Monday, October 24, 2016

TRUTH

Today’s Reading: John 8

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).

 

Sunrise over the Dead Sea from Ein Gedi. The Apostle John wrote of Jesus Christ, “All things were  made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of Men.” (John 1:3,4)

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where Reynold took the photo, click HERE.

Key Verse: John 8:32

And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

 

Truth and Freedom…these words stand out in our reading. The accusers of the woman taken in adultery were faced with “TRUTH!” The result was “FREEDOM,” not only for the woman, but also for the men. She was free from death and was not condemned by Jesus. They were free to admit their sin and to be freed from the guilt of hypocrisy. Jesus was the only One who could’ve cast a stone. He is without sin, and He chose not to! What right does He have to change the Law of Moses? The scribes and pharisees quoted Moses’ Law on the matter. Jesus has every right to change Moses’ Law, because, as He stated, “Before Abraham was, I AM.” Jesus, in Himself the “TRUTH,” was the very One who had told Moses from the burning bush that His name was “I AM.” No wonder that the Jewish leaders, as recorded in the last verse of our reading, “took up stones to throw at Him.” He had given to Moses the Laws we’ve read in Leviticus, in order to show the impossibility of anyone living a holy life on their own. He is the One who provides forgiveness for our sins. The most often repeated verse in the Bible is, “His mercy endures forever.” For our worship today, we could read 1 Chronicles 16 and Psalm 136 (for both passages, click here). Turn to these amazing Words in your Bible, as I’ve done.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, “I Am,” I throw myself on Your mercy. I pray with the publican in the Temple, “Lord, be merciful to me a sinner.” Just as You said that this person went to his house “justified,” so am I justified before You, O Holy God. Thank You, Lord, that as I daily abide in YOUR WORD, TRUTH MAKES ME FREE. AMEN!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I am honoured to know Dr. Paul Maier, Professor of Ancient History at Western Michigan University. He is often called on by the major radio and TV networks for his expertise. He spent every day for a year with me on 100 Huntley Street as we explored the book of Acts. His Dad is Dr. Walter Maier, Founder and former preacher on “The Lutheran Hour: Bringing Christ to the Nations.” I wrote Paul as we read Leviticus. Without explaining the context of my enquiry, let me quote the Doctor concerning the Leviticus’ laws: “Most of these laws regarding ‘abominations’ are inoperative today, as they were in Jesus’ day 2,000 years ago. Rabbinical Courts rarely, if ever, applied them.” I asked Dr. Maier specifically about Moses’ law concerning the practice of homosexuality. I quote, “The practice of homosexuality is in an entirely different category, since it is opposed also in the New Testament and is against natural law.” As I pointed out in the Leviticus commentaries, FORGIVENESS for ALL sin, based on the animal sacrifices which pictured the sacrifice of Jesus, Who is our final and complete Sacrifice for sin, is taught in the operative Word of God (Romans 1:16-32).

Yours for a Holy Spirit taught understanding of TRUTH,

David

P.S. Another apology. My video version of the blog (vlog) has been missing for several days. I’ve been in hospital (home now) and Ron has been exceptionally busy with “HEART TO  HEART, the ministry of which he is President. We hope to get the vlog back online soon. Here’s a link to the last vlog from Oct 15th.

9 thoughts on “Monday, October 24, 2016

  1. Glad that you are home Pastor David. I gathered that is what happened to the vlog. The more we read the Bible, the more we will love the author is a quote I heard on the weekend. Have enjoyed my mission trip, now comes hard work preparing for winter. God bless you all.

  2. Thank you for today’s blog Pastor David and all the links you provided to complement and emphasize all that Jesus endured while He walked and taught on this earth. I’m glad you are getting stronger every day. Looking forward to the vlog being posted when Ron and you are able to do so.

    God Bless you and your family in all you do, much appreciated!!!

  3. Appreciated Dr. Paul Meier and his words of wisdom when he was with you on 100Huntley Street TV programs.

    Beautiful photo Reynold of the sunrise over the Dead Sea!!!

  4. Praise God that you are back home again Pastor David. No need for apologies as far as the vlog, is concerned. It is just wonderful to be able to read this blog daily. May you be completely healed this time . Eleanor M.

  5. Stunning photo, Reynold, and wonderful message, dear David. Praying for your continued healing at home. I have not read the blogs for these past few days; still in a retreat until tomorrow afternoon; will catch up by Wednesday morning. Blessings fellow saints in the Lord!

  6. Thank you,David.I share portions on my FB Timeline most days.I read John 8 yesterday minus the blog so here I am now then onto today’s lesson.I’m about half way through my second trip through the bible.Very soon after I surrendered on my knees in my livingroom,I began writing poetry spontaneously.It soon change to Christian poetry and continues today.There is a hidden story her that is the reason for my faith.Thank you again,David.God bless
    Surrender

    I lay them down in front of you,
    For Jesus,that is what I must do
    When my burdens become too much,
    I surrender them to your gentle touch.

    Lord,I give all my troubles to you,
    They are yours when my day is through,
    Please make them smaller for me
    So I am unencumbered and free.

    Lord you found me and gave me hope
    With new strength that I might cope,
    And now I have surrendered to you,
    Body and soul to be made anew.

    You lifted me up so I could see,
    That you were always beside me,
    Now I feel grief for the lost years,
    But I shall not cry any wasted tears.

    So I will lay them at Your holy feet,
    For You have made me more complete,
    I am yours through the fires of Hell,
    With love that Satan’s hordes can’t quell.
    G W(Bill) Marshall/ (before Aug,2012)

    In the morning, O Lord, You hear my voice;
    in the morning I lay my requests before
    You — and wait in expectation. Psalm 5:3♕

    Catch The Fire (4 David Mainse)

    Though you have walked many oceans
    And spread My word to many nations,
    I saw in you and your devotions
    A servant of joyous exhalations.

    You have not asked for earthly wealth,
    But just to be my most humble voice
    And when adversity was kept in stealth
    You still worshiped Me out of free choice.

    So out of free choice I give you
    More time upon the stage of learning,
    Whereby My word you show to be true
    And catch the fire that’s forever burning.
    G W(Bill) Marshall / 01 February, 2014

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