Pathlight Studies

We're going to take a look at the concept of wealth, or riches, and how they affect our salvation. There are many examples of wealthy people throughout the bible, some good, and some evil. So, what is the difference between them, and how does prosperity affect us adversely? We know that God would not have us to be in want, but we need to be aware of what true riches really are, as Jesus tells us in Luke 12:32-34..." Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. " We know that, for example, Abraham was very wealthy, but he was not corrupted by the prosperity which God gave him. Solomon, on the other hand, is an example of a man whom God provided not only exceeding wealth and riches, but also wisdom, ...

This week, we're going to take a look at some of the characteristics that define what a hero is, and then apply them in order to find out what a true hero looks like. Webster's dictionary defines the word "hero" as "a person who is admired for great or brave acts or fine qualities".   People throughout history have always searched for heroes, for those who raised the bar, who, through selfless dedication, saved others, and inspire us to be better people.  We consider firefighters and police officers to be heroes, and they certainly merit this distinction. Our military veterans are heroes, as well, and should be honored as such. The bible is filled with people who fit this description. From the inspiring faith of Abraham to the leadership of Moses, from the bravery of David to the loyalty and allegiance of Ruth, the Old Testament is filled with heroes. Likewise, the New Testament has many heroes. The selflessness of John the Baptist, as he paved the way for t...

The 53rd chapter of the book of Isaiah is a very powerful prophecy concerning the coming of the Messiah and the sufferings which He would endure. We'll conclude our study of this stirring and expressive chapter as we look at verses 7-12... " He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. He shall see ...

The Old Testament is filled with prophecy concerning Jesus, and the book of Isaiah is certainly no exception.  Isaiah was a prophet who lived approximately 800 years before the time of Christ, and his prophecies are some of the most accurately detailed and specific glimpses into the future.  The nation of Israel received stern warnings through the prophecies of Isaiah, but these warnings were not meant for the people of Israel alone. They apply to us as a nation today just as much as they applied to the nation of Israel 2800 years ago.  Through Isaiah, God would foretell not only the fate of nations, and prophesy concerning the end of the world, but more importantly, the Spirit of God showed Isaiah the coming of the Redeemer, the Messiah, who would save His people from their sins. There are many instances of prophecy concerning Jesus throughout the book of Isaiah, but the 53rd chapter is devoted entirely to the life and sufferings of Jesus with regard to the salvation of ...

This week, I'd like for us to take a look inwardly, in order to determine where our true focus lies. This study is not intended to be from the viewpoint of someone who has it all together, whose sole focus is on Jesus as it should be, and who stands in some pulpit looking down on those whose lives are not up to standards. If this study were a sermon, I would be in the audience, feeling a sense of overwhelming guilt. No, this is not a lesson to be learned only by others, but rather, I hope to gain some insight into my own failings and the reasons behind my own distance from God and His will for my life. So, I hope that this study will be beneficial for all of us, and will help us to see where our focus has shifted, and how we can get it back to where God would have it to be.  The first verse that we'll look at is James 4:8..." Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. " Let's think ab...

This week, we're going to take a look at the biblical account of creation, but not in the traditional sense. We all know the story of creation as read in the book of Genesis, but we're going to compare the creation as recorded in Genesis with the account of the creation in the first chapter of the book of John. I think we will find that these two very different accounts do not in any way contradict each other, but rather, that they complement one another, and when read together, they help to form a more complete picture of the creation. For the purposes of this study, we will be looking at only the first 3 verses of Genesis chapter one, because our intention is not necessarily to delve into the entire process of creation day by day, but rather to intertwine the Genesis account with that of the first 3 verses of the book of John. The goal of this study will be to shed light on the fact that Jesus was not only present at the time of creation, but had a pivotal role in the formi...

This week, I'd like to take a look at a particular aspect of faith, the idea that faith exists in direct opposition to what we can understand by using our senses. This is a peculiar notion, and certainly worthy of study, because faith is not dependent upon our worldly faculties at all. In fact, it can be hindered by our dependence upon our senses. For this study, we will focus on two different verses, both of which have meanings that are somewhat difficult to comprehend, and both are often misunderstood. They speak of faith in its opposition to what we can see, or know, using our five senses.  The first verse we'll take a look at is 2 Corinthians 5:7, but for purposes of study, we'll read it in its context, so that we can gain a clearer understanding of the overall idea being conveyed.  We'll begin by reading 2 Corinthians 5:1-9..." For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, et...

We're going to take a look at some of the snares of the devil, some of the main avenues which Satan uses to entrap and enslave God's people. The devil is relentless, and some of the most insidious ways in which he can infect our minds are through fear, doubt, and worry. Satan's influence can not only affect our self image, but also the way in which we perceive others. We'll begin by looking at the inceptions of our sin, the very roots of our falling away from God. These are the foundations of disobedience, the underlying concepts which separate us from God and from His will for our life. These dividing influences include fear, doubt, and worry. We'll look at these from a biblical perspective, as God's word is to be our defining article, our proving ground. So, let's take a look at each of these influences and some verses which will provide us with God's perspective on them...beginning with fear. We read in Psalms 118:6..." The Lord is on my side...

This week, we'll conclude our study of the fifth chapter of Romans as we take a look at verses 18-21, and the amazing gift of God's grace and the peace of mind that it affords us... " Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.  For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. " Paul expands upon his previous thoughts and closes out the chapter in a beautiful and reassuring way. Let's take a closer look at these verses, and how they apply to us... " Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemn...

We'll pick back up in Romans chapter 5, and this week we'll take a look at verses 12-17. This section of the chapter can prove to be quite perplexing, and more than a little difficult to follow. Though it is rather challenging, it is also quite rewarding to study, as it proves to be the most profound part of the chapter. Admittedly, in time past, when reading this section of scripture, I've glossed over it, thinking that I understood it, but never really grasping it completely. So, I hope that this study will help us all to come to a better understanding of what Paul was trying to convey here. " Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that...