Let us Pass over to the Other Side.

Mark 4: 35 “And the same day, when the even was come, He said unto them, Let us pass over to the other side.”

The Lord Jesus had just been teaching by the sea side. He had been preaching all day, and so at eventide, He spoke to his disciples that it was time to move on.

Mark 4:36 “And when they had sent away the multitude, they took Him even as He was in the ship. And there were also with Him other little ships.”

Now Jesus had said “Let us pass over to the other side”,…..and there was not a fisherman there, that did not think they could do that,….with no problem.

They were experienced fishermen, what could happen?

So they began. Other boats followed along, as well.

But suddenly a storm arose, which they had not foreseen.

Mark 4:37 “And there was a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.”

This was some sudden storm! The boat was filling up, from the wind whipping up the waves! This was not the usual lake travel; not for fishermen or others.

May I ask each of us, have we not been in this situation?

Quite certain that we could do something the Lord Jesus had given us to do?

(After all, we have been saved, and know quite a bit about the Lord; and about His work for us)

But then, some sudden “storm” of words, resentment, or shaming comes up from others, and we are suddenly at a loss as how to deal with it.

Worse, it seems as if we are “sinking”, and the Lord does not seem to be helping.

And may I also ask, haven’t we felt as if the Lord should come to our rescue, immediately?

I know I have; and have felt the fear, and (yes, shamefully) the resentment toward the Lord, that He did not help me, as I thought He should.

But, as the Lord reminded me: “Didn’t I think I could handle this myself?”

You should have seen me trying to excuse myself!

“Oh no, Lord, I never think I can do something without You.” (But, of course, I had)

Soon, I confessed, instead of excusing myself. I set it right with Him first.

Then I asked Him to show me when I was going to do the same thing: Whenever I began to think I knew what I was doing!

We need guidance, His word to us;

and His Presence with us whenever we do anything for Him.

And we need faith, to see it through, no matter what comes up.

Mark 4:38-40 “And He was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awoke Him, and say unto Him, Master carest thou not that we perish?

And He arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

And He said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith?”

Faith sees God; and that puts everything else in it’s proper place, under Him.

Now, Jesus had said, “Let us pass over to the other side”; not go out into the sea and drown.

They should have trusted His Word, and by faith, claimed it when they were in the storm.

But as the wind and waves grew greater, their fear grew as well. His Words became just words; which they aren’t.

Guidance we need. (They had that)

His Presence we need; always. (They had that)

What then did they lack?

First, a knowledge of their own inability to see what might come up against them.

As fishermen they would have known the night sky: whether there was a storm coming. So the one that came, surprised them.

Second, they lacked a firm faith in the Word of Christ to them.

Their faith should have steadied them; then they would have been able to trust. (Hold on to what Jesus has said.)

They would have been able to say to the wind and waves: that Jesus had given them His Word, and that He was with them….

And passed over to the other side.

Not without a struggle, this is true; but faith acted on, empowers and enables to see the duty done.

Let us have faith in Christ Jesus our Lord, and trust His Word, and Presence with us.

Every storm has a lesson, let us look to Him, and learn from Him.

2 Peter 3:18 “But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen.”

And Yet There is Room

Luke 14:22 “And the servant said, Lord, it is done as Thou hast commanded, and yet there is room.”

Our Lord Jesus Christ, when He was here on earth, was zealous in His Work,…..so that all that would,…..would hear the invitation to the Kingdom.

He traveled all over Judea, even ministering to the Samaritans and a Phonecian woman…..delivering from disease and oppression.

The main theme of the messages: The kingdom of heaven is at hand….in the presence of the King, Jesus Christ. “Come unto Me all ye that labor and are heavy ladened” (Matthew 11:28-30)

Matthew 4:17 “From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

He healed many: the blind, saw….the lepers, cleansed….the lame, walked….and the wandering multitude were fed.

They heard again and again His Word…they praised Him for His Works…..they followed Him for what He would give….and sought Him out, for miracles.

The years He went to the feast of Passover:

The first …He drove out the buyer and sellers from the temple. (John 2:13-16). “And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not My Father’s house a house of merchandise.”

This was a command from the King….one they refused, for two years later:

The last Passover, He drove out the buyers and sellers, again. (Matthew 21:12-13) “And He said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called a house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.”

Having refused His authority and blessing…….this time He quotes the scripture they said they believed….to honor His Father.

Everywhere He went……and when He sent His disciples out, the message was the same: the Kingdom of God is at hand……the people were going to have to make a decision about the King.

Luke 10:1-2, 9 “After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before His face into every city and place, whither He Himself would come.

Therefore said He unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of harvest, that He would send forth laborers into His harvest.

And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The Kingdom of God is nigh unto you.”

(During the three years of ministry, Jesus gave two parables of a great supper….one in the personal sense in Luke 14, and the other before multitudes in the temple, a few days before they took Him in Matthew 22.)

Jesus was often invited to homes….several of them, Pharisee’s homes:

In Luke, someone had said, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God.

Which prompted Jesus to tell the parable of “a certain man” who made a great supper. The man invited many, but when it was time to come, they all made an excuse to refuse this man’s supper.

(How many times do we feel we will do anything for God,….but when it comes time to do…..do we do?)

Jesus tells that this “certain man”, after His invitation was rejected, said….”Forget these who gave an excuse…….go out and get all those who are poor, and lame, and blind”. (This certainly describes each of us without Jesus)

And yet the servant came back and said….

Luke 14:22-23 “And the servant said, Lord, it is done as Thou hast commanded, and yet there is room.

And the Lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that My house may be filled.”

“Compel” here means to make them come in. Now this is what the Holy Spirit will do in the individual,…..as we, the servants….go out and give out the gospel.

(Yes, I was one of those “compelled” by the Holy Spirit. In my younger days, I was not going in His Way….as a matter of fact I had made a decision to leave the church and “do my own thing”. But, Hallelujah, God had other plans. And He would not let me go, and be lost!)

And now, Jesus has given us the charge to:

Matthew 28:18-20 “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth.

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

As Christ’s followers we are to deny ourselves, pick up our cross, and follow Him, personally. Growing in grace from here, to heaven.

As His disciples, we are to share our knowledge of our King, inviting all who will to enter into the kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Temptation.

Luke 8:13 “They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for awhile believe, and in time of temptation fall away.”

Here is described some who hear the Word of God; and their hearts respond to it with joy!

They believe for awhile, for they receive the word, not just hear it.

This means that their hearts want Salvation. They understand the promise of it, as well as what it demands of them.

They will to obey it, and go along great…..until something halts their progress.

That “something” is Temptation.

To tempt is to arouse to action or anger; to induce to do something; to persuade.

Temptation comes along and knocks at the door of your life.

Life might be treating you badly. You might already be hurt, or angry, or discouraged (and this is a big one: discouragement)

So the devil, our Adversary, who is behind each temptation, sends “Complaints” to speak to us.

Complaints comes and knocks at our door. When we open to see who it is, he says, “How many times are you going to put up with their ingratitude?”

“You deserve to have that position. You work harder than anybody else!”

“They should never have said that about you. You are so much nicer than they are.”

He says exactly what we want to hear.

Should you listen? (First mistake. Eve was tripped up by listening to the devil, she should have run away at the first suggestion out of his mouth)

Should you open to see exactly what “Complaints” is offering?

Now if we are “sober (serious about standing with Christ),

and vigilant (watchful); we can refuse Complaint’s suggestions.

1 Peter 5:8 “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”

Because, devour is what the devil wants to do, with this Temptation. To eat up every determination to do God’s Will.

(Believe me, every temptation we yield to; weakens our faith. If you would be strong in the faith, flee temptation.)

Remember, that is what it is: it is a Temptation, no matter what name it comes knocking under.

If we listen, and consider what Temptation is offering; a foothold is made in your heart or your understanding. And once there, they are twice as hard to resist.

Christ Jesus taught His disciples to pray:

Matthew 6:13 “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.”

There are two parts to dealing with Temptation:

1. “Lord, lead us not into temptation”. Help me to keep asking for the help I need. To lean on You to say and do only what I should.

James 1:19-20 “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear (God), slow to speak, slow to wrath:

For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.”

2. “but, deliver us from evil”. For there is a way out of Temptation, once we are in it.

James 4:7-8 “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you, cleanse your hands ye sinners; and purify your hearts ye double-minded.”

The first is submit to God: confess your desire to listen and go along with Temptation, and confess your anger (or what ever the sin was).

This submission is a deliberate act of your will, and the real Victory is in the submission.

Then resist the devil: “The Lord rebuke thee.” (We certainly can’t in our own power, but in His name, we can.)

Then draw near to God, and He will draw near to you: This is a military movement. It is going back, to take cover in Christ Jesus, our Rock; and He will protect us, and fight for us in a special way.

Temptations are common to man.

But we can be delivered from them:

1 Corinthians 10:13 “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”

And God has promised a blessing for all those who endure. Endure means that you stand with Christ Jesus; and when the temptation is over, you are still standing with Jesus.

(You may fall. But He has provided His forgiveness, and cleansing power to get us up and stand again with Him.)

James 1:12 “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”

All

All is a small word in itself,….yet inclusive to the greatest degree.

These three letters signify the enormity, the magnitude, the numbers, the greatness of power to accomplish….without limits…..for “all” is everything there is.

Mark 9:23 “Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.”

This is an amazing promise….”all things are possible, to him that believeth.”

Are we believing Him in all things? Are we proving His Word in the situations of life?

I know I have failed here, often. We think of the hard, impossible things for which we need God….but “all things”…..really?

Are we looking to Him in “all” things?

Isaiah 45:22” Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.

(We all know the about when Peter walked on the water. [Matthew 14:25-31]

We know that Peter was doing fine,…..until….he stopped looking to Jesus, and started looking around at the waves and wind.

Yes, those were the circumstances he was in at that time,……but the waves were high when Jesus bid Peter “Come” to Him;……and the wind was howling as Peter crawled out of the boat, and onto the sea.

It was not the wind or the waves,……but the fact that Peter stopped looking to Jesus, that got him in trouble.

Now for me, that would have told me that Peter should not have asked to come out on the water….but, the Lord did not correct him, then….but corrected his unbelief. “Wherefore didst thou doubt?”)

“All things are possible to him that believeth”

For our salvation, Christ Jesus has reconciled “all things” and made peace by His blood:

2 Corinthians 5:18 “And all things are of God, Who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;”

Colossians 1:20 “And, having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.”

“Reconciliation” means to remove all those things which hinder fellowship with God.

We cannot reconcile ourselves to God, He did that on the cross….but we can come to Him at His invitation, receiving…and continuing to receive His life….and “be made the righteousness of God in Him”:

2 Corinthians 5:17, 19, 21 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

For He hath made Him to be sin for us, Who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.”

These “all things becoming new” includes faith and light…..which gives us the “sight” we need to navigate in this world.

It includes the Holy Spirit’s ability for us to get honest with the Lord, and come with our hands emptied of excuses. (1 John 1:7, 9)

It includes peace….a peace which passes “all understanding” for both our hearts….and minds.

Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

For our spiritual needs, Christ Jesus has blessed us:

Ephesians 1:3, 2:6 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:”

Are we getting them into us?

Paul wrote that he had learned how to abound, and how to be abased (and if you read what happened to him: being thought a god [Acts 14:11-15]…..being stoned and left for dead [Acts 14:19-20]….a jail opened for him [Acts 16:25-26]….a shipwreck [Acts 27]…..you can see his being abased and abounding!) and he testifies:

Philippians 4:11, 13 “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. (And that is reconciliation!)

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

That’s Paul, the mighty apostle….but he goes on to say:

Philippians 4:19 “But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

Again, I will ask, are we believing the Lord? Are we being reconciled to Him in everything….the “all” things of our life?

Well, He said “all things are becoming new”….will we let Him make this day new in our experience with Him….more peace, more joy, more of His Presence in the wind and waves we face?

The Judgement Seat of Christ

1 Corinthians 3:13 “Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.”

When we stand before Christ Jesus, in that day, the most important aspect of our service will not be how much we have done, but “of what sort it is”.

That will be our motives behind the work we have done for Christ.

So how shall our motives be seen?

1 Corinthians 3:10-15 “According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.

For other foundation can no man lay than that is lain, which is Christ Jesus.

Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;

Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.

If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.

If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.”

The things of God in our life, will come through as gold.

The things of Salvation which we have shown, will come through as silver.

The people we have helped win to the Lord Jesus Christ (by prayer, witnessing, or leading them to the Lord), will come through the fire as precious stones.

But the selfish, and proud, and willful actions that we have taken, even though they may seem religious, will be burnt up as wood, hay and stubble.

The motives of our work and service, is what God looks for.

He is interested in who we love.

If we love Him, in obedience to Him (whatever it is: “Whosoever give a cup of water to drink in My Name” Mark 9:41)…….that will be elevated to worship. (Which is really worthy-ship…. we count Him worthy of all.)

1 Corinthians 13:1 “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity (love), I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.”

Though I speak every language of this earth,….and that of angels……if I can express myself in all these languages to set forth the truth of God;…..if love to the Lord Jesus is not the reason for my action:…..I am so much noise.

1 Corinthians 13:2 “And though I have the gift of prophesy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity (love), I am nothing.”

If I have the highest gift of the Spirit: to know the mind of God and to speak it.

And understand all mysteries: those things hidden from the ages, to be revealed now.

And all knowledge: being able to set forth these great truths, in a way all might understand.

And have all faith: so that I could remove the mountains, or anything which might stand in the way of the Gospel.

And have not love…..I am nothing.

My position before the Church counts as nothing before God, if I don’t do what I am called, out of love for Him;……but for some other reason.

1 Corinthians 13:3 “And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity (love), it profiteth me nothing.”

Though I give all that I possess to feed the poor, and my body to be burned in a martyr’s death, without love to Christ as the reason for doing it; it profits me nothing where God is concerned.

We see then that, at the Judgement Seat of Christ, where the born again ones will be judged; it will be our love to Him which comes through the fire.

Love in the work and service that He gives us;…..our love to Him will stand the fire.

All the other reasons for following Christ, and doing good works, will be burnt up:

There is the reason of getting blessed for it: a bargain of types. I do this for you, God, and You do this for me.

There is the reason of position: either in the Church or in the World. To look good before men.

There is the reason to be “someone”……..even to yourself.

And there is the reason: He told me to do it, so I have to, or else.

Where do we fit in here?

Do you love God? Is He the goal for all your works? To please Him, because you love Him?

Are you fond of remembering His love? Do you want to experience more of it?

Then consider your heart: Who sits on the throne of your heart? Is it a divided heart?

You want to please Christ Jesus, but you also want that attention, or prominence that these works gain you.

Give up that thought of “gain”, for the heart will eventually be pulled apart by it….”you can not serve God and mammon”.

Matthew 16:26 “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.”

Someone has said: God’s love is like an Ocean. It is vast and beautiful. Powerful, and wide.

You can stand on the shore and look at it.

You can step in and out of it, staying on the shore.

Or you can get out into it,….by the vessel of faith, and enjoy it.

Rain

Hosea 6:3 “Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord: His going forth is prepared as the morning; and He shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.”

Christ Jesus, when He comes to us by the influence of the Holy Spirit, is like a shower of rain, to a dry and thirsty ground.

When we are without Jesus in our lives, our hearts are hard, and nothing seems to soften them or make an impression on them.

Often when we fall into sin after becoming Christians, we can again become “hardened”. So we need to turn to Him again, and pray for showers of His mercy and grace to come to us, and soften our hearts.

Wherever Christ comes, the rain of the Holy Spirit and of grace, comes to our souls;…..and we are turned into a well watered land.

Fruitful and beautiful, for we drink Him in;…..and by His Spirit’s influence, we are changed little by little, into His character.

As rain is a free gift of God to the earth……to poor and rich alike, the rain falls.

So Christ is offered to all who will receive Him.

The rain is most necessary to all the parts of the plants: roots, trunk, branches, leaves, and blossom.

So Christ is necessary to every part of us: our understanding, our will, our emotions, and our memories.

He strengthens us in good things, and enlivens us as we grow.

He increases our peace, and love for Him and others.

He preserves us within, by His Spirit; and without, by HIs Word.

As rain sometimes comes amid thunderstorms, as well as the gentle warm rain; so Christ comes to us to warn us, as well as to encourage us.

As rain satisfies the dry earth, so Christ comes and satisfies us.

He gives us the fruit of His Spirit within us.

Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith.

Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”

Psalm 16:11 “Thou wilt show me the path of life: in Thy presence is fullness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures forevermore.”

If we follow on to know the Lord,…..He will come unto us as the rain, the former and latter rain, upon the dryness of our souls.

Liberty of the Holy Spirit.

2 Corinthians 3:17 “Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”

Liberty of Spirit is to have the ability and will, to do the Will of God, joyfully.

Philippians 2:12-13 “Wherefore, by beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but how much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling:

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”

After being born again, we are called to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

This calling is personal, between the Lord and you, and has nothing to do with your work for Him, or your witness of Him.

It is the beginning of a relationship.

How far you take this relationship, is as far as the Liberty of the Spirit is yours; for it is based on love, not duty.

It is true, that all those that belong to the Lord Jesus Christ, are called to obey Him.

Acts 5:32. “And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.”

We stress obedience a lot for Christians, but this Liberty of Spirit is found in those that love Him.

When we are born again, the Spirit of God comes into our spirits and gives us light for darkness, and a love, however small, for God; not an anger toward Him.

The Spirit of God then uses the Word of God to awaken a desire within us to be holy.

There are two terms for holy in the Scriptures: Holy when it speaks of God is His Nature of Sinlessness, and Integrity.

Holy when it speaks of us as His followers, means that we are setting ourselves aside for His sacred use. He can use us as He will, for His honor and glory.

Holiness comes from the determined will of the believer, to be a vessel unto honor, meet for the Master’s use. (2 Timothy 2:21). This is not sinlessness, but constant communion with Him, who is Holiness.

This Liberty of the Spirit, is the same liberty you feel with your true friends. There is nothing you can not tell, or hear, that would effect your friendship. There is the feeling of acceptance, and power with them.

And the Holy Spirit empowers us in God’s Word, God’s Grace, and God’s Will.

Fear is dealt with.

Anger is defused.

Self-pity is turned from.

Power is given, from within us by the Holy Spirit; and received.

This is Liberty of the Spirit. And so much more; with that personal relationship with Him.

Do you want it?

God’s Light.

John 1:9 “That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that come into the world.”

Every man born has light. It is called the “candle of the Lord” (Proverbs 20:27), or the spirit of man.

Some call it “conscience”….for it is natural man’s moral compass.

In natural man, it is “darkened”; for it cannot see God’s Light.

In Christians, our spirits are “enlightened” (Eph.1:18) so we can know and see God’s Light.

Light from God is truth and knowledge;…….which reveals our part in that knowledge.

Because light which comes to us, is always personal.

The very first thing God spoke into being, in His re-creation, was light.

Genesis 1:3 “And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.”

He did not need to speak, but He did,…..showing that His purpose was to be worked out by the Word. (John 1:1)

He did not need light, for He is Light;….but again God is showing the absolute need of light, by us.

With that light, He divided it from the darkness (Genesis 1:4); and then He made the first day,…..calling the division of time by the light….showing how the light was to have preeminence.

Genesis 1:5 “And God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.”

Then He manifested how light should “rule”….by making two lights (sun and moon):

Genesis 1:16-18 “And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: He made the stars also.

And God set them in the firmament of heaven to give light upon the earth,

And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good.”

(Three times God mentions a division between light and dark [Genesis 1:4,14, 18]…..and three times God uses the word “rule” in connection with these lights [Genesis 1:16,18])

The Lord spoke to Adam, giving him his ministry and the commandment, which would test his faith and subjection to God…..by His spoken Word: Genesis 2:15-17. (Again this is personal)

But Adam rejected His Word….so every person born afterward, has had to struggle with darkness.

Every man had the true light of God at one time, for all knew that God existed, and was the Creator.

Darkness came with sin,….and drew men into exceeding darkness;….so much so that when the Lord of Life and Light came to save men from their sins; they “comprehended” it not.

John 1:5 “And the Light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.”

Sin has so blinded the “eyes” or understanding, of our hearts….so that we are unable to see our terrible and lost condition. We are in darkness as to our great peril, and the tragedy and emptiness of our lives, without the Lord.

2 Corinthians 4:4 ” In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”

John 3:19 “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.”

But God is Light….so He shines into the darkness of sin, by His Word:

Psalm 119:130 “The entrance of Thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding to the simple.” (The “simple” here are those untaught about God)

And when we come to the Light of Christ…

He calls us out of darkness into light:

1 Peter 2:9 “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that we should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light:”

He gives us an inheritance, as joint-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17):

Colossians 1:12-13 “Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son.”

Light gives knowledge.

2 Corinthians 4:6 “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts , to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”

Light gives understanding.

Ephesians 5:14, 17 “Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.”

Light brings us to fellowship and cleansing:

1 John 1:7 “But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin. “

Light gives more light:

Psalm 36:9 “For with Thee is the fountain of life: in Thy light shall we see light.”

Light shows us our stand in Christ:

1 Thessalonians 5:5, 8 “Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for a helmet, the hope of salvation.”

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

For: “In Him was life; and the life was the light of men.” (John 1:4)

God is still giving light by His Word….by His Son, Jesus Christ. Will we receive Him? Will we receive His Word?

This song comes to mind:

“Come to the Light….‘tis shining for thee. Sweetly the light hath shined upon me. Once I was blind, but now I can see….the Light of the world is Jesus.”

The First Principle, Obedience.

Acts 8:1,4-5 “…And at that time there was a great persecution against the Church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.

Therefore they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word.

Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.”

Jesus had told them to be witnesses to Him in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the uttermost part of the earth. (Acts 1:8)

Until the persecution, they had concentrated their activities in Jerusalem.

But now they were forced to flee; and so began the spread of the gospel throughout the world.

Philip was one of the deacons appointed to see to the daily needs of the Church. (Acts 6:3-6)

But now he goes down to Samaria, to preach of Christ.

Acts 8:6-8 “And the people with one accord gave heed unto the things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.

For unclean spirits crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.

And there was great joy in that city. ”

Here was a real Awakening. There was great joy in that city. Surely there would be, since Jesus Christ has come into the hearts and lives of the citizens.

Acts 8:12 “But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized both men and women.”

Soon after this, Peter and John came from Jerusalem, to help Philip, after they heard that Samaria received the word of God.

In the midst of this Awakening, Philip is told to leave there and go down to Gaza, which is desert.

Acts 8:26 “And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip saying, Arise, and go toward the south, unto the way which goeth down to Jerusalem to Gaza, which is desert.”

And what was his reaction to this? Did he argue and say,……”Lord, I am in a great revival here. I can’t leave now.”

No.

Acts 8:27-29 “And he arose and went: (That is Obedience)

And behold a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had a charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem to worship,

was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Isaiah the prophet.

Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.”

The Holy Spirit tells Philip, Go near, and speak to this man.

And Philip runs!

And is given the opportunity to speak of Jesus Christ.

Acts 8:30-34 “And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Isaiah, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?

And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he should come up and sit with him.

The place of the Scripture which he read was this,

He was led as a sheep to the slaughter;

and like a lamb dumb before his Shearer, so opened not his mouth:

In his humiliation his judgement was taken away:

and who shall declare His generation?

For his life is taken from the earth.

And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? Of himself, or of some other man?”

This eunuch had been to Jerusalem, to worship. Even though he had been there at the time of Pentecost;……he was untouched by all that was going on there.

(Remember, Pentecost was when the Holy Spirit was given: “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost,…

Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together….

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and Ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Acts 2:1-2,4,6,38)

And now, this eunuch was returning home, not knowing of the invitation Peter gave to all who gathered around them. He was looking to the Scriptures, but without understanding.

He felt that this particular scripture he was reading was important…..but how it was…..he was not sure.

And Philip, using that very Scripture, spoke to him, of Jesus: Who He was, and what He had done, for the saving of the soul.

Acts 8:35 “Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same Scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.”

Obedience is the first principle of all of God’s Principles.

It Honors God, because it is for the Lord.

His Presence is with the one doing it, in a real way.

He honors the one doing it.

He blesses the obedience, whether it is seen at the time or not.

(Obedience in the Greek means “willingly doing what you are told”.

You can do, because you have to, or to gain something.

But Obedience is the willing heart doing, to please our Lord Jesus Christ.)

Acts 8:36-38 “As they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water, what doth hinder me to be baptized?

And Philip said, If thou believest with all thy heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down into the water, both Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him.”

Philip was obedient, and the eunuch was obedient, and the eunuch went on his way rejoicing.

Acts 8:39 “And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.”

(Some people say that this is how the Christian Church in Ethiopia was started.)

To know about Jesus, is good.

But to truly know Him, is joy.

There was joy in Samaria,……and with the eunuch, because of Philip’s obedience.

The first principle is Obedience.

For Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15)

Samuel Hears God

1 Samuel 3:1 “And the child Samuel ministered unto the Lord before Eli. And the word of the Lord was precious in those days; there was no open vision.”

Samuel is a young boy…maybe in his teens. Samuel had been “lent” to the Lord from Hannah, his mother….for the ministry the Lord had showed her. “…And he worshipped the Lord there.” (1 Samuel 1:28)

He stayed with Eli, and learned God’s word of the law. He knew the beauty of the Lord’s Tabernacle, and understood the duties Eli performed.

He was Eli’s helper; and when Eli (who was the high priest), went into the Holy Place to maintain the oil in the Lampstand, which had to be kept filled during the night,…..Samuel went with him.

Samuel slept by the Lampstand, to notice the lights flickering.

This was a sad time in Israel….the people did not know the Word of the Lord: their laws and their meaning….it was “precious”…..very rarely talked of in families and among people.

Also there was no “open vision” (Proverbs 29:18)…..the purpose and plan for Israel, under God, was also not universally known….only a few remembered that God was to be their King.

Only a few remembered that they were to be separate tribes, yet brothers in kindness.

(I want to mention something here,….about training our children in the Word of God.

Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

“Train” here means to initiate and discipline. To bring into and teach.

My son had a rebellious time when he was in his teens….not terrible stuff….but he turned away from God, for a while. He was brought back, by God speaking to him, getting his attention concerning his life ahead.

God’s Word sheds light….and I believe we need to show our children what we think of His Word….how much we believe it….that is an impression they will never get around…though they certainly may try.)

Samuel was not of the priestly family….yet God had seen beforehand the perverseness and rebellion of Eli’s sons…..and provided a substitute, in Samuel, to speak to Israel about God.

But first….Samuel would have to hear, for himself, the Word of the Lord.

God was going to speak to him….and give him a task….would he obey?

1 Samuel 3:2-4 “And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see;

And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the Lord, where the Ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep;

That the Lord called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I.”

This sounds good….

1 Samuel 3:5 “And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou callest me. And he said, I called not, lie down again, and he went away and lay down.”

Samuel had not heard the Lord before, and mistakenly thought that Eli had called him….so he ran over to him and asked him what he needed.

Eli, half asleep, said….”I didn’t call you, go back to sleep.”

This happened two more times: “And the Lord called yet again, Samuel.” (Verse 6)

Now Samuel was hearing…..but not hearing the Lord, yet. He kept thinking Eli was calling him….and each time, in diligence, Samuel went to see what Eli wanted.

Twice Eli, told him to do back to sleep….but the third time:

1 Samuel 3:8-9 “And the Lord called Samuel again the third time; and he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me.

And Eli perceived that the Lord had called the child.

Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if He call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, Lord; for Thy servant heareth.

So Samuel went and lay down in his place.”

(I was praying once about “teach all nations/ make disciples” [Matthew 28:18-20]. And the Lord showed me these verses…..Eli pointing Samuel to hear and answer the Lord.

The Lord showed me……If we can bring those we pray for and teach, to hear the Lord for themselves….and answer Him with obedience; we have fulfilled our commission.)

1 Samuel 3:10-11a “And the Lord, came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel.

Then Samuel answered, Speak; for Thy servant heareth.

And the Lord said unto Samuel,…..”

The fourth time, the Lord calls Samuel….this time standing beside the Lampstand….He said “Samuel, Samuel”.

He repeated his name, for there was an urgency now that Samuel knew it was the Lord was speaking to him.

Samuel says…..as Eli told him….”Speak, Lord, for Thy servant heareth”.

And the Lord told Samuel that He was going to do away with the priesthood that was in charge, including Eli….for the sin Eli refused to deal with, in his sons.

It would be a wake-up call to the nation, now…….but, later, He would make an end to the judgement on the priesthood……”when I begin, I will also make an end.”

In the interim, Samuel would minister to the nation, turning them back to know God, and His claims upon them…for each other; and other nations.

In the morning, after hearing this….Samuel got up and went about his chores; opening the doors; but he said nothing to Eli.

Eli sees Samuel’s quietness, tells him,……to speak plainly to him:

1 Samuel 3:18 “And Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him. And he (Eli) said, It is the Lord: let Him do what seemeth Him good.”

And Samuel told him everything that the Lord had said. He loved Eli, but spoke God’s Word,….faithfully.

(Eli submitted to the Lord’s Word, through Samuel.

Actually, Eli had been a good man,….but a bad father to his son’s. He had tried to correct them,….slightly. But as the high priest, he should have taken them out of the priesthood, for their sin against the nation.

And for their trespass against the Lord, ….they should have been stoned. 1Samuel 2:17, 24-25; Leviticus 24:16)

Samuel’s faithfulness was blessed.

1 Samuel 3:19, 21 “And Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground.

And the Lord appeared again in Shiloh: for the Lord revealed Himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the Word of the Lord.”

The Lord again was speaking to the nation,….through Samuel. He was telling them what God wanted of them, as His people. (How important for us, as Christians, to keep in constant touch with Him, and His will for now.)

We, too, can hear the Lord calling and speaking to us….sometimes through others, and sometimes personally through His Word to us.

This is what He wants for us…..to hear Him, and know His Will, Word, and the way we should go. It is always personal….the Lord knew Samuel’s name….He knows ours, as well..

John 10:3 “To Him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear His Voice; and He calleth His own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.”

When we hear Him, we should say: “Speak, Lord, for Thy servant heareth”…….and then be faithful to what He has said to us.