Pathlight Studies

This week, I'd like to talk about an obscure and somewhat controversial figure from the Old Testament named Melchizedek. Webster's dictionary defines the word "enigma" as a situation or person that is difficult to understand or explain, and Melchizedek was certainly the very definition of an enigma. We'll begin by reading the only actual account of Melchizedek, and of what he did. We find this in Genesis 14:18-20..." And Melchizedek, king of Salem, brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all. " Although this is the only account of Melchizedek's actions, Paul has a lot more to say about him in the New Testament, in the book of Hebrews.  First, a little background on what occurred here. Abram had just returned ...

This week, we're going to take a look at one of the most intriguing and mysterious summaries of the life and death of Jesus. This is a brief section of scripture, but it is very profound, and contains indisputable facts which prove beyond a doubt the deity of Christ. So, let's read Phillippians chapter 2, verses 5-11... Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father....

I'd like for us to take a look at Ephesians chapter 4, verses 17-32, where the Apostle Paul lays out a blueprint for our transformation from darkness into light. He also explains the distinct differences between the mental states of a person before and after they are exposed to the love of Jesus. We'll begin with verse 17, and read a few verses, then try to expound upon their meaning... Ephesians 4:17-19...This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. Paul is here outlining the idea for our transformation, laying the groundwork for the changes that are to come. Keep in mind, although this epistle was written to Gentiles in the first c...

This week, I'd like to discuss the power of the tongue, the damage as well as the good that it can do, and the great responsibility that we are faced with in regards to the use of our tongue. Our main text will be the third chapter of James, but we'll also look at several other verses throughout the bible which have application to the use of the tongue. So, we'll begin with James, chapter 3, looking at a few verses at a time, and discuss their meaning...v.1,2  My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. James warns us here of the greater responsibility that a teacher, or a preacher, has in regards to the leading of God's people, and the fact that speaking the truth, even when it is done in love, is going to be offensive to many. We all, no matter how pure our intentions may be, will slip from t...

I'd like for us to take a look at Romans chapter 12, verses 1 and 2, which are some of the most profound words ever written by the Apostle Paul through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.  Romans 12:1&2... I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.  Verse 1 begins with Paul's admonition to the church at Rome, and to us as well, as he very passionately implores us that that through God's mercy, we sincerely present ourselves to God just as we are, but ready and willing to be changed by Him, in any way that he sees fit. To be a living sacrifice means that we must give up all of our self, in order to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Our self indulgent impulses, negative thoughts and act...