The Sabbath Day consists of how many hours?

The Sabbath Day consists of how many hours?

It should be absolutely clear and conclusive, that a day which begins in the morning, and ends at the approaching of dawn next day consists of 24 hours, as alluded to by Jesus Himself who said; “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. But if one walks in the night, he stumbles, because, the light is not in him” (John 11:9-10).

Has it ever crossed our minds, to ask, why evening and morning, are mentioned as being the first day, second day, third day, fourth day, fifth day, and six day; but no mention of evening as part of the seventh day? What is written about the seventh day is this; “And on the seventh day God ended His work which He has done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His works which God had created and made” (Genesis 2:2-3).

The exclusion of the evening from the seventh day is very important, because the Sabbath is a period of time which is sanctified, and set apart as holy to the Lord, who is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. The Lord has absolutely no fellowship with darkness, and therefore from the very beginning, He divided the light from the darkness, and excluded the Sabbath from darkness. For thus says the Lord Almighty; “My name will be great among the nations, from the rising to the setting of the sun. In every place incense (prayer) and pure offerings will be brought to My name, because My name will be great among the nations (Malachi 1:11).

Note carefully, it is not from the rising of the sun, to the rising of the sun, or from the setting of the sun, to the setting of the sun, which would include the night period, but it is from the rising of the sun, to the setting of the sun, which comprise only the day light part of the day. Again the Lord says; “I am the Lord, and there is no other; apart from Me there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not acknowledged Me, so that from the rising of the sun to the place of its setting men may know there is none besides Me. I am the Lord, and there is no other” (Isaiah 45:5-6).

Let us first of all commence with the children of Israel wandering in the wilderness, and to whom the Lord said; remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the Sabbath day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work; you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your man servant, nor your maid servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates: For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath and hallowed it (Exodus 20:8-11).

As we have already proved with the example of the manna, the Sabbath begins in the morning, but at what time does it ends? The instructions regarding the observance of the Sabbath is very clear, it states; “From evening to evening, you shall celebrate your Sabbath” (Leviticus 23:32).

Meaning that, the Sabbath is the day period between two evenings. It begins at the end of the evening of the sixth day, and ends at the beginning of the evening of the seventh day, immediately following the Sabbath. Therefore only the daylight part of the Sabbath day, that constitutes the Sabbath/s.

We see for example the ruler of the synagogue who was very indignant, because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, said to the crowd; “There are six days on which men ought to work; therefore come and be healed on them, and not on the Sabbath day” (Luke 13”14).

But soon after Sabbath sunset, they brought to Him all who were sick, and demon possessed. As it is written; “Now, when the sun was setting, all those who had anyone sick with various diseases brought them to Him; and He laid His hands on every one of them and healed them” (Luke 4 40).

“When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed: And He cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick” (Matthew 8:16).

“Now at evening, when the sun had set, they brought to Him all who were sick and those who were demon possessed. And the whole city was gathered together at the door. Then He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him” (Mark 1: 32-34).

Please note carefully that when one is fasting on the Day of Atonement which is on the tenth day of the seventh month and asked to begin afflicting the soul the evening before, the evening before is not regarded as part or beginning of the tenth day, but rather the evening of the ninth day, confirming without a shadow of doubt that a day does not begin in the evening as many are claiming it to be.

To be continued

Day is separated from Night

It is quite evident that God makes a clear distinction between day and night, because from the inception, when God renewed the face of the earth He divided the light from the darkness, and the light He called day, and the darkness He called night. The separation of day and night is of such intrinsic importance, that important events are clearly differentiated by the inclusion of the phrase, day and night. Here are some examples:-

When the Lord instructed Noah to go into the ark, He specifically said to him; “For after seven more days I will cause it to rain on the earth, forty days and forty nights”…‘And the rain was on the earth forty days and forty nights” (Genesis 7:4,120).

2.      When Moses went up to receive the Ten Commandments, it is stated that; “…Moses went into the midst of the cloud and went up into the mountain. And Moses was on the mountain forty days and forty nights” (Exodus 24: 18).

3.       After the first set of Tablets of stone were broken, because the children of Israel were worshiping the golden calf which Aaron had made, Moses went and have the Covenant renewed, and again, “…He was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights; he neither eat bread nor drank water,   and he wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant, the Ten Commandments” (Exodus 34:28).

4.      When the Lord prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah, he was in the belly of the fish,”Three days and three nights” (Jonah 1:17).

5.      Before Jesus Christ began His ministry, He was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil, and when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterwards He was hungry” (Matthew 4:1-2).

6.      To prove to the Scribes and Pharisees who asked for a sign, to prove that He is the Messiah, Jesus said to them; “An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days, and three nights in the heart of the earth” (Matthew 12: 39-40).

A day therefore is made up of two periods of time, the first period is called day, and the other period is called night. To those who hold tenaciously to the belief that the day begins in the evening, whether sunset or at midnight, how do we reconcile this belief with the following directives:

a.        “On the tenth day of this seventh month is the Day of Atonement; it shall be for you a time of holy convocation, and you shall afflict yourselves [fast] and present an offering by fire to the Lord.’ “…It shall be to you a Sabbath of solemn rest, and you shall afflict yourselves; on the ninth day of the month beginning at evening, from evening to evening shall you keep your Sabbath” (Leviticus 23: 27, 32).

The question is, if the day as generally believes begins in the evening, a period of twelve hours of darkness, why is the evening which begins the fast on the Day of Atonement is attributed to the ninth day, and not be named the evening of the tenth day?

b.        The Manna was a sign to test, and prove to the children of Israel that the Lord is their God. For thus the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go and gather a certain Quota every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in My law or not. And it shall be on the sixth day that they shall prepare what they bring in, and it shall be twice as much as they gather daily” (Exodus 16:4-5).

So, I beg to ask the question, at what time they gathered the manna! And the durability of the manna was it not from morning until morning? So then, when did the day begin! In the evening or in the morning? The Lord said to Moses again; “I have heard the murmuring of the children of Israel. Speak to them saying, at twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall be filled with bread. And you shall know that I am the Lord your God.’ So it was that quails came up at evening and covered the camp, and in the morning the dew lay all around the camp.” And Moses instructed them saying; “Let no one leave any of it till morning” (Exodus 16: 12-13, 19).

Again I pose the question, when did the day begin, was it in the evening, or in the morning? “Notwithstanding they did not listen to Moses, but some of them left part of it until morning, and it bred worms and stank. And Moses was angry with them” (Exodus 16:20).

Then came the sixth day when they gathered twice as much bread, because Moses said to them; “This is what the Lord has said; “Tomorrow is a Sabbath rest, a holy Sabbath to the Lord. Bake what you will bake today, and boil what you will boil; and lay up for yourselves all that remains, to be kept until morning.” So they laid it up till morning, as Moses commanded; and it did not stink, nor were there any worms in it. Then Moses said, “Eat that today, for today is a Sabbath to the Lord; today you shall not find it in the field. Six days you shall gather it, but on the seventh day, which is the Sabbath, there will be none” (Exodus 16: 23-26).

I beg to ask the question again; at what time did they go out to gather on the seventh day, and did not find any, was it in the evening, or in the morning? “Now it happened that some of the people went out on the seventh day to gather, but they found none. And the Lord said to Moses; “How long do you refuse to keep My commandments and My laws? See! For the Lord has given you the Sabbath therefore He gives you on the sixth day bread for two days. Let every man remain in his place; let no man go out of his place on the seventh day.’ So the people rested on the seventh day” (Exodus 16:27-30).

Remember the manna was a daily quota, it was gathered in the morning, and expired next morning, it had a life expectancy of just one day. It was only on the sixth day that its edibility was extended to another day to accommodate the Sabbath rest. Therefore, all the days of the week begins at the dawn of the day, and ends at the dawn of the new day. The evening is a period of time which separated a day from the other.

These times of ignorance God has overlooked but now commands all men everywhere to repent. Ignorance of the law is no excuse.

To be continued

Distinction between light and darkness

Light and darkness represents two diametrical kingdoms. For example in the future, the city of the New Jerusalem will have no need of the sun, or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God will illuminate it, and the lamb will be its light. The day light period from all indications, depicts or is synonymous to life, truth, and a new beginning; while night on the other hand, depicts or is synonymous to death, lies, and every evil way. Light and darkness, similarly to good and evil, manifested themselves in the world, by two different methods. For thus says the Lord; “I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things” (Isaiah 45:7).

To form something, is to be the founder, or the actual maker of the thing formed; whereas to create, is to put something in place, that causes something to happen. Light, goodness, prosperity are the works of God’s hand, he actually formed them, and brought them to existence, for it is written; “This is the verdict; light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God” (John 3:19-21).

It is said that, “The path of therighteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble” (Proverbs 4:18-19).

Darkness, evil, and disaster is the way of sin, they originated from another source which God created, and caused darkness, evil, and disaster to occur. For it is written; “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your fathers desire. He was a murderer from the beginning; not holding to the truth [light], for there is no truth [light] in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44).

The contrast between day and night, light and darkness, can also be proven by analyzing several scriptures, which quoted Jesus as saying; “I am the light of the world. He who follows me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work.” …”Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of the world.’ “But if one walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.” Again Jesus said; “A little while longer the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where he is going; while you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light…” (John 8:12; John 9:4; John 11: 9-10; John 12: 35-36).

Darkness on the other hand is depicted as having everything to do with what is evil, for it is written; “The night is far spent, the day is at hand, therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in licentiousness and lewdness, not in strife and envy” (Romans 13:12-13).

We have been admonished therefore saying; “Walk in the light, for you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord, walk as children of light…And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light” (Ephesians 5:8, 11-13).

Children of God are not of the night, nor of darkness, for it is stated; “But you brethren, are not in darkness, so that this day should overtake you as a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness, therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night, but let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breast plate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation” ( 1 Thessalonians 5:4-8)

God has overlooked these times of ignorance, and now commands all men everywhere to repent.
To be continued.

When is the beginning of a New Day!

When is the Beginning of a New Day?

Some people are so naive, and fearful of rocking the boat, and challenging the status quo, and to stop following the customs and traditions of men, are suspicious of anyone, who is attempting to bring the truth to light, and perceive them as self-seeking individuals, who is trying to change the world. Make no mistake, the world cannot be changed, it is in vain for anyone to attempt doing it. The world is on a collision course which cannot be stopped, and the only solution is to follow the Lord’s warning which says; “…Come out of her, my people, lest you receive of her plagues; for her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities” (Revelation 18:4-5).

Now since we all know in part, and prophesy (teach) in part, we should have an open mind, and be willing to change, whenever truth presents itself. Because one thing is sure, any thesis, or theory established on a false premise, will definitely collapse, when face to face with the truth comes. Having said this, Let us now look at the evidences which points to exactly when a day truly begins. Let us begin with the creation. It is stated that, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1).

According to the book of Isaiah chapter 45:18, God created the earth to be inhabited. “For thus says the Lord, who created the heavens, who is God, who formed the earth and made it, who has established it, who did not create it in vain, who formed it to be inhabited: I am the Lord and there is no other.” The Lord in revealing His omnipotence to Job said; “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements? Surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? To what were its foundations fastened? Or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? So beautiful was the earth at its original creation, all the sons of God shouted for joy, but unfortunately, this beautiful creation we are told, “Became without form and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep…”(Genesis 1:2).

The rebellion and fall of Lucifer, as recorded in the fourteenth chapter of Isaiah, and the 28th chapter of Ezekiel respectively, brought destruction to the face of the earth, which necessitated the Spirit of God to hover over the face of the waters, and renew the face of the earth, as stated in the Psalms saying; “You send forth your Spirit, they are created; and you renew the face of the earth” (Psalms 104:30).

Before God renewed the face of the earth, it was in total oblivion: Time, inclusive of seconds, minutes, and hours, days, weeks, months and years were not in existence. It was only when God renewed the face of the earth and the moment He said, “Let there be light”; and there was light, and God saw the light that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness that time came into existence. Then,  God called the light day and the darkness He called night: So the evening and the morning were the first day” (Genesis 1:3-5).

Since the evening and the morning were the first day, which one begins the day, morning or evening? God renewed the face of the earth by first forming light, and then divided the light from the darkness, and called first of all the light day, and the darkness He called night. The day therefore, preceded the night and separated the day from the darkness.

On the fourth day of creation, it is stated that God said; “Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years; and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth”, and it was so. Then God made two great lights, the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also. God set them in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth, and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. So the evening and the morning were the fourth day” (Genesis 1:14-19).

Again, which one did God form first, the sun, or the moon and stars? The sun was first formed, and then the moon and stars. It is the evening which completes the day, and so the evening and the morning [the two combined] were the fourth day. It is not because evening is first mentioned, that one should make the assumption that, the day begins in the evening. Nature and substantial evidences reveals otherwise. A day therefore, begins with the light of day, and ends with the dark of night. The sun which rules the day, is typical to, and represents Jesus Christ who, “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. “… That was the true light which gives light to every man who comes into the world (John 1: 4, 5, 9).

God has overlooked these times of ignorance, but now commanded all men everywhere to repent.

To be continued.

The Emergence of Day and Night

It is stated quite explicitly in scriptures that, '...Since the creation of the world, God's invisible nature, namely, His eternal power and deity, has been clearly perceived in the things that have been made. So they (mankind) are without excuse' (Romans 1:20).

Can day and night, light and darkness, reveal something about God's eternal power and Godhead, that we naturally would not understand? Where is the source of day and night, light and darkness?

How did they emerge? Did they emanate from the same source?

It is evident that from the beginning of creation, God separated the light from the darkness, and called the light day, and the darkness He called night. These two entities which are diametrically in contrast, and are at variance with each other, from all evidences, emerged on planet earth by two separate ways, and evidently from two separate sources.

For to the prophet Isaiah the Lord said; 'I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and

create disaster; I, the Lord, have created it“(Isaiah 45:7).

Although there is not much of a difference in terms of definition, between the words form, and create, nevertheless, I believe that the Holy Spirit inspired the usage of two different words, with almost similar meaning, to convey an important lesson, and to differentiate the process by which both entities emerged.

I will first begin with the question, why was the earth without form and void, and darkness over the face of the deep, when God created the heavens and the earth? Where did the darkness come from? And what caused the earth to be without form and empty? Did God find an existing earth! Where did it come from?

Secondly, is the emergence of darkness upon the earth a secret, or has it been revealed? If it is a

secret, it makes no sense trying to find it out because, 'The secret things belong to the Lord our God,' But if it has been revealed, 'it belongs to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of the law of God. And it is certain that, the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing His plans to His servants the prophets' (Deuteronomy 29:29; Amos 3:7).

We can be assured, that there are revelations regarding the creation of the earth, because God in His dialogue with Job asked him the following questions; 'Where were you when I laid the earth`s

foundation? Tell me if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who

stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footing set, or who laid its cornerstone...while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for Joy?'

The dialogue continues; 'Have you comprehended the vast expanses of the earth? Tell me, if you

know all this. What is the way to the abode of light? And where does darkness reside? Can you

take them to their places? Do you know the paths to their dwellings? Surely you know, for you were already born! You have lived so many years! (Job 38:18-21).

The fact that God asked Job, 'Can you take them (light and darkness) to their places? Do you know

the paths to their dwellings?' Signifies that they emanated from two different sources. And since it is stated that, the morning stars sang together, and the sons of God shouted for joy when God created the earth, is a clear indication that when God created the earth, it was not formless, empty and darkness covering the face of the deep. Furthermore, this is what the Lord says; 'He who created the heavens, He is God; He who fashioned and made the earth, He founded it; He did not create it to be empty, He formed it to be inhabited...He says; 'I am the Lord, and there is no other' (Isaiah 45:18).

Therefore, the account of creation found in the first chapter of Genesis, beginning with verse two on wards, does not relate to the original creation of the earth, but refers to the renewal of the face of the earth, after the original earth was destroyed, and lay in waste and emptiness, due of Lucifer's rebellion. God then renewed the earth, making it conducive for man's existence. And so it is written; 'When you send Your Spirit, they are created, and You renew the face of the earth' (Psalms 104:30).

Day and night were not part of the original creation of the earth; they emerged as the result of

Lucifer's rebellion. Prophecy reveals that, '...When the Lord will come, and all the holy ones with Him, on that day there will be no light, no cold or frost. It will be a unique day, without daytime or

nighttime...a day known to the Lord. When evening comes, there will be light.' (Zechariah 14: 5-7).

This is typical of the earth which existed from the foundation of the earth, before Lucifer rebelled, and brought darkness into existence. Day and night, light and darkness, are not just natural phenomena with no apparent significance.

There is an important reason why God, from re-creation, separated them from each other, as He also set apart the seventh day, and distinguished it from the rest of the other six days of the week, by omitting the evening and the morning as being the seventh day. The scripture simply says; 'Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God finished His work which He had done and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all His work which He had done in creation“(Genesis 2:1-3).

The seventh day with the omission of evening and morning, depicts a unique day unto the Lord, a day without daytime or nighttime, a day known to the Lord. When evening comes, there will be light. Typical to the one at creation, and the one in the future.

Therefore, just as the seventh day Sabbath has both a physical and spiritual application, for it is written; 'for if Joshua had given them rest (which he did physically), God would not speak later of another day. So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God; for whoever enters God's (spiritual) rest also ceases from his (physical) labors as God did from His. Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, that no one falls by the same sort of disobedience“ (Hebrews 4:8-11).

Similarly, day and night, light and darkness, have both literal, and spiritual implications. Day is indicative to the kingdom of light, and light is indicative to Jesus Christ, the Ruler of the kingdom of light. Whilst night is indicative to the kingdom of darkness, and darkness is indicative to Satan, the ruler of the kingdom of darkness.

The light which God formed, is Jesus Christ, the only Begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, and proceeded from the Father. And therefore, everything that is good, everything that is true, is associated with light who is Jesus Christ. And so it is written; ' 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. “He is the true light that gives light to every man who comes into the world.” And Jesus Himself said; ' I am the light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life“(John 1:4-5, 9; John 8:12)

This is the same light that will govern the earth, when the kingdom of God is established on earth. For the prophet Zechariah wrote; '...Then the Lord my God will come, and all the holy ones with Him. On that day there will be no light, no cold or frost. It will be a unique day, without daytime or night time... a day known to the Lord. When evening comes, there will be light. On that day living water will flow out from Jerusalem, half to the eastern sea and half to the western sea, in summer and in winter. The Lord will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one Lord, and His name the only one“ [There will be no existence of the kingdom of darkness, and no Satan to contend with Jesus Christ, and to assume the title lord] (Zechariah 14:5-9).

The apostle John echoed similar sentiments in the book of Revelation, concerning the New Jerusalem. He wrote; 'I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its light. And its gates shall never be shut by day...and there shall be no night there (Revelation 21:22-25).

In the not distant future, God will be the glory of His people, Satan and darkness will be banished. The prophet Isaiah wrote; 'The sun shall no longer be your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give light to you; but the Lord will be to you an everlasting light, and your God your glory. Your sun shall no longer go down, nor shall your moon withdraw itself; for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and the days of your mourning shall be ended (Isaiah 60:19-20).

God created darkness, by creating Lucifer, the source from which night and darkness emanated. Lucifer was created as the son of the morning, who illuminated the earth. He was adorned with every precious stone, and was blameless in his ways, from the day he was created, until wickedness was found in him. He became filled with violence, and sinned. God then caused a fire to come out from the midst of him, and consumed him, and God turned him to ashes upon the earth. He lost his splendor, his brilliance which illuminated the earth, and because of the absence of light in him darkness covered the earth. (Ezekiel 28:12-18).

Night literally represents the kingdom of darkness, and all the works associated with evil. Darkness represents Satan the devil, the ruler of the kingdom of darkness, who was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth (light), because there is no truth (light) in him. When he lies, he speaks according to his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies“(John 8:44).

The same way there is no truth, no light, no life in Satan, but only lies, darkness, destruction, and death; In like manner, 'there is no lie, no darkness, no death in Jesus Christ, but only truth, light and life, for, in Him is no darkness at all. Day and night, light and darkness, emanated from two separate sources.

Jesus Christ is the source of day and light, Satan is the source of night and darkness. Day and light, are open manifestations, or a perfect revelation of the glory of the Lord. Night and darkness are open manifestations, and a perfect revelation of the gloominess of Satan. Each depicting and representing the nature, and character, of a literal kingdom, in existence on earth, and their respective ruler.

Truly, 'The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge, there is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the end of the world“(Psalms 19: 1-4).

We are therefore, without excuse. The Sabbath/s therefore, which are holy to the Lord, are not associated with darkness, and therefore the Lord says; 'I am the Lord and there is no other; apart from Me there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not acknowledged Me, so that from the rising of the sun, to the place of its setting men may know there is none beside Me. I am the Lord and there is no other“(Isaiah 45:5-6).

Again the Lord says; 'My name will be great among the nations, from the rising to the setting of the sun. In every place incense [prayer] and pure offerings [the sacrificial offering of the body and blood of Jesus Christ] will be brought to My name, because My name will be great among the nations,' says the Lord Almighty” (Malachi 1:11).

Before conversion, we are literally living in the kingdom of darkness; and when converted, we are to give thanks to the Father, 'Who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has delivered us from the kingdom of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His Beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins“ (Colossians 1:12-13).

The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day.' In contrast; 'the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know over what they stumble“ (Proverbs 4: 18-19).

Jesus taught the fear of God by saying; '...There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or

hidden that will not be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; and what you hear whispered in your ear, proclaim upon the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10: 26-27).

We are called to live as children of light, and the apostle Paul said; 'Now this I affirm and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds; they are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart; they have become callous and have given themselves up to licentiousness, greedy to practice every kind of uncleanness. You did not so learn Christ! “(Ephesians 4:17-19).

The apostle Paul continues; '...For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as

children of light, (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deed of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible“(Ephesians 5:8-14):

The perspective of day and night, light and darkness, are not to be viewed merely as spiritual

perspectives, associated with only what is good and evil. They also convey literal applications to the actual day and night, and light and darkness phenomena. For as the word of God plainly says; 'But you brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you as a thief. You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breast plate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet“(1 Thessalonians 5:4-8).

This admonition is both spiritual and literal. For the Lord says; My name will be great among the nations, from the rising to the setting of the sun. And this is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin“(1John 1:5-7).

And furthermore, Jesus said; 'I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world” (John 9:4).

Remember, Jesus came to set us an example, that we should follow His steps.

May the eyes of our understanding be enlightened.

With brotherly love

Lucius Joseph

Tel: 1758-450-0132 mobile 717-4635

Email: essentialsoflifeministry@gmail.com

Blog https://luciusblog-uciusministry.blogspot.com

The root cause of humanity`s problem (part two)

The root cause of humanity`s problem

 Although sin is the main purpose why the world is in such turmoil and it is still a contributing factor with all the hardships and miseries that we all face in the world today, nevertheless, the root cause of humanity`s problem is not having the right knowledge and understanding of who we are.

So I beg to ask the question who are we in the true sense of the word? In the true sense of the word, we are slaves to obedience to righteousness. Before the advent of Jesus Christ, sin was the principal factor for our dilemma, but since the advent of Jesus Christ sin is no longer the principal factor for our dilemma.

For we have been admonished saying, “For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation” (Romans 5: 6-11).

The scriptures further state that, “For if by the one man's offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.) Therefore, as through one man's offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man's righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man's obedience many will be made righteous. Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. ” (Romans 5: 17-21).

The crux of the matter is stated thus “Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one's slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness” (Romans 6: 16-19).

Sin therefore, is of the past, righteousness is of the present, “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit” (Romans 8:2-4)..

Therefore, the root cause of humanity`s problems and to a greater extent believers, it is our failure to acknowledge our enslavement to obedience to righteousness. But before proceeding any further it is imperative that we have a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of righteousness.

So I beg to ask the question, how do we define righteousness? Is it something that is left for everyone to decide for themselves, or is it something that is stipulated by definite laws and guidelines! True righteousness is not something that is left for individuals, groups or religions to decide for themselves because, what constitutes righteousness has been clearly defined by the Psalmist David who wrote; “My tongue shall speak of Your word, for all Your commandments are righteousness” (Psalms 119:172).

Righteousness in relation to our current disposition is multifaceted: First and foremost one has to take into consideration the fact that as a new creation we were, “created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” And according to the apostle Paul; “and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith.” This is termed, “Imputed righteousness”. (Ephesians 4; 24: Philippians 3:9).

There is also legal righteousness which is according to the law which the apostle Paul lamented the plight of Israel by saying: “For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes” (Romans 10:2-4).

There is also self- righteousness which according to the prophet Isaiah; “But we are all like an unclean thing, And all our righteousness’s are like filthy rags; We all fade as a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away” (Isaiah 64:6).

And last but not the least, there is the real practical righteousness which children of God are required to practice as we have been instructed by the apostle John saying; “And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him.”

He went on further to warn us by saying; “Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous.” And, “In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother” (1 John 2:28-28; 3:7, 10).

What is of great significance therefore is, what is this act of righteousness which when practice demonstrates that we are born of Him and makes us righteous even as He is righteousness! The answer to this question is clearly defined by the apostle John who wrote:

“This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to 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 practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us” (1 John 1:5-10).

Our responsibility therefore, is to walk in the light/truth, which is the word /law of God and since no one can say I have no sin, or have not sinned, if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness: And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.

Therefore, it is by living in obedience to the laws of God, confessing our sins, and partaking of His flesh and blood represented by the bread and wine at the appointed times, will the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin and makes us righteous even as Christ Himself is righteous.

These times of ignorance God has overlooked: but now commands all men everywhere to repent.

With brotherly love

Lucius Joseph

The Root cause of humanity´s problem

In order to resolve any impending issue it is imperative that the problem be tackled from the root cause/source and not merely dealing with the effects. Humanity and more so, those professing to be believers face a huge dilemma because humanity do not really know who we are.

I know that the term or the phrase “who we are” is frequently being used in some religious circles, but their rationale for utilizing this term is to make claim to the wealth and riches of this world which does not support the truth, because, when Jesus was led by the Spirit to the wilderness the devil took Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time and said to Him, "All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. Therefore, if You will worship before me, all will be Yours" (Luke 4:5-7)

Jesus Christ, in His prayer to the Father on behalf of His disciples prayed and said, “I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world” (John 17:1-16).

Jesus was so much not a part of this world that when, “He perceived that they were about to come and take Him by force to make Him king, He departed again to the mountain by Himself alone” (John 6:15).

In His earthly trial before Pilate, Jesus was asked, “Are You the King of the Jews?" Jesus answered Pilate and said, "Are you speaking for yourself about this, or did others tell you this concerning Me?" "My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here." Pilate therefore said to Him, "Are You a king then?" Jesus answered, "You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice" (John 18:33-37).

Therefore, although Jesus Christ is the King of kings and for this cause He was born and came into the world, His ruler ship nevertheless is not of this world, because this world is under the authority of the kingdom of darkness.  Now, while some may want to defend themselves and their licentious ways by saying the word “WORLD” refers only to the “Age” and not the physical world itself and its possessions, but the reality is, the whole world and all that are in it are perverted and in bondage of corruption.

And so, we have been duly instructed saying; “For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God: For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. Not only that, but we also who have the first-fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body” (Romans 8:19-23).

And hence the reason why we have been duly warned by the apostle Paul, to withdraw ourselves from the; “useless wrangling’s of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain.”  

He then went further by defining what true godliness is by saying; “Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition” (1 Timothy 6:5-9).

And so, the apostle Paul in concluding his moral directions said, “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So we may boldly say: "The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" (Hebrews 13:5-6).

Therefore, the term or phraseology not knowing who we are does not pertains to being inheritors of the mundane and fleeting pleasures of this world, but rather as being slaves to obedience to righteousness.

To be continued

With brotherly love

Lucius Joseph

https:www.amazon.com/author/luciusjoseph