Today’s selected reading is found in the New Testament gospel narrative of the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ as it was written and recorded by the apostle John. More specifically today’s passage is found in the first twenty-eight verses of this New Testament book. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not” (John 1:1-5). “There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through Him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which ligtheth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. NO man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him” (John 1:6-18). “And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, NO. Then said they unto him, Who art thou? That we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias. And they which were sent were of the Pharisees. And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Lias, neither that prophet? John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latches I am not worthy to unloose. These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing” (John 1:19-28). When you come to the first chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John you will find a powerful exposition regarding the eternal and divine nature of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is absolutely impossible to read the words which are found in the opening chapter of this gospel and not encounter the tremendous truth surrounding the pre-existence and the divine nature of the Lord Jesus Christ. There is something we must needs recognize when reading the words found in this passage of Scripture for the apostle John is the only gospel author who deliberately and intentionally chose to begin with the eternal and divine nature of the Lord Jesus Christ. You cannot read the words presented in this passage of Scripture and not come face to face with the reality concerning the Lord Jesus Christ before He would even take on the form of human flesh. What’s more is that I am absolutely convinced that in order to truly understand that which is found in these passages of Scripture it is a great need for us to recognize and consider the words which the apostle Paul wrote in the second chapter of the epistle which was written unto the PHilippian saints. It is in the second chapter of this particular epistle we find the apostle Paul emphatically writing a tremendous deal about the eternal nature of the Lord Jesus Christ and the eternal and divine nature He possessed with the Father before the world began. In fact I am convinced that if you want to truly understand the words which are found in the opening chapter of the gospel narrative written by the apostle John there is a great need to recognize and consider these words which are found in the second chapter of the epistle written by the apostle Paul unto the Philippian saints. With this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found in this passage of Scripture beginning to read with and from the first verse: “If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strive or vain glory; but in loveliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Wherefore my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and grumbling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasures. Do all things without murmurings and disputing: that ye may be blameless and harmless the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain. Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your father, I joy and rejoice with you all. For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me” (Philippians 2:1-18). I am absolutely convinced there is a great need to pay attention to the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for within it we find the apostle Paul beginning this chapter by speaking of the consolation that is in Christ, speaking of the comfort of love, speaking of the fellowship of the Spirit and speaking of bowels and mercies. The apostle Paul goes on to admonish the Philippian congregation to fulfil his joy by being likeminded having the same love and being of one accord and of one mind. This would indeed be followed by the apostle Paul instructing and admonishing them to look not every man on his own things but every man also on the things of others. It would be directly on the heels of this the apostle Paul would admonish and instruct them to let a very certain and specific mind be in them—one which was also in Christ Jesus. The mind which the apostle Paul admonished and instructed them to have within them was that which Christ Himself assumed and took upon himself when—although He was in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God. Not only this but it would be in this context the apostle Paul would go on to declare that the Lord Jesus Christ was found in the form and fashion as a man and humbled himself and became obedient unto death—even the death of the cross. Stop and consider the tremendous truth that is found in these verses for within them we are brought face to face with the fact that although the eternal and only begotten Son of the living God was in the form of God He did not consider it robbery to be equal with God. That which the Lord Jesus Christ did when coming to the earth was taking upon him the form of a servant and made himself in the likeness of men. As if this weren’t enough the apostle Paul goes on to describe how the Lord Jesus was found in the fashion as a man and humbled himself becoming obedient unto death—even the death which came as a direct result of being upon the cross. Oh this is something we must needs pay close attention to for when you come to the thirteenth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John you will find a powerful and wonderful example of this in Jesus laying aside His garments and His clothes that He might give of Himself and wash the disciples’ feet. It is at this juncture I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to the words which we see in the thirteenth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John. I am absolutely convinced there is perhaps no greater illustration of the Lord Jesus Christ laying aside Himself than His laying aside the garments which He Himself wore that He might take up the towel that he might wash the feet of the disciples. The words which are found in the thirteenth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John are absolutely and incredibly unique and powerful when you take the time to think about them for they present us with a truly wonderful and beautiful picture of the humility of the Lord Jesus in laying aside His earthly garments that He might take up the towel of humility. I firmly believe there is a great need to read and consider the following words which are found in the thirteenth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John for they call and draw our attention to the wonderful truth surrounding the Lord Jesus Himself laying aside the earthly garments He wore that he might take up the towel of humility and wash the feet of the disciples. The apostle Paul wrote concerning the Lord Jesus taking upon Himself the form of a servant and being made in the likeness of men as well as being found in the fashion of men and humble himself and we must needs consider the following words which are found in the thirteenth chapter of the gospel written by the apostle John for it wonderfully and powerfully demonstrates the beautiful truth of the Lord Jesus laying aside His heavenly divinity that He might take upon Himself the frail form of human flesh. With this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found in the thirteenth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John beginning to read with and from the first verse: “Now before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son to betray him; Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; he riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he pouroeth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them the towel wherewith he was girded. Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needs the not to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, ye are not all clean” (John 13:1-11). It is in this passage of Scripture we find the apostle John writing and recording concerning the Lord Jesus that at the last supper He would celebrate together with the disciples before His suffering and death He would lay aside His garments and would take upon Himself the towel wherewith He would gird Himself. On this particular night the Lord Jesus would lay aside His earthly garments and take upon Himself the towel wherewith He would gird Himself that He might wash the feet of His disciples. I can think of perhaps no greater and no better example of the humility of the Lord Jesus Christ than this for it is in and through this we encounter and are brought face to face with the tremendous reality of the Lord Jesus laying aside earthly garments and giving of Himself that He might wash the disciples’ feet. The sole purpose for His laying aside His garments was that He might take up the towel and wash the feet of the disciples. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for when you come to the twelfth verse of this chapter you will find the lesson and explanation of that which the Lord Jesus did. It wasn’t enough for the Lord Jesus to merely lay aside His earthly garments and take up the towel that He might wash the feet of the disciples for there was also a lesson they needed to learn. Consider if you will the following words which are found in this same chapter beginning to read with and from the twelfth verse: “So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me. Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me” (John 13:12-20). Please pay close attention to the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for within it we find the lesson the Lord Jesus taught His disciples as it pertained to what He had just done. The Lord Jesus had indeed laid aside His garments and taken up the towel and washed each of the disciples’ feet individually before eventually taking up the garments which He had previously laid aside. It would be after He had finished the work of washing the feet of the disciples and after taking up his garments once more the Lord Jesus would then give the disciples the lesson that was intended on being presented through the washing of their feet. Beginning with the twelfth verse of this passage of scripture we find the Lord Jesus asking the disciples if they knew and understood that which He had done unto them. This question is something we must needs recognize when considering it for it suggest and implies the disciples might not have known or understood that which he had done unto them. What’ s’more is that if you continue reading the words which are found in this passage of Scripture you will find the Lord Jesus going on to explain unto the disciples that for which He had done and the purpose thereof. The Lord would declare unto them how they called Him Master and Lord and that they were right in doing so for so He was both. If, however, Jesus was both their Lord and their Master and washed their feet they ought to also wash the feet of each other. What’s more and what we must needs understand is that the disciples weren’t to wash the feet of each other but were also to wash the feet of others. OH there is not a doubt in my mind that when you consider the words which are found in the New Testament book of Acts you can and will be brought face to face with the truth surrounding the unity, the humility and the community and fellowship that was found in the midst of the earthly body of the Lord Jesus Christ. Consider if you will the following words which are found in the second chapter of the New Testament book of Acts beginning with the final verses of the chapter: “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meet with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:41-47). It is not enough that we merely consider the words which are found in these passages of Scripture for there is a great need to also consider the following words which are found in the fourth chapter of this same New Testament book. I am absolutely convinced there is a great need for us to recognize and pay attention to the words presented in the fourth chapter of this New Testament book for it calls and draws our attention to the same truth surrounding the humility, the compassion, the and the unity and fellowship that was found in the midst of the body. There is not a doubt in my mind when reading the New Testament book of Acts that we encounter a wonderful and powerful demonstration of the very same humility which was found in the person and life of the Lord Jesus Christ while He was present upon the earth. With this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found in the final verses of the fourth chapter of the New Testament book of Acts: “And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. For of a truth against the holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, for to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. And now, Lord, behold their threatening: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, by stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness” (Acts 4:23-31). “And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things in common. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, and laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet” (Acts 4:32-37). Returning back to the New Testament gospel narrative which was written by the apostle John we encounter and are brought face to face with the incredible truth surrounding the divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is absolutely impossible to read the words which are found in the opening chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John and not come face to face with the truth of the Lord Jesus Christ and how both His eternity and divinity would indeed meet His humanity. It is in the opening verses of the first chapter we encounter the tremendous truth that In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this and how absolutely incredible it truly is for it draws and calls our attention to the incredible reality of the eternal and divine nature that was present within the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. In all reality I am absolutely convinced that in order to understand the gospel narrative which was written by the apostle John there is a great need to recognize and understand the Jesus He presented as being a Jesus who is both eternal and divine in His nature. The apostle John would present the person of the Lord Jesus as being the Word which was in the beginning—and not only as being the Word which was in the beginning, but also how the Word was with God and how the Word was God. This is something we must needs understand for I am convinced the same truth that is found in the eleventh chapter of the New Testament epistle written by the author of the Hebrews directly applies to the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Consider if you will the following words which are found in the eleventh chapter of the epistle written by the author unto the Hebrews beginning to read with and from the first and opening verse: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear” (Hebrews 11:1-3). “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarded of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). It is in the eleventh chapter of the epistle which was written unto the Hebrews we find the author emphatically declaring that without faith it is impossible to please God. What’s more is that not only did the author of the epistle written unto the Hebrews declare that without faith it is impossible to please God but they would also go on to declare that he which comes unto God must believe that Her is—and not only that he is but also that He is a rewarded of those who diligently sought Him. I am absolutely convinced that if we want to truly understand the words which are found in the opening verses of the first chapter of the gospel narrative written by the apostle John we must needs understand that those who come to the person of the Lord Jesus Christ must believe that He is—and not only that He is but also that he is a rewarded of those who diligently sought after Him. I am absolutely convinced that when reading the words which are found in the eleventh chapter of the epistle written unto the Hebrews we are brought face to face with the truth that those who would indeed come unto the person of the Lord Jesus Christ must needs believe that He is. There is something incredibly unique and powerful about this truth for it brings us face to face with the reality that if we are to come unto the person of the Lord Jesus Christ we must needs acknowledge that He is not only eternal but also divine. When we come to the first chapter of the gospel narrative written by the apostle John we recognize that the Lord Jesus Christ was and is the Word—and not only that Jesus is the Word but that he was in the beginning, that He was in the beginning with God and that he was God. There is absolutely no mistaking the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for if you want to truly understand the words which are found throughout the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John you must needs approach it from the perspective and vantage point that the Lord Jesus is indeed eternal and divine. The more I think about and consider the words which are found in the opening chapter of the gospel narrative written by the apostle John the more I am brought face to face with the truth that when delivering the gospel narrative concerning the Lord Jesus the apostle John chose to begin with and form the place of His eternal and divine nature. When seeking to demonstrate and paint the picture of the Lord Jesus Christ the apostle John desired to present the person of Jesus from His eternal and divine nature. The apostle John deliberately and intentionally chose to begin even before Luke did when Luke chose to begin with the angelic proclamation of Gabriel when he would appear unto Mary in the town of Nazareth in the region of Galilee. It would be in the New Testament gospel narratives written by the apostle Matthew and John Mark we encounter and are brought face to face with the beautiful and wonderful truth concerning the angelic declaration of Gabriel concerning the person of the Lord Jesus Christ and how He would indeed be born of a virgin and would fulfil the prophetic word which was spoken by the prophet Isaiah. This is something we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of for it calls and draws our attention to the truth concerning the Lord Jesus Christ and how He would indeed be born to fulfil the prophetic word which was prophesied by the Hebrew prophet Isaiah. Oh consider if you will the following words which are found in the New Testament gospel narratives written by the apostle Matthew and Luke concerning the eternal and divine nature of the Lord Jesus Christ and being born of a virgin that He might fulfil the divine purpose that was prophesied and decreed concerning Him: “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publicly example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS; for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: and knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS” (Matthew 1:18-25). “And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man who’s name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgins’ name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, hail, thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary’s: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy tomb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the LORD God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible. And Mary said, Behold the hand maid of the LORD; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her” (Luke 1:20-28). Here are the actual prophetic references which were mentioned and quoted in these two New Testament gospel accounts which would also induce that which the prophet Micah prophesied concerning the specific location which the Lord Jesus Christ would be born which would indeed be Bethlehem. Consider if you will the following words which are found in the following passages in the Old Testament prophetic book of Isaiah as well as the words which are found in the prophetic book of Micah: “Therefore the LORD himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good. For before the child shall know to refuse the evil, and choose the good, the land that thou abhorest shall be forsaken of both her kings” (Isaiah 7:14-16). “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, the everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his. Kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this” (Isaiah 9:6-7). “But thou, Beth-lehem Ephratah, thou thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from old, from everlasting” (Micah 5:2). If there is one thing I absolutely love about the words which are found in this passage of Scripture within the opening chapter of the gospel which was written by the apostle John it’s that in the opening verses of the gospel the apostle chooses to begin in eternity past. Even before the realm of time and space were created—even before the earth and the heavens were created the Word was in the beginning. There is a great need for us to pay close attention to the words which we find in this passage of Scripture for what we find here is the apostle John deliberately and intentionally choosing to begin in and with the eternal and divine nature of the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Both the apostle Matthew as well as the beloved physician Luke chose to begin with the birth of the Lord Jesus from the Virgin Mary while in the New Testament gospel narrative written by Mark we find and read a powerful truth concerning Jesus as being the Christ and the Son of the living God. While it was indeed true that both the apostle Matthew and the beloved physician Luke chose to begin with the virgin birth of the Lord Jesus Christ it was John Mark who deliberately and intentionally chose to begin with and from the reality that Jesus is the Christ and the Son of the living God. It was John Mark who chose to begin and open up his gospel account of the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus with the truth that He was indeed the Christ and the Son of the living God which was something the apostle Peter professed and declared on two different occasions in response to that which the Lord had asked. It would be in the coasts of Caesarea Philippi where the Lord Jesus would ask the disciples whom they said that He the Son of man was and it would be the apostle Peter who would declare that He was the Christ and the Son of the living God. It would be in the coasts of Galilee where we find Jesus asking the disciples and those who walked with Him if they too would depart and walk no more with Him and it would be Simon who would once more declare that he was indeed the Christ and the Son of the living God and that they were persuaded that he had the words of eternal life. I sit here thinking about and considering the words which are found in the opening chapter of the gospel narrative written by the apostle John and I can’t help but find myself thinking about the fact that He chose to begin in and with the beginning just as Moses chose to in the first and opening chapter of the Old Testament book of Genesis. It would be in the first chapter of the Old Testament book of Genesis we encounter and are brought face to face with the incredible truth surrounding the beginning of the heavens and the earth. It is in the opening chapter of the Old Testament book of Genesis we find a powerful description of the beginning of time, the beginning of space and the beginning of creation itself. In the first and opening chapter of the Old Testament book of Genesis we find Moses writing how in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. This is something we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of for it helps us to truly understand the truth that is found in the first chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John. It would be in the first chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John we find the apostle writing how it was in the beginning when the Word was and it was in in the beginning when the Word was with God and the Word was God. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for it calls and draws our attention to the truth surrounding that which is found in the Old Testament book of Genesis. It would be in the eleventh chapter of the New Testament book of Hebrews we find the author declaring that those who come to God must indeed believe that He is and that He is a rewarded of those who diligently seek Him. What’s more is that those who come to God and those who would please Him by faith must needs believe that the world and everything which we see were formed and created by His word—and not only by His word but also by the Word which is the divine logos. Oh with this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found in the first and opening chapter of the Old Testament book of Genesis beginning to read with an d form the first verse: “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day. And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters. And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so. And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day. And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto on place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so. And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Sea; and God saw that it was good. And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so. And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good. And the evening and the morning were the third day. And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be fear signs and for seasons, and for days and years: and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so. And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also. And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth, and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good. And the evening and the morning were the fourth day. And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven. And God created great whales, and every living creature that move the, which the waters brought fort abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good. And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth. And the evening and the morning with the fifth day. And God said, Let the earth bring forth t he living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so. And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepers upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good. And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the flow.l of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepers upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that move the upon the earth. And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every living thing that creepers upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so. And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day” (Genesis 1:1-31). It is absolutely necessary we read and pay attention to the words which we find in the first and opening chapter of the OId Testament book of Genesis—not only because it helps us to understand the truth surrounding the existence and pre-existence of the Lord Jesus Christ but it also help su s to understand much of what is and has been taking place within our culture and society today. I am absolutely convinced that if you want to truly understand that which is and has been taking place in our culture and society in recent months and even years there is a great need to turn and direct our attention to the words which are found in the first chapter of the Old Testament book of Genesis. I firmly believe that what we are witnessing in our culture and society is an attack and assault on the eternal and divine nature of the living God—and not only an assault and attack on the eternal and divine nature of the living God but also on everything which He has created. I am absolutely convinced there is a great need for us to recognize that what we are witnessing in our culture and society is an assault and attack on the eternal and divine nature of the living God—and not only on the eternal nature of the living God but also on the existence of the living God Himself. I am absolutely convinced that what we am witnessing and what we have been witnessing in our culture and society is an incredibly powerful picture of an assault of the enemy and adversary on the existence of God as well as upon that which He has created. If you read the opening chapter of the Old Testament book of Genesis you will find the creation of the heavens and the earth—and not only the creation of the heavens and the earth but also the creation of man and woman. In all reality I would dare say that for years we have seen the assault and attack on the creation of the living God—and not only on the creation of the living God but also on the reality of the creation and formation of male and female. I would dare say that we have never before in the history of mankind seen such a great assault and attack on the formation and creation of God creating man and woman than we have in recent years. I am absolutely convinced that any discussion we have about the existence of the Lord Jesus must of necessity be existentially and intrinsically linked and connected to our own existence—and not only to our own existence but also to the creation of everything that has been made and exists today. We cannot and must not have a discussion about our own existence without at the same time having a conversation about the existence of the person of the Lord Jesus Christ for our existence is intrinsically tied and connected to the existence of the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. If and when we read the words which are found in the first chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John we encounter a wonderful and powerful truth concerning the Lord Jesus Christ and His existence—and not only His existence but also His wonderful and powerful connection to the creation of everything that has been created. With this being said I would dare say that we cannot have a discussion about that which was created in the heavens and the earth without recognizing the truth that anything and everything that has been created has its foundation in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Any discussion about creation must needs have at the very heart of it a wonderful and powerful declaration concerning the existence of the person and presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is absolutely impossible to talk and speak about the creation of the heavens and the earth without and apart from also speaking about the existence of the person and presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. What a truly wonderful and powerful truth it is to think about and consider that our own existence is intrinsically wrapped up and connected to the existence of the Lord Jesus Christ. I sit here today thinking about and considering my own existence and I am brought face to face with the fact that I cannot exist without and apart from the existence of the person and presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. There is absolutely a tremendous need for us as the people of God to recognize and understand that we have indeed been created and have our existence in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. We must needs recognize and understand that it is in Him we live and move and have our being as the apostle Paul emphatically declared and professed unto the Athenians while He was waiting for Silas and Timothy to come unto him. Oh there is a great need for us as the saints of God to recognize and pay close attention to the wonderful reality of our existence having its root and foundation in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. We must needs recognize and understand that we do indeed exist and have our existence in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ for it was Jesus whom the apostle John alone would write and record that before Abraham was “I am.” Pause for a moment and consider how absolutely incredible this truly is for with these words the Lord Jesus would indeed declare something that up until that point in time would have only been declared by the living God. It was the living God who would declare that He was “The I Am that I Am.” Now we find the Lord Jesus declaring that before Abraham was “I am.” What a truly wonderful and powerful truth this truly is when you take the time to think about it for it calls and draws our attention to the wonderful reality of Jesus Himself being the eternal and divine “I Am.” With this being said we need to recognize that each time we introduce ourselves and each time we profess and speak of who we are we are directly connecting ourselves to the person and presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. Think about that which you are saying each and every time you make the statement concerning yourself and begin with the words “I am” and then proceed to fill in the blanks thereafter. What I find within these passages of Scripture is an absolutely incredible truth surrounding the reality of the tremendous assault and attack upon the creation and existence of the living God. What’s more is that when we read the words which are found in the first chapter of the Old Testament book of Genesis and the first chapter of the New Testmaent gospel narrative written by the apostle John is that not only do we have our existence in the person and presence of the Lord Jesus but we also must needs recognize the incredible assault on the existence of the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Not only this but there is a great need for us to understand that there is and there has been a great assault and attack upon the existence of the Lord Jesus Christ as well as upon the words which He spoke and the miracles which He wrought while He was upon the earth. The simple fact that there is and there has been the creation of terminology such as “gender fluid” and “binary and non-binary” in terms of speaking of gender speaks of the tremendous assault and attack on who we are as those who have been created by the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. What’s more is there is a great assault upon the person and presence of the living God within our lives and that which He has created in the earth. For years there have been countless men and women who have sought to dispute and argue against the creation of the living God—and not only against the creation of God but who have tried to argue evolution as the explanation for that which has been created and which is in existence. What we have been witnessing in recent months and years has been the assault and attack on that which the living God has created—from the creation of male and female as well as the creation of the heavens and the earth. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for there is a great need for us to know and understand that the living God created absolutely everything that is and everything which has been in existence. What we have indeed seen is the complete and utter assault on that which the living God has created by and through the Spirit—and not only by the person of the Spirit but also according to the Word of the living God. It is with all of this we must needs recognize and pay attention to the following words which are found in the first two chapters of the New Testament epistle written by the apostle Paul. Within the first two chapters of the New Testament epistle written by the author of this epistles we are indeed brought face to face with the wonderful truth surrounding the eternal and divine nature of the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is in the first two chapters of the New Testament epistle written by the author of the epistle unto the Hebrews we find a truly wonderful and powerful picture of the eternal and divine nature of the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. IN order to understand the words which we see in the first chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John there is a great need to consider the following words which are found in the first two chapters of the epistle written unto the Hebrews. Consider if you will the following words which are found in these two chapters beginning with the first verse of the first chapter: “God, who at sundry times and in diver manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom heh hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and every; a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast lad the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; and as vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail. But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” (Hebrews 1:1-14). “For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak. But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art m indulge of him: Or the son of man, that thou visitest him? Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou corned stone him with glory and honour; and desist set him over the works of thy hands: Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him. But we see Jesus, who was made a little l.owner than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death eh might destroy him that had the power of death, that is the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted” (Hebrews 2:5-18). Please pay close attention to the words which are found in the first two chapters of the New Testament epistle which was written by the author of the epistle written unto the Hebrews for within it we find the absolutely wonderful truth that although Jesus was indeed fully divine and fully eternal he would take upon Himself the form of a servant. What’s more is that not only would the Lord Jesus take upon Himself the form of a servant but He would also take upon Himself the form of human and sinful flesh. If you read the words which are found in the first chapter of this gospel you will find the apostle John beginning with the description that the Word was the in the beginning, that the Word was in the beginning with God, and that the Word was God. Moreover Thea pestle John would also go on to declare that the same was in the beginning with God and that all things were made by Him and without Him was not any thing made that was made. This is something we must needs recognize and acknowledge if we are to be true worshippers of the person of the Lord Jesus Christ—and not only of the person of the Lord Jesus Christ but also of the eternal and living God. There is a great need for us to recognize and understand that when we read the gospel narrative which was written by the apostle John we must approach Jesus as being fully human and fully divine. If we are to truly read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture there is a great need to pay attention to the reality that the person of the Lord Jesus Christ is indeed eternal and divine and that He existed in the beginning with the eternal Father and God. The first few verses of the first chapter of this gospel calls and draws our attention to the fact that Jesus was in the beginning with God and that when all things which were made did in fact get made and have their existence they were made by and through the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. It was the person of the Lord Jesus Christ who was indeed present in the beginning with the eternal and living God and we must needs recognize this and how absolutely important it truly is. As I prepare to bring this writing to a close I find it absolutely necessary for us to acknowledge that Jesus was indeed the eternal and only begotten Son of the living God. There is a great need of us as the people of God to approach the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John from the vantage point that the eternal and only begotten Son of the living God is both divine and eternal in His nature. There is and there must be absolutely no mistaking this for when reading this gospel we as the people of God have to recognize that the Lord Jesus Christ was indeed the eternal and only begotten Son of the living God and was and still is one hundred percent divine and eternal. Although Jesus would indeed be the Word who took upon Himself the form of human flesh He would still be fully divine and fully eternal. There is absolutely no denying and no mistaking this when you take the time to truly think about and consider the truth concerning the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. This gospel was indeed the narrative which would be the fourth and final gospel account which is found in the New Testament concerning the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ. Please pay close attention to the words which we see in this passage of Scripture for it calls and draws our attention to the tremendous truth concerning the Lord Jesus Christ and how the Lord Jesus Christ was indeed the Word which was made flesh. When we read this New Testament gospel there is indeed a tremendous and powerful truth of understanding and acknowledging that the person of the Lord Jesus Christ was the Word which was in the beginning with God and was indeed God. Just as we cannot separate our existence from the person of the Lord Jesus Christ so also we cannot separate the person and presence of the Lord Jesus Christ from the eternal and living God who is the Creator of the heavens and the earth. What we find in the first chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John is indeed a powerful picture of the eternal and divine nature of the person and presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. That which is found in this passage of Scripture is indeed a beautiful picture of the Lord Jesus Christ and how the Lord Jesus Christ is indeed fully divine and the eternal and only begotten Son of the living God. In the first and opening chapter of this gospel we find how in the person of the Lord Jesus was life and how the life was the light of men. What’s more is that not only was the life the light of men but the light shines in darkness and the darkness comprehended it not. If there is one thine have to recognize and pay attention to when reading the words found in this passage of Scripture it’s the tremendous rejection of the of the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. If and as we read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture we must needs recognize the declarations “the darkness comprehended it not,” “the world knew him not” and “his own received him not.” Perhaps one of the greatest truths we must needs recognize and pay attention to when consider the words which are found in this passage of Scripture is what we can and will do with t he person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Will we be those who do indeed and do in fact receive the person of the Lord Jesus and believe upon His name or will we be those who reject Him. Oh the words which the prophet Isaiah prophesied in the fifty-third chapter of the Old Testament prophetic book are words which I am convinced I must needs leave you with when considering the response and reaction of men to the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. There is a great need for us to consider these words with carefulness and intentionality for it brings us face to face with the truth concerning how we receive and how we respond to the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. I leave you with the following words which are indeed found in the fifty-third chapter and leave you with them concerning your own personal response to the person and presence of the Lord Jesus Christ: “Who hath believed our report? And to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed? For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgression, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, Aand as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openers not his mouth. He was taken from. Prison and from judgment; and who shall declare his generation? For he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression fo my people was he stricken. And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul and offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. He shall see of the travel of his soul, and shell be justified: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sins of many, and made intercession fo rate transgressors” (Isaiah 53:1-12).