Pathlight Studies

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...

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...