Pauses in time

John chapter 8
This chapter starts out with the woman caught in adultery. The whole story takes place in 11 verses. A lot takes place in this brief but profound passage. Over the years I've heard many sermons or sermonettes expound on this passage. This particular scene has also been used in Mel Gibson's 'the passion of the Christ". I'd like to give a shot at breaking this down. First of all the chapter begins with John 8:1 But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. If we look in the previous chapter we see that Jesus is in the temple courts teaching the people. The people were really amazed by His teaching, which made the Pharisees very upset and jealous. They instructed the guards to arrest him, but they were so impressed by this teaching they couldn't do it. Imagine that! He was telling the people that he was leaving, but that he would leave them with the Holy Spirit. By the way, this place that Jesus went to "the Mount of olives", must have been a very special. This is the place where Jesus left the earth and, it will be where he returns. (see Acts chapter 1) Maybe we need our own "Mount of olives", so we could spend time with the one who created us, whether in prayer or worship or just plain quiet time.
Verse two says that he went back into the temple courts where people gathered all around him. They wanted to learn more, all we have to do is pick up a Bible and read. Okay, here is the scene, Jesus in the temple teaching a crowd of people, in walks some scribes and Pharisees with a woman caught in the act of adultery. This offense, drew the death penalty, according to their law at that time. Note: do you think Jesus was caught offguard? Do you think he said to himself, "Oh no what am I going to do here, they really might have me with this one". I don't think so!.(John 8:3-6 The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. Over the years I heard different explanations for this stooping down and writing on the ground. One plausible explanation was that he was really writing down the various sins possibly committed by those accusers. Maybe. Keep in mind there was a huge crowd waiting to see if this poor woman was going to be stoned to death. Not to mention the woman herself who was probably very terrified.
She was standing there without a protest, I'm sure she was well aware of current laws in place. Her hope was in Jesus Christ. Aren't we all in this same position.
Dramatic pauses in time.

I would like to present a different application. First of all, I do not believe he was trying to think of something to say that would satisfy those questioning him, as well as the crowd all watching in eager anticipation, not to mention the woman who was possibly about to die. Remember, He had just come from "the Mount of olives ", I believe he knew exactly what he would encounter that day. In the history of the Jewish nation there have been many times when the people have asked for something, and have had to wait to get the answer. Here's a few that I can think of; 400 years of slavery in Egypt. and when they were released, it took them 40 years to travel a weeks journey. how about 70 years in exile, and all the droughts, famines, and enemy attacks. There is also many promises God has given to people, that do not seem to be fulfilled within the timeframe we desire. Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, and so many others, I'm quite sure you can come up with your own list.[sidebar], How many times have we waited for something, without an immediate response? Perhaps we have been through the same things experienced by Israel on a much smaller scale, but nevertheless they've been very real to all of us. In the fullness of time, Christ, the Messiah, the deliver appeared on the scene. Stood up, so to speak, so we all could see him, but we need to hear his voice. Just like the scribes and Pharisees, and the crowd, and the woman, were waiting to hear his voice. When he spoke, that was all they needed to hear.

Like this:Matthew 7:28-29 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.

When Jesus stood and spoke, there must've been "pin drop" silence. Leaving the woman standing there all alone with Jesus. Jesus said "where are they has no one condemned you". "No one, sir, she responded.John 8:11 “No one, sir,” she said.“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” Just so you know, he has power to forgive sins, and he has given us power through his Holy Spirit to leave that sinful life behind. We are this woman. Christ died for sins, wiping our slate clean, He is also telling us to go and leave our lives of sin. Jesus, when his redemption was completed, he did not leave us helpless.
John 16:7 But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.

Why is truth essential?

Why is truth so essentially important in society. It does seem as though people create their own "truth". Mostly, this can be traced to selfish ambition for personal gain, or outright fraud. Without a good moral foundational system, people are going to lie. God gave us 10 basic Commandments the ninth one states:"You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. (Exodus 20:16 NIV). This moral code is most likely found in all mainstream religions and societies. Lying for personal gain usually means that someone else is going to have to pay the price. The liberal agenda always seems to take precedence over the truth. If we allow ourselves to be duped by anyone there is always a price to pay. The country is already paying a very high price for believing the horrible deception of "hope and change", put forth by the current administration before the last election. Observe, the national debt is at a record high,unemployment does not seem to be coming down, the housing market is still in the tank, gas prices are on the rise again. Mr. Obama has not offered any positive solutions. Instead, lies continue to be spewed from the current administration, bringing to unsuspecting Americans a false sense of security. The mainstream media is a willing accomplice in this hideous deception. They omit pertinent information proposed by the Republicans, as in the case of the Paul Ryan Medicare proposal. In an interview on I believe it was CBS, they conveniently cut the part from the interview where Congressman Ryan pointed out that his plan would not change any of the seniors coverage, 55 years or older. Those under 55 would then be given a choice of what to choose for their particular Medicare coverage. I then heard Mr. Obama proclaim that the Republican plan would raise the cost of Medicare, and then turn around and give the extra money to the wealthiest Americans. what a crock! I would like to list some other blatant lies by Mr.Obama; "the private sector is doing fine", "you didn't build that on your own", "our plan worked". I am not sure which plan he is referring to, but I am sure that nothing they have tried has worked for the betterment of all Americans.I recently saw an ad offered by the Obama regime that featured the most prolific liar of the Democratic propaganda machine, non-other than Bill Clinton. In a recent book called "The Amateur" the author relates that Mr. Clinton doesn't even like Pres. Obama or his current policies.Another statement I recently heard from Mr. Obama is "they don't really have a plan, and the plan they have doesn't work." Does that make any sense? Would this be considered a lie within a lie, or a double lie, or just plain nonsense.

Let's consider for a moment how God feels about lying. We have already seen how lying breaks the ninth commandment. The eighth Commandment states "thou shall not steal". I maintain that people who lie are definitely out to steal something. It does not always have to be monetary, one may be stealing someone's trust or a reputation may be usurped. It is plain to see that Mr. Obama, and all his cohorts have stolen all of our trust, and failed to keep any of his promises. Now, they are at the same process. They cannot run on their own merits, so they have to destroy all the wonderful plans designed to put this country back on the right track. God, does not think it's "all right" to lie and steal. The first transgression which transpired through lying and stealing, separating us from fellowship with God, could only be overcome by sending his only son to restore that which was lost. Don't forget that it was lies and trumped up charges that brought his son to the cross.
If you want to hear the truth do not listen to any liberal Democrats or any of the mainstream media, such is NBC, CBS, and ABC. If you want the truth and nothing but the truth listen to conservative talk radio, such as; Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity and Glenn Beck. If you need countrywide and worldwide news, you can turn to Fox.

Truth continued

All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. (Romans 2:12 NIV)

What is the Old Testament about? Well, I guess you could say it's a historical account of the first people put on earth and subsequently the generations that followed. In this Biblical account we find that the people put on this earth were not unlike us, in that they were not capable of keeping very simple laws. Time and again we see fundamental laws being broken.

Breaking the law has consequences that could be mild or severe, depending on the transgression. What is a "transgression"? Webster's defines it as an infringement or violation of a law, command, or duty. God calls transgressions " sins ".

If a person gets caught breaking the law, a penalty is applied to the offender. Obedience is very important. We find this out as little children or as parents teaching our children what is right and wrong, what to do and what not to do.
In the biblical account of Adam and Eve, God gave them one simple command to obey. They failed the test. God knew they were going to fail but he had a plan so that man could overcome this fundamental weakness that we all have.


Do You think that we are not sinners? Think again!
I once read a story of a celebrity's daughter,she was saved and knew the truth. Concern for her mother's welfare led her to inquire, about the mothers need for a savior to remove her sins. She replies, "I've never committed a sin of my life". Unfortunately, this is most likely a common sentiment among many people.

All have turned away,
they have together become worthless;
there is no one who does good,
not even one." for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (Romans 3:12, 23 NIV) All means everyone, there are no exceptions.
Here are some transgressions were all prone too.
. The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit theiyi kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:1, 19-21 NIV)
If those transgressions aren't a problem, maybe some of these will ring the bell..
Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices (Colossians 3:5-9 NIV)

If we take an honest look at these "transgressions", we would all have to admit to falling short in many of these areas, maybe a lot of us still are falling prey.

Don't lose hope, God has made a way for our "transgressions" to be paid in full.
Saved our slate wiped clean

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. (John 3:16, 17 NIV)

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on them. (John 3:36 NIV)

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. (Romans 8:1-4 NIV)

but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification. (Romans 4:24, 25 NIV)

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:4-10 NIV

Jesus is
"'the stone you builders rejected,
which has become the cornerstone.' Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:11, 12 NIV)

For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. (1 Thessalonians 5:9-11 NIV)

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. (1 Timothy 1:15, 16 NIV)

This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, (1 Timothy 2:3-5 NIV)

The sun will be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood
before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. And everyone who calls
on the name of the Lord will be saved.' (Acts 2:20, 21 NIV)

Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38 NIV).

If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, "Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame." (Romans 10:9-11 NIV)

Conclusion: we are not here by accident. God's mercy and grace has created mankind, in order to show his great love for us. So that we can show our love and gratitude for him and one another. The apostle Paul knew this relationship very well, he wrote this in Romans: No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:37-39 NIV)
Our penchant for not being able to keep his laws has God sending us a profound solution for this terrible dilemma. That answer of course is Christ, He not only forgives us for all our transgressions, but also helps us not to commit them anymore. The truth:Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6 NIV). ;The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14 NIV)

The bottom line is this:that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:10, 11 NIV)

apostles creed

Apostles Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.

And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. AMEN.

We were required to recite this in the school I attended as a child, time and time again. This was a parochial school. I'm sure that their plan was to get this into our head, so that we would come to believe in this truth. Like most children this went in one ear and out the other. It did not take root until I was an adult. It took the saving grace of Jesus Christ to fully grasp this wonderful statement. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— (Ephesians 2:8 NIV)
This grace is available for all of you also.
This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, (1 Timothy 2:3-5 NIV)

What is Truth

What is truth, this is a question that Pontious Pilate asked Christ when he was taken to him for examination. I don't believe Pilate wanted to even be bothered with this whole matter of judging Christ. But to playcate the Jewish leaders he questioned Christ. Part of that questioning included this discourse. "You are a king, then!" said Pilate.Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me." "What is truth?" retorted Pilate. With this he went out again to the Jews gathered there and said, "I find no basis for a charge against him. (John 18:37, 38 NIV)I have always been drawn to this particular scripture. Truth is a very intriguing and wonderful thing. It's a fundamental ingredient in functioning in families. communities and society. It has a very close connection with the law and laws of any country.The first transgression in the Bible is found in Genesis 3. A simple law was broken because of a lie. The serpent was very effective with this deception, but you must understand that one of man's greatest weaknesses was targeted, namely "pride". We see these same elements come to play in the story of Cain and Abel. In this case we see how anger, jealousy, and murder were all fueled by pride. In James chapter 4 verse 6 we have this:But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:"God opposes the proudbut shows favor to the humble." (James 4:6 NIV), When you stop to think about it, one of the foundational roots of sin is pride. Setting that aside for now I'd like to get back to the law sin and truth.The main things that God hates are listed in Proverbs chapter 6.There are six things the Lord hates,seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes,(pride)a lying tongue,hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes,feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out liesand a person who stirs up conflict in the community. (Proverbs 6:16-19 NIV)I'm pretty sure Mr. Obama and or his current regime are guilty of all seven of these!.....To be continued.....