Our prayers for them continue to go forth…and providing aid through organizations previously mentioned on this Porch blog. Of course, http://www.samaritanspurse.org would be one established by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, from which came the video on this link…shared with permission by BGEA.
If, for any reason, this link doesn’t work, simply go to http://www.billygraham.org and click on “TV & Radio,” then click on “Videos” (and “Load More”) where you will find it and other inspiring videos.
“Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews; this man came to Him by night and said to Him, ‘Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.’ Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.’ Nicodemus said to Him, ‘How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born, can he?’ Jesus answered, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.’ Nicodemus answered and said to Him, ‘How can these things be?’” John 3:1-9 (from John 3:1-21)
And Nicodemus Came Also (God’s continual creative flow of new birth…)
Sometimes a photograph captures a scene of overwhelming beauty like none you have seen; The Lord has created so many beautiful things… for us to enjoy, with the sense of awe that they bring.
The arrival in springtime of little young lambs; new shells on the seashore from oysters and clams… the arrival of a baby that makes a family grow– all are a part of the Master Designer’s creative flow.
Blossoming cherry tree branches leaning over a lake; a rainbow after rain or the first winter snowflake… early fog around a mountain or a newly formed stream– all point to the Creator and His “new birth” theme.
A Rabbi named Nicodemus wondered, “How can these things be?” when Jesus said he must be born again by water and the Spirit to be free. Of course, Jesus meant spiritually, not physically being born twice. Thankfully, the Bible indicates, that Nicodemus took Jesus’ advice.
Nicodemus thought for himself, being bold to question what he’d been taught– If you can’t say with assurance your faith brings you what it ought, then learn from the example of a Rabbi back in Jesus’ day… Take hold of the Gospel of Christ and receive new birth as you pray.
P. A. Oltrogge
“So there arose a discourse in the multitude because of Him (Jesus). And some of them wanted to seize Him, but no one laid hands on Him. The officers therefore came to the chief priests and Pharisees, and they said to them, ‘Why did you not bring Him?’ The officers answered, ‘Never did a man speak the way this man speaks.’ The Pharisees, therefore, answered them, ‘You have not also been led astray, have you? No one of the rulers or Pharisees has believed in Him, has he? But the multitude which does not know the Law is accursed.’ Nicodemus said to them, (he who came to Him before being one of them), ‘Our Law does not judge a man, unless it first hears from him and knows what he is doing, does it?’ They answered and said to him, ‘You are not also from Galilee, are you? Search, and see that no prophet arises out of Galilee.’ And everyone went to his home.” John 7:43-53
“And after these things, Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but a secret one, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate granted permission. He came, therefore, and took away His body. And Nicodemus came also, who had first come to Him by night; bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds weight. And so they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in linen wrappings with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. Now in the place where he was crucified, there was a garden; and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had yet been laid. Therefore on account of the Jewish day of preparation, because the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.” John 19:38-42
Above scriptures: NASB, Ryrie Study Bible
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV
“Now there was a certain man among the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler (a leader, an authority) among the Jews….” John 3:1 AMPC (This poetic account refers to Nicodemus as a Rabbi. In verse 10, Jesus calls Nicodemus “the teacher of Israel.”)
Lilian B. Yeomans, a medical doctor in the early 1900’s, told the story of a missionary, a woman who had come down with a severe case of smallpox. The following is the story of her healing from that disease.
The Lord gave this woman a vision…of two “baskets” of prayer and praise. Each of us has such baskets, to which we contribute, in either of those ways.
So, her prayer basket on problems was very full, almost to be spilling out, while her praise basket was only half full, due to neglect and, often, her doubt.
While prayer can be effective and fervent, there’s an enemy who opposes. Praise to God is also of great power; and, to Him, it’s as fragrant as roses.
Dr. Yeomans called it “The Praise Cure,” to which there is no expense. She said it would work in every case, which, by Biblical examples, makes sense.
God told the woman to fill up her praise basket, making it heavy with praise and song. As she did that, the problem basket eventually “lifted” in her life, removing what had been wrong.
Though the doctor had told her to rest quietly, she’d kept up her praises and singing. Even nurses who were attending to her decided to join in, keeping her bedroom ringing!
So if on some matter, you feel distraught, with a problem that seems very hard– turn to praise, as did that woman. The affliction ceased, and it left her unscarred.
Praise the Lord!
P. A. Oltrogge
If you do an internet search, you can find a more detailed version of this poetic account. Look for: Mark Hankins The Praise Cure Lilian B. Yeomans
I need to remember this account often myself. Praise God for His love, compassion, goodness, mercy, presence and power in our lives. Choosing a favorite worship song blesses Him and enhances our hope and trust in Him in the midst of a difficulty.
“Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! For He has done marvelous things; His right hand and His holy arm have gained Him the victory.” Psalm 98:1
“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.” Psalm 100:4-5
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16
“Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.” Hebrews 13:15
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:6 (Scriptures NKJV)
Visit http://www.moorelife.org for “101 Things God Said About Healing” and “Thanksgiving Victory.” Also, Keith Moore’s healing songs in sheet music are available there. To hear his songs, click on “Word Supply,” then, “Music.” A favorite of mine is “Healing Compassion,” which is under “Quicken Thou Me.” Be blessed by any and all of them. If you feel in need of peace, listen to his beautiful songs on the peace of God….
The Bible says that all of the Hebrew warriors’ knees were knocking at the sight and size of the giant, Goliath, an enemy who was shocking.
None were brave enough at all to finish that giant off; and when they saw him at a distance, Goliath would loudly scoff.
But there was a shepherd lad of courage who had fought a lion and bear– To him, the giant, Goliath, was really nothing of a scare,
For David had the faith of one who knew that he was guarded by the greater Lord of Hosts–and it was Him whom he regarded.
David rejected King Saul’s armor and chose to fight Goliath instead with declarations of faith, a slingshot, and a stone to knock him dead.
That’s exactly how it went–though he had brought a total of five; it took just one stone plus faith to make that giant not survive!
Today, in our lives, we may have never tackled a lion or a bear– but David’s example of facing things fearful makes us be aware
That faith in God is ample for the things that we may face– Though problems may seem looming, we can conquer them by God’s grace. _______________________________
A postscript to this Biblical record is that we might speculate that a further lesson is in the account that one could possibly state. The five smooth stones that David brought show he was quite prepared to try again, depending on how the first stone actually fared!
P. A. Oltrogge
And, like David, remembering past victories, where the Lord undertook for us, will help us in facing what may be or what seems like a greater challenge before us. So we persevere with declarations of faith in our God and His Word, and through prayer/praise on any matter.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7
“And He spoke a parable to them, that men ought always to pray and not lose heart….” words of Jesus in Luke 18:1
“And David said, ‘The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.’ And Saul said to David, ‘Go, and may the Lord be with you.’” 1 Samuel 17:37
“Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.” 1 Samuel 17:47
The encouraging books, Never Run at Your Giant with Your Mouth Shut, and The Spirit of Faith, by Mark Hankins, are available at http://www.markhankins.org
Peter and John went up together to the temple at the ninth hour, which was the hour of prayer. There was a man laid daily at the gate, lame from his mother’s womb, who asked charitable alms from those who entered there.
Seeing Peter and John about to enter, he asked alms of both of them, too. Then Peter, with John, looked directly into his eyes, telling him to look at them; and he began to tell the man of something better they could do.
That through faith in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, he could rise and walk–a far better gift than silver or gold. Then Peter took him by the right hand and lifted him up. He received strength in his feet and ankle bones upon Peter’s hold.
The exact words that Peter said to the man were “Silver and gold have I none…” Then he told him of that which he did have to give–a gift of healing, through the name of Jesus, God’s Son.
The man who’d been lame began leaping, walking, and praising God at the temple’s “Beautiful” Gate. He entered the temple with them, and Peter went on to share with the people that it was the power of Jesus’ name that had changed that lame man’s fate.
Excerpt from Acts: “Now as the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch which is called Solomon’s, greatly amazed. So when Peter saw it, he responded to the people: ‘Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go. But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses. And His name, and faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.’” Acts 3:11-16 NKJV
Peter continued, saying that Christ had been crucified by them in ignorance, but that He had fulfilled all that the prophets had foretold. Now, forgiveness of sins and salvation could be theirs through Jesus–again, a gift from God far greater than silver or gold.
P. A. Oltrogge
The Greek adjective used to name the gate can be defined as ‘1. happening or coming at the right time —2. beautiful, fair, lovely’. Some scholars believe the word may refer more to ripeness than to beauty.
Lord, cause our faith to be ripe to believe we receive of Your help when we pray….(in reference to Mark 11:24)
As an important addition to this poetic account, see today’s post by Dutch Sheets:
“Then Jesus said to them again, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come, except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives his life for the sheep.” John 10:7-11 NKJV
The Lord is my Shepherd–my faithful guide; And through His leading, He always will provide. He causes me to rest in pastures so green, Beside quiet waters that speak of the serene.
He encourages my soul if I should ever feel down, Reminding me I’m wearing God’s “lovingkindness” crown. Knowing the wisdom of following as Christ leads, I walk paths of righteousness, sowing Kingdom seeds.
If at times there are valleys, with storms very dark, I’m safe with my Shepherd–He is my strong ark. I refuse any fear–His rod and staff keep me stable; And before any enemy, He prepares me a table.
With divine Kingly oil, He’s anointed my head; My cup overflows, as by His Spirit I’m led. Of His goodness and mercy, He always will give; And in the house of my Shepherd King, I forever will live.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” Psalm 103:3-5 NKJV
“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.” Romans 5:17 NKJV
Jesus, our Good Shepherd…the Lion of the tribe of Judah and, Himself, the Lamb of God:
“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29 NKJV
“And I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll written inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals. Then I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, ‘Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals?’ And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll, or to look at it.
“So I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open and read the scroll, or to look at it. But one of the elders said to me, ‘Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.’
“And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth. Then He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne.
“Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
“And they sang a new song, saying: ‘You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth.’
“Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice:
“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain To receive power and riches and wisdom, And strength and honor and glory and blessing!”
“And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying:
“Blessing and honor and glory and power Be to Him who sits on the throne, And to the Lamb, forever and ever!”
“Then the four living creatures said, ‘Amen!’ And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped Him who lives forever and ever.”
Revelation 5 NKJV
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.” Psalm 23 KJV
Oh the deep, deep love of Jesus Vast, unmeasured, boundless, free Rolling as a mighty ocean In its fullness over me Underneath me, all around me Is the current of Your love Leading onward, leading homeward To Your glorious rest above
Oh the deep, deep love of Jesus Spread His praise from shore to shore How He came to pay our ransom Through the saving cross He bore How He watches o’er His loved ones Those He died to make His own How for them He’s interceding Pleading now before the throne
Oh the deep, deep love of Jesus Far surpassing all the rest It’s an ocean full of blessing In the midst of every test Oh the deep, deep love of Jesus Mighty Savior, precious Friend You will bring us home to glory Where Your love will never end
Oh the deep, deep love All I need and trust… Is the deep, deep love of Jesus
by Samuel Trevor Francis
“For this reason, I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height —to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fulness of God.
“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:14-21 NKJV
“And above all things have fervent love for one another, for ‘love will cover a multitude of sins.'” 1 Peter 4:8
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 RSV
“…by so much more Jesus has become a surety of a better covenant.
“Also there were many priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing. But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.
“For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people’s, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. For the law appoints as high priests men who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints the Son who has been perfected forever.” Hebrews 7:22-28 NKJV
“Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The Lord executes righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed.” Psalm 103:1-6 NKJV
…and from “There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy” by Frederick Faber:
There’s a wideness in God’s mercy, like the wideness of the sea. There’s a kindness in God’s justice, which is more than liberty.
There is welcome for the sinner, and more graces for the good. There is mercy with the Savior, there is healing in His blood….
Was there ever kinder Shepherd Half so gentle, half so sweet, As the Savior who would have us Come and gather at His feet?
Jesus says… “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 NIV
After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples several times–for instance, once at the Sea of Galilee. In the group were Simon Peter, Thomas, Nathanael, two other disciples, and the sons of Zebedee.
Peter announced he was going to go out to fish; and they all decided they would join him, too, on the boat. They fished all night but caught nothing; and in the morning they saw Jesus on the shore as they were afloat.
They didn’t realize this was the Master when He called to them as “friends,” asking if they had fish aboard. “No,” they said–but then took His advice, that a shift of the net to the right side shouldn’t be ignored.
When they did as He said, they came into such an abundance of fish that they weren’t able to haul in the net, which caused them to remember a previous miraculous catch–an incident they could never forget.
John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, spoke up first, saying, “It is the Lord!” They all were overwhelmed and excited. Peter, in his eagerness, threw on his tunic, and jumped into the sea for the shore–so unable to wait to be reunited.
The others followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, with which Jesus had just blessed–such a great haul. A fire of burning coals with fish and also bread was ready on shore, where the Lord wanted to dine with them all.
Jesus said that they should bring some of the fish just caught–153 large fish in all, and yet the net wasn’t torn. “Come and have breakfast,” was His warm greeting to His disciples there on that joyful and, to them, miraculous morn.
Have you fished all night, are you not expecting to see the Lord show up, do you think miracles are few and far between? Well, He’s the resurrected Lord, and is “ALIVE forevermore!” We can expect to see miracles yet like none we’ve ever seen!
P. A. Oltrogge
(from John 21:1-14 and reference to Luke 5:1-11)
“And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, ‘Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death. Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this.’” Revelation 1:17-19
The various versions of the Bible have Jesus calling out to His disciples in this account in different terms. “Children” is written in the King James Version–which they were, beloved children of God.
In the Gospel of John, we read of John as “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” Of course, all of His disciples were the recipients of His love, as we also are today!
…Richard Roberts has often said, “Much prayer, much power; little prayer, little power; and no prayer, no power.” Be encouraged by going to http://www.oralroberts.com where you can click on healing prayers of various topics or call their prayer line, 918-495-7777. Also, be blessed by the encouraging recent Podcasts and testimonies, or order Richard and Lindsay’s books and other materials.
Herod began to persecute those who believed in Jesus, it’s told in the twelfth chapter of Acts. James was martyred by the sword and Peter was seized, though there had been no criminal facts.
The church was offering up constant prayer for Peter–imprisoned by Herod Agrippa, the king. So in the dark of the night, God sent an angel to visit Peter there, who was asleep despite everything.
Four squads of soldiers had been assigned to him; and he was chained as he slept that night. A soldier on each side of him and guards were there, who were keeping the prison door barred tight.
Suddenly, the angel of the Lord stood by Peter, and a light shone inside the prison cell. The angel struck him on his side and raised him up; and from Peter’s hands, the heavy prison chains fell.
At the angel’s instruction, Peter dressed quickly to follow him–though it all seemed to be unreal. They went past the first and second guard posts. “This must be a ‘vision,’” was how it made him feel.
They came to the iron gate that led to the city, which simply opened to them of its own accord–then went out and down one street, and the angel departed. What a rescue from an angel of the Lord!
Peter came to his senses, realizing it had actually happened–he’d escaped Herod and leaders of the Jews. He proceeded on to the home of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where they’d fervently prayed for this news.
Peter knocked at the door of the gate to the house, and a girl by the name of Rhoda came to see who was there. In her joy at hearing his voice, she ran to tell the others it was Peter, and that God had answered prayer.
They just couldn’t believe her, so Peter had to continue to knock, until they opened the door themselves to see… that God, indeed, had heard their prayers for Peter, and had sent His angel–to miraculously set him free!
At dawn, back at the prison, there was a commotion among the soldiers, as to how Peter’s captivity was defied. After a search was endeavored, Herod ordered the soldiers’ deaths; but the Bible records that he, too, soon afterward died…
“But the word of God grew and multiplied!”
P. A. Oltrogge
(From the account in Acts 12)
“Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church.” Acts 12:5
“Then He (Jesus) spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart…” Luke 18:1
Likely, you’ll recognize the identity of this painter….
From a majestic mountain to a quiet glade, paintings that featured light were this artist’s trade. Inviting, lighted cottages by peaceful lakes or streams, became sweet reflections of all of our dreams.
Churches, gardens, or a bridge that was quaint, came into being through his brushes and paint. A cabin in the woods; a lighthouse by the sea; an American flag waving in the land of the free…
And famous landmarks or an old-fashioned street were the many scenes that made his gallery complete. Hidden in his paintings were initials he would write, revealing the heart of this painter of light.
A tour filmed in Israel, where Jesus had walked, came alive to the viewers as he painted and talked– of Gethsemane’s Garden, where Jesus had prayed that the way of the cross might not have to be paid.
His artistry placed the cross of Jesus Christ high, which spoke of God’s love against a splendorous sky. He spread the Lord’s peace, through scriptures quoted by his kind voice; and, in books, they were noted.
An impact for good was made by this man– a big splash on this world was his part in God’s plan. But don’t look to the imperfect artist, he had said, just look to the cross of Christ instead.
P. A. Oltrogge
Due to copyrights, I can’t post a copy of one of the artist’s paintings. Of course, I never knew or spoke to him personally about his faith, but I do recall being blessed by the video of him filmed in Israel, mentioned in the poem, and another one, where he referred respectfully to the scriptures while the video exhibited some of his artwork. His artistry did include a painting of “The Cross”–prominently displayed at the Billy Graham Library in North Carolina in a high tech recreation of that painting on one of its walls. To view it, you can look up some videos via an internet search, using key words and the artist’s name–Thomas Kinkade.
Pictured here is not that painting, but a simple photo to remind of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the love of God for all the world….
“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” …spoken by Jesus in John 3:14-17 NKJV
“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I amthelightoftheworld. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have thelightoflife.” John 8:12 NKJV
The Porch of the Lord 