Ye are the light of the world… It sounds so captivating doesn’t it? No, well meditate on these things… When you watch a movie or show of some sort you often see the protagonist of the film finally awaken the power inside them or against all odds vanquish the evil forces opposing them or others. When this occurs, how many times is this power shown as overwhelming darkness about to save the world? Yeah, kind of hard to imagine. You see time and time again how light finds its way in the darkest depths to shine bright and somehow overpower darkness. Being the inspiration and hope others needed to either join the battle or continue to persevere.

Christ called the disciples and told them he was going to make them “fishers of men”. But what does it mean to be a fisher of men? Well, take a moment to think of a fisher man. A fisher man is one who, as a profession, specializes in the technique of catching fish. Some fishermen may even specialize in certain types or species of fish. Although unlawful to eat, you have fishermen today that catch nothing but crabs for example. And make their living off of it as their “bread and butter.”

If you have been, as we say, “in the truth” or even an avid reader of the New Testament I am sure you have read this scripture at some point in your walk. To go into the “highways” and “byways” stands as a staple to ensure we go out and hit the streets and cry aloud. For good reason too. However, this scripture speaks of more than just hitting the streets and the importance thereof and to better understand this let us gather some precepts to get the other perspectives contained in this message.

The “big question” one sees clichéd in movies and stands a a staple in spiritual and philosophical circles alike. What is the meaning of life? What is our purpose? As we navigate, what some may feel is a God forsaken world. We see many wonders as well as many sorrows. Leaving some in awe that there has to be more to it than this, there has to be more to life… Right?

I don’t know how many times in my life I have heard somewhere from someone, that ignorance is bliss. Touted around as philosophical wisdom that could have been passed down from Socrates or Plato himself. Now, before I elaborate any further I would like to seriously take a moment and evaluate the definition of “bliss” using dictionary.com.

How many of you have ever been corrected? I’m sure everyone can attest to a time they have been corrected by another. Now, can you recall a time when you were criticized? What are some of the key differences if you can tell? It would not be uncommon if you may initially feel that they are one and the same. But if they were, there would be no need to have sayings such as “constructive criticism.” They differ just as salt is differentiated from sugar. And all though they appear similar they taste different. This is why it is important to understand what upgrading means. And how it defers from simply correcting or reproving someone. Lets examine “upbraid” using the Strong’s Concordance of the Bible.

The Most High does not want us to put ourselves in a position where we are going “up and down as a talebearer among our people”. But what does that actually mean? Let’s examine it by analyzing the definition of a talebearer to get a better understanding of what he is talking about.

One of the largest byproducts of murmuring is that it instills fear in people. One of the biggest fears is distrust. Once distrust is sown and takes root it is hard to uproot. And with distrust you have more discord and division sown and it becomes increasingly difficult to build. Because as you lay a brick down, someone else is coming behind you and removing it. Someone else is saying let’s build over here instead. Someone else is saying why are we building anyway and leave off building and walk off the job. So you stay stagnated in the same spot. Barely making progress and sometimes regressing.

I find it remarkable that more people are opting out of “you are right, I was wrong” or even “I stand corrected” and preferring terms surrounded by the phrase “That is your truth” (sigh…facepalm).

Have you ever heard the saying, “All roads lead to home”? Although the phrase can seem catchy and appealing and partly stems from the phrase “all roads lead to Rome”. It’s rooted more in vain philosophy, rather than grounded in truth. The theory generally stems from the notion that all methods of doing something will achieve the same result. No matter what path I take, I will end up where I need to go.

Matthew 5:28 KJVS

[28] But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

Many have heard this popular scripture, and you may even hear it recited to you at some time in your spiritual journey, if you haven’t already. However, there are a couple of different interpretations of it.

If you have read this scripture in times past, you may not have found it difficult to comprehend one not eating blood. However, many stumble on “fat”. “Not eating the fat is just for sacrifices to The Most High?” “Is it a specific type of fat? Like organ meat? Or the fat around organs?” To better understand what it is talking about it would be wise to examine some definitions and usage in context.

Many have wondered, “Have we been here before?” “Are we reincarnated?” “Will I ever come back again or be a plant or animal?” The short answer is yes. However, there are some differences in understanding and doctrine concerning this belief. So let’s gather the scriptural understanding of what that actually looks like and rightly divide the word.

Some may ask, “why is the New Testament necessary?” Good question, however, it is not to be confused with, “Prove the validity of the New Testament.” Similar to the contrast between me proving I need a car versus do cars exist? Or are cars reliable.

Do you like figs? I personally enjoyed fig newtons when I was a child. Well, have you ever heard of the parable of the fig tree? Although a popular parable its okay if you haven’t. Let’s read the reference below.

Abortion is murder. No matter the time of when you may choose to get an abortion you are terminating a child’s life.

Matthew 16:28 KJVS

[28] Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.

How many of you recall singing “This Little Light of Mine”? I know I can. So many of us, need it be in church, from tv, or a movie, have heard the song which stands as a staple for essential gospel music. However, how many of us really took the time to understand what it means?