The Sword of the LORD

As He [Jesus] spake these words, many believed on Him.  Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on Him, If ye continue in My word, then are ye My disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free .” (John 8:30-32). A large crowd of people had assembled to see and hear Jesus, and He sat down and began to teach them.  At one point, scripture tells us that there were many Jews who believed in Him as He spoke.  These were the ones that Jesus’ ministry was especially focused on.  These were His target audience.  He, Himself, had said, “I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” (Matthew 15:24).  What the Lord said to these new converts was critical for them to hear, but is also relevant and critical for all believers to hear, regardless of nationality or creed.  He said, “ If ye CONTINUE in My Word, then are ye My disciples indeed…”  The emphasis of Jesus’ teaching in these verses is the ide...

“I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His [Jesus’] name’s sake.  I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known Him that is from the beginning.  I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one.  I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.  I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known Him that is from the beginning.  I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the Word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.” (1 John 2:12-14).   The story of Joseph in the Old Testament has come up a lot in our fellowship meetings recently.  We have talked about many aspects of his life, including what a perfect example he was of faith, patience, and integrity.  I see also in Joseph’s story a pattern that we can follow in order to come into spiritual maturity in Christ.  In considering the various phases of Joseph’s develop...