A Voice in The Desert Podcast Cesar Castro

 CHRIST, THE LIFE AND LIGHT OF MEN
John 1:1-5
The Gospel of John has been well called "the Gospel of Eternity," for it is the Gospel of God. John was a specially prepared vessel for this very honorable ministry. He had been from his youth a beloved apostle. "His head had rested on the Lord's breast, he had stood beside the Cross, had witnessed the Ascension, had cherished till her death the Mother of the Lord, had seen the Jewish dispensation closed and the Holy City overthrown, and to him the beatific visions of the Apocalypse had been granted" (Alford Plummer). The great purpose of this Gospel is very fittingly expressed in chapter John 20:31. "These have been written that ye may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing ye may have life in His Name." All the keywords of his Gospel are found in this verse. The opening words of this chapter are among the most profound ever penned by the hand of man. They reveal a three-fold relationship of the Lord Jesus Christ in His:
1. RELATIONSHIP TO GOD
He is called the Word, the "Logos." Christ Himself is the uttered speech and thought of God. He is the visible expression of the invisible God. "For the life which was with the Father was manifested unto us" (1 John 1:2). This Word was in the beginning. "The Lord possessed Me in the beginning of His ways...I was daily His delight" (Pro. 8:22-30). The Word was with God. Yes, more, the Word was God. Man's finite mind cannot grasp the mystery of the Trinity, but the devout believer can bow and adore. That He who was in the form of God, and thought it not robbery to be equal with God, should make Himself of no reputation, taking upon Him the form of a servant, and dying on a Cross for the sin of the world, is a mystery of grace that can only be fathomed by the mystery of the Trinity.
2. RELATIONSHIP TO CREATION
"All things were made by Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made" (John 1:3). Paul taught the same doctrine, "God... created all things by Jesus Christ" (Eph. 3:9) It pleased God to bring the old creation into being through the instrumentality of His Son; it has also pleased Him that the new
 
creation should be "in Christ Jesus." By Him He made the worlds (Heb. 1:2), and by Him He seeks also to redeem this world lost in sin. He by whom God made all things has also made peace by the Blood of His Cross. The Lord Jesus Christ as the Word of God holds the same position towards the new creation as He did to the old. "Without Him was not anything made." Without Him God did nothing, so without Him we can do nothing. All things were created by Him and for Him, and by Him all things consist or hold together. He is the center and support of all, as well as the Maker. "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory, and honor, and power; for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created" (Rev. 4:11). If all things were created for His pleasure, surely He shall see of the travail of His soul and be satisfied.
3. RELATIONSHIP TO MEN
"In Him was life, and the life was the light of men." Why is the Life spoken of as the light of men, and not of creation? He has made the Light of the material universe, but He is the Light of men. Man is something distinct from and superior to other created things. He is a personality that needs the Divine Personality to meet his every want. "In Him was life." The source of life was in Him, and God, in giving us His Son hath given to us eternal life (1 John 5:11). The life manifested in Christ Jesus is the true light which should lighten every man coming into the world. I am come that they might have life. Christ as the Word of God is that living bread which came down from Heaven, that a man may eat and not die. Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. Then observe-
1) What this light is – "The life was the light."
2) Where this light shines – "The light shineth in darkness." Christ as the Light did not shine

The Sermon on the Mount opens with the Beatitudes, a series of blessings that challenge our conventional understanding of happiness and success. Jesus proclaims, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." In a world that values wealth and power, Jesus calls us to embrace humility and dependence on God.
**Key Teaching: The Salt and Light of the World**
In this section, Jesus uses the metaphors of salt and light to illustrate the transformative power of believers in the world. We are called to be the salt that brings flavor and preservation to society and the light that dispels darkness and reveals truth. As Christians, our lives should bear witness to the love and righteousness of God.
**Guidance on Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving**
Jesus provides practical guidance on spiritual practices such as prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. He emphasizes the importance of sincerity and humility in our acts of devotion. Rather than seeking recognition from others, our focus should be on cultivating a deep and intimate relationship with God.

"The Cyber Witness: Spreading the Gospel in the Digital World" is a groundbreaking ebook that delves into the intersection of technology and faith. In this informative and inspiring work, readers will explore the ways in which modern digital tools and platforms can be used to share the message of the Gospel with a global audience. From social media strategies to online worship services, this ebook provides practical insights and guidance for individuals and organizations looking to leverage the power of the internet for evangelism and outreach. Written in a clear and engaging style, "The Cyber Witness" is a must-read for anyone seeking to navigate the complexities of spreading their faith in the digital age.

From Fear to Faith: Overcoming the Dread of Hell is a powerful and transformative book that delves into the deep-rooted fears and anxieties surrounding the concept of hell. The Autho Cesar Castro, takes readers on a journey of self-reflection and introspection, guiding them through the process of confronting and ultimately overcoming their fear of eternal damnation.
Through personal anecdotes, insightful teachings, and practical exercises, Castro offers readers a roadmap for navigating their fears and finding a sense of peace and faith in the midst of uncertainty. With compassion and wisdom, she explores the origins of our fear of hell, the psychological impact it can have on our lives, and offers strategies for shifting our mindset from one of fear to one of faith.
From Fear to Faith is a must-read for anyone struggling with the fear of hell or seeking to deepen their spiritual practice. It is a book that offers hope, healing, and a path towards embracing a more empowered and faith-filled life.

Don't let nocturnal terror dreams take over your sleep. Go straight to the word for the answer. let this podcast answer some of your questions.

Ebook en español para aquellos que desean saber un poco mas alla de la biblia. El Libro es gratis para todos. Dios los bendiga.