KNOW
THE
TRUTH

John 1:4 "In Him was life, and the life was the light of men."

John 8:32 "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

 John 14:6 "Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." 

MONTHLY LESSONS DESIGNED TO CONVERT.

 

April, 2019 - NEW KING JAMES VERSION

“THE HOST WITH THE MOST!”

The idea of a Host conjures up images of invitations, rsvp’s, and guests arriving at a pre-disclosed location.  To appreciate this concept of a Host, and God as the ultimate Host, consider that God has provided at the expense of His Son a way by which He has offered to Host all those who come to Him through Jesus Christ.

This special demonstration of hospitality in love also carries with it the understanding of transforming those who heed the invitation, note:

Acts 26:18to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’

In addition, the invitation is full of hope and great and precious promises.

1 Peter 1:3-5Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

2 Peter 1:2-4Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, 4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

All this constitutes the understanding of God’s grace. This is the free gift offer of God that would create, where man could not, a way to God regardless of the worthiness of man. This is the universal message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (the invitation sent out to the entire world – Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16).

Acts 4:12Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

This is God’s part as the Host! He has created the venue, eternal salvation in an unbroken relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. He has sent out the invitation, “Go into the world and preach the Gospel” Mark 16:15. Finally, He has given every man the opportunity to rsvp our willing participation in this demonstration of His love; “He that believes and is baptized shall be saved” Mark 16:16.

Many years before the coming of the Lord; king David, knowing and trusting in God as a Host, asked the all-important question, note:

Psalm 15:1Lord, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill?”

David realized and knew that although God would offer to Host all, there would be many who would reject the invitation of God. As such, David was seeking to answer the universal question of what would be the character of those who would dwell with the Lord (to rsvp the invitation).  The answer:

Psalm 15:2-5He who walks uprightly, And works righteousness, And speaks the truth in his heart; 3 He who does not backbite with his tongue, Nor does evil to his neighbor, Nor does he take up a reproach against his friend; 4 In whose eyes a vile person is despised, But he honors those who fear the Lord; He who swears to his own hurt and does not change; 5 He who does not put out his money at usury, Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved.”

 

Loves God with All His Heart –

A walk is simply a way of conducting your life. To walk uprightly is to walk in such a way as to see well and be seen by others. The fact that it is established in righteousness is the very reason this can be done. This individual has put his trust in God and directs himself accordingly!

READ: Romans 1:16; 6:3-4; 17-18; Hebrews 11:6; 1 Peter 3:15; 1 John 2:3-6.

 

Loves His Neighbor as Himself, His brethren better than Himself –

The remainder of David’s answer concerning those who may dwell with the Host, deals with how man treats his fellow man. We are not to engage in slander at the back of any, or be the repeater of unproven accusation (slander). To avoid at all costs being vile or filthy morally and all such behavior should be held beneath the man who is good enough to enter the house of God. These worthy individuals do not use their fellow man for individual gain, or are excessively harsh.

This was the instruction of our Lord to His disciples, and through them to you and me, note:

John 13:34-35A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.

READ: Romans 12:9-21; Galatians 6:10; Philippians 2:3-4; 1 Timothy 2:1-7.

 

There can be little doubt that God is the Host with the Most!

His offering of Himself (His Son) is a demonstration of love beyond the expression of words; yet, something greater than anything we know as valuable. His grace permeates through the Gospel message, as the only provider of the Way for us to achieve life with Him.

As the Gospel went out into the world, starting on the Day of Pentecost, we see the free will offer, and the rsvp response of those whose character would see them dwelling with the Great Host, note:

 

God’s Part

Acts 2:36-38“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”

37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”

38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Our Part

Acts 2:40-42And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” 41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Have you Answered the Invitation Yet?

We invite you to worship and learn with us:

Sunday Morning Bible Study – 10 A .M. (Classes for all ages)

Sunday Morning Worship – 10:55 A.M.

Sunday Evening Worship – 5 P.M.

Wednesday Evening Service – 7 P.M.

Visit our web site at: plvcc.org