John 1:30-51 Home Group Meeting 27 Dec 22

30 This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. Commentary: Here John definitely connects the Lamb of God (not the Christ) with the One. The people had a very hard time understanding Jesus pre-existence. Who pre-existed as God, (verse slain before)When he is witnessing, the One who lived before John was born, even though John was six months older than Jesus. Late Jesus adds further distress on the people when Jesus says, "Before Abraham was I ." 

31 And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. Commentary: John tells the people he has never met Jesus until now yet he was sent in the past to bring salvation to Israel. A prophet who points to the future usually is limited in the revelation he gives, but John is clear in what he is saying and what he knows, "therefore I come baptizing with water." John knows what God told him. (do we?) Faith (Romans 10:17 Greek) 

32 And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. Commentary: Here John the Baptist is a witness of the Holy Spirit and landing on Jesus. John the Baptist knew that the dove was a physical manifestation of the Holy Spirit. He saw through the physical beyond it and into the spirit realm. If we do not see (understand) that well it is best to admit it rather than to misjudge or move in presumption. 

 33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. Commentary: Here John the Baptist is saying the One (God) who sent him to baptize is the same One who said He who the dove remains on is He who will baptize with the Holy Ghost (Spirit). Revelation is always destined to become clearer as it progresses in a person or in time. At first John the Baptist did not know, but now he knows. 

34 And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God. Commentary: Names matter to a Jew. Here we see another name for Jesus. Other names are Lamb of God, Savior, Messiah, Son of Man, but here Jesus is identified with His heavenly title, "the Son of God" which emphasized in order to point out the extreme extent of Jesus identity with man. John the Baptist said Jesus is the "Son of God." Now because Jesus is the Son of God does not mean He cannot be the Lamb of God or the Messiah. He is. Just because Jesus made the light does not mean Jesus cannot make darkness. (Isaiah 45:7) 

35 Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; Commentary: Here we see John the Baptist had disciples. John was not to make disciples, but to redirect them all to Jesus, but this did not happen. I believe when Jesus entered the picture John the Baptist was to stop baptizing. To this day there are still disciples of John the Baptist still baptizing people in the Jordan River. 

36 And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! Commentary: Again John the Baptist see Jesus as the Lamb of God" not the Christ. Here John is giving vision which is critical to keep things (without vision (cast off restraint) the people perish) on track, but the work of the ministry required obedience. Revelation is needed it gives clarity, but obedience gives completion and fulfillment to the vision. 

37 And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. Commentary: Obedience is to follow hearing. One can hear and not follow, but in God we are to hear (like see) and understand then do (follow) what we have been told to do. To follow we must have a hearing ear (communication with the Holy Spirit) and a following heart (submission, clay on the potter's wheel) without both there will never be development in our Christian walk.. 

38 Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou? Commentary: Jesus is well aware the Holy Spirit is drawing (unless the Holy Spirit draws there can be no salvation) these two. Looking past these two men Jesus looks at their intention and the intention the Father has for these two men. This is how Jesus looked at Peter, Nathaniel (we must see Jesus, and US. 

39 He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour. Commentary: They were received by Jesus and stayed with Him. Here Jesus seemingly steals John's disciples, but they were not John the Baptist's disciples they were really Jesus' prepared by God for service. 

40 One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. Commentary: Andrew was the first disciple that Jesus gathered. The Greek text lets us know Andrew was close to John the Baptist and he has an ear to hear from the Holy Spirit. So we see there is a relationship between hearing and being close to someone. For a time Andrew followed both Jesus and John the Baptist, but there came a time when Andrew just followed Jesus. 

41 He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. Commentary: Amazingly Andrew proclaims Jesus is the Christ the Anointed One before Peter. Andrew must have received this revelation from the Holy Spirit or John the Baptist told him. I believe the Holy Spirit told him. The Holy spirit must tell us too. What as the Holy Spirit told us? 

42 And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone. Commentary: Here Peter "Simon the son of Jona" (old man of the flesh) comes to Jesus. Peter was not impressed with Jesus and apparently was a disciple of John the Baptist. Jesus saw beyond Peter's character flaws (his lack of dedication in troubled times) and saw the finished product as He sees in our lives. Jesus saw a firm rock, "A stone." The meeting takes place at Bethabara (a House of Crossing Over) Peter now has a place to cross over. 43 The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me. Commentary: Time passes and another opportunity to gather disciples. Jesus knows of His limited time on earth remaining and had to get with it in collecting disciples now that His ministry has started. Philip maybe another disciple of John the Baptist was ripe for the picking he had the two main requirements: a hunger and a hearing ear. 

44 Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Commentary: Bethsaida means House of Fishing. More fisherman were called as disciples by Jesus than any other profession. They had the right heart quality they would fish all night and get nothing. They would keep on fishing even in the face of discouraging news. Andrew was closer to Peter than to Phillip and he lacked the revelation Phillip had, but he did have zeal something we all must temper in US. (Rich Young Ruler) 

45 Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. Commentary: Phillip's revelation was almost correct, "the son of Joseph," but that is okay. Phillip thought Joseph produced Jesus, but if we follow Jesus we know our revelation is to become greater and clearer as we go. Notice Phillip talks about the law of Moses and the prophets, Phillip knew his Old Testament. Which helped Him recognize Jesus when he saw Him. 

46 And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see. Commentary: Nazareth had a bad reputation which caused him to doubt the claim Jesus was the Messiah. Today it is the same. The unrighteous see the lifestyle of the "Christians" and turn away from the things of God. What is our reputation? We are to so let our light shine before men . . 47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! Commentary: Just like Peter and the rest of the disciples Jesus gazes into the depth of Nathanael. We are all as transparent to the LORD and in spite of our evil heart and waywardness God's love and forgiveness endures forever. 

48 Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. Commentary: Jesus shocks Nathanael. Some people need a cattle prod to get their attention. The LORD knows how to get our attention when He wants. Nathanael was amazed to Jesus perception. yet the LORD's perception spans the ages: He knows our patience, our labors, our lack, our tribulation etc. 

49 Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel. Commentary: Nathanael is awed by Jesus' vision of him. Nathanael's revelation is correct, "the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel." Nathanael unlike John the Baptist (this will be trouble for John the Baptist in the future) did not have the revelation of Jesus as the Lamb of God. He called Him "Rabbi" (teacher) and Son of God what else must he see? 

50 Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these. Commentary: Belief and revelation may not be the same thing. Jesus let Nathanael know there was some work needed in his life to believe. Most of the disciples believed without needing a sign. In any case the work was needed to develop greater revelation in them. 51 And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man. Commentary: Some of the disciples saw this saying of Jesus come to pass in Gethsemane (Luke 22:43). When the heavens open revelation increases. Ones whole life is affected. The hungry heart is filled and the pure in heart see God.

A MEDITATION ON CHRISTMAS

When I meditate on this time of the year and what we call the Christmas (word not found in the KJV of the Bible) season I must conclude this is the most divisive time of the year just ahead of Easter. I wonder why these two holidays divide so many people in the world. Now I will tell you from the start Karen and I do not celebrate Christmas how can we the word is not in the KJV Bible, but we do celebrate the birth of our precious LORD and Savior Jesus Christ. As Christianity began to spread many were alarmed by the continuing celebration of pagan customs among their converts. We even see this throughout the New Testament Church as Paul constantly battled against pagan and cultural traditions from taking root in the young Church. At first the Church forbade this kind of celebration. But it was to no avail. Bible historians claim that the Christmas celebration was invented to compete against the pagan celebrations of December. The 25th was not only sacred to the Romans but also to the Persians (Babylonian Chaldeans) whose religion Mithraism was one of Christianity's main rivals at that time. Oddly enough it was during this period the three Wise Men (also Magi) (Matthew 2:1) learned of the Star of Bethlehem by reading the prophecies of Daniel the Great Magi (Daniel 1:1-7). Sadly this religious deception continues today, even though the faces and names has been changed the spirit and intent has not. We Christians seem to be good at making up things to satisfy our flesh for fulfillment. Now as I said Karen and I do celebrate the birth of Christ, there is a huge difference. As we watch the news we cannot believe all of the fighting to keep Christ in Christmas. Where in the Bible did Jesus ask us to remember His birth? Now I can find plenty of Scriptures in the Bible where Jesus has asked us to remember His death, “And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 26For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.” (1 Corinthians 11:24-26) Who wants to remember Jesus’ death when we can remember His birth? Yet few Christians really remember His death (Romans 6:3) while they go crazy in remembering His birth. I wonder why? Yes there is a wonderful story about the birth of Jesus in the Bible, but where are we commanded to make His birth an annual holiday like we in American have made: Independence, Veterans, or Valentine Day even Halloween? And when you merge religious with traditions and customs you have an unbeatable national money maker. Is not Jesus’ birth much more? Yes my friend I am afraid we have gotten off track and the merchants of the day (and for 100s of years) have capitalized on our selfish greed (maybe only in America, but I think not) and great presumption. The same way Hollywood has recently discovered the untapped market for Christian movies. I find it really strange how many Christians today would rather go to a movie then to Church to hear about Jesus. I wonder why? It is not about fighting to keep Christ in Christmas or even about a baby in the manger. You know we really like seeing baby Jesus in the manger, but you know my friend Jesus is not a baby any more, “Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” (Romans 8:34) Today Jesus is not a defenseless baby in the manger He is our victorious King of kings, Lord of lords, and someday soon He is coming back to earth not as a baby, but as a judge (to kick butt) and rule (to set righteousness in order) in the earth. Something else we are puzzled about is why Christians want to beat up on the Atheist in Washington State who put a sign beside a manger display in the Capitol building. I thought we were to witness to them and tell them about Jesus? There is not much of a Christian witness when we shake our fist and gnash our teeth at someone over a wooden display. How can this sign destroy the eternal timeless message of our precious savior Jesus Christ? It cannot and will not. Has the love of God been displaced by Christians wanting their traditional religious symbols? I too can speak for God and sadly I must say yes. Jesus did not come so that we could decorate our trees and yard with gold and silver balls or blinking lights. Jesus did not come so Christians could deck the halls with a blow up Santa Claus and reindeer on their roofs and lawn. What do we do with these verses? “Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. 3For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. 4They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers that it move not.” (Jeremiah 10:2-4) Maybe we should ignore them or maybe the Holy Spirit made a mistake? I think God is very clear in what He is saying, but we continue in the lie with Christmas trees (a German custom) out from our American tradition (now transported to the world) and because we do not want to offend family members. Just look at the Christmas trees in churches today? What do we do with these verses? The answer will be what we do with Jesus. Never forget the Gospel message of Christ is very offensive and at times even divisive to the non-believers, but truth is truth. Either we will stand for truth or compromise for the lie for the sake of peace on earth. The truth is Jesus did not come so we could have songs to sing at our annual Christmas musicals. It is amazing how old Christmas recordings from people long ago come back to life every Christmas. Jesus did not come so we could run ourselves to death, buying presents for people, while going further into debt. It is no wonder support in America for missionaries and humanitarian programs dwindle to almost to nothing this season of the year. I am afraid the true character and nature of man comes out during Christmas. We even plug in a written list to a jolly fat man in a red suit that drives a sleigh of reindeer around the world in one night to make sure we get want we what for Christmas. Why do we think we should get a present on someone else’s birthday? Our selfishness and self-centered nature really comes shining through. Oh Lord please forgive us for the indulgence of our wrong attitudes, greed, and lust. Jesus did not come to give us a Christmas season to feed our passions. The Bible is very clear why Jesus came. Jesus tells us in His own words, “The thief (not the devil) cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10) Jesus came so that we “might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” not to get a bunch of Christmas presents to satisfy our flesh. Jesus came so that we might (our choice not His) have the life of God dwelling within our heart and lives. The creative eternal life of God moving in us and out from us to the world. Also in John Jesus tells us, “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (John 17:3) Jesus came so that we might have life eternal (one part of salvation) which is knowing His Father (and ours), so that we too could “know the only true God” as Jesus did. So we too could know the sublime unity of knowing God as Jesus did. I would think that would be worth far more than anything we can buy each other. Did you know, Jesus (even though the Prince of Peace) did not come into the world to bring peace as many of the major denominations and religions of the world tell us. Religious deception always leads us away from Christ into the traditional religious worship of the customs of man (like Christmas and Easter) and into a good works salvation thinking. Oh no Jesus Himself said, “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. 35For I am come to set a man at variance (Strong’s #1639 to cut into two parts, cleave asunder, sever) against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. 36And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. 37He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. 39He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.” (Matthew 10:34-39) Jesus has come to cut our hearts out of the world with His word, the sword. Jesus has “come to set man at variance against” or sever every relationship where we love someone or something more than Him. Jesus came so that we could take up our cross (not Jesus’) and follow Him. Jesus came so we could lose our life so that we could then find our life in Him. We know and are persuaded if we lose our life for His sake we shall find it. We also know many of our friends will disagree (we hope and pray this is not the case) with this article, but that is okay getting the truth of the Gospel message out is more important than our friends getting offended at us. If they get offended at us over this article we know they probably are not our friends anyway. We have learned this truth the hard way. Please do not allow yourself to be deceived (your choice) by any pastor or person that says, “it is not a Heaven or Hell issue or it does not really matter” oh really? This thinking my friend is just spiritually wrong and a very subtle form of deception that has been carried on for 100s maybe 1,000s of years by the religious denominations and merchants both working hand-n-hand to get customers. Sadly at the heart of why we focus on the Christmas story and baby Jesus in the manger is so we do not have to deal with a risen Savior. How much more religious can we (like the Rich Young Ruler (Mark 10:17)) who could not totally sell out be than to bow down and worship the Christmas story and the sweet little baby Jesus in the manger? This satisfies our religious flesh and helps to ease our guilt and feeling of disobedience from rejecting God’s word to us. Who wants to allow God to deal and judge in their hearts exposing areas where we must allow Him to work? It is much easier singing another song about Christmas as we buy presents for our family or even as we buy a present for some poor people who live down the street who we neglect the rest of the year. It is far less painful to go to every church musical and spend all we have than for God to be able to show us who we really are. Who wants to allow God free rein in our heart and lives to conform us into the image (icon) and character of Jesus Christ? Very few people do and the rest continue in this traditional religious lie year after year. I think I will end with a very sobering word; if you need a traditional religious holiday to know God sadly my friend your heart is very far from Him and you will never come to know Him. Let us turn our hearts away from the religious traditions of Christmas and allow God to bring the truth of His character and nature to us. It is our choice whether we desire presents on Christmas morning or the knowledge of God, we cannot have both. Written by David Stahl

OUR EVERYTHING

Let me start off with the good news, Christ is our everything, our all and in all. But do we believe this? I look around the nominal "Church" (organized religion and denominationalism and not the called out group or assembly of Believers of Christ) and wonder how did we Christians get it so wrong. How and when did we miss it? Well, Paul talked about the Body of Christ not the "Church." We will look at that point later. But in Acts 2:46 we see the lack of revelation and shear delusion the Apostles had that contributed to getting off track, "And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart" (Acts 2:46) What were they doing at the temple? Well, they were good Jews and all good Jews keep the Mosaic Law. So, what were they doing at the temple? Answer, keeping the Jews commandments of animal sacrifice and ritual purification while at the same time trying to honor the Lord (Jesus). Little "Lord" in the Scriptures always refers to Jesus where big "LORD" always refers to God the Father. In verse 25 we see where the early "Church" (not the Body of Christ) "sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need." Some today would call this socialism. It was no wonder they were extremely poor and Paul in his travels had to keep sending money to the "Church" in Jerusalem. In so many areas the early "Church" missed it, but thank God for Paul who received the revelation "by grace are ye saved through faith" (Ephesians 2:8). Even in all of the Apostles Jewish worship God still used them to further His message to the world as God uses the "Church" today in spite of her waywardness and rebellion. It was not till the sixth chapter of Acts we begin to see the "Church" get off track from what Jesus wanted for His Children. Nowhere in the Scriptures did Jesus tell the Apostles or disciples to build a "Church," a denomination, any organized religious structure. After all, Jesus constantly railed on this type of man-centered religious system. Read the Bible my friend. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus said, "I will build my church." Jesus is the master builder not man. In Psalms 127:1, Solomon said, "Except the LORD build the house they labor in vain who build it." Make no mistake my friend there is a lot of vain laboring especially in the American "Church." Now, not all "Churches" in the world, but most of them. We have been to some that was heaven on earth, but we too have been to some "Churches" in the world that God needs to (in my humble opinion) shut down to save souls. I believe the intent of the LORD for those called out of the world through His Son were to continue "breaking bread from house to house," and just living their life "with gladness and singleness of heart." But, sadly it is what it is. What we see on TV, on social media, and the message we hear from the pulpits every Sunday is what most "Churches" have evolved (some even apostate) into based on their belief statement and cultural practices and have not repeat not believed in the truth, what the word of God teaches. So, knowing God who is full of mercy and grace will work (like with the early "Church") with the people in their religion, self-centered, and selfish heart condition and hopefully bring some out of the spiritual lack they are in. This is one reason why we have a home group meeting (sometimes twice a month) in our home. Another reason is we cannot find a "Church" in our area that teaches the truth from the word of God. Oh, we have looked, but after we get to know the pastor and the people the pastor usually asks us to move on fearing we are trying to steal members from his flock to start a "Church" (laughable) or our writings are talking are hitting too close to home. After all the pastor has a rice bowl to protect. So, we move on "eating our meat with gladness and singleness of heart" and doing what the LORD wants. One of the biggest (maybe the biggest) areas where the "Church" missed it is with Christ. The "Church" has substituted Christ, the person for the "things" Christ gives us. After all what tastes better the fruit of the tree or the root? Well, the typical, normal person would say the fruit, but if you enjoy the fruit and care not for the root then your life is short lived. The life of the tree is in the root not the fruit. So too with Jesus. The life of being a Believer (and not just a Christian) is only found "in Christ" and not in the things Christ gives us. Now please pay attention here. God's end is Christ, so also God's means is Christ. It is through Christ to be "in Christ." In Colossians, Paul reveals that God has not only caused Christ to have first place "preeminence" in everything, but even more, Christ is to be our all and in all. Again Paul helps us, "And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence." (Colossians 1:17-18) So Colossians discloses Christ as the means as well as the end of God. It is no doubt the Book of Colossians is my favorite Book of the Bible. God's end is to let Christ have the first place in all things. In order for us to realize this truth God must have Christ as all things. Only by Christ being all things and dwelling in all things can Christ sum up all things both in the heavens and upon the earth. And if Christ is all naturally then all things are summed up in Him. Now that we have this behind us we can now understand what Paul was saying in Ephesians, "Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.4 here is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;5 One Lord (Jesus), one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." (Ephesians 4:3-6) So if Christ dwells in all, and is above all, and in all what else can all things be? Okay let us take this thought of Christ being our everything a little further. According to our world and spiritual viewpoint there are affairs (things in our lives, even troubles, problems) and matters (things we focus on from our troubles, etc.) out from our day-to-day lives, but according to God's estimate Christ is all. And one day we will realize one thing which is, Christ someday will sum up all things into Himself. I believe this has already started to happen today in some lives, but it need not happen only in the future as the Bible foretells, nor only become true when God's eternal purpose is finally reached. Oh no, I believe God is opening eyes (who desire truth) to see that in the "Church" today that Christ is even both the affairs and matters. And as the "Church" begins to understand this point the more the "Church" will begin to move back into the spiritual realm. But if the "Church" continues to see matters and affairs (even spiritual matters and affairs) as being more important than Christ then it merely proves she has yet to behold Christ. You know there is a colossal problem which exists among God's children today. The Christianity which we have been taught, thus we know is quite fragmented. Now please pay close attention here my friend or you will miss the heart of the meaning of this article. Our concept today is we obtain a little grace, we receive a gifting, and we may speak a little in tongues. There may even be a change in our conduct, our measures of love and patience may increase, and we look and sound more gentle and humble. This commonly is called Christianity, but is this Christianity? Christianity is not a reward for changes in our behavior or lifestyle, neither is Christianity what Christ gives us. Now, here is the point Christianity is Christ Himself. Christianity is none other than Christ "in us." Did you get that my friend? For years (most of my life) the "Church" has based Christianity on what we do for Christ or what we get from Christ. I so hope you all see this truth. It was a real eye opener for me. But, Christianity is Christ giving Himself to us. It is Christ who becomes our humility, gentleness, our patience. It is Christ in us the living Lord and this is what truly Christianity is, Christ "in us." Now here comes the Biblical definition of Christianity, "Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: 27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:" (Colossians 1:26-27) Okay let us go a little deeper. Please note that there is nothing at all impersonal to Christianity. Every matter in Christianity has to do with personality and the person involved with Christ. To put it another way our patience it is not a thing, is a Person, our sanctification is not an experience it is a Man, our justification is not things it is a personality, our righteousness is not a behavior, it is Christ Himself "in us." This is what Christianity really is: our patience, our humility, our gentleness, our love, and so on is the Lord Himself, not things. Many will ask how we can say Christ is all? Let me tell you that is when you truly know a living Christ then you would have no trouble acknowledging Christ as all. Most Christians and some Believers I know say they know Christ, but their lives reflect a life filled with a void of His words and character. Seldom do these folks mention their love for Him or His children. You know I love Karen my wife and I love telling her I love her. It is easy to see the love in our words because the love for someone or something will come out of our mouth. Lastly what is the Gospel we preach? We announce that God has given us the Savior, but after we pray and repent we say God has given us salvation. Let me tell you my friend God has but one Son and His Son is named Jesus, our salvation. Yes Christ is our salvation, our all and in all, He is our everything. Serve Him long enough, study your Bible, and open up your heart to truth and you too will come to the conclusion Christ is our all and in all, our everything. Written by David Stahl