June 18, 2020

Brothers and Sisters,

Let’s delve a little deeper into the subject of “Truth” as we continue our study of the scriptures this morning.  We have already established the fact that Jesus is “the truth”.  I also see in the scriptures that Jesus is “the light of the world”.  (John 8:12)  Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

He is that light that came into the world and men loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil.  (John 3:19)  And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

Down through the years, men have hated the light because the light exposes their evil deeds.  (John 3:20)  For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 

Jesus said, “he that doeth truth cometh to the light”.  (John 3:21)  But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

I was raised to believe that nothing good happens after dark and I’ve tried to instill that same teaching in my boys.  Now that I’m older, I prefer being at home before it gets dark.  I feel safer and more secure at home where I can lock my doors and turn on the lights.  I also keep and bear arms in my home to protect myself and my family in case of any intruders and I would recommend that you do the same.  We are living in perilous (dangerous) times.

I believe Jesus had this same opinion.  (John 11:9-10)  Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.  But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.

Those of you who are parents know that when your children were out after dark it was cause for concern.  Many moms and dads have spent countless sleepless nights waiting on their children to make it home.  What they were doing may have been innocent, but just the fact that they were out after dark caused you great concern.  The reason for that is because you know that evil forces operate in the dark.  In third John verse 4, the scripture says, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth”.   I think every parent would agree with me this morning, that nothing brings us greater joy than to hear that our children are walking in the truth.  I can also say that it brings great joy to a pastor’s heart to hear that the people God has entrusted into his care at the church are walking in the truth.

The Apostle John says that if we say we have fellowship with the Lord and walk in darkness, we lie and do not the truth.  (1 John 1:5-7)  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 cleanseth us from all sin.

So, let me encourage you today to walk in the truth and in the light of the gospel having no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness.  (Ephesians 5:11)  And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.

Bro. Rick