“…’Very truly I tell you,’ Jesus answered. ‘Before Abraham was born, I am!’…” –John 8:58

Questions are being raised about the incredibly vicious wrangling and in-fighting in the country. Why are deadly fights taking place in the highest echelons of power? They claim it has brought our countrymen suffering; economically, socially, and politically.

There are many explanations, but one must be seriously looked into – the spiritual angle. According to the commands, wrangling, in-fighting, and dissension in a country are caused by their own citizens. According to Deuteronomy 28:15 and 20-21: “However, if you do not listen to the LORD your God and do not carefully follow and obey all his commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come on you and overtake you… The LORD will send on you curses, confusion, and rebuke in everything you put your hand to, until you are destroyed and come to sudden ruin because of the evil you have done in forsaking him” – it’s very clear, isn’t it?

If the reason for all the curses, confusion, and rebuke, including wrangling and in-fighting, comes from a failure to listen to and obey God, we should all return to God to remedy everything. How do we go back to God? The command is simple: Listen to His word, and obey His commands – can we do this?

In John 8:31-32, Jesus Christ, our God and Savior, disclosed there is a truth that will set us all free. However, a reading of those verses, and of the verses before and after, does not disclose that truth. It would seem Jesus did not directly clarify what he was referring to with the “truth” intended to set man free.

What is this truth, according to Jesus? It might help to read verses 21 to 30 of John 8, which includes a discussion of who Jesus really is, prompted by His own statements. In verse 21, Jesus talks about going away, informing the disciples they will not be able to locate Him. The Jews who were with Him asked if He planned on taking His life; Jesus responded by declaring the Jews were from this earth and would die for their sins if they did not believe.

The last statement compelled those ask, “Who are you?” Jesus cryptically replied, “What I have been telling you from the beginning.” What was Jesus telling them? He is God and Savior.

There is no mistaking about this. While the different translations of the Bible may have obliterated (deliberately or otherwise) the true message Jesus imparted on the disciples (and to those listening), it cannot be denied He has repeatedly stated He is God and Savior.

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FOR QUESTIONS, REACTIONS: If anyone would like to ask me any question about what the burning issues of the day mean, what we have discussed here, or to consult any problem, whatever it maybe, please call 0917-984-2468, email me at batasmauricio@yahoo.com, or post your concerns at facebook.com/attybatas. Promise, I will answer right away. Thank God in the Name of Jesus, Amen!/WDJ