in the time of the punishment of the end, ’ thus says the Lord God, ‘Remove the turban and take off the crown; this will no longer be the same. Exalt that which is low and abase that which is high. A ruin, a ruin, a ruin, I will make it. This also will be no more until He comes whose right it is, and I will give it to Him. ’

God uses Babylon to judge Israel. That judgement continues today. 

When Jesus returns, He will assume the throne of David. Israel will be sealed with the Spirit and will ascend to the mountain of The Lord. They will follow Him wherever He goes. 

Made You Well - Luke 17:11-19

Luke 17:11-19 ESV 

Jesus Cleanses Ten Lepers

 On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus 'feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.”

Ten were cleansed, but there is only one made well. 

Is there a difference in being healed and made well?

Perhaps being healed is the physical manifestation of the touch of Jesus. This was given to all the lepers. They all left to show the priests this miracle of healing. This may point us to Israel and that nation's struggle with coming to God. They needed to go back to their priests, but there was one that went directly to God the Son. 

One turned back and fell at the feet of Jesus, offering praise and worship. This foreigner alone turned back to the healer. He did not remain at a distance, but drew close. Here was a heart that The Lord seeks. 

The command of Jesus was different for this man of faith. The man was in a different position in relation to The Lord.  Because he was cleansed, he could draw near. The man chose to turn. Because of his faith he was made well. He was spiritually made whole. 

When we fall at the feet of Jesus, we are then able to rise into new life. We are made well, fearfully and wonderfully made. 

Then You Will Know - Ezekiel 20:36-38

Ezekiel 20:36-38 ESV 

As I entered into judgment with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so I will enter into judgment with you, declares the Lord God. I will make you pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant. I will purge out the rebels from among you, and those who transgress against me. I will bring them out of the land where they sojourn, but they shall not enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the Lord.

Ezekiel speaks to Israel and tells them He will once again bring them out of Egypt, or the nations, to the promised land. Those that sin against The Lord will begin the journey, but will fall short of entering the land, just as they did in the wilderness journey. 

Israel models for us our reality. We likewise journey to the promised land and will reach it if we endure with faith and trust in The Lord.  His grace is given for the sake of His name. 

At the end we will know Him.