Roots by the River

“As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” (John 9:5) “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12) “In Him was life and life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:4-5) “The true light , which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.” (John 1:9) “ You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16, ESV) Do others see the light of Jesus Christ in you? Is your light under a basket?

“Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.” (Genesis 2:7) “If it were his intention and he withdrew his spirit and breath, all humanity would perish together and mankind would return to the dust.” (Job 34:14-15) When God breathed into man, man became a living soul. If God withdrew his breath we would all die at the same time. St. Paul says it this way in Colossians 1:16-17, “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” (Colossians 1:16-17) God holds everything together. That is present tense. He is doing it right now. When HE will end things all he will have to do is to quit holding things together.

There is a Christian cultural expression – “sound doctrine.” There is a biblical expression – “sound doctrine.” Unfortunately the definitions are not the same. The cultural expression has been used to identify the distinctive doctrines of certain movements. The word “sound” gives these doctrines biblical authority. The word “doctrine” simply means “teaching.” There is nothing good about the word itself. The Bible speaks of the doctrines of men, devils, strange, Balaam, the Nicolaitans, and every wind of doctrine. It also speaks of the doctrine of Christ, of God our Savior, and the doctrine which is according to Godliness. When the Bible speaks of sound doctrine it is speaking of the gospel of salvation and the teaching of holiness. Here are a few examples: “As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer…for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders ...

St. Paul makes a few declarations on how he teaches and how he doesn’t teach. “Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.” (II Corinthians 4:1-2) “For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.” (I Thessalonians 1:4-6) “We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong oppos...

All of the commands in the New Testament are in the superlative (Over the top!) the same with the prayers and the promises. Teach the text as is. Do not try to make it fit the audience. Read the text. Ask the question “Is this true or false?” If you answer “True”, then thank God for it and keep on thanking God until this “over the top” command is part of you. If this is so, then the next best teaching method comes into action. It is example . You are now living out the text and people can imitate you. “Command and teach these things. Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” (I Timothy 4:11-12) “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” (I P...