Light To My Path by F. Wayne MacLeod: Recent Episodes
F. Wayne Mac Leod
The Word of God is more than a doctrine to be believed or a manual for how to live. It is our life.
The Truth Matters Conference - Can we trust the human heart or mind to lead us into truth or is there a more reliable source?
Is there a difference between being created by Christ Jesus and being created in Chriat Jesus?
Those who understand the nature of a salvation by grace have nothing in which to boast.
There is nothing more to be done for my salvation. Jesus Christ has done it all. All I can do now is to reach out and make it mine.
Paul reminds the Ephesians of the grace of God that saved them from death and eternal separation from God.
As one of the great minds of early Christianity, the apostle Paul not only stood firmly on the objective truth of Scripture but also walked in the leading of the Spirit of God demonstrating that the truth of Scripture and the leading of the Spirit must walk hand in hand.
Jesus lived His life in absolute surrender to the counsel of the Father and the Spirit.
What was the secret to the successful ministry of Moses? He understood his inability and sought the counsel of God.
There are many great blessings promised to those who will seek the counsel of God and walk in it
In 2 Corinthians 7 Paul shares his thoughts on writing the First Epistle to the Corinthians. While it was a very harsh letter, Paul rejoiced at what it accomplished in the life of the Corinthian church.
Only one of the four Gospel writers mentions that Jesus was laid in a manger. In fact, the word "manger" only occurs four times in the New Testament. Apart from Luke, no writer of Scripture gives the manger a thought. Is this detail about where Jesus slept of any significance? What does it tell us about Him, His work and our hope?
As powerful as the apostle Paul was in doctrine, he has a very personal word for the Corinthians here about how they were restricting their affections. He encourages them to open their hearts to demonstrate their God-given affections for His glory and the great err good of the church.
The Law of Moses provided means through which God's people could know His specific will when they could not find the answer in His written counsel.
What do we do when we cannot find an answer in the written counsel of Scriptures? Are we left to make that decision on our own or will the Spirit of God direct us in what to do?
While Scripture reveals the counsel of God we need His Holy Spirit to open up that Scripture to us.
How do we respond to an all-wise and all-powerful God upon who we are completely dependant? Paul attempts to answer this in Romans 12:1.
Where do we find the counsel of God? It can be found first in the Scriptures He has inspired.
What does the Bible say to those who ignore the counsel of God but turn instead to follow their own devices?
Does the Bible tell us to seek the counsel of God in all that we do? Do we as believers take advantage of the counsel that is available to us?
In Psalm 106:13 the psalmist accused his people of not waiting on God's counsel. Isn't our wisdom and experience sufficient? Won't everything be okay if we just follow our heart? In this first reflection we will consider our need of God's counsel in what we do and the decisions we make.
The Spirit of God moved believers to break bread together. What was this work of this work and is it evident in our church today?
The second great work of the Spirit was to move the believers of the early church into a deep fellowship with each other.
One of the great works of the Holy Spirit in the early church was to give His people a devotion and passion for the teaching of the apostles.
Acts 2:42-47 is a record of the work of God's Spirit in the early church. In the first message in this series we will examine the desire of the Spirit to do a work in the early church, a passion He still has for us today.
Though they had their differences, Peter expresses his deep admiration for the apostle Paul and the depth of truth he preached.
How does knowing that the heavens and earth will one day be dissolved by fire affect our priorities and the kind of people we ought to be?
Peter responds to the question posed by scoffers: "Where is the promise of His return?"
In telling his readers that he wrote his letter to remind tem of the prophetic word and the command of Jesus, Peter omits to speak of the Law of Moses. What is the role of the Law of Moses in the life of the believer today?
Not all who have experienced the power and presence of Jesus will overcome, some will be entangled and fall away.
Peter seeks to open the eyes of the church to the nature and deception of false prophets and their ways.
The Apostle Peter expresses deep anger with those who promote falsehood and an ungodly lifestyle.
Peter uses four examples in Israel's history to encourage believers in their stand for truth.
Peter reminds us that the truth of Jesus Christ and the faith we have received from is so certain that it demands a response from us.
Peter not only has an ambition for this life but he also wanted to leave behind a lasting legacy that would continue after his separture
Peter concludes his list of 7 qualities we are to add to faith and shows us why these qualities are necessary.
Peter teaches that all who come to faith in Jesus Christ must supplement that faith with virtue, knowledge, self-control, and steadfastness
Peter begins his second epistle with an encouraging word about what is available to us in Jesus Christ.
In light of the spiritual battle before us Jude give us his advice on how to stand firm in the faith.
Jude describes rhose who had crept into the church of his day and reminds them that they will answer to God for their words, attitudes and actions.
Jude, expresses deep concern for those who, claiming to be Christian, continue to live in the flesh.
Not all churches stand on the truth. Some stand in the way and oppose what God wants to do.
John reminds believers that there are many receivers in the world. He instructs them on how to recognize them and what to do when they encounter them.
John challengea the elect lady to learn how to walk in love for God and their brothers and sisters
John concludes by reminding believers of sin unto death. He encourages them to renounce sin to walk in the victory God gives all who ask Him.
Those who belong to Christ have experienced a new birth. John gives us four evidences of that new birth in the lives of those who belong to Christ.
How do we discern whether a spirit is from God? John challenged us to test the spirits and gives us the criteria that every spirit from Christ will demonstrate.
A brief summary of the peace promised by Zechariah and the angel of the Lord as found in Luke's gospel
John describes for you the possibility of fellowship with God through the person of the Word of Life.
Knowing that God builds the house and watches over the city should help us to find peace and rest.
The promise of Psalm 127:1 is that the Lord watches over the city. We can have confidence in this truth no matter what circumstances we face in life.
The work of building the house belongs to God. Could it be that we have all to often taken that role on ourselves?
Introduction to a study of Psalm 127:1-2. What is the value of all we possess if we do not have the Lord?
Good empowered Moses so the people of Israel would know that He had sent him to them. Do we need this empowering also?
When Good demonstrated His power Moses was afraid. Good had to teach him to have these fears do that He could use him in the ministry He had for him.
God has been working in us through the various circumstances and trails we face to prepare us for the work He has in store for us.
The great fear Moses experienced when he was called to return to Egypt was that the people might say, "The Lord did not appear to you." Do we have this same fear today?
What confronted with the call of God to return to Egypt all of Moses' insecurities came rushing you the surface.
While we will suffer as believers in this life, the Apostle Paul tells us that through Jesus, who loved us, we are more than conquerors.
While great forces have allied against us the battle before us is one we do not fight alone.
In John 15 Jesus compares believers to branches on the vine. What did we learn from this parable about our connection to Christ and how we need to live the Christian life?
Those who seek to follow God will need to learn how to wait on His timing and purpose to be revealed.
One of the great truth we have often failed to understand in the Christian life is the connection between how we came to Christ and how we must learn to live for Him. Just as we have received Him, so we must walk in Him.
The Lord Jesus tells us that if we belong to Him we will be able to recognize His voice from all other choices crying out to us.
True believers are temples of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit lives in every believer empowering and leading them in the purpose of the Father.
What does it mean not to learn on our own understanding? How does this relate to maturing in the Christian faith.
The Apostle Paul tells us that nothing good dwelt in his flesh yet he accomplished more for the kingdom of God than many. It was the application of this very truth that made him a useful vessel in the hands of the Lord.
In Galatians 2:20, Paul tells the Galatians that he was crucified with Christ and that the life he now lived, he lived by faith in Christ Jesus we lived in him.
A final summary and challenge to set our eyes on the Lord Jesus as not only the author but also the completer of our Salvation.
The strength and wisdom necessary to live the Christian life and serve the Lord does not come from the flesh but from the person of Jesus Himself.
The Lord Jesus came not only to offer us a right standing with the Father but also the means by which we can honor Him in life and service.
Those who belong to Jesus Christ experience the life of Christ in them. This is not an impersonal force but the very presence of Jesus, who is our life, in us.
The Lord Jesus declares Himself to be the truth. The truth of God is embodied in flesh. To know Jesus is to know the truth.
The way to heaven and eternal life is not by a set of rules or lifestyle but in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. To find salvation you must find Jesus.
Our forgiveness is available only through the blood of Jesus, in His name, and by His authority. In essence He is our forgiveness.
Before the foundation of the earth and men and women walked on its surface, God had already determined the solution to the problem of sin through His Son Jesus Christ. Our salvation originates in the heart of Jesus.
At the very heart of the tabernacle was the Most Holy Place where the Lord God revealed His presence. We are invited into this Most Holy Place.
Beyond the outer court was the holy place where the priests, anointed and called by God would enter to serve. This holy place was a place of service.
The outer court of the tabernacle contained to pieces of furniture - an altar for sacrifices a basin for washing. These furnishings show us the need of a sacrifice for our salvation but also for regular cleansing to maintain our fellowship with God.
The outer court of the temple is a picture of the salvation that the Lord Jesus offers to all who will enter.
In this final reflection on James 4:7-10 James challenges his readers to humble themselves. In this episode we will take a brief look at what it means to humble ourselves.
In this 7th episode we examine the connection between the heart and drawing near to God
Drawing near to God requires first cleansing our hands. In this episode we will examine what it means to cleanse our hands and its relationship to deeper intimacy with God.
James tells us that if we want to know true fellowship and intimacy with God we must draw near. In this episode we examine who we draw ear to, why we draw near to Him and some hindrances keeping us from drawing near.
If we want to experience deeper intimacy with God we will need to learn how to resist the devil.
God told Solomon that if his people wanted Him to forgive their sin and heal their land, they would need to seek His face and turn from their wicked ways.
God calls all who desire renewal and healing for their land to humble themselves and pray
While it is all too easy for us to look at the unbeliever as the great hindrance to renewal in our land, 2 Chronicles 7:14 speaks directly to the people of God.
In 1 Chronicles 7:13 God speaks to His people about a time when He would shut up the heavens so that His blessings would no longer fall.
In this final parable Jesus reminds us of how easy it is for us to default to the Religion of the Pharisees
Luke 2 contrasts the faith of the Pharisees with that of Jesus and shows us their incompatibility one with the other.
Jesus tells us that the Father is glorified when we produce "much fruit." Those who do so prove to be His disciples.
If we abide in Christ and His Word abidea in us then we can ask what we want and it will be done for us.
When there is an unhindered, abiding connection to the True Vine, the branch will naturally produce fruit.
It is the desire of the Vine Dresser that each branch not be content with minimal or inferior fruit. He promises to prune every branch that is producing fruit so that it produces more fruit.
When Israel failed to be a productive vine, the Father sent His Son to be the True Vine
The deathand resurrection of Jesus are essential truths in the Christian faith. Without these truths our hope is in vain. The Bible goes into great detail to prove the reality of these event.
Living in Harmony with each other will not be an easy task but it is only as we raise our voices in harmony that we can truly glorify the Father.
In Romans 15:1-3 the Apostle Paul speaks to the spiritually mature and share with them their obligation toward the weaker brother or sister.
We have all been given a faith conviction from God regarding His purpose for our lives. That conviction, however, is personal to us and not necessarily shared by my brother or sister. Paul calls us to respect these different convictions in the church.
The Apostle Paul reminds us of the importance of peace in our relationship with other believers. This peace, however, does not come cheaply. To pursue it will mean following the example of the Lord Jesus.
In Romans 14:16-18 the Apostle Paul shares three key priorities for those who live as members of the kingdom of God.
In Romans 14:10-12 the Apostle Paul reminds the Romans that each onrle of them would stand before the Judgement Seat of God and confess to Him. They were not to take this role on themselves but instead prepare each other for that day.
In Romans 14:7-9 the Apostle Paul reminds the Romans that in life and death their priority was not their own interests but to serve the Lord Jesus.
Paul shows us that there were believers in Rome who esteemed certain days as special. On the other hand there were others esteemed all days alike. The Apostle reminded the Romans that though different in theology and practice, both groups were accepted by God.
Romans 14:4 speaks to our temptation to judge a brother or sister with whom we do not agree. Paul encourages the Rams here to understand that there is only one Master to whom we are all accountable.
In Romans 14:2-3 the Apostle Paul reveals a division in the church in Rome over the place of Jewish food laws and holy day in the Christian Church. In these verses the Apostle shows that God was pleased to welcome the worship of believers from both sides of the debate.
The Apostle Paul challenged the Romans to open their heart and welcome the weaker brother. This not in only implies that we are at different levels in our understanding and walk with the Lord Jesus, but also that our unity is not in practices and beliefs bit in the Lord Jesus and His work alone.
Philip the evangelist had an important and quite public ministry. He ended his life, however, in relative obscurity. This aspect of his life reminds us that we are not all called to minister in the spotlight. God also calls is to minister in dark corners as well.
A brief pause from our regular series to remember the child who was born, the Son who was given.
The life of Philip the Evangelist was filled with uncertainty. He never knew where the Lord would lead him. As he obeyed, however, God gave him new and fresh experiences of His grace.
It is often tempting for us to serve the Lord in such a way that we become the centre of focus. God called Philip, however, to move away from the centre so that all glory went to Him.
Philip the Evangelist understood the difference between worldly success and obedience to the Lord.
God has a time and purpose for our life and ministry. In this episode we will consider the timing and purpose of God in Philip's life.
The purpose of God in repopulating the earth is accomplished despite the rebellion of Noah's descendants.
God has gifted us with wonderful skills to achieve great things but we must never forget the source of our ability. Noah's descendants had to learn this lesson.
As the descendants of Noah built their city and tower, the Lord came down to see their work.
As the descendants of Noah migrated from the east they settled in Shinar where they built a city and tower not for the glory of the God who saved them but to make a name for themselves.
After the flood the descendants of Noah travelled to the region of Shinar where the settled in the comfort of the fertile valley. The comfort of that valley, however, kept them from fulfilling the commission of God to fill the earth.
After the flood the family of Noah received their commission from God. This commission revealed to them the purpose of God for their lives.
Would you minister to someone who you knew would reject your compassion and demonstrations of love?
God called Israel nor only to feel the pain of Babylon's judgement, but also to be a means for her to be healed.
While it is human for us to rejoice over the downfall of our enemy, the Lord God calls the nation of Israel to wail for the pain of Babylon. Jeremiah 51:8 shows us the attitude that God requires toward those who have offended us.
Where was God when Israel suffered offense at the hand of Babylon. Jeremiah 51:8 show us how He rose up in defense of His people. God is not blind to our offenses.
In a day where offending another person is a very serious matter, as Christians we need to consider what our response to offense needs to be. In this episode we will examine how Babylon offended the nation of Judah.
Where is the strength to endure in the race marked out for us? The writer to the Hebrews tells us that it can be found as we consider Jesus.
Hebrrws 12:2 show us how Jesus ran the race marked out for Him. In this episode we will examine four examples Jesus left for us to follow in the path He has for us.
The writer to the Hebrews tells us that the wisdom and strength to run the race marked out for us is not found in ourselves but in Jesus. He, therefore, challenges us to keep our eyes focused on Him.as both the founder and Perfector of our faith.
God has marked out the race He has for us to run. This race calls for perseverence. There is only so much time available to us and it is easy for us to be distracted. The challenge is for us to be focused and disciplined so that we can finish the race God has given us to run.
If we are going to run the race marked out for us, we will need to identify the hindrances. The writer to the Hebrews challenges us to cast of the weigh that hinders and the sin that entangled so that we run the race before us.
Hebrews 12:1-3 challenge us to run the ract that has been marked out for us. One of the inspirations for us to be obedient to this call is the great cloud of witnesses that surround us testifying to the enabling and provison of God.
As those who belong to the Lord Jesus we have been equipped with all that we need to live a life of victory. Why then do we see so many Christians live defeated and powerless lives? The answer lies in the next great work of God in the life of Israel --the work of bringing them to maturity.
The Lord led His people into the wilderness to the Red Sea and the end of all their resources in order to reveal His presence and power.
Knowing who we are the the temptations we face, the Lord God commits himself to protect us in the path He has laid our for us.
God did not deliver His people and let them fend for themselves. The God who delivers promises also to lead us. This leading is not only our privilege as children of God but also our desperate need.
The people of God were facing the greatest trial they had ever faced as a nation. They lived under the oppression of slavery and hatred in the land of Egypt. Unable to save themselves from this cruelty, they cried out to God for deliverance. Exodus 13:17 is a declaration of defeat to the enamy and victory for God's people. This same victory can be ours in the circumstances we face in life.
In this episode we will conclude our study of Philippians 4:5-7 with some personal thoughts and some final words of encouragement.
The apostle Paul told the Philippians that the peace of God would guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. The peace of God is not a passive feeling or an optional benefit for the believer but a guard watching over us and keeping us in times of anxiety and trouble.
The apostle Paul promises that those who make their requests known to God by prayer and supplication will know the peace of God that surpasses understanding. What is this peace? In this episode we will look at four aspects to the peace that God gives.
The apostle Paul told the Philippians that if they were going to deal with their anxiety, they would have to let their requests be made known to God. In this episode we will take a look at what it means to make our requests known.
Paul encourged the Philippians, in light of their anxiety, to be thankful. How can we be thankful when everything seems to be falling apart around us. In the episode we will examine what it means to be thankful and how this thankfulness is a powerful tool as we deal with anxiety.
In Philippians 4:6 Paul offers some practical suggestions on how to deal with anxiety. In this reflection we will examine the role of prayer and supplication..
Paul told the Corinthians that he experienced the "daily pressure of anxiety for all the churches" (2 Corinthians 11:28). Yet here in Philippians 4:6 he told the Philippians that they were not to be anxious about anything. How do we reconcile these two statements?
What is anxiety according to the Bible? Is anxiety always a bad thing? In this study we will look at the use of the word "anxious" in the Bible.
What is our response to the trials that come our way? In Philippians 4:4-6 the apostle Paul encouraged the church of Philippi to rejoice and demonstrate the truth of what they believed through their reasonableness.
In Philippians 4:5-7 the apostle Paul reminds the church of Philipi that while suffering is a normal part of the Christian life they had no cause to be overcome by the circumstance around them.