Ancient Words: Miracles of Jesus, Power of Light
Light as a noun means to make things visible in the natural state, as a verb Light means to ignite as a fire or illuminate, and as an adjective Light means to exchange color for darkness. The power of light cannot be overstated. From the Greek language light has this expression: phos or foce; From an obsolete phao (to shine or make manifest, especially by rays; compare); luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative): - fire, light.
When God created Light as the first of all creation on the first day, it follows that through this Light the remaining 5 days of creation were accomplished. Man measures the speed of light as 186,282 miles/second which is beyond our ability to comprehend. Yet, thru love and mercy, God has sent his Light in the form of Jesus to display to the human race what power can be accomplished by walking in the Light: John 1:1-12 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.
The power to become sons of God is accomplished by Light: This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 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 cleanses us from all sin.
Paul explains this power of Light with specific details: For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”
Just as God with power designed creation with Light, he will with power destroy creation with Light: But the day of the Lord will come…. the heavens shall pass with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth and the works therein shall be burned up.
Scott and Jane Johnson minister with East Faulkner Church of Christ and BRG Bible. Bible questions can be sent to [email protected].
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The Choice Is Yours
When I was little, my dad always told me to be a leader and not a follower. However, in situations where I would be required to follow, it was important to know who, what and why you were following.
I have noticed over the years how people align themselves with groups, causes, and even politics without doing research or even knowing the organizational core values. A lot of times these choices are made because of family ties and influences, maybe the popularity of the group, and maybe just to appear politically correct.
I am especially saddened to see this in the “church”. The Bible is clear in John 10:10, where it says that the enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy. It’s the old scheme of divide and conquer. If the enemy can create division amongst the body of Christ then the body collectively will not grow and fulfil the mission.
We must be vigilant. We are told in 1 Peter 5:8-9, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”
I simply say this, carefully and prayerfully guard yourself and your heart against the things of this world that can be divisive. I am not talking about politics per se, but as Christians we must be very careful about labels that may hinder our walk or compromise our testimonies.
Joshua told the children of Israel, that we all have choices to make. We can choose to serve other Gods. We can choose to serve political groups. We can choose to serve organizations. I stand with Joshua, as for me and my house we will serve the LORD.
Captain Jason Perdieu is corps officer of the Salvation Army of El Dorado.