JC Blog

And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins” ( I Corinthians 15:17 )

Our entire belief system hinges on one thing, that Christ Jesus was raised from the dead. And in so doing, defeating sin, conquering death, restoring creation and ascending into heaven to take His rightful place at the right hand of God the Father. This proves that Jesus was victorious with everything He came to do.

This is exactly what Paul preached everywhere he went, “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born” ( I Corinthians 15:3-7 ).

The Resurrection cannot be refuted with over five hundred eye-witnesses testifying to the account. More than that, at the moment of His death, the curtain separating mankind from the Holy of Holies, where God resides, was torn in two, the tombs of many holy people broke wide open and their bodies were raised to life, released from the grips of death to appear around town ( Matthew 27:52-53 ). This is positive proof that the grave was conquered on that day and that sins were paid for and forgiven and death no longer has victory over mankind.

“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” ( I Corinthians 15:55-57 ).

This is  great news for us! As we celebrate this Resurrection Sunday, we can rest in knowing that Jesus is Alive! This is a fact that assures us of our redemption. We know that He has reconciled us to God and secures this standing forever as He is raised and seated with God in the place of honor that belongs to Him and him alone.

"So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." ( II Corinthians 5:16-21 ).

Understanding the message of Christ is the next step after hearing it. So Paul's logical question concerning Israel was; did they not understand this message? Israel was given the law and had the prophets and patriarchs as their guide. Israel had understanding of these things and lived daily by them. However they were so indoctrinated by the letter of the law they missed the fact that this was a type or shadow of Jesus ( Hebrews 10:1 ). (Meaning that the law only resembled the foreshadowed Messiah.)

Jesus rebuked the Pharisees in Matthew for this very thing, he said, "you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition. You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you: " 'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.' " ( Matthew 15:6-9 ). When we only have head knowledge about God then we take what he said and become legalistic about it. Israel was so wrapped up in their doctrine of the law that they made the word of God of no effect in their lives and in the lives of those around them.

Because they nullified the word of God by the letter of the law rather than the intent of the law and worshipped other Gods, Moses prophesied that God would make them angry by nations that did not have understanding. "They made me jealous by what is no god and angered me with their worthless idols. I will make them envious by those who are not a people; I will make them angry by a nation that has no understanding" ( Deuteronomy 32:21 ). People who are not instructed in religion and grow up having no preconceived notions about God will accept the gospel message with gladness. It is far easier to comprehend and accept at face value when religion isn't in the way telling you, you must participate in your redemption. The biggest lie we believe is that we must do something to be right with God, instead of accepting the fact that Jesus already did something.

Isaiah foretold this. He saw that Gentiles would come to Jesus and accept the gospel message and Israel would reject it. "I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me; I was found by those who did not seek me. To a nation that did not call on my name, I said, 'Here am I, here am I.' "All day long I have held out my hands to an obstinate people, who walk in ways not good, pursuing their own imaginations" ( Isaiah 65:1-2 ). The difference between the two is that the Gentiles know they will never be good enough for God on their own, but Israel has not understood this yet. All they see is the literal letter of the law and not the embodiment of law which is Jesus who fulfilled the letter. . Patiently God waits and calls for them to understand his message. Jesus is the promised Messiah who gives us the righteousness of the Law by grace .

This has implications for us today. We can start out through faith in Jesus only to be yoked once again to the rules (or "law"). It is important to understand the truth of Jesus and what he did for you as a basis of how to live. We have died to the law through faith in Christ so we are free to live by the Spirit. Paul said in Galatians, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!" ( Galatians 2:20-21 ). If we go back to religion, to the rules and doctrines of men, after we accept this marvelous grace then Christ died for nothing.  We can nullify the word of God in our hearts by living according to man's rules and regulations. What a harsh reality.

This is why Jesus gave us the Holy Spirit to live by, to protect us from going back to the old way. We do not need the law because we have a perfect guide living inside us directing and steering us in the way of God. He has written himself upon our hearts so that we do not have to live by the letter, for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life (II Corinthians 3:6). Paul has written extensively throughout the New Testament, that living by the Spirit will not gratify the flesh. But, in living by the Spirit we will experience the freedom which Christ purchased for us and God desires us to have,  for "where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom" ( II Corinthians 3:17 ).

Today, it is my prayer that you are free. Free from religion, free from the law, free from the doctrines of men and free to live for Jesus. I pray that you will understand this freedom and shake off everything that keeps you in chains. You were called to walk in this glorious liberty in Christ, may you understand this calling and fulfill it according to his riches and grace, amen.

Paul made every opportunity to share the Gospel when he was around the Israelites even though he was an apostle to the Gentiles. God specifically commissioned him to spread the good news to the rest of the world. Paul understood that the Gentiles readily accepted Jesus and he anticipated both envy and curiosity among his own people in hopes that they too would accept his gospel message. Throughout his travels he encountered many of his kin and he saw them both reject Jesus and accept him as their Messiah.

In today's passage, Paul is stressing the importance that we who are outside of the natural line of Israel understand that Israel is still part of the plan.  Since their rejection and exclusion from the benefits of salvation meant the reconciliation of the world to God, can you imagine what their acceptance and admission will mean? When they finally understand as a whole that Jesus is their promised Messiah this revelation will bless the entire world by their obedience to this message of grace.

Paul is a great example of this. According to Philippians 3, he was the ideal example of Israel. "If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless" ( Philippians 3:4-6 ). According to their laws, customs and traditions Paul was the perfect example of who Israel was. He was zealous for God and a leader among his people. However, after he meant Jesus on the road to Damascus and saw the gloried savior he could never go back to his life before Christ. He went on to say in Philippians, "But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ-the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith" ( Philippians 3:7-9 ). He considered all things as rubbish compared to knowing Christ. This revelation of Jesus changed and blessed the entire world.

Paul started out as a Pharisee; he knew the law and studied under Gamaliel, who was a well known and well educated Rabbi of the time. Paul understood the fine points of the law, and was well ahead of his peers in this knowledge. The amazing thing is that once Paul accepted Christ he brought all of this knowledge with him and the Lord revealed to him what it all meant. It went from head knowledge to heart knowledge. He connected all the dots between the law and the savior. After his conversion, he spent over fourteen years in seclusion understanding the fullness of the gospel of Christ in regard to the law. In Galatians he said, "I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ" ( Galatians 1:11-12 ). This revelation of Christ as told by Paul changed the known world.

Out of this experience, all of mankind has been blessed by Paul's revelation of grace.  What he has shared through the epistles changed the church and by default has changed the world. Wonderful books like Romans and Hebrews came from understanding the entire law and then seeing it's fulfillment through Christ Jesus.  These are books that were written to show how complete our redemption has been; books that show how Jesus fulfilled the entire law and was our substitution for the punishment for sin. Amazing books full of the promises of God. Just the acceptance of this one Jew brought amazing benefits to the world over the past two thousand years. Imagine what the entire nation's acceptance of Jesus will bring. It will be nothing short of life from death. Like Paul they are zealous for God, but their knowledge is not based upon the truth of Christ ( Romans 10:2 ). When they understand Jesus is their Messiah, this truth will change and bless humanity and we will see amazing things happen.

Today, I am thankful that Paul was sent to the Gentiles to reveal to us the Christ. I am excited to see the days unfold when Israel returns to the Lord and sees Jesus for who he is. May you understand this grace to which you were called and live a life worthy of your calling, amen!

Inside of the hearts of the people of Israel is a God-centered, God planted tender root. Once this nation comes to the realization that Jesus is their promised Messiah then we will see amazing things come as a result. Right now they are blinded to the truth of Jesus because of hardness of heart ( Romans 11:8 ), but a time is coming when they will look upon his fullness and accept him for who he is. In today's passage, Paul gives us hope for this very thing.

Paul said, "If the part of the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, then the whole batch is holy; if the root is holy, so are the branches" ( Romans 11:6 ).  Do you wonder what firstfruits he is referring to is? The first fruits that he mentions are Abraham and the patriarchs. With Abraham began the nation of Israel and he was also the father of many nations because of his faith. He believed God when circumstances seemed impossible and that faith was credited to him as righteousness ( Romans 4:3 ). This faith and this righteousness that was credited to him is the root that is holy and all of Israel's natural line descended from these things.

Israel has an incredible heritage of patriarchs who trusted God and as a result God moved on their behalf. This legacy is part of what makes them so special. So "if the root is holy, so are the branches". God has planted himself in their hearts and although they do not yet understand that Jesus was their Messiah, this heritage of faith has sustained them throughout the centuries.

Just like a child when they are of age will sometimes go their own way, they experience the world and forget the teachings in which they were brought up. However, those things have been planted in their hearts and have taken root. After a while when the lure of this world fades away and that child see it for what it is, they will return to the Lord and start walking once again in His ways. This is similar to what Paul is saying here, Israel will remember the Lord and what He has done. They will recognize that their Savior has come and he is Jesus. They will leave the way of the Law so that they may partake in God's divine glory through Christ Jesus.

Today, I am thankful that God's word is a root in my life that cannot be removed. I am rejoicing in the fact that we will witness Israel returning to the Lord in the days to come. May you understand this message and be blessed and encouraged by it, amen.

It says in the Psalms, "For the LORD will not reject his people; he will never forsake his inheritance" ( Psalm 94:14 ). God is pleased to call us his own. He has made for himself a people comprised of sons and daughters. It's marvelous to know that we are His inheritance. He has chosen and predestined us to be a part of his family. He foreknew us and accepted us on the basis of Christ. What a glorious thing. In today's passage Paul is explaining that this true even in the midst of Israel rejecting the Messiah.

In verse 1 Paul explained that it was against God's entire nature to reject those he has previously chosen. He concluded that this was impossible. 'May it never be.' Today's passage gives more insight to this truth. Paul reflected back to the scriptures about Elijah when he was faced with a similar situation. Elijah learned an important truth about God in the midst of these circumstances.

Jezebel was seeking Elijah's life because he has just defeated over 450 prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel putting them to death by the sword. He then fled for his life because she had sworn an oath to kill him. He has just had an amazing victory with God as his backer. He spoke and acted in power and authority and proved to the entire nation that God was the God of Israel and not the "no count" Baal. But, at the threat of the queen he fled in fear. The Lord came to him and asked him what he was doing and this was his reply, "I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too" ( I Kings 19:10 ). Look at the Lord's reply to Elijah, "Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel-all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and all whose mouths have not kissed him" ( I Kings 19:18 ). What an amazing thing to tell and encourage him during the time he was afraid. There is a small number of Israelites who have not bowed to Baal. I have reserved for myself a remnant who have remained true to my covenant. In other words, you are not the only one left.

At this time, Israel had rejected God to worship idols. But God still did not reject them. He sent his prophets to them to remind them of everything that he had done for them. He spoke to them about their future and about what he would do for them. This is how wonderful our God is. He is so patient, loving, forgiving and encouraging. Some remained, walking in his covenant and some turned away, but neither of these things changed God. He remained the same; true to His promises.

Modern day Israel has rejected Jesus, wishing to remain in the Law and in the ritualistic application of its precepts. But still, this does not change God. He does not reject those he foreknew. Now, he sends his Holy Spirit to show them the way and to reveal to them the Christ. But still he reminds us that there is a remnant chosen by grace. There is a small believing minority in Israel who has accepted God's unmerited favor and graciousness through Christ Jesus. He is telling us that we are not alone.

Paul said in Romans 9, "not all who are descendants from Israel are Israel" ( Romans 9:6 ). He went on to say that true descendants are those who belonged to the promise ( Romans 9:8 ). The promise was Christ. Through Christ, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise" ( Galatians 3:28-29 ). Through faith we join with the remnant of Israel that remained true to the promise and believed the message of grace. Like them, we have become heirs to the promise and have been grafted into this holy race of God's chosen people in the world today. May this truth speak to your heart and encourage you that God does not reject the people whom he foreknew. He is faithful to the promises he has spoken and watches over them to see their fulfillment ( Isaiah 55:11; Jeremiah 1:12 ), what a blessing this is!

At the start of chapter 11, Paul asks an important question given the previous two chapters, did God reject his people? Did he finally get fed up at their obstinacy and hard heartedness? Was their rejection of His Son the last straw whereby he gave up on them? Paul's answer, absolutely not, may it never be!

Paul's response to this question was an emphatic no! In fact, the Greek words he used for this statement were the strongest meaning he could apply, indicating that it was far from the truth in case anyone tried to misinterpret what he was saying. By no means, literally meant there is an entire absence of possibility that God would reject His people. The King James Bible translated it as, "God forbid". It is inconceivable because these are the people that he foreknew since the beginning of time. He marked out and appointed them from the foundation of the world to be his chosen people. So it goes against God's entire nature to even consider the possibility that he would reject them after choosing them.

The book of Samuel gives us some insight into this. "For the sake of his great name the LORD will not reject his people, because the LORD was pleased to make you his own" ( I Samuel 12:22 ). We learn two important truths through this verse. First, it was God's pleasure to create a people for himself. Secondly, God won't reject His people for the sake of His name. His name carries the weight of who he is. His name is great and greatly to be praised. In fact his name is so wonderful that is was given to Jesus to be the name above every name. If God uses His name to exalt, honor and glorify Jesus because of the completeness of his redemptive work, then his name holds incredible power. Jesus is the only name given under heaven whereby we can be saved ( Acts 4:12 ). So for the sake of it, he will never reject Israel or those he chooses.

Paul uses his own testimony to validate his statement." I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin" ( Romans 11:1 ). Paul described himself as a Hebrew of Hebrews ( Philippians 3:5 ). He knew first hand that God did not reject his people because he had accepted the message of grace and he saw multitudes of people, both Jews and Gentiles, come to the Lord when he preached. Paul was speaking from firsthand knowledge that God still called the Jews. Jesus said that he was sent to the lost sheep of Israel first and foremost ( Matthew 15:24 ). This testified to the fact "that God's gifts and calls are irrevocable" ( Romans 11:29 ).

The Jews must come to God the same way we do, through faith in Jesus. This has not changed. In fact they always looked forward to the Messiah for salvation. This was God's promise to Israel, it had nothing to do with the Law which came 430 years later. ( Galatians 3:17-18 ). David also saw that God would justify them apart from works and this is why he said, "Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit" ( Psalm 32:11-2; Romans 4:6-8 ). David saw the righteousness that came through Christ and called those who lived after the time of Jesus blessed, happy and to be envied.  This promise was opened to the Gentiles as well, but it came through Israel, in the form of God's first born son, that the entire world would be blessed through them.

It is marvelous to know that God does not change his mind ( James 1:17 ). Those he has called he will not forsake. His salvation is open to all and to all who receive him, he gives them the right to be called children of God ( John 1:12 ). And we can rest assured that nothing can separate us from His love because of what Christ Jesus did for us ( Romans 9:38-39 ). Today, I pray that this message will settle in your heart and provide you assurance through Christ Jesus our Lord, amen! 

 Part of the plan has always been this hardening in regards to Israel so that the salvation message would be opened to the Gentiles. John said, "He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God- children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God" ( John 1:11-13 ). In other words the Jews left the door wide open for the Gentiles to come to Jesus and be part of his chosen people.

The good news is that this is only a temporary thing for Israel. There is currently a believing remnant chosen by grace ( Romans 11:5 ). But as a whole they have not stumbled to the point of spiritual ruin. Paul said later on in this very chapter that "God's gifts and his call are irrevocable" ( Romans 11:29 ). Israel has a long standing relationship with the Lord and he has chosen and called them as his own. Eventually they will turn from their self-sufficiency towards Christ's redeeming love. Once they turn their eyes again towards him, their spiritual blindness will be removed and they will see Jesus clearly.

There is no doubt that the enormous number of Gentiles who turned to Jesus over the centuries has aroused the Israelites to jealousy. They look upon us and see and feel what they forfeited. But even in their jealousy they did not turn to the Messiah. This failure on their part has enriched and blessed the entire world. Because they rejected Jesus, his salvation was offered to all of mankind. Their loss meant riches for those originally outside of His covenants.

Paul spoke about this in Ephesians 2. "Remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ" ( Ephesians 2:12-13 ). Israel's rejection of Jesus made it possible for us to be brought into the promise. Our condition before this was hopeless. We were aliens to God's covenants, we were excluded from his promises and we did not know God in any way. But by the blood of Jesus we who were far away were brought near and included in this new family.

Paul went on to say, "he came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household" ( Ephesians 2:17-19 ). Through Jesus we have been brought into the promises and have been joined together with Israel and reconciled to God. Jesus came and brought both the Jews and the Gentiles everlasting peace with God. Through faith we now have access to the Father by the Holy Spirit. Inclusion in the promise is the rich blessing that came to us because Israel rejected Jesus. If this is the case imagine what blessings will occur when they finally receive him as their Messiah.

Today, I am so thankful to be included in the promises spoken to the Israelites. I am thankful that Jesus provided the peace and hope that I live by through the blood of Jesus. Today, may you join me in a thankful heart for what Jesus has done for you, amen.

Paul's desire to share the gospel with people who previously had no knowledge of it, fueled three missionary journey's across the known world at that time. Everywhere Paul and his companions went they faced fierce persecution because of the good news message of Christ as well as overwhelming response to it. Paul acted upon the principal of what was written in Isaiah, "For what they were not told, they will see, and what they have not heard, they will understand" ( Isaiah 52:15 ).

His desire was to share Christ where this message was previously unknown so this foundation would not be built upon anything thing else but grace. Paul's revelation of grace was unmatched by anyone. He received it by direct revelation from Jesus ( Galatians 1:11-12 ). He understood the finer points of the Law because of his background as a Pharisee and Jesus showed him how each one was fulfilled and accomplished by His life, death and resurrection on the cross. Paul understood the complete gospel and the grace of God toward mankind in the person of Jesus Christ, so naturally his desire was to reveal this knowledge to the rest of the world.

It is interesting to think how Paul alone was the apostle to the Gentile nation. The Jews had the twelve's apostles specifically set apart to share the good news of Christ with them and show them how he was their promised Messiah. But Paul was the only one sent for the Gentiles. He not only wrote most of the New Testament, but the details and accounts of his life and missionary journeys where incredible. This is because Paul was able to share the good news of Christ Jesus to those who had no preconceived notions about who the Messiah would be. Most of the time, they didn't even recognize that one had been promised, let alone identify their need for a savior. When he shared the gospel in these areas, Paul didn't have to combat doctrines or fight against the teachings and traditions of men. He didn't have to overcome inflexible ideology and tear down philosophy in order to build on a new foundation of Christ. What is awesome is that he went to areas that had never heard of Jesus and was able to share the good news on his revelation of grace. In this sense, the good news was too good to pass up and multitudes believed in Jesus and learned about this amazing grace under the apostle to the Gentiles.

This is an amazing truth, when we open our hearts to the word without bringing in traditions, doctrines and preconceived ideas of what it means to follow Christ then we will also get such a revelation of grace by the Holy Spirit that our entire lives will be affected. Not only ours, but those around us will be impacted as well. So many times religion gets in the way of relationship. Jesus never spoke well of religion, He told the disciples "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees" ( Matthew 16:6 ).  He was speaking against the established system that was corrupt and enslaving the people by rules, regulations and traditions that were meaningless. These teachings kept them from God and finding true reconciliation with him by faith. This is why, like Paul, our faith should be built on a revelation of grace through Christ Jesus. Grace is what combats meaningless tradition so that our lives stem out of relationship with Christ instead of obligation to religion. The grace and mercy of Jesus is the cornerstone that holds it all together. It is a firm foundation that cannot be shaken or removed by persecution or opposition to this message.

I am so thankful for Paul's revelation of grace and his desire to share this great news to everyone who had an ear to hear it. I am so thankful that he wrote this amazing book of Romans inspired by the Holy Spirit so that we can understand the grace that we were called into through Christ Jesus. And to operate in and live this grace all the days of our lives.

The other night the transformer that supplies power to my neighborhood caught on fire. The electricity in my house flickered on and off for several minutes until finally it shut off. Everything that ran on electricity fell powerless and the house was completely dark. I looked out the window, the entire neighborhood was also dark and quiet. No street lights, no house lights, no light at all except the illumination of the moon.

I fumbled into the kitchen and found the drawer where the flashlights were kept. I pulled out the biggest and the most powerful one and turned it on. The flashlight gave enough light to walk around without running into things but not enough to continue on with life as normal.

I waited for the lights to come on but after a while I decided to give up and get ready for bed. As I did my normal routine such as brush my teeth, wash my face and change my clothes, I noticed how difficult it was with only a little flashlight to illuminate my way. A house once full of light had become very dark. With no surrounding lights, the light the flashlight gave was pretty dim. I couldn't help but think about people trying to navigate this life with little or no light to see by.

In John chapter 1, it says, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it." ( John 1:1-5 ).

Do you ever notice that when light is introduced into darkness, the light overtakes the darkness. When a light is turned on in a room, the room lights up, not the other way around. The Bible says, that Jesus is the light that went forth and illuminated the darkness. The Amplified Bible explains it this way, "And the Light shines on in the darkness, for the darkness has never overpowered it [put it out or absorbed it or appropriated it, and is unreceptive to it]" ( John 1:5 ). Jesus is the light that shines on the darkness and conquers it.

As I fumbled around with only my flashlight to see by, many stumble through this life in complete darkness. Just as I staggered through my nightly routine tripping and accommodating the darkness, many falter through life with no direction to follow. In the same way that lights make everything visible and bring illumination to our lives, Jesus' radiance makes our course clear, because He is the light that shines on and overpowers the darkness.

Living in a little truth or a little light is like trying to navigate life with a flashlight. Many do not realize they can have the true steadfast light with which to see by clearly by. If you look at the life of Jesus and what He said about himself He always demonstrated this spiritual truths in a physical way. For instance, Jesus exclaimed that he was the light of the world in John chapter 9, shortly before he opened the eyes of a man who had been born blind.

When the blind man was questioned about who opened his eyes, he said, 'One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!" This man had walked around in complete darkness his whole life until he met Jesus. Who not only gave him sight, more importantly, He illuminated His life to the Messiah. Jesus conquered the darkness he had been born into and gave him use of his eyes. But Jesus also conquered the darkness that surrounded his heart and open the eyes to the life from God that was promised and was the light of men.

This spiritual truth was explained in a physical way. When Jesus opened the eyes of the blind man He exclaimed that he was the light of the world. For the blind man, this was a awesome demonstration of God's power and love. But when he recognized who Jesus was, then the truth that He was the Messiah overshadowed What had happened in the physical.

Recently, I was at a conference where a women, who had become blind in one eye because of an infection, was healed. During the course of the evening, the pigment had completely returned to her eye and she regain full use of it. When asked to share here story, she was most excited to share that Jesus had saved her. She had come to the conference not knowing Him but during the conference she has recognized her need for a savior and had called upon the name of the Lord. She knew she had passed from death to life. She was excited about seeing and being healed, but more importantly, she was excited that she came face to face with Jesus and received life from Him.

Don't be surprised if the world does not share your enthusiasm about our Savior being the promised light of the world. In our example from John 9, the Pharisees were upset at this mans story and refused to acknowledge that he had been born blind. They couldn't refute that he could see, so they doubted his story and threw him out of the temple. When Jesus once again found the man and knew what had happened to him, he told him, "For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind" ( John 9:39 ). Jesus came to open blind eyes and blind hearts. Once the truth of God is illuminated in our hearts we no longer live in darkness but in His light. Unfortunately, the world is still operating in darkness.

Once our eyes have been opened, Jesus tells us that we are the light of the World. In Matthew 5, Jesus said, "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" ( Matthew 5:14-16 ). In the same way that Jesus shone into the darkness of this world and conquered it, we also shine on the darkness of this world and overpower it.

As soon as the transformer was fixed in my neighborhood and the power returned, I turned on the lights. It was much easier to see and operate with the lights on. I no longer had use for the flashlight that only dimly represented light. In the same way, It is impossible for us not to sparkle in the midst of the shadows of this world. We are called to illuminate what Jesus has done for the humanity. By doing this and letting our light shine before men, we bring glory to our Father in heaven. Passing this on from person to person confirms the truth that Jesus spoke 2000 years ago, 'I have come into this world, so that the blind will see...' ( John 9:39 ).