Pathlight Studies

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...

We'll continue our study of the fifth chapter of Romans this week as we take a look at verses 6-11... " For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. " Let us first begin by acknowledging the fact that the overall importance of these six verses simply cannot be overstated. This is the plain truth of the gospel in its rawest form, and Paul lays it out for us here in a way which is not only easil...

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...