Pathlight Studies

Over the next few weeks, I'd like for us to take an in-depth look at the fifth chapter of the book of Romans, which contains some of the most powerful scripture ever written by the apostle Paul by inspiration of the Holy Spirit. We'll begin our study with the first five verses, Romans 5:1-5... " Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience. And patience, experience and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given to us. " Verse one begins with Paul's declaration that we are justified by our faith, and that it is our faith which brings us into a state of peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. So, what does it mean to be just...

I'd like for us to take a look at the concept of forgiveness, as Jesus explained it to Peter in Matthew 18:21-35, in a parable about debt and compassion... " Then Peter came to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and his children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. But the same servant went out, and found one of his fel...

This week, I'd like for us to take a look at the subject of joy, or more specifically, the unspeakable joy that Peter spoke of in reference to our salvation. Though we'll look at several verses in order to get different inflections on joy from multiple sources, our main reading for this study is found in 1 Peter 1:3-9, where we read... " Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto pra...

This week, I'd like to take a look at a topic which can, at times, be hard for us to understand, due to the fact that it has multiple meanings and is filled with paradox. The fear of the Lord is a subject which can be interpreted in different ways. Its meaning can change, dependent upon the context, and there are many verses which refer to the fear of the Lord in various ways. We'll take a look at several of these verses in an attempt to come to terms with exactly what it means to have the fear of the Lord, and what benefits we obtain from it. The first thing that we need to grasp is the fact that it is God's desire for us to have understanding and wisdom. Psalms 111:110 tells us..." The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever. " We also read in Proverbs 1:7..." The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. "...

I'd like for us to take a look at the concept of righteous indignation, which pertains to the appropriate times and ways in which anger is to be manifested. We'll look at several different verses from the bible, but our main focus will be on Jesus Himself, and on times in which He became angry. Jesus is to be our example in all things, and anger is a very real emotion, one that we all have to deal with. By looking closely at the way that Jesus dealt with anger, we can learn a lot about how to deal with it in our own lives.  The first thing that we must realize concerning anger is that it is a necessary emotion. When we see injustice done, or when those that we love are taken advantage of, the anger that we feel is very real. If we choose to ignore it, or worse, to internalize it, we are only hurting ourselves. We need to understand that there are constructive, and even healthy, ways in which our anger can be expressed, and that there is a big difference between anger and rage...

I'd like to take a look at one of the great mysteries of the gospel, the concept of one's life being "hidden in Christ." The main scriptural basis for this study is found in Colossians 3:1-3, where we read..." If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. " In order for our life to be hidden with Christ, we must consider ourselves to be dead to this world. Paul tells us in Galatians 2:20..." I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. " He also goes on to write in Galatians 6:14..." But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified un...

This week, I'd like for us to take a look at the opening verses of Ecclesiastes chapter 3, as Solomon compares and contrasts different aspects of the seasons of life. This is a much quoted section of Scripture, but beyond the obvious, literal meanings there are many figurative and indirect interpretations. So, we'll read verses 1-8, and then take a closer look at them... " To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time...