Pathlight Studies

We're going to take a look at the concept of spiritual warfare. The notion of each and every one of us being involved in a life or death struggle is not far-fetched, nor is it imaginary, but rather, it is very real. It is a matter of eternal life or death, and choices must be made, battle lines must be drawn, alliances must be formed, and allegiance must be given. This is a war, a battle for our very souls, and it is being waged on a daily basis, and we have an integral role in the fight. We're going to take a look at the war that is being fought for control of our souls on both sides, and how it is waged on many fronts. We will begin by taking a look at the very origins of the battle, where it all began, in the Garden of Eden. W e read of the aftermath of original sin in Genesis 3:14-15, after  Adam and Eve are beguiled by the serpent, which is simply a form which Satan had assumed..." And the Lord God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed a...

We're going to take a look at the account of the death and resurrection of Lazarus in the New Testament, and the lessons which we can learn from it. I think we'll find that we have more in common with Lazarus than we thought. The name "Lazarus" comes from the Greek, and means "God is my help", and we will see that God was indeed of great help to Lazarus, as He is to each of us. We read in John 11:1-44... " Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.) Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby. Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. When he had heard therefore that Lazarus was sick, he a...

We're going to take a look at the resurrection of Jesus from a different point of view, from a unique angle. We are all aware of the events which led up to the crucifixion of Jesus, and of His death, burial, and resurrection, but His motivations, His self-restraint and the amazing selflessness with which He conducted Himself, sometimes go unrecognized. The fact that Jesus endured all these things of His own free will is an aspect which we will endeavor to explore. Our main scriptural basis for this study is found in John 10:17-18..." Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father. " The hardships which Jesus endured during His life here on earth are more than most of us could even imagine. He was born during a time and in a place where it was difficult simply to liv...

We're going to take a look at an event which occurred in the life of Jesus which has significant implications for all of us. Its application,  as well as its admonitions, are deep and meaningful, beyond their mere face value. Immediately following His baptism, Jesus was led into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan. What transpired was both inspiring and significant as it serves to give us not only a look into the mind of Jesus, but also the far-reaching power and influence of the devil. We will be reading from Matthew 4:1-11..." Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungered. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Then the devil taketh him up into the ho...

We're going to take a look at the concept of the "Armor of God", how it is to be implemented, and what benefits we obtain from it; in short, how does it apply to us today? We'll begin by reading Ephesians 6:10-17, as Paul closes out his letter to the church at Ephesus with a stirring call to action..." Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of fa...

We're going to take a look at the 8th chapter of the book of Proverbs, which was written by Solomon. Although he was not considered to be one of the major prophets, many of his Proverbs, the 8th in particular, are very prophetic. Following the death of his father, King David, Solomon became king at a very young age, and he prayed to God for wisdom. God was pleased with Solomon because he had not asked for wealth or longevity, but rather for wisdom in leadership, and because of this, Solomon was granted riches and honor in addition to wisdom. God granted Solomon's request for wisdom in 1 Kings 3:12..." Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. " This tells us that Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived, and as such, God chose to use Solomon's wisdom to reveal his redemptive plan to mankind. The 8th chapter of Pr...

We've all heard the phrase "What's in a name?" before. It refers to the fact that most names carry very little significance or meaning. The actions of an individual are what reputation is built upon, and so a person's name becomes synonymous with the deeds that they have performed, and the substance of their character. Many powerful people in our society owe their wealth and privilege to their families, as their riches and influence are due to the name of their father, or grandfather. However, the names of even the most powerful, wealthy, and influential people in the world actually hold no real value at all. We are given many examples throughout the bible which show us that God does not value one person over another. Peter tells us as much in Acts 10:34..."... Of a truth, I perceive that God is no respecter of persons. " God loves us all equally, regardless of whether we are rich or poor, male or female, Jew or Gentile. So, we see that our names hold no...