Author: Inge Schultz

I am a woman who wears many hats. I have taken on many different roles in life, hence the woman who wears many hats. I am a Wife, Mother, Musical Artist, Blogger, and Crafter. I love to be creative and watch the process develop and unfold to its completion.

What House will you Build

What house will you build for the Lord? Did not the Lord make all things with his hand? Maybe we forgot that God has laid the foundation of the earth and the heavens are the work of His hands [see Psalms 102:25].

Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool. What house will ye build me? saith the Lord.”

Acts 7:49

What house will you build for the Lord? Did not the Lord make all things with his hand? Maybe we forgot that God has laid the foundation of the earth and the heavens are the work of His hands [see Psalms 102:25]. Yet in verse 26 of Psalms 102, it states it shall perish, but thou will endure. How is it that we will endure, but the earth will perish. What is the meaning of the Lord asking what house you will build me? Here in Acts chapter seven, we have Stephen who was full of faith and power and did miracles among the people [see Acts 6:8]. Stephen is addressing the Sanhedrin on Israel’s past and what God has done. In 1st Kings chapter five we read that because of wars on all sides that the house of the Lord could not be built. There had to be a time of rest for the Lord’s house to be built. A time where peace will reign without adversary or evil occurring. Can you imagine what that would be like? Yet, God promised there will be a new heaven and earth and those who belong with Him will have peace for a 1000 years, which is known as the Millennium.

Isaiah, apostle Peter and John have all stated that a new heaven and earth will be created, and the former earth will not be remembered [see Isaiah 65:17]. Some call this a supernatural act of God, yet this is what the apostle Peter said that he was looking for. The promise of the coming new heavens and earth where righteousness dwells [see 2 Peter 3:13]. Peter said this after explaining how the Lord will come like a thief in the night and the heavens will melt with fervent heat along with the earth. Then Peter asked, “what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness?” What manner indeed! Where is the house of the Lord? It is not in the many buildings we call churches. Churches are a place for Christian religious activities. Church buildings are not the house of the Lord. Churches are to be a place of worship, but they are not the house of the Lord. This may be shocking to hear, but the house of the Lord is where the Holy Spirit resides in individual hearts.

For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.”

2 Corinthians 5:1

The earthly house is our physical body which will dissolve, and we will have a new body that is not made with physical hands but with the hand of God. Our physical body is temporal whereas our heavenly body is eternal. Remember the Spirit of the living God is to reside in the stony heart of flesh and not in stone tablets or buildings. It is the Spirit that gives us life [see 2 Corinthians 3:6]. The ministration of the Spirit is to be more glorious in those who have believe. God has given us the earnest of the Spirit which now resides in our heart. This is eternal and it is the new building of God. It is the spiritual house that is being built up in Christ. This is a holy priesthood, a birthright for those who believe in the son of God. They can now have access to God through Jesus Christ. That is why the apostle Paul implores us to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God. This is total surrender to the will of God and allowing His Spirit to dwell within our physical body.

Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 2:5

A spiritual house that is acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone. Every believer is born of the Spirit and indwelt by the Spirit of God to where the believers body becomes a temple of God. That is why the apostle Paul exhorted to the Corinthians, “know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” Because you were bought with a price through Christ death. Christ died for our sins and through Christ resurrection we receive eternal life. We must not defile the temple of God. We must be separate from those who are unclean. God is calling us to be separate, a people of God who through the Spirit has mortify the deeds of the flesh [see Romans 8:13]. We must not deceive ourselves, for the temple of God is holy, which you are [ 1 Corinthians 3:17-18]. We must allow the Holy Spirit to teach us and have His way within our hearts. Let us not become stiff-necked like the Israelites under Mosses. “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God,” [Romans 8:14].

I found it interesting to note that in 2 Chronicles chapter 6 in verse eight God told David that even though He desired to build a house for the Lord, that David did well in that it was in his heart. It was in his heart the house of the Lord. This is the key of where you will build your house for the Lord. Yes, our God knows the secrets of the heart of men.

Trust not in oppression and become not vain in robbery; if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.”

Psalms 62:10

Whatever happens in the world today, we can have the peace of God within our hearts. It is Jesus Christ who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of God and our Father [see Galatians 1:4]. Now is the time to cleanse our house from all fleshly desires and separate ourselves unto God. That we may be a building of God. We must become living stones desiring the word of God and growing by the word that we may be rooted in good solid ground. We must present our life, our bodies as a spiritual sacrifice that is acceptable unto God. Asking God to purify our minds and to guide us with His Spirit is the will of God. Allowing his Spirit to help us to hear the word of God will change us from glory to glory, this is sanctification.

But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

2 Corinthians 3:18

May we witness the ministration of the Spirit under the law of Christ which has hath made us free from the law of sin and death. Let us build our house on the foundation that is on a rock, which is Christ Jesus. May we grow into the living stones chosen of God and precious in His sight.

Godly Living

Is it possible to live a godly life? Some may question the possibility of living a godly life. I can remember people saying that it is impossible to live a godly life in the world we live in.

All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”

2 Timothy 3:12

Is it possible to live a godly life? Some may question the possibility of living a godly life. I can remember people saying that it is impossible to live a godly life in the world we live in today. This was back in the 70’s when the question was raised about godly living. Yet, when the power of God moved upon people it brought change and some knew the importance of godly living and discipleship. Weekly groups were the outcome for discipleship teaching in learning to live a godly life. I remember the Navigators for Christ, which is an interdenominational Christian ministry. Navigators for Christ went into colleges across the U.S. to help young Christians in discipleship. I attended a weekly group that met at Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington. A godly life is pursuing a life of holiness and obedience to the Lord. Is it hard to live a godly life? Some would say yes. The truth is, it is hard if you are trying to live a godly life in the flesh instead of allowing the Holy Spirit to come and do the change within your heart. And what about suffering persecution for Christ. Have we witnessed persecution in the world we live in today? The answer is yes.

Dicipleship must allow time for meditation on the word as well as prayer time for the Holy Spirit to enlighten those who are seeking that closer walk with God. We must seek God through the Spirit since God is a Spirit [John 4:24]. Revelation is through the Spirit of God, and this is knowing and understanding what the will of God is.

God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. “

1 Corinthians 2:10

The apostle Paul goes on to explain in 1st Corinthians chapter two that we receive the Spirit of God through the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit that teaches us the truth of God through spiritual revelation to where we are able to compare spiritual things with spiritual [1 Corinthians 2:13]. The more you take time to read the word and pray for wisdom in understanding it, the more you will gain knowledge and know what the will of God is. The Spirit of God will reveal where your own heart stands. Will you be ready to submit your will to God and allow His Spirit to change your heart? Godly living is surrendering your will to the will of God. Have you read Andrew Murray’s book titled “Absolute Surrender” written in 1897? I have the audio book and I listen to it often to remind me that this is a requirement to daily living in His Love. Click the link to the site to download and read. Daily surrendering is the key to living a godly life.

Click to access Absolute_Surrender_Andrew_Murray_1897.pdf

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world

Titus 2:11-12

The godly life is one who denies worldly lust and one who lives soberly in this present world. That is moderation or self-restraint living allowing the Spirit of God to light our path as we walk in the Spirit of Christ.

Let not sin, therefore, reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in its lusts, neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin, but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.”

Romans 6:12-13.

We must not yield to unrighteousness and sin. Paul tells us in Romans chapter six that we do not serve sin and that we are no longer slaves to sin. If we are dead with Christ, we are free from the power of sin. As Christ lived unto God, so do we. The Spirit delivers us from the old nature of sin. Thus, we have Paul statement in Romans, “for the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death,” [Romans 8:2]. We must be grounded and rooted in the word of God in order to be free from the law of sin and death. Our life is in Christ who is the author and finisher of our faith. It is those who are led by the Spirit of God that has become heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ. We are now the people of God who has obtained mercy. Our behavior should reveal Christ character in doing good works to the glory of God.

One of the signs of evil is when evil men and seducers become worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived [see 2 Timothy 3:13]. These are men who abuse their authority to gain their own reality of rulership. They take no thought about the welfare of others, and they themselves are being deceived. They are not subject to the law of God since they are carnal minded. They are offended and accurse those who do not follow their pacific will. This is the reason that those who follow Christ will have persecution from those who do not follow Christ. Persecution can also come from those who are professing Christians but are not grounded or rooted in the word of God.

And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution arises for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended.

Mark 4:16-17

Are you grounded and rooted in the doctrine of Christ where faith is based upon Christ sacrifice for your sins? Do not allow other things to choke out the word of God. Do not become offended by the word of God which is able to perfect us into the love of God. The word of God is the incorruptible seed that bears fruit as long as we do not choke it out. Remember that Jesus said that it is Satan that comes to take the word away after it was sown in the heart [Mark 4:15]. Yet, Jesus tells us to have ears to hear and to take heed how we hear.

Take heed what ye hear; with what measure ye measure, it shall be measured to you; and unto you; and unto to you that hear shall more be given.”

Mark 4:24

Hearing the word is how you personally will measure it. It is what you will choose to believe in how it will be measured to you. How much of the light of God’s word will you allow into your life? Will you stay the course? For some it is a great sacrifice because being a follower for Christ means losing ties from their own natural families. That loss is real, and many do not understand the pain that an individual suffers from separation of family, but Christ can identify with your pain. You may be detached from your own mother, father, brother, or sister but you have been grafted into the family of God. Sometimes you may find yourself isolated from those who do not follow Christ. This is a form of persecution. Any hostile feelings, attitudes, words and actions against an individual because they believe in Christ is a form of persecution. I personally went through this myself and it was Christ love for me that won me over to becoming a Christian. I was ignorant about who Jesus was, but I found the reality of that love and made the choice to follow Jesus. I have no regrets where Christ is concerned. I pray that you too, will choose to live a godly life in Christ Jesus despite the persecution you may receive. We can say along with Paul, ” I endured: but out of all the persecutions, the Lord delivered me,” [2 Timothy 3:11]. He will deliver you too. . .so, stay the course to live a godly life.

Do not give place to the devil

Are you giving place to the devil? Maybe we do not understand how this can happen, but the apostle Paul talks about how a believer as a new man in Christ is not to walk in the vanity of their own minds.

Neither give place to the devil.”

Ephesians 4:27

Are you giving place to the devil? Maybe we do not understand how this can happen, but the apostle Paul talks about how a believer as a new man in Christ is not to walk in the vanity of their own minds. Paul conveys that a believer is to walk in the grace of God with righteousness and true holiness. The question arises if we as believers are walking as God’s dear children. We were all bought with a great price to become God’s children. The fact that the apostle Paul addresses the Ephesians in the 1st verse of chapter five as dear children is an endearment of love. Chapter four and five should be read carefully because we are witnessing how the days are evil. There is such bitterness, wrath, anger, uproar, and evil speaking which has brought about civil unrest. Violent crimes are happening across the US and in certain locations around the world. Since Covid-19 Burglary and Theft has hit number one worldwide.

It seems now that the phrase “new man in Christ” may have lost its meaning, or it has become vague in its meaning. Throughout the New Testament there is a clear change in the character of a person who has become a believer. Paul goes out of his way in explaining and distinguishing the difference between the old man and the new man. Have we as Christians missed this change. The body of Christ should be edifying itself in love and not in hate. Unless the method of salvation has changed, and I pray that is not the case we should be walking in the love of Christ. Did not Christ make us alive when we were dead in our sins? Paul mentioned that in times past those who are unbelievers “walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the sons of disobedience,” [Ephesians 2:2]. Those unbelievers were fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature the children of wrath, [see Ephesians 2:3]. Salvation through faith begins on an individual basis and then it becomes the body in the church where Christ is the head.

The church is to be perfecting the saints for the work of the ministry for the edifying of the body of Christ, [see Ephesians4:12]. The church is to speak the truth in love until the unity of faith with the knowledge of the Son of God reaches the point of a perfect man in the measure and stature of the fullness of Christ, [see Ephesians 4:13]. Were we not blinded and ignorant before hearing about Christ as our savior? We were all past feeling of consciousness having given ourselves over to uncleanness and greediness.

Put off concerning the former manner of life the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts.”

Ephesians 4:22

Are you still carrying the old man that is corrupt with you? We need to take stock of our actions. We are not to follow or get carried away by every wind of doctrine by the craftiness of those who would deceive us from the truth of Christ. It is through faith in Christ that has reconciled us to God. We are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone, [see Ephesians 2:20]. When Christ ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men, [see Ephesians 4:8]. As a believer we died to the old nature of man and became a new creation in Christ Jesus. This is done through prayer and faith in the work of Christ who became the power of God in reconciling us unto God. We have been made near to God through the blood of Christ. Christ work on the cross has taken the penalty for our sins and Christ has given us access to the Father by giving us the Holy Spirit. If we are walking in the flesh, then we are not walking in the indwelt Spirit of Christ in which we were sealed by an inheritance.

That inheritance is why Paul exclaimed to “not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you are sealed unto the day of redemption,” [Ephesians 4:30]. We are to be renewed in the spirit of our mind to that of Christ. Christ position is our position. Christ identity becomes our identity. Paul told the Corinthians that though “our outward man perishes, yet the inward man is renewed day by day,” [see 2 Corinthians 4:16]. We put to death all things that is unclean or the unfruitful works of darkness and ask God for forgiveness and to cleanse us from all works of darkness. Our identity is in Christ and not in this present world. We do not belong to the devil; we belong to Christ.

Submit yourselves, therefore, to God Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye doubleminded.”

James 4:7-8

We resist the devil and his evil works to the one who has given us the power to overcome him and that is Christ. We try every spirit to see if Jesus has come in the flesh, and we know what the spirit of truth is, and the spirit of error. Whatever is not of faith in Christ Jesus is sin. We do not grieve the Holy Spirit who is our comforter. We put away all lying, stealing, evil speaking, anger, malice, and covetousness and ask God to cleanse our heart and mind to that of Christ. We pray that the Holy Spirit would come and convict those who are not walking in the Spirit of Christ. We ask for the fruit of the Spirit to fill us with the love of Christ and change us from glory to glory into the person of Jesus Christ. We pray for the understanding what the will of the Lord is. We must speak truth and not lie. There are many forms of truth, but only one truth has given us the victory and that is through Jesus Christ.

Our doctrine is of Christ and not of any other. Beware of what doctrine you follow. I remember Smith Wigglesworth said to beware of any word that has “ist,” or “ism” at the end of a word. I though it funny at the time of hearing it, but there is some truth to what he said. There are those who follow a different teaching that is not of God. It may sound good, but their objective is not of the doctrine in Christ. The latest new word “Christian Nationalism,” is creating a divide all across America. This movement began in the late 50’s and has come to the forefront in recent years. Christian nationalists are defined as those seeking to preserve the status of a Christian state. Its focus is on national identity. As an American citizen the Bill of Rights gives people the right to the establishment of religion and free exercise thereof. It does not state that Congress should make a law of one Religion over another. History has proven that making a law upon religion has brought about expulsions such as what happen in Spain’s history. Any type of law for a religion has brought civil unrest upon a country or nation. Freedom of religion gives each individual a choice.

God has given each individual a choice to believe or not believe. If you take away that choice and make it legal, it becomes a manmade law based upon legalism which promotes ritualism. Let us remember that ritualism did not save the Jewish nation. If man can not conform to God’s laws, how can they conform to their own laws? The law concluded that all are under sin.

But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore, the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we may be justified by faith.”

Galatians 3:24-25

Paul warns about legalism and how the two systems cannot co-exist, that of law and grace. We cannot work the good works through the law to receive salvation. If we are justified by the law, then Christ has become ineffective [see Galatians 5:4]. Paul goes on to say that those who are justified by the law have fallen from grace. “We through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith,” [Galatians 5:5]. Therefore, we should walk carefully and not as fools but as the wise redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Make sure you are standing in the faith through Christ and no other doctrine. Do not allow or give place to the devil in not walking in the Spirit of Christ. Remember that God so loved the world that He gave us His only Son to reconcile the world from sin.

The Son of man cometh, Shall He find faith on the earth?

What will the Son of man find when he comes upon the earth? Will he find obedience in the faith of Jesus Christ? Will he find anyone standing fast in the faith and doing all things in love?

When the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

Luke 18:8

What will the Son of man find when he comes upon the earth? Will he find obedience in the faith of Jesus Christ? Will he find anyone standing fast in the faith and doing all things in love? Will he find you settled and grounded in faith to where you are not removed away from the hope of the gospel? The truth of the gospel is found in the power of God’s Son Jesus Christ who brought us with a price. The redemptive work in Christ is our saving grace towards forgiveness and eternal life. We must not devalue what Christ has done on the cross for each of us. He is our peace and has reconciled all things unto himself [see Colossians 1:20]. We are complete in him.

And ye are complete in him, who is the head of all principalities and power.

Colossians 2:10

I pray that your faith is not a shallow faith. I pray that you become strengthened in the might of His Spirit, that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith and that you be grounded and rooted in love [see Ephesians 3:16-17]. To know the love of Christ which passes all knowledge, that you might be filled with all the fulness of God [see Ephesians 3:19]. We all must be able to comprehend the breadth, and length, and depth, and height of our precious Lord. The apostle Paul warns us of a perilous time that is coming, and it seems fitting to say that we may be entering a perilous time and our faith will be tested. The apostle Paul warns us that professing Christians will reject the truth that is in the Deity of Jesus Christ. The snare of Satan is to deny our Lord’s provision in the power of his resurrection. Our faith in Christ alone guarantee’s our inheritance of eternal life. Do not let anyone take that away from you. Paul tells us that in the last days of perilous times men will be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, and disobedient [ 2 Timothy 3:2].

Those who boast the loudest have lost something in life. We should question why they are boasting. What are they trying to gain except their own recognition. Our recognition is in Christ Jesus, and we can only boast what he has given us which is mercy, love, forgiveness, and a new life. There will be men who are high-minded, heady, false accusers, despisers of those that are good, and traitors because they deny the power of our LORD in vain believing in their own form of godliness. We are to turn away from those who are like this for they are ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth [see 2 Timothy 3:7]. We are to continue in the love of our Lord and stand firm in the faith that is through our Lord Jesus Christ. We believe in the death and resurrection of our Lord, for He alone is able to save us from death and hell. Keep the word of God nigh thee even in thy mouth speak the word.

Preach the word; be diligent in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine.”

2 Timothy 4:2

Yes, we are to preach the word, and fight the good fight of faith. We all should have a good profession [see 1 Timothy 6:12]. Is your profession a good profession before many witnesses? Check thy mouth for it will speak what is in your heart. You may have to pray and ask the Lord to deliver you from evil speaking and from every evil work. I pray that He will preserve you unto His heavenly kingdom, and not your own kingdom. Those who have departed from the faith within their heart but still confess they are Christian will be awaiting judgement. The scripture tells us that their folly shall be manifested unto all men [2Timothy 3:9]. There is reconciliation through Jesus Christ for our sins if we confess them before our Lord. We should all continue to grow as the scripture helps us towards correction and it is the instruction into righteousness. It reveals the truth of the folly of humanity. Paul tells us to examine ourselves whether or not we are standing in faith [see 2 Corinthians 13:5]. Our faith is our confession, for whatever is not of faith is dead. Faith in Christ Jesus is alive and carries the power to save and heal us.

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for he is faithful that promised.”

Hebrews 10:23

That is why it is so important that we hold fast our profession of our faith without wavering. We declare the Lord Jesus who is the final sacrifice for our sins. He died and arose from the cross to give us eternal life. Profession is our declaration, a public announcement of what we believe in. If we lack faith, we can ask in prayer for help of our unbelief like the father of the child who had a dumb and deaf spirit [see Mark 9:24]. He is faithful to help us in our weaknesses. It is interesting to note that the disciples could not cast out the spirit of dumbness and deaf out of the child and they asked Jesus why? Jesus answered, “this kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting” [Mark 9:29]. Prayer and fasting are needed at times to gain understanding of the revelation about a situation that God can only reveal through prayer and fasting. The believer is complete in Christ.

Buried with him in baptism, in which also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.”

Colossians 2:12

Through the faith of the operation of God, yes, the operation of God and not of man. Christ was raised from the dead, and so shall we if we continue in the faith. We have a part in the ministry of reconciliation as ambassadors for Christ bearing the word of God and declaring the truth of the gospel of Christ. Christ is our redemption and reconciliation to God. The operation of God is through faith in Christ.

The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”

Luke 18:27

Whatever is impossible with men are possible with God. How exciting is this. Our God of mercy makes it possible if only we would believe in his provision through his son Jesus Christ. Our faith in Christ can move mountains. Remember what Jesus said to the disciples, “whosoever shall say unto this mountain, be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith,” [Mark 11:23]. Jesus also told the disciples to have faith in God. Have faith in God.

When He the Son of men comes, may you be found in him standing in faith.

In Christ the solid rock I stand

The law of the Spirit of Life

The Spirit of Life is through Jesus Christ, for Jesus is the chief corner stone in which the building is structured to a holy temple in the Lord.

The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

Romans 8:2

The Spirit of Life is through Jesus Christ, for Jesus is the chief corner stone in which the building is structured to a holy temple in the Lord. The church is structured through the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus, and it is fashioned through the character of Christ. Paul told the Ephesians that “we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them,” [Ephesians 2:10]. We can boast what Christ has done in our personal life, but we cannot take glory for the work of the Lord, for it was a gift of God and we were all bought with a price. There is a law put in place and that law of the Spirit of life is Christ Jesus himself. This is the everlasting life that flows through us by the Holy Spirit and builds us up into the character of Christ.

In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord; in whom ye also are built together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

Ephesians 2:21-22

We become a holy temple and a habitation of God through the Spirit. Wow! This takes some consideration in our minds to get around the full meaning of what this means. To imagine that each of us is fitly framed together to grow into a holy temple can be hard to understand. This is the body that is being built in the church. I have not even thought about this in my early walk as a Christian. I became a Christian in 1974 in Seattle Washington. Several of us from the youth group at the Presbyterian Church and some from the Catholic church went to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Seattle, Washington. We had heard about the charismatic movement and the speaking of tongues. I cannot remember how or who suggested us to go and check it out. But we went one Sunday morning to St. Luke’s in Ballard, for we wanted to learn more about the baptism in the Spirit. We went forward during the invitation to come to the alter and pray. Rev. Dennis Bennett came in back of each of us praying and laying hands on us to receive the Holy Spirit. When his hands touch my head, I felt the power of God go through me and I began to speak in tongues. We were all full of the Holy Spirit and God’s light shown upon our faces.

Being filled with the Holy Spirit is the beginning of building the holy temple in the Lord. The Holy Spirit comes in clean vessels that are yielded vessels for the work of God to move in the heart towards the character of Christ. We let go the youthful lust in the flesh which was common among youth and desired to have peace, love, and faith in the Lord Jesus. Our sins were forgiven and now we wanted the fullness of the Spirit to walk in the love of Christ. The apostle Paul stated to depart from all iniquity. If a man would purge himself from all that is unclean, he would become a vessel of honor, sanctified, and fit for the master’s use and this would prepare us for every good work, [see 2 Timothy 2:21]. This is the law of the Spirit of Life through Christ Jesus. Being made free from the law of sin and death. Created in Christ Jesus to the glory of God. We were so full of the Spirit of God that we would gather at St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral in Seattle late at night to sing praises and dance unto the Lord. This may sound astounding, but like King David dancing before the Lord, so did we play cymbals and tambourines and danced. In those days the church door was left open for anyone to come and pray when needed. This was a house of prayer.

St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral in Seattle

“Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp.”

Psalms 149:3

I can remember this as if it was yesterday, but this was 48 years ago. So much joy was in our hearts that we had to spend time in the Spirit to exalt the name of the Lord. This was the beginning of walking in the Spirit. We did not want to be carnally minded for to be carnally minded brought death and not peace.

For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”

Romans 8:6

The word carnally is the Hebrew word “shakab” which means copulation, seed, or sexual act. We wanted life and peace that is from being spiritually minded through Christ Jesus. The righteousness that is in Christ Jesus has the redemptive power to save and to create a new man. This is the Law of the Spirit of Life in Jesus. Romans chapter 8 mentions the Holy Spirit nineteen times. This is an important note for us to consider and chew upon. Sin and death no longer have control over us, for we belong to Christ, and we now have the righteousness of Christ who is the victor over sin and death. If we put to death the deeds of the body, we shall live [see Romans 8:13]. Our body and mind belong to the Lord, and we must worship the Lord in Spirit and in truth. It is the Spirit that works in the yielded Christian to bring the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus into effect. This is so marvelous that the power of the resurrection of Christ will give life to our mortal bodies by His Spirit [see Romans 8:11]. As the believer becomes a habitation for God, our adoption is assured as children and heirs of God.

The Spirit himself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.”

Romans 8:16

Do you have that witness within your own spirit? Is your position in Christ a reality? The indwelling of the Spirit gives the realization of the present experience which is the earnest down payment of our inheritance that we have through Jesus’ death and resurrection. Sonship is the adoption we receive the moment we believe. Regeneration takes on the meaning of the divine life of Christ nature to flow in the believer by the Holy Spirit. This means we do not work at achieving it ourselves, but it is the work of the Holy Spirit to renew our mind and heart to that of having the mind and heart of Christ. The apostle Paul states it as the following:

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Spirit.

Titus 3:5

The washing or bathing in the regeneration or new birth is in Christ Jesus who gives us the Spirit to help us become more Christ like in our nature and character. It is from glory to glory that He is changing us. When the Holy Spirit convicts us about something, we surrender it, and he works the change within us. We are washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God states Paul in 1st Corinthians 6:11. This is the saving grace of God the Father, and it is done through the Son who gives us the Holy Spirit as our helper. The mystery of the work of the Spirit who points to Christ who points to the Father is something many theologians have debated. The Trinity is the three in one {Father, Son, and Holy Spirit}. Let us allow the Holy Spirit to give life to our mortal bodies so that we can live in peace, love, and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. This is something we can rejoice in and give thanks to the Lord.

How are the Dead Raised up?

Have you ever asked this question, “how are the dead raised up?” It is the age-old question through the centuries that had many captivated as to the answer.

But some man will say, how are the dead raised up?”

1 Corinthians 15:35

Have you ever asked this question, “how are the dead raised up?” It is the age-old question through the centuries that had many captivated as to the answer. Is there life after death is the other question that is related to the dead being raised up. During my lifetime as a Christian to date this topic may have only been preached a few times. One is so consumed about living and not dying, yet death is all around us. Even in my youth I have seen death. The death of a beloved animal, or family member and friends. When Job was going through his trial and complaining, God asked Job these questions.

Have the gates of death been opened unto thee? Or hast thou seen the doors of the shadow of death?

Job38:17

If there is anyone acquainted with death is God and his son Jesus Christ. The word grieve means to inflict or afflict pain. It’s origin from the Hebrew word is “yagon” and it is associated with the word agony. We should remember that God was so grieved with the wickedness of man to do evil that the Lord God said in Genesis chapter six in verse six, “and it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.” Read the rest of the story in Genesis chapter six. I believe the hardest thing for a human to do is to die to their own self will, yet that is exactly what Christ did on the cross for each of us. He died that we might have life. We are so consumed with our own life that we forget that death is knocking at the door if we do not address it for whatever is not of faith is sin [see Romans 14:23]. There can be no doubt in your life for you to lose the power of God to act on your behalf. The life of the Christian is totally based upon faith, and that faith carries with it the power of God to perform miracles in our life.

The first man Adam was a living soul while the last Adam who is Christ is a life-giving spirit. Christ is the Fountian of life, and He gave that life to others. And here comes the rub that most people ignore, it is that one must die to their own self will in order to live for Christ. Our self-will is what gets us into trouble. We do not want to give it up. We do not want to surrender. Yet God is asking us to do just that. Paul states that the body is for the Lord and the Lord for the body [see 1 Corinthians 6:13]. Thus, when we read verse 36 of 1st Corinthians, we may begin to understand just a little about its meaning.

Thou fool, that which thou sow is not made alive, except it die;”

1 Corinthians 15:36

What did Jesus say about his own sacrifice? “Verily, I say unto you, except a grain of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abides alone; but if it dies, it bringeth forth much fruit,” [ see John 12:24]. What did Jesus mean by saying this? The answer is in the next verse of 25 in John chapter 12. If you love your life, you will lose it, for it is in your will to love your life more than anyone else. In otherwards your pride of life will bring you down like Lucifer who exclaimed, ” I will exalt my throne above the stars of God.” Know that you can play right into the hand of Satan by doing the same and exalting yourself above the stars of God. Judgement is here and now. Jesus stated, “Now is the judgment of this world; now shall the prince of this world be cast out,” [John 12:31]. Walking in darkness means you do not know where you are going, but the Bible tells us this is death. The judgement that is spoken of is here now because that judgement was upon Jesus Christ who bore our sins upon the cross. Think about it, it was death for Christ but to those who believe it is justification.

Satan the prince of this world will be cast down. It is God who giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed its own body [see 1 Corinthians 15:38]. All flesh is not the same flesh Paul states in the next verse of 1st Corinthians 15:39, and so is the resurrection of the dead. The whole later chapter of 1st Corinthians 15 should be read. It is Jesus himself who restored death to life. There is a natural body and there is a spiritual body. The natural body was sown in corruption, and it is raised in incorruption. Look at verse 45 of 1st Corinthians 15.

And so, it is written, the first man, Adam, was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a life-giving spirit.

1 Corinthians 15:45

The natural becomes a life-giving spirit. We start in the natural but end up in the spiritual. This is our inheritance through Jesus Christ. Those in Christ will bear the image of the heavenly body. We shall all be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye at the last trump; for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. [see 1 Corinthians 15:52]. What a day that will be. Death will be swallowed up in victory. Our inheritance at that point will be final, for we will have received a heavenly spiritual body. This is the earnest expectation we wait for, those who belong to Christ in faith. The fall of Adam has brought vanity to all creation. [see Romans 8:20]. Paul tells us in Romans 8 verse 21, that creation itself will also be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. How marvelous is God to even consider all living creation? Paul states that the whole creation groaned and travail in pain waiting for the redemption of the body.

This is the hope we have as Christians, the deliverance of our natural body to a heavenly body. For Christ is the head of the body and all things has been put under His feet [see Ephesians 1:22]. We can now understand Paul better when he exclaims that “Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” We gain Christ provision of eternal life from death itself and a redemption of the body at a future date. But we must die to our own self-will and follow Christ on the road of love. With the Holy Spirit as our helper to point us in the right path, and to always pray with all supplication unto the Lord. We ask and receive to the fullness we have in Christ Jesus, for greater is He that is in us than He that is in this world, [ 1 John 4:4]. We can sing that wonderful hymn written by E. M. Bartlett, “Victory in Jesus.” Yes, He plunged me to victory, beneath the cleansing flood. His precious blood’s atoning gave humanity life over death.

I heard an old, old story,
How a Savior came from glory,
How He gave His life on Calvary
To save a wretch like me;
I heard about His groaning,
Of His precious blood’s atoning,
Then I repented of my sins
And won the victory.

Chorus
O victory in Jesus,
My Savior, forever.
He sought me and bought me
With His redeeming blood;
He loved me ere I knew Him
And all my love is due Him,
He plunged me to victory,
Beneath the cleansing flood.

I heard about His healing,
Of His cleansing pow’r revealing.
How He made the lame to walk again
And caused the blind to see;
And then I cried, “Dear Jesus,
Come and heal my broken spirit,”
And somehow Jesus came and bro’t
To me the victory.

Make a Joyful Noise

When was the last time you made a joyful noise unto the Lord? Seriously! Has anyone ever asked this question of you? I have never had anyone ask me this question, so I think it may be a question that is overlooked.

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.”

Psalms 100:1

When was the last time you made a joyful noise unto the Lord? Seriously! Has anyone ever asked this question of you? I have never had anyone ask me this question, so I think it may be a question that is overlooked. Our minds today are on other things and some things are negative and would take us down a different road of irritation and dissatisfaction. I live by an Elementary school and every recess I hear screams of joy when they first run out onto the playground. Remember the holy laughter movement of the Spirit? Have you read the definition from Wikipedia? Wiki states it is “a religious behavior in which individuals spontaneously laugh during church meetings.” I got a good laugh out of that definition, for I know that some churches would frown upon this definition. What about the quotes we see on plaques and fabric that say “Live, Laugh, Love?” Some use that as a reminder that our body needs some good medicine.

“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit dried the bones.”

Proverbs 17:22

No one wants to have dried up bones, for it is the reference for dying. It is associated with deprivation and death like in the valley of dry bones in Ezekial chapter 37. God asked Ezekiel in chapter 37, verse three, “Can these dry bones live?” The answer is “Yes.” God told Ezekiel to prophesy upon these bones in verse 4 of Ezekiel 37. If you are feeling dry and parched, you may need a refreshing of the Holy Spirit. You can even ask God to give you the spirit of joy in laughter even though some may think you strange to even bother God with such a question.

“Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them.”

Psalms 126:2

Let us remember what the Lord hath done. . . He hath done great things. We may need a miracle ourselves and desire to see the Lord work through our trials. If you find yourselves in this situation, then break out with singing and praise to God for He is good, and His mercy is everlasting to all generation. He has turned our captivity into joy. So, no matter what situation you are in, joy is just around the corner when we lift up our voices in praise to the Lord. Let our mouth be filled with laughter and our tongue filled with singing. When you are dry and parched, then it is time to go to the word of God and get revived in the Spirit, for the word is a living word of hope. This is what Peter said in 1st Peter chapter one, verse three.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his abundant mercy, hath begotten us again unto a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”

1 Peter 1:3

It is a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, hallelujah. This is something to shout about and get it down into our heart. Look at verse 5, “who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” Just remember that your trial of faith is much more precious than gold to our Lord. Let us see with the eyes of faith forever, for it is a living hope and not a dead hope. That is why the word is nigh thee even in thy mouth. The word is a living word, and it is not dead. Being filled in the Spirit is a part of our inheritance that God has given us, and we are kept by it. May your soul be lifted up in the joy of the spirit of the Lord. You need not be ashamed of the joy of laughter. Even Smith Wigglesworth knew that people who were receiving the Holy Spirit for the first time would break out in laughter before speaking in tongues. God knows what each individual needs and He works it through us by His spirit.

Know ye that the Lord, he is God; it is he who hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.”

Psalms 100:3

It is God who created us, and we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. Therefore, we will enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise. When you have your prayer time, have you ever tried to enter His courts with Praise? If you have not, then do so. . .for you will find your spirit in the presence of the Lord and you will find yourself standing on holy ground. Like the story of Moses in Acts chapter 7 and when you get down to verse 51 where it states, “do not resist the Holy Spirit as they did.” We too, are not to resist the Holy Spirit of God, for it was after we believed, we were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. That promise is the down payment of our inheritance, which is the Holy Spirit. This is until the redemption of the purchase possession unto the praise of His glory [see Ephesians 1:14]. What did Jesus say in the Gospel of John in chapter 12?

And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, I will draw all men unto me.“

John 12:32

Oh! Let us make a joyful noise unto the Lord all ye people of the Lands and He will draw us close to Him. Sing praises to the Holy one for He is our healer and salvation. For He has led us out of captivity from Satan’s hand into the ever-loving hand of God. “For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; and God” [see Ephesians 2:14].

It is through the Holy Spirit that we can enter into His courts with praise. We start in the flesh and end up in the Spirit. I have witness this in many services and healing crusades. God will draw us close to us when we lift up our praise unto him. No matter what situation you are in right now this moment, lift up your voice in praise to God and be blessed by the Spirit of God. Don’t forget to ask and receive what you are asking for such as laughter and joy. Rejoice in the Lord!

The Warrior’s Armor

The night is far spent, the day is at hand; let us, therefore, cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light exclaims the apostle Paul in Romans 13:12.

Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”

Ephesians 6:11

The night is far spent, the day is at hand; let us, therefore, cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light exclaims the apostle Paul in Romans 13:12. I have not heard anyone preach about putting on the armor of light, but I have heard preaching about the armor of God. A warrior is one who specializes in combat. The term warrior may bring back thoughts of the Middle Ages when the Roman Catholic Church brought an order of knights to a religious military order known as the Crusaders. What does it mean to be a Christian warrior? First of all, let us remember that a real soldier has had hours of basic training in combat warfare and have learned all about the enemy tactics. The Spirit-filled believer knows that their helper comes from the Lord God. They walk in the spirit and not in the personal desires of their own flesh. They have set themselves aside for the Lord’s service. A Christian knows what defiles a man.

For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.“

Mark 7:22

A Christian may battle their own demons when it comes to their own heart. These personal battles must be fought through personal prayers through the Spirit and released in order for the Holy Spirit to rule a believer’s life. The Christian warfare that he or she fights, is a battle against spiritual wickedness in high places as Paul tells us in Ephesians chapter 6 in verse 12.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Ephesians 6:12

First of all, our battle is not against flesh and blood in the natural world. This means we do not fight in the physical against anyone. This can be a hard thing to do since we are driven by emotions to fight in the physical by what we feel emotionally. A Christian puts their life in God’s hand and does not walk alone. The Holy Spirit is with them every step of the way when their eyes are upon the Lord. The battleground is the world, for not everyone is a Christian and will go their own way by following their own will. Paul tells us the fight is in high places which means in the heavenlies. This means that it is a spiritual battle that is taking place for the souls of men in this world. This may include Christians who are not walking in the will of God.

For example, I can remember how accusations can take place among the body in the church where certain individuals went against an individual and wanted to take them down from all authority within the church. I can remember sitting in a meeting when those in leadership wanted me to not befriend this individual. Let me make it clear that our Lord stands on our behalf in any battle that is being fought. I sat at this meeting grieving in the Spirit and tears flowed down my face. I could not stop crying. But God knew the heart of these men and women. The accusations were diffused, and the subject changed. It was the Holy Spirit who worked on the minds and heart of the leadership. When you can witness this yourself, you begin to see with new eyes and understand what it means to be in a spiritual battle and what defiles a man.

A warrior must stand in the truth of God’s word and not in any other word. When Paul tells us to stand having our loins girded about with truth [Ephesians 6:14], this means to practice tucking up the longer skirt in order to not be hampered in the battle. In First Peter chapter one in verse 13, Peter states, “grid up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” It is the revelation of Jesus Christ that is the hope of our calling, and it is brought to us by the grace of God. Our minds are to be girded with the truth of Jesus Christ. This will prepare us for the difficult or challenging circumstances in life that we may face. This has been known as the belt of knighthood which symbolizes the purity and honor you have through Christ. Then we put on the breastplate of righteousness as we stand in Christ righteousness and not in our own righteousness.

That I may win Christ, and be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.”

Philippians 3:9

Our righteousness is through faith in Christ Jesus, and it is not our own righteousness. The apostle Paul said, “Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth,” [see Romans 10:4]. In verse three of Romans Chapter ten Paul explains that Israel was ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, for they have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. Let us make sure that we are not working for our own righteousness and become ignorant of God’s righteousness like Israel. It is through faith in Christ only that we received righteousness, and this becomes our breastplate before our feet is shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Are you ready to walk in the gospel of peace? Are you walking in the good news of Jesus Christ who came to bring salvation to all man? This is the everlasting gospel where Jesus died for our sins and was raised up from the dead for our justification. Christ is the object of our faith. Are we ready to preach the good news? Are we ready to testify what Christ has done for us?

What will quench the fiery darts of the wicked? Is it not our faith? Yes, it is the shield of faith in Christ Jesus that will quench the fiery darts of the wicked [see Ephesians 6:16]. Are we ready to walk in Christ in faith and preach the good news to our friend and neighbor? The word is neigh thee, even in thy mouth and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach, states Paul in Romans 10:8. As we take the helmet of our salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. It is Jesus who was perfect and who became the author of eternal salvation to all who would believe and obey [see Hebrews 5:9]. The word of God is the sword of the Spirit for it will discern our thoughts and what is in our hearts.

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

Hebrews 4:12

The word of God is our sword in every battle that we enter. This is the warrior’s weapon the word of God spoken in truth by the Spirit of God. We must gain revelation to its true meaning in our own life. The apostle Paul was a warrior for God and had the armor of God on and he knew where he stood in Christ. He was hindered from reaching the church at Thessalonians. Paul stated it was Satan that hindered him [see 1 Thessalonians 2:18]. Paul was bold in speaking the gospel of God and it was without deceit [see 1 Thessalonians 2:3]. We can also be hindered by Satan; therefore, we must pray with all prayers and supplication in the Spirit to be unhindered and watch with perseverance and supplication for all saints. Remember the word is neigh thee even in thy mouth. Put on the Lord Jesus, for Jesus is the armor of God. Christ must live inside us, for our victory is in Christ. Whatever battle you may be in, remember you are not alone when you put on the Lord Jesus Christ. Standfast in the Lord who is the victor in every battle. That means you are standing in victory through Christ. Give thanks to the Lord, and “be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s,” [2 Chronicles 20:15].”

The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.  But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”

1 Corinthians 15:56

We must all appear before Christ

The truth will eventually come out, but do not think that God does not witness what is happening around the worl

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that everyone may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”

2 Corinthians 5:10

The truth will eventually come out, but do not think that God does not witness what is happening around the world. He hears the cry of the 19 children that were shot along with two teachers in Uvalde, Texas. This dreadful act has gripped us all since it was broadcast around the world. Last year in Houston alone there was 473 homicides. I saw leaders say that the gun is not a problem. Yes, a gun by itself is not a problem, but humans are a problem when they lose control of their own body and turn towards violent acts. Having grown up just outside Los Angeles in my youth, I am aware of crimes. Having seen my mother carry a gun, but never talked about it, yet I saw the gun on the coffee table as a young child while she was sleeping on the couch. This is not supposed to be an everyday occurrence. I never touched it. The Los Angeles Times reported that in the last 12 months 783 homicide deaths were reported in L.A. County. I don’t have to say more but to say that while Russia is at war in the Ukraine, here in the U.S. we are fighting our own private war with guns.

According to Philip Bump from the Washington Post, he stated that “the United States has consistently higher death tolls from firearms across age groups and consistently higher rates of firearm deaths,” [see Washington Post Online Site]. Have we become America’s gun exceptionalism in the world today? This is a question that will pave the path of many Americans. The real shock is that while baby formula manufacturing has stopped, firearm manufacturing has increased in America. I have heard through the years from those who lived outside of America say, “Americans are obsessed with playing with guns and reenacting the cowboy and Indian playact.” I personally wondered about this but shrugged it off. Maybe too many Americans are shrugging it off, but now the bullet points at all of us. A couple of weeks ago I wrote about the Lord’s Table and the importance of self-judgement. This is especially important for everybody of Christ in the Church in America. If you are a Christian, you will be judged on your works as a believer before the judgement seat of Christ. There is no glory in having infants grow hungry while carrying a gun for violence.

Do we have the confidence in God to deliver us from all evil? As I listen to the stories about the shooting, I would say yes, for some did pray while the incident was taking place.

Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.  The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.“

Psalms 34:14-17

We must labor for peace and do the good work of the Lord. We must labor for souls to be reconciled to the Lord. This is a great ministry that we as believer’s are a part of. The ministry of reconciliation is now available for all who mourn, for all who need peace, for all who are hurting about the injustice of it all. There is evil in the present world system where greed, selfishness, and ambition are working against peace and creating division on all levels of society. We must not be blinded but awaken to the truth of our walk as a Christian in this world. We must remember that there are those who walk in the vanity of their minds. Those who are “being past feeling, have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness,” [see Ephesians 4:19]. We have seen this with the price gouging of baby formula. May the body of Christ not be among those who work evil. May they know the difference and turn from all evil acts of malice, bitterness, and wrath. Let us all be renewed in the spirit of our minds. Let Christ be formed in our mind and heart.

A Christian’s life is for the service of the Lord. Let us take to heart what Paul said in Romans 12:1-2.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

Romans 12:1-2

Have you noticed verse 2, “and be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind?” We are to be separate and testify of the Lord as Paul states in Ephesians 4:17. We are to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit perfecting holiness in the fear of God [see 2 Corinthians 7:1]. Paul stated in 2 Corinthians 7:10 in the last part of the verse, “but sorrow of the world worketh death.” We do not have control over every living being, and that is why we are to pray for those who live around us. When we hear of such tragedies, we are to pray for those who are grieving. When there is not enough food to go around to feed infants we are to pray for the mothers and infants. If you know them then stand beside them and help them. Jesus said, if you have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me,” [Matthew 25:40]. We must remember to pray for President Joe Biden, that the Lord would direct him to continue to bring peace here in America and abroad. The apostle Paul instructs us to pray for kings.

I exhort, therefore, that first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men, for kings, and for all that are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”

1 Timothy 2:1-2

If you have not prayed for your leaders and those in authority lately then now is the time to start to pray. Teach your children to pray as well, for their own wellbeing as well as those around them. The apostle Paul tells us not to be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good [see Romans 12:21]. Our life depends on our prayers and each day we must ask God to deliver us from evil. Let us love without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil; cling to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love, in honor preferring one another, [Romans 12:9-10]. You need not worry because God will judge all things that has transpired upon the earth. Make sure your faith is in Jesus who is the author and finisher of our faith [Hebrews 12:2], and not in man. That way we will have life working in us instead of death. In having that same spirit of faith in Jesus, we believe and therefore we speak knowing that he was raised up, and the Lord Jesus will also raise us up, [2 Corinthians 4:13-14]. Let us forever be changed into the same image from glory to glory by the Spirit of the Lord. May you appear before the judgement seat of Christ with a clear conscience. May our walk and talk be that of Christ. Walking in love in the world we live in today.

Follow After Love

Follow after love and desire spiritual gifts. Love is the key to any kind of ministry one may have as a Christian. Love is the unselfish act of giving of oneself.

Follow after love, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.”

1 Corinthians 14:1

Follow after love and desire spiritual gifts. Love is the key to any kind of ministry one may have as a Christian. Love is the unselfish act of giving of oneself. If love does not reign in your heart, then there is nothing but following selfish pursuits. Instead of love there is coveting, a wanting and strong desire to have something, and usually it is what someone else has. Love in essence is sharing with one another.

Owe no man anything, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.”

Romans 13:8

No matter what subject we may deal with concerning life in the Bible, the theme of love pops up among the issues of the heart of man. We try to teach our children the meaning of love and sometimes we fail as parents. We must believe in the love of God that He sent us His only son. We must have that love living in our heart by the spirit of God. The living breath of the Holy Spirit residing in our heart to remind us about love. We must know the fondness, warmth, and tenderness of our Lord’s love to sacrifice himself for all mankind. This is so we can be reconciled to God and to each other. This is God’s ministry, and it is always done through love. It is no wonder that the apostle Paul is reminding the church at Corinth that love never fails and is the key to whatever we do in life in general. Our actions will reveal at times that we are sometimes not walking in love. In 1 Corinthians chapter 12 through 14 the apostle Paul is speaking about the spiritual gifts and how those gifts are to be used through love.

Pure love within itself is a ministry of God within the body of Christ. I can remember attending a church where the people were zealous for the spiritual gifts. It was like being in a nursery where children were grabbing toys and showing off what they had. It is this attitude that the apostle Paul was dealing with at the church in Corinth. We do not lord our gifts over each other since this brings jealousy and discord in the body. The baptism of the Spirit is meant to bring the body of Christ together and God through the Holy Spirit gave man gifts to benefit the body. That is why Paul states, “for by one Spirit where we all baptized into one body,” whether we are jews or Greeks [1 Corinthians 12:13]. We must also remember that the gifts work through the same Spirit and it is the Spirit of God that gives the gifts as he will. Not as man wills. It is the Holy Spirit that bestows the gifts for service unto men.

In other word the gifts are not to be used for selfish reasons. For God hath set the members, everyone in the body, as it hath pleased him [ 1 Corinthians 12:18]. There are many members in the body of Christ so that the ministry of Love continues to edify all people within the body of Christ. If the gifts are given as it pleases God, no man can boast that it is exclusively his gift alone. We must remember that it is through God’s grace that we are given gifts for the service of those who need the knowledge of the Lord. Paul tells us we ought not to think ourselves more highly than another [see Romans 12:3]

Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;”

Romans 12:6

It is by separate parts in relation to the body of Christ that through faith the gifts are ministered to each member within the body of Christ. So, what are the spiritual gifts within the body? Paul tells us about the diversities of operations of the gifts and how God works in all through the manifestation of the Spirit that is given to every man to profit. This is to profit the body of Christ within a congregation. The listing is given in chapter 12 of 1st Corinthians in verses 8 to 10.

For to one is given, by the Spirit, the word of wisdom; to another, the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another, faith by the same Spirit; to another, the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another, the working of miracles; to another, prophecy; to another, discerning of spirits; to another, various kinds of tongues; to another, the interpretation of tongues.

1 Corinthians 12:8-10

The apostle Paul tells us no matter what gift is bestowed among us; it means nothing without love residing within our hearts. That is why He exclaims that we should follow after love. It is all right that we desire spiritual gifts, but Paul desires that we would all prophesy. Why is prophesy a better gift? Paul gives us the answer why, in verse 2 and 3 of 1st Corinthians chapter 14.

For he that speaketh in an unknown tonque speaketh not unto men, but unto God; for no man understandeth him; however, in the spirit he speaketh mysteries, But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

Notice the 3 key words that Paul states, edification, exhortation, and comfort. Revelation, teaching in instruction, and to bring comfort for those who are suffering that is the ministry in love. We should pray for the gifts of the spirit for edification of the body. Look at verse 12 of 1st Corinthians chapter 14, “Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.” Pray for understanding, for understanding is fruitful to the body, including yourself. We can all prophesy and sing in the spirit but pray for interpretation so everyone can benefit from what the message is that God wants us to hear. If it is done in love everyone will benefit from the message. There is no reason why the church cannot function in unity where gifts are concern.

Let us remember that in the early church there was liberty for the ministry of the gifts to function and more so for prophesy. All prophesies are to be judged and to be compared to the word of God. I have always known this to be true within the body of Christ. Prophesies given within the body was always a part of scripture or for someone who needed healing within the body. There is an anointing presence of the Spirit among the people when God’s spirit is allowed to move freely. There is a unity in faith to see God move within the congregation, when the focus is on the love of God to move. It is a marvelous thing to have witnessed, and I thank God that through my travels I have witnessed such love and blessings in certain congregations. Follow after love, and you cannot go wrong, for love is the fulfillment of the law of Christ.

“Give Thanks to the Lord, for His love is everlasting.”

The Lord’s Table

When was the last time you partook of the Lord’s Table? Is it important today?

Take, eat; this is my body, which is broken for you; this do in remembrance of me.”

1 Corinthians 11:24

When was the last time you partook of the Lord’s Table? Is it important today? Through the years I have noticed that some denominations have abandon this ordinance, while others continue it on a weekly basis. There are two ordinances that the church had as important for believers. That of the Lord’s Table and water baptism. I have rarely heard why there is such a difference in the Lord’s Table within the church and it warrants some research as to why it has stopped in some congregations altogether. It seems to be a subject that is not being taught. I can remember how congregations argued about the wine and how it should not be a stumbling block for those who have issues with alcohol. Thus, grape juice was used instead of wine. Then, there was the case of spreading germs from the cup, so individual small glass cups came on the scene, then came the disposable plastic cups. Then came the argument of those who were not Christians partaking of the Lord’s Table. Maybe what the Apostle Paul had stated beforehand in chapter 11 should be of interest to all Christians as to why it is not a part of the church ordinances today.

The question is that of order in the church. The apostle Paul had stated, “Let all things be done decently and in order,” [see 1 Corinthians 14:40]. This is the biggest issue that the church has and that is to have things done decently and in order. But let us remember that Paul in verse 2 of chapter 11 of 1st Corinthians stated to “keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.” The early church was a Pentecostal church moving in the gifts of the Spirit and at times got disorderly in its function. Paul was correcting the church in regard to Christian conduct. Keeping that in mind, He exclaims who is the head of every man and woman. Women in the early church wore veils as a covering over their heads. This was a sign of submission as to the order or hierarchy. Call it a pecking order if you like. For a Christian the order of the head is God, then Christ, Man, Woman, and Child. It is acknowledging and adhering to the placement of authority. It was traditional for woman to wear hats and veils in the church, so they do not dishonor their head [see 1 Corinthians 11:5]. Notice that Paul did not say they could not pray or prophesy, only that they honor the headship of God by covering their head.

We must also remember that there were divisions within the church at Corinth. Paul even mentioned that there were different sects and that they were abusing the Lord’s Table. Paul mentions that some were hungry and or drunk and asked the question if they do not have houses to eat in. In otherwards, the Lord’s Table is not the place for eating and drinking like you do at home. The real issue became that of scorning the church of God by Lording it over those who have and those who have not. This is not the purpose of the Lord’s Table. The purpose was in remembrance of the Lord’s death and sacrifice. The other issue is unworthiness in the manner of partaking of the Lord’s Table. Those who partake unworthily are guilty of the body and blood of the Lord and this is serious. We must remember that Christ was the final sacrifice for our sins, and he has provided healing in the atonement. We cannot take this lightly, for it is the only way we can be reconciled back to God.

The apostle Paul gives us the answer to think twice about the Lord’s Table, for this speaks of judgement upon ourselves.

For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh judgement to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.”

1 Corinthians 11:29

Self-judgment is important to avoid the chastisement of God, and Paul states that is why many are weak, sick, and sleep, [see 1 Corinthians 11:30]. If we do not judge ourselves, then the Lord will Judge us through chastisement.  The benefits of the new covenant through Christ are forgiveness of our sin, and healing from all diseases. Christ gave his body and blood for all mankind. Christ is the living bread that came down from heaven.

I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” 

John 6:51

The cup is the blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins, [see Matthew 26:28]. We receive eternal life and remission of sins through the Lord’s Table. Paul states as often as we eat the bread and drink the cup of Christ, we proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes back [see 1 Corinthians 11:26]. Let us always examine ourselves in prayer before our Lord and ask for forgiveness of our sins before we partake of the Lord’s Table. We are justified through His blood.

Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:”

Romans 3:24

This is good news for all mankind. Eternal life, redemption, and forgiveness of sins. Can we have the Lord’s Table at home. The answer is yes. Many seniors who are home bound take the Lord’s Table at home. A pastor, elder, or someone at home who is taught the basics of the ordinances can perform the Lord’s Table at home. Many Christian missionaries around the world take the Lord’s Table at home. I had a friend who was to become a priest share the Lord’s Table with me. He had a dedicated place in his home for the Lord’s Table. The importance is in the acknowledgement of what Christ did for us on the cross in that we no longer live onto ourselves, but unto the Lord.

And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.“

2 Corinthians 5:15

We are consecrated to God, and the Lord’s Table confirms this because we believe in the death and resurrection of our Lord. This is Holy Communion with our precious Lord. This is connecting with our Lord because He loved us so much that He gave us His life. Christ in me is to live, to die is to gain Christ. We die to our self-will in order to live for Christ. Taking of the Lord’s Table is to draw close to God knowing that our conscience is cleansed, and our hearts are purified. We do this in remembrance of our Lord and to ever be consecrated for his purpose. Let us always remember our Lord by partaking of the Lord’s Table with a clean and pure heart.

You can buy grape juice and communion bread is available to buy on Amazon. Have a quiet time in prayer before the Lord and examine yourself before the Lord. Once you have prayed then read verses 24 and 25 of 1 Corinthians of chapter 11. Thank God for giving us His son for the remissions of our sins and eternal life through Jesus Christ. Take and eat the bread and drink the wine. Then thank Him for the blessings of the new covenant and that we are a new creation in Christ Jesus. Keep it simple and you will be blessed.

If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; “

2 Corinthians 5:17

Let us Hold Fast our Faith

Let us hold fast our faith in the one who offered himself by which we are all sanctified. Our confession is in a person [the body of Christ].

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering (for he is faithful that promised).

Hebrews 10:23

Let us hold fast our faith in the one who offered himself by which we are all sanctified. Our confession is in a person [the body of Christ]. In the book of Hebrews, we find the explanation for the new Covenant as being superior to the many sacrifices of the Old Testament. The sacrifices of the blood of bulls and of goats in reality could not take away humanities sins [see Hebrews 10:4]. It could not clear the conscience of man. Furthermore, the burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin, God did not take any pleasure in it {see Hebrews 10:6-8]. If we can understand that the Old Testament sacrifices was a shadow to what was yet to come. That in Christ all things are fulfilled, and this includes sin and healing for our bodies. How can man deal with their own personal sins? How can man alleviate the guilt and pain associated with sin? Only through Christ are we given relieve from the burden of sin. Today, no one has faith in the burnt offerings of a bull or goat. It simply is not done anymore.

We have the body of Jesus Christ who offered up one sacrifice for sins forever, and then sat down on the right hand of God [Hebrews 10:12]. One sacrifice for sins forever means for all eternity. Because of this one sacrifice everything hinges on being perfected through the body of Christ to sanctify those who believe and have faith in this sacrifice. It was the apostle Paul who stated, “we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish,” [see 2nd Corinthians 2:15]. God accepted Christ who is His son as the perfect sacrifice for all humanities sins.

 Ye shall offer a burnt offering, a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour  unto the LORD: one bullock, one ram, seven lambs of the first year without blemish:

Numbers 29:36

Christ was that sweet savor unto the Father and the Holy Spirit was a witness to all who are in Christ in that it projected the power of God to witness and confirm the New Covenant. We have the partial promise of what is written in Ezekiel 11:19 and Jeremiah 31:33 about man having the law of the Lord written in their hearts and minds [see Hebrews 10:16]. And we also have God’s promise not to remember the sins of man. There is to be no more offering for sin since Christ is the fulfillment of the perfect lamb that was sacrificed. The purpose of Christ was to reconcile man unto God, but Christ sacrifice also destroyed the works of the devil. Thus in 1st John 3:8 it is written, “He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose, the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.” In the next verse it goes on to say that whoever is born of God, does not commit sin. There is a clear separation from the works of sin in those who believe. A person who is born of God is separated unto God and this is sanctification.

The believer becomes aware of the work of devil who is also known as Satan. The root of sin is selfishness. The issue with Satan is following his own will and not the will of God. We know from John chapter 10 verse 8, Jesus exclaims that only “thieves and robbers” came before him. Then he stated what the thief’s purpose is and that was to steal, kill, and destroy. This is the opposite of what Jesus’ purpose is, and that is to give abundant life. We should think twice when it comes to being deceived by Satan. We should not be ignorant of his devices. We can learn from examples given in the Bible how Satan works in the following scriptures.

  1. Luke 22:31 – “And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:”
  2. Luke 13:16 – “And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?”
  3. Acts 5:3 – “But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?”
  4. Mark 4:15 – And these are they by the wayside, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.”
  5. 2 Corinthians 11:14 – “And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.”

The conflict with Satan is in doing something wrong. Satan’s desire is to have us and put us under bondage. This is done through slandering another person’s character, lying to keep or get something from someone, taking away God’s word from someone and denying it, and deceiving someone by becoming an angel of light. These are the works of Satan. In Job 1:7, the Lord God asked Satan, “From where do you come from?” Satan replied, “from going to and from in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.” Simon Peter understood later after his own experience with his own self-confidence in denying the Lord the importance of being steadfast in faith in the person of Jesus in times of suffering no matter what happens.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”

1 Peter 5:8

Peter is telling believers to cast all their cares upon the Lord before he makes the above statement about be vigilant. Peter then tells believers to resist the devil steadfast in the faith. In Hebrews, being steadfast in our faith is to hold onto our profession of our faith without wavering. Wavering between belief and unbelief is like having two minds that is being tossed back and forth. It is as James stated in 1:6, “let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavered is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.” Are you being tossed back and forth on the wave of the sea? We should remember that being tossed upon the wave means we have no faith. There is no assurance of faith because one has indecision. The just shall live by faith, but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him, [see Hebrews 10:38]. I am always reminded of what Hebrews chapter 12 states in the latter part of verse 1 and in verse 2.

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith;

Hebrews 12:1-2

So, if Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith, then we have a living faith, and our faith is not in vain or dead. He is faithful in the promise he has given us. Our walk is in faith because we believe in who He is. When we know the will of God, we can stand with assurance that what we ask for we will receive. There is no indecision because it becomes a fact afterwards. Now faith is the substance of things hope for, the evidence of things not seen. It is not evident now, but it will bring the substance and it will become a fact. This is especially true when praying for healing of any kind of sickness. Like the crippled woman who was bound for 18 years with a spirit of infirmity. Should she not be loosed from the infirmity that Satan had bound her with? Oh, yes Lord! Help our unbelief and cause us not to waver in our faith when it comes to healing. Let us hold fast our faith and confession in you. Let us keep our efficacy always in Christ the one and only sacrifice. Let us see the works of God in our own life so that we may rejoice in the glory of God’s promises. Let us give thanks that as believers we are now unto God a sweet savor of Christ. Hold fast your faith in Christ and don’t let go of it for any reason. He is our life for all eternity.

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