This article is the first in the series, "About the Truth."  This article focuses on what the Old Testament says about God's truth. 

     Definition.  The main Hebrew word for "truth" in the Old Testament is emeth.  Emeth means "firmness, faithfulness, truth" (Ref. 1).

The word emeth first occurs in Genesis 24:27, when Abraham's servant completes his journey to find a bride for Abraham's son, Isaac.  “Blessed be the Lord God of my master Abraham, who has not forsaken His mercy and His truth toward my master.  As for me, being on the way, the Lord led me to the house of my master’s brethren.”

     Consider.  Let's look together at several verses which describe the attributes, or characteristics, of God's truth.

     God's commandments are truth itself. 
     "Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, And Your law is truth" (Psalm 119:142). 
     "You are near, O Lord, And all Your commandments are truth" (Psalm 119:151).
     "The entirety of Your word is truth, and all Your righteous judgments endure forever" (Psalm 119:160).

Think ahead to Pilate's question to Jesus, "What is truth?" (John 18:38).  The writer of Psalm 119 answers Pilate's question.  God's word is truth. 

     God's truth leads us and guides us.  David prayed, "Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long" (Psalm 25:5).  

John the disciple confirmed this principle when he quoted Jesus.  "But when He, the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth" (John 16:13).    

     God's truth protects us.  In Psalm 91, the psalmist writes, "He will cover you with His pinions, And under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness (emeth, truth) is a shield and bulwark" (Psalm 91:4, italics added).    Merriam-Webster defines a bulwark as a solid wall-like structure raised for defense (Ref. 2).

David expressed his confidence in God's truth to protect him.  "Lord, do not withhold Your compassion from me; Your constant love and truth will always guard me" (Psalm 40:11).

Recall how Jesus used God's truth (from the Old Testament) to defend himself from Satan's temptations and to end Satan's attack (Matthew 4:1-11).

     God's truth is everlasting.  "For His lovingkindness is great toward us,
And the truth of the Lord is everlasting.  Praise the Lord!" (Psalm 117:2)

Martin Luther confirmed this principle in "A Mighty Fortress is our God" when he wrote, "God's truth abideth still" (Ref. 3). 

As believers in Christ, God's truth is our standard.  God's truth endures forever and does not change. 

     Apply.  Let's review the four principles in this lesson:
1.  God's commandments are truth itself (Psalm 119:160)
2.  God's truth leads us and guides us (Psalm 25:5)
3.  God's truth protects us (Psalm 91:4)
4.  God's truth is everlasting (Psalm 117:2)

How can you apply these principles to your life today?

References
1.  http://biblehub.com/hebrew/571.htm
2.  https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bulwark
3.  https://library.timelesstruths.org/music/A_Mighty_Fortress_Is_Our_God/

     Consider.  Would you like to receive the balm that heals us unlike any other?  Jesus Christ is the only balm that can heal our sin sickness.  Only Jesus can make us whole.  "There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole.  There is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin-sick soul" (African-American spiritual).

     Biblical Background.  Gilead was a mountainous part of ancient Palestine, east of the Jordan River now corresponding to northwest Jordan (Ref. 1, Ref. 2).    Gilead was known for its healing balm (Jeremiah 46:11).  We first see balm (mastic) mentioned in scripture as precious merchandise coming from Gilead (Genesis 37:25).  Joseph's father, Israel (Jacob), sent balm as a present to Joseph as lord of the land of Egypt (Genesis 43:11). 

The prophet Jeremiah asked these questions, "Is there no balm in Gilead?  Is there no physician there? (Jeremiah 8:22).  Judah had turned away from the Lord and had completely ignored repeated warnings of judgment (for example,  Jeremiah 5:20-31).  Spiritual balm, God's salvation and healing, was available; however, the people were not seeking God.  Spiritual balm through the priests and prophets was ineffective because "the prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule on their own authority" (Jeremiah 5:31).

     About the Spiritual, "There is a Balm in Gilead."  "There is a Balm in Gilead" and other African-American spirituals came out of the period of slavery in America (1619-1865; Ref. 4).  This spiritual is evidence that African-American Christians knew and trusted Jesus for salvation and healing despite their condition on earth.   African-American Christians answered Jeremiah's question with a resounding "Yes, there is a balm in Gilead" (Ref. 5).

     The message of "There is a Balm in Gilead" still applies today.   Despite whatever condition we are in, or whatever misery or difficulty we are going through, Jesus can heal our wounds and make us whole.

     Apply.  In what area of your life do you need the healing balm of Jesus Christ today?

     Listen.  I encourage you to listen and enjoy these two beautiful and moving presentations of "There is a Balm in Gilead."
     "There is a Balm in Gilead" - Adventist Vocal Ensemble (well known on BBC).
     "There is a Balm in Gilead" - East Carolina University Chamber Singers.

References
1.  http://biblehub.com/commentaries/jeremiah/8-22.htm
2.  https://www.britannica.com/place/Gilead-ancient-region-Palestine#ref130865
3.  https://www.britannica.com/plant/mastic-tree
4.  https://www.infoplease.com/timelines/history-slavery-america
5.  https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/black-history-month-there-is-a-balm-in-gilead

To see a hymn music video about inner healing, click on "Good News of the Kingdom" by Whitney V. Myers.

For articles about Scripture Allusions (Bible References) in other hymns, refer to "Scripture Allusions in Hymns" by Whitney V. Myers.

by Whitney V. Myers

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me" (John 14:6).

This article is the fifth and final article in the series on the topic, “About the Way.”

     Consider.  The eternal Jesus Christ is the road, the path, the journey to the Father, and to the Father's dwelling place, heaven.  

Immediately before Jesus said "I am the way" (John 14:6), Jesus told his disciples, "In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you" (John 14:2).

     Jesus is eternal.  Jesus Christ is the same "I AM" that appeared to Moses in the burning bush (John 8:58; Exodus 3:6; Exodus 3:14). 

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8).

     Jesus is the way.  Jesus invites us to follow him to the destination.  Jesus is the road, and the journey to the destination. 

The Greek word for "follow" is akoloutheó.  Akoloutheó means to be in the same way with, that is, to accompany as a disciple (Ref. 1).

The rich young ruler asked Jesus what he could do to inherit eternal life (Mark 10:17).  Mark 10:21 describes Jesus' invitation to the young man to follow Jesus.  "Looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him and said to him, 'One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.' "  The young man refused Jesus' invitation to accompany Jesus as a disciple.  Mark tells us the young man "was saddened, and he went away grieving" (Mark 10:22).

     Jesus Christ is the only way to the Father, to the Father's dwelling place, heaven.  Jesus is the only way to the Father because only Jesus has paid the penalty for our sin. 

"Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, ... let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water" (Hebrews 10:19-20, 22).

"But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).

"Unless you believe that I AM, you’ll die in your sins” (John 8:24).

Our Response to Jesus

What is your response to Jesus?  Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me" (John 14:6).  Are you ready to believe in him?  Are you willing to follow Jesus to our heavenly destination?

If you do not already trust in Jesus, then I encourage you to pray through these steps in your own words.

     Believe in Jesus.  

• Confess your sins to Jesus.  Thank Jesus for forgiving your sins (1 John 1:9). 
  
• Put your trust in Jesus.  Believe that Jesus is the Son of God (John 3:16).  Believe that God raised Jesus from the dead (Romans 10:9; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8). 
  
  

     Follow Jesus.

• Ask Jesus to teach you, to lead you, and to help you follow him faithfully each day.
  
  

     "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" (Matthew 11:29).

     "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me" (John 10:27).

     "Teach me your ways, O Lord; make them known to me.  Teach me to live according to your truth, for you are my God, who saves me.  I always trust in you" (Psalm 25:4-5).

Now that you have put your trust in Jesus, I encourage you to:

• Read your Bible daily to learn more about God.  You may want to start by reading one of the gospel accounts such as Mark or John.  The Holy Spirit will teach you as you read the Scriptures (John 16:13).
  
  
• Seek out a local body of believers where you can worship, fellowship, and learn by receiving good teaching about God's inspired word, the Bible.  Some churches may offer a special teaching class for new believers.
  
  

Reference
1.  http://biblehub.com/greek/190.htm

To learn more about the following topics, please visit the About the Way page or the previous posts with dates noted:

• The Remedy for a Troubled Heart (April 22, 2018)
• Who is Jesus?  (May 6, 2018)
  
• The Way of the Lord (Old Testament)  (May 20, 2018)
• What Does “The Way" Mean in the New Testament?  (June 3, 2018)
• Why is Jesus the Only Way to Heaven?
• Are You Ready to Believe in Jesus?
  

By Whitney V. Myers

This article is the fourth in a series on the topic, “About the Way.”

     Consider.  In the Old Testament, the scriptures describe God’s way as keeping God’s commandments (Deuteronomy 5:33; Deuteronomy 5:1-21; Deuteronomy 8:6;  Psalm 119:1-3.

The New Testament builds upon the description of God’s Way in the Old Testament.  In the New Testament, the main Greek word for "way" is hodos (Ref. 1).  The following paragraphs describe the meaning of "way" (hodos) in the New Testament.

    A “way” is a traveled road.  Matthew 2:12; Acts 8:26; Acts 26:13.  In Matthew 7:13-14 Jesus taught a challenging truth.  The way (road) that leads to life is narrow, and there are few who find it.  The Greek word for life in this verse is zoe, which means the blessing of real life after the resurrection (John 11:25, Ref. 2). 

     A “way” is a journey.  In Acts 8:39, the Ethiopian eunuch went on his way rejoicing after Philip led him to believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God (Acts 8:30-37).

     A "way" is a manner of thinking, feeling, or deciding.  Acts 18:24-25 describe the teaching and speaking ministry of Apollos, who was instructed in the way of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John.  Acts 18:26 tells us, "He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately." (italics added)

In Acts 16:16-18, Paul and Silas were near Philippi when they encountered a slave girl who had a spirit of divination.  Acts 16:17 tells us the slave girl's remarkable statement.  "She followed Paul and us, crying out, 'These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.' ” (italics added) 

     The name for Christianity in the early church.  Many believers today may not know that in the Book of Acts "The Way" was the most widely known name for the early Christian church.  The first use in Acts of the name, "The Way," occurs in Acts 9:1-2.  "Now Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest, and asked for letters from him to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, both men and women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem."

Acts 19:8-9 describe how the Apostle Paul in Ephesus moved the disciples to another location when "hardened and disobedient" people spoke evil about the Way.  Acts 19:23 says "About that time there occurred no small disturbance concerning the Way."  The disturbance about the Way led to the near-riot in Ephesus described in Acts 19:23-41. 

Later, when Paul was brought under Roman custody to Caesarea, he testified before Felix, the governor.  When Paul was given the opportunity to speak at the hearing, he said, "This I admit to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect I do serve the God of our fathers, believing everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets" (Acts 24:14).

In comparison to "The Way," which is mentioned several times in Acts, the term, "Christian" is mentioned only three times in the entire New Testament (Acts 11:26; Acts 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16).

     Apply.  Are you living on the narrow path that leads to real life beyond the resurrection?  Do you trust in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?

References
1.  http://biblehub.com/greek/3598.htm
2.  http://biblehub.com/greek/2222.htm

by Whitney V. Myers

"You shall walk in all the way that the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live, and that it may go well with you, and that you may live long in the land that you shall possess" (Deuteronomy 5:33).

This article is the third in a series on the topic, “About the Way.”

     Consider.  Jesus said “I am the way” (John 14:6).  The "way of the Lord" was a concept familiar to Jesus' Jewish listeners.  Consider these principles from the Old Testament. 

What was the way that God had commanded?  Please read through the Ten Commandments (Deuteronomy 5:1-21).  

Consider the three-fold blessing God promises for the nations and people who keep his commandments – “that you may live, and that it may go well with you, and that you may live long in the land which you shall possess” (Deuteronomy 5:33).

     God went before the Israelites to show them the way.  Exodus 13:21  

     Knowing God and God's ways are key to experiencing God's favor.  Exodus 33:13

    
     David asked God to "Teach me Thy way, O Lord."  “Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies” (Psalm 27:11).  “Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths” (Psalm 25:4).

David’s request to God, “Teach me Thy way, O Lord,” is an excellent example for us to follow.

     Listen.   I suggest that you listen to Don Moen's music video, "Trust and Obey."  You will be blessed.

     Apply.  Are you walking in the way of the Lord?  Are you obeying God's commandments?  Deuteronomy 5:1-21