the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us—" (1 John 1:2)

The introduction to John’s first letter stirs the imagination.  The potential and the possibilities of God living in the flesh and living among men thrills the soul.  John, in simple language, sets before his readers this profound truth.

A key word in this context is “life”. (vs. 1,2)  The focus of the letter and of John’s ministry is the “word of life”.  (vs. 1)  The gospel is personified.  It is more than mere commands.  It is about a person!  That person is Jesus and he is God in the flesh!  (John 1:14).

John says the “Word of Life” was from the beginning.  God has no beginning and no end.  He was before all creation; indeed he is the Creator of all things!  
(John 1:3)  The “Word of Life” existed intimately with the Father before time began.  He is timeless in existence.

However, this “life was manifested” i.e. he entered the realm of time in human form.  He moved from the realm of the invisible to the visible.  The life was manifested through the earthly ministry of Jesus, and gloriously exhibited by his death and resurrection.  It is difficult for the finite mind to conceive of such a thing!  Yet, to entertain the possibilities engenders hope!

To add to the excitement John makes a bold claim.  We saw him.  We gazed upon him.  We touched him!  They beheld his glory (John 1:14), heard his voice, and witnessed his mighty works as he stilled the sea and raised the dead.  They saw him die on a cross.  They touched his body of flesh and bones after his resurrection.  (Luke 24:39)  It was more than a quick glance.  It was a steadfast gaze in which John tried to fully discover this mystery.   He is qualified to testify of this marvelous life.

John does not keep this marvelous story to himself.  He makes a declaration so that others can enjoy the same fellowship and joy.  No other relationship can compare with the communion of man with God.  This fellowship involves enjoying the compassion, strength, and sympathy of a heavenly Father.  It means God has forgiven the sinner!  The contemplation of such possibility brings joy!

We owe a debt of gratitude to the apostles who took great pains and gave their lives to make their testimony known to the world that we might believe and have life in God.

By George Slover
 

And: ‘You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You remain; And they will all grow old like a garment; Like a cloak You will fold them up, and they will be changed. But You are the same, and Your years will not fail.’”  (Hebrews 1:10,11) 

In this context the author is establishing the superiority of the son of God to the angels. For further proof he makes these observations from Psalm 102:25-27. The Psalmist during a time of affliction, draws strength from the nature of God. In the Hebrew letter, the author applies these the Divine traits to the son of God. 

The Son is the creator of the universe. In the beginning he laid the foundation. The heaven and earth have not always existed, nor did they self originate. But, “in the beginning God created” (the Hebrew is barah which means create something from nothing) “the heavens and the earth”. (Genesis 1:1) He did not form them out of pre-existing materials. The Son of God made them from nothing.

We are told this universe is changing. Scientists say it's running down like a top that stops spinning. Changes are evident in our own lives; loved ones die, seasons come and go, we are growing older. But the very one who framed this world is still sovereign ruler. By his very word the fundamental elements stand together. 

Though change is evident in the world, Jesus remains the same. In chapter 6 the Hebrew author speaks of the immutability of Christ’s counsel.  See Hebrews 6:17,18. Christ’s character always remains the same. He is always just, always merciful, always true to his purposes and promises. And the needle of his moral compass never moves. This brings comfort to those who trust in him.

One day this world will be completely dissolved, but the Lord is eternal. “I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. (Revelation 1:18) The Eternal One promises victory to those who overcome the world’s charms and devote their lives to him.

How immeasurably marvelous is the Son of God. Even though life in this world can be challenging, we have every reason to trust him at all times!   

By George Slover     

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age," (Titus 2:11-12)

Experiencing the grace of God is life changing.  It has the power to turn one from a course of rebellion and destruction to a path of obedience and hope.  The Cretans were a powerful example of the ability of God’s grace.

The reputation of the Cretans was not good.  Paul says,” One of them, a prophet of their own, said, ‘Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.’" (Titus 1:12)  In chapter 3 Paul reminds them of their past life.  They were known for their foolishness and disobedience following their own passions and pursuing selfish pleasures.  Accepting God’s grace involved a renunciation of this past life.  “Ungodliness” and “worldly lusts” (Titus 2:12) express the epitome of all that is sinful and wrong!  This kind of life was to be renounced!

A rejection of the worldly life is not enough!  Grace compels one to adopt the right course of life.  In chapter 3 Paul reminds them to live lives that are submissive, obedient, gentle, and ready for every good work.  To live “soberly” (2:12) is to hold a mastery over our passions and impulses.  To be “godly” is claim the presence of God in our everyday life.

This means a radical change took place in the lives if the Cretans.  Old habits are hard to break and new ones difficult to begin, but God’s grace and kindness was the life changing motive that prompted them to take this painful step.  “Hope” (Titus 3:13) would encourage them to persevere!

As we grow in our appreciation of God’s love, it will prompt us to live God approved lives.

By George Slover, Jr.