August 4, 2013 | John Bayles | The Prologue of John: Jesus Christ - God? Man? God-man? (John 1:1-18)

When we look at Jesus we must remember that His nature cannot be divided. The relationship of the second member of the triune God (the Word) and the man (Jesus of Nazareth) are indivisible. The one is in perfect unity with the other. John's purpose, and ours is not to show that God is not man or that man is not God, but that God has uniquely come to dwell in man in the person of Jesus Christ. He is the God-man.

July 28, 2013 | John Bayles | The Prologue of John: The God-Man of Grace and Truth (John 1:15-18)

I am so amazed by the precision the Apostle John has used in presenting the nature and mission of Jesus Christ in this prologue. What can we conclude? The Word: existed from before the creation of the world. The Word: is in the presence of God, is the essential composition of God, and yet is distinct in God. The Word: is God. The Word: has a masculine gender. The Word: created all things and gives life to all things, including mankind and us.

July 21, 2013 | John Bayles | Piercing The Darkness (John 1:3-14)

Step-by-step, this is John's method. Thus far we have learned that there is some person, place or thing called the Word. And, the Word was already in existence when the world was created. And that the Word is God. Today John continues the revelation: we discover that the Word has gender, a unique role in creation, and is the source of life and light, not only to those who are redeemed, but to all mankind. Piece by piece, John reveals the Word in a progression from heaven to earth. And not just into the earth, but into a unique relationship with a man, Jesus of Nazareth.

July 14, 2013 | John Bayles | The Prologue of John: The Divine Son(John 1:3-4)

As we etch our way through the Prologue of the Gospel of John, it is our intention to take the needed time to understand John's teaching. Many years ago, as I watched the first lunar landing with my family (in black and white TV), a detail was repeated again and again by the commentators: "The precision of a lunar flight is critical. If the target (the moon) is missed by even a small fraction at the first, then the ship could miss the moon by thousands of miles." The same is true in our study of the scriptures. If we miss the foundational essence of the nature of Jesus Christ at the beginning, we will likely find ourselves either in a cult or confronting one that has missed this critical understanding.

July 7, 2013 | John Bayles | The Prologue of John: Before the Earth Declared His Glory (John 1:1-5)

In this prologue of the Gospel of John we find a very similar use of language to that of Genesis 1:1 and following. As in Genesis 1:1 (and in all of the scriptures), there is no explanation or treatise on the existence of God - it is a presupposition, it is assumed to be true already. However, unlike the Genesis narrative in which Moses launches into the account of the creation of the earth and its surrounding universe, here John touches the same point of time, yet launches backward into the timeless existence of the Godhead before the creation of the earth.

June 30, 2013 | John Bayles | A Present and Future Hope (Hosea 14:1-9)

In this final plea to the nation of Israel, we see the passion of the prophet and the God Who has sent him. Very reflective of the heart of the Lord in the ministry of Joel, as He holds out one more time the hand of forgiveness, are the words, “Even now....” (Joel 2:14). So too, here Hosea extends the mercy of God to this vile and backslidden people, not with the hope of their repentance, but as an assurance to Himself and to all the hosts of history, that though they are covenant breakers, He has not wavered in faithfully keeping His word to His people, Israel.

June 23, 2013 | John Bayles | The Terrible, Swift Sword (Hosea 13:4-16)

Giving thanks is a gift God has given to us. It could be argued that it is also an exclusive gift, in that there is no other example in all of creation that any other creature gives thanks for anything. But, in order for us to give thanks we must first acknowledge that there is something to give thanks for. This acknowledgement is also a gift of grace, especially for the people of God.

June 16, 2013 | John Bayles | Experiencing the Love of God (Ephesians 3:17-19)

We have all experienced God’s love, we can see it in the grace He has extended to us in creation, in general providence, and in our personal testimonies. But Paul is praying for us today. He is praying that we will come to know the love of God even more fully. He is praying that we might see the love of God as it is expanded through the lens of our corporate experience.

June 2, 2013 | John Bayles | When Worldviews Collide (Hosea 12:7-14)

As we draw near to our conclusion of the book of Hosea, we continue to hear the same drum beat of judgement against the nation. It is not a new message, for from the time of the first king, Israel began to turn from their God. When it comes to a view of money, we will find a very clear distinction of what money is for, who money belongs to, what money can buy, and who owns the power, position, and distinction of money. Using this very common illustration and a knowledge of the trade practices of this time frame, Hosea shows that Israel has moved wholesale into a man-centered worldview. And this man-centered worldview is in direct conflict with God.

May 26, 2013 | John Bayles | When Darkness is Your Light (Hosea 11:12 - 12:14)

Jesus said that if the light that is in you is darkness, then how great is that darkness. If we use the word revelation in the place of darkness it magnifies the meaning. As we look at Hosea's indictment against Israel he draws upon the patriarch Jacob as one who was deceived himself and deceived others.