Inge Schultz -

Be Filled with the Spirit

“And be not drunk with wine, in which is excess, but be filled with the Spirit.”
Ephesians 5:18

Are you filled with the Holy Spirit? To be filled with the Spirit is to walk in the Spirit and not to walk in the flesh. Have you not been quickened together with Christ and saved by grace? If we have been quickened with Christ and saved by grace, we should be walking in the Spirit whereby we have been sealed unto the day of redemption [Ephesians 4:30]. This is the gospel of your salvation that the apostle Paul spoke about in Romans.

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth.”
Romans 1:16

Jesus Christ’s resurrection brings in the power of God. It was Jesus Christ himself who spoke of the promise of the Spirit’s indwelling in the Gospel of John, chapter 14, verse 16, which states, “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever.” Oh, how we need the Spirit to guide our path in these days. The Holy Spirit is to be our comforter and guide in everyday living. Jesus did not want us to be orphans; He wanted us to be His children. The Holy Spirit is to teach us all things and bring all things to our remembrance [see John 14:26]. The Holy Spirit will also teach us what we need to know and hear in the Holy Scriptures. We are to be filled and led by the Spirit so that we do not go back under the law, where the works of the flesh bring us back into bondage. The works of the flesh that we were saved out of such as adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envying’s, murders, drunkenness, raveling’s, and such like as is stated in Galatians 5:21. If we are in Christ, we have crucified the flesh with its desires. We put to death these desires by binding them in the name of Jesus. We are no longer under its control, and the Holy Spirit comes to dispel those desires.

Have you received the Holy Spirit? This is a question for every believer in Christ. If you are a believer in Christ, you are His disciple, and you shall receive the Holy Spirit of God. We need the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our lives to teach us every day, for temptations are visible, and we must make decisions not to fall into their depths. How can we compare spiritual things with spiritual [see 1st Corinthians 2:13] if we do not have the Spirit of God residing within us? We need the Holy Spirit’s guidance to lead us into the truth of God’s word and to discern its meaning. This is more than just mere head knowledge of the bible. This is a deep, heartfelt knowledge that becomes a proven fact in your life. It is proven because you are walking in it and experiencing it firsthand. The apostle Paul states that the natural man cannot receive and know the things from the Spirit of God [ see 1st Corinthians 2:14]. We must have the Holy Spirit to teach, guide, and keep us in the glorious light of Christ. There is so much disillusionment and false teaching regarding the Holy Spirit that the Spirit is literally stamped out of our lives as well as the church. When this happens, we become dead in Christ rather than alive in Christ.

After I got saved, I went with a small group to another church where the pastor laid his hands on our heads to receive the Holy Spirit. We all started to speak in tongues. Was this wrong? No, it is no different than what happened in Acts 8:17 and Acts 9:17. I went back to my church, and word spread in the church about the young people who received the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues. The pastors of the church said it was of the devil, and those who spoke in tongues were to stop. I happened to miss the service where this was said, but I had a long discussion about it with one of my friends. My faith stumbled. I could not believe that something so joyous was of the devil. The apostle Paul told the Thessalonians in 1 Thessalonians 5:19, “Quench not the Spirit.” Some churches are doing exactly that, quenching the Spirit of God. Why? Because they do not understand, nor believe in the Holy Spirit. For the church, it was a matter of control within the body of Christ. The Holy Spirit has not been taught within the church and is therefore devoid of knowledge about the Holy Spirit. In fact, some believe that it was only for a specific time period of the early church in 30 AD.

At that time, I was not assured that what happened to me was good or bad since I was a new believer in Christ. The truth about the Holy Spirit I kept to myself, and I struggled with it for a while, not being completely sure about the work or presence within the believer’s life. However, when I had my prayer time or when I sang in church, I knew I still had God’s Spirit residing within me, for I sensed His presence. This was a heartfelt experience, and I know I was praying and singing to a person. That made a big difference in my life, just knowing to whom I was praying and singing to. That God was real in my life and that I had experienced His divine intervention. It was not magic; it was real, and God proved it to me. The Apostle Paul said, “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit,” [Galatians 5:25]. To walk in the Spirit is the process of sanctification, where we are being transformed into the image of Christ. A.W. Tozer commented that the average Christian lives a worldly life that is not much different from that of the unconverted person. There must be a change from what we were to what we now are in Christ; otherwise, we nullify the work of Christ on the Cross.

Our God is our protector, healer, and provider. He will always provide us with what we need in life as long as our faith is grounded in His Son, Jesus Christ. It is through Jesus that we have been given the privilege to pray to our Heavenly Father. It is through Jesus that we can also receive the Holy Spirit. Jesus stated that “he that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his heart shall flow rivers of living water,” [John7:38]. Look at the next verse in John 7:39, where it states that He spoke about the Spirit, that those who believe should receive the Holy Spirit. God is a Spirit, and we must worship him in spirit and in truth.

“Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
John 4:22-24

I pray that you know to whom you are worshipping. Every believer should have the living water flowing out of his heart, which is the Holy Spirit. Every believer should know to whom they are worshipping and praying. Every believer should test the spirit to see if it is of the Spirit of God.

“Try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
1 John 4:2

The Holy Spirit will always point to Christ; if it does not, it is not of the Spirit of God. Remember that Satan has his spirits as well. That is why the Apostle John told us to test the spirits in 1 John chapter 4. Look at verse three of John chapter 4, where he states, “every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God.” In fact, John states that this is the spirit of antichrist, and is already in the world. So, there is the spirit of antichrist, and there is the Spirit of God. Know the difference. Be assured that you stand in the liberty where Christ has made us free from all the works of the flesh. Christ has given us the Holy Spirit as our comforter to help us walk as disciples of Christ. This is the down payment of our inheritance (the Holy Spirit) until the redemption of the purchased possession [see Ephesians1:13-14]. Read Ephesians 5:16-20:

Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.
Ephesians 5:16-20

If you lack the Holy Spirit in your life, ask God to fill you with His Spirit in the name of Jesus. Read the Gospel of John chapter 14, verses 13-26. It will happen as you believe.

NOTE: Read last week’s post titled, “We Have Obtained an Inheritance.” There has been a technical issue preventing the post from being sent out.

We have obtained an Inheritance

In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will.
Ephesians 1:11

Open Bible with highlighted text and colored pencils around it.

We have acquired an inheritance, being predestined according to His will. What does it mean to be predestined? The Greek word is “proorizo,” and it means to mark out or determine beforehand. Another word would be foreordained, which is to ordain in advance, according to Merriam-Webster. These are events beyond an individual’s control. Events that are ordained by God’s will that you should walk in His love and peace.

“Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will.” Ephesians 1:5

Look at what the apostle Paul said about predestination. We are predestined to adoption as children of the Lord Jesus Christ. We should know God’s will and testament as it is written in the Holy Bible. Many people were involved in the translation of the Bible, and God has brought it through many generations. Biblical archaeology has affirmed its historical accuracy, despite efforts to discredit it. The debate continues today due to unbelief and doubt. Let us consider what it would be like not to have the Bible and know the story of man [Adam & Eve] fallen from their own desire to be something else than what God had planned them to be, rulers over the earth.

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” Genesis 1:27

Man is a law unto themselves. They choose what they desire in their heart to do good or evil. Those who have ruled have not all been good. Friedrich Nietzsche was an influential German philosopher, and it is interesting to note that he commented on why people do not want to hear the truth, because it would destroy their illusions. They do not want to face their own fears or demons in their own life. However, the stories written in the Bible are about men who must face the reality of their own fears and or demons in their own lives. Maybe that is why David exclaimed, “Who can understand his errors? Cleanse thou me from secret faults, [see Psalms 19:12]. What secret faults do you have? Ask the Lord to cleanse you of those faults in the name of Jesus. This is what the Apostle Paul talked about, the desires of our own flesh and fulfilling those desires that are in the sons of disobedience [see Ephesians 2:3]. Those desires are not easily given up without divine intervention. The grace of God brings salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ, and when we confess, he is faithful to forgive us all our sins.

We are acquainted with our own sins and secret faults. If not our own, we know about others who have sins and secret faults. We like to point the finger, but remember what Jesus said to those who accused the women of adultery: He said, “he that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her,” [see John 8:7]. The realization that God is acquainted with all our ways is astounding. My substance was not hidden from God when I was made in secret, and there is a book where all my members were written in [see Psalms 139]. All parts of my body that were formed were written in a book. What book is David talking about in Psalms 139:16? Can it be the Book of Life? Did you know about the books that were opened in Revelation 20:12? When you are wondering about your life and how you have come so far from spiritual death, a light begins to dawn that our future is in the very hands of God. Even when we cannot conceive it ourselves, we are given an inheritance that was sealed in a book.

We also have the down payment of our inheritance. When we have believed in the word of truth concerning the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise [see Ephesians 1:13-14]. This seal of the Holy Spirit marks the transaction of ownership and brings about the believer’s adoption into the position of a child of God. This is a divine decision of foreknowledge that is mind-boggling to many people, especially to new believers. Therefore, as a believer in Christ, one must ask God to open up the eyes of our understanding in revealing the scriptures. As a child of God, the believer begins to gain understanding of who they are in Christ. Paul states in Romans 8:16-17 that the Spirit bears witness that we are the children of God. As the children of God, we have become joint heirs with Christ. We were redeemed from under the law that we might receive the adoption of sons, [Galatians 4:5]. I remember a song that was sung with gusto in church when I was a young adult, called “The Family of God.” The song meant something to me since I wanted to belong to something and be loved. When I got saved, I realised that I belonged to God.

I’m so glad I’m a part

Of the family of God

I’ve been washed in the fountain

Cleansed by His blood

Joint heirs with Jesus

As we travel this sod

For I’m part of the family

The family of God
The Family of God by Bill & Gloria Gaither

If you are a believer, you are joint heirs with Jesus [see Romans 8:17]. Do not take this lightly. Think about the book you are written into. God has given everyone free will to choose life or death. We are called the “sons of God” in 1 John 3:1. Listen and sing it within your heart. We have obtained an inheritance through Christ, and this is something to rejoice in.

Who holds the future?

Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.
Matthew 24:34 KJV

Who holds the future? Many would believe that they have a stake in their future. Have you ever considered your destiny? Franklin D. Roosevelt said during the Great Depression that “this generation… has a rendezvous with destiny.” Do you believe that we have an agreed-upon time in space? What appointment does this generation have with destiny? Most of us do not think about it, or we are too busy trying to figure out our next move in life. I do hear some asking if we are living in the last days. I have been wondering this myself. Christianity through the ages has had many so-called prophets stating that the end is near and that Jesus is coming on a certain date. Do you remember the Y2K bug? The bug in computers may not change the dates properly. People panicked that the worldwide infrastructure would collapse. This led to people stocking up on food, water, weapons, purchasing backup generators, and withdrawing large sums of money in anticipation of the collapse. We recently saw the same thing with COVID-19. This is known as a global catastrophic risk or an apocalypse.

What are these things referring to in this scripture verse in Matthew 24:34? One must back up and start at the beginning of the chapter where Jesus is referring to the end times. These things are the false Christ and prophets who deceive many, wars and rumors of wars, nations against nations, famines and pestilences, earthquakes, lawlessness shall arise, and people’s hearts will grow cold [see Matthew 24:4-13]. Each year, there have been events where we have heard about these things taking place somewhere in the world, and some of us have experienced these things firsthand, but “let us not be troubled,” said Jesus, “for these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet,” [see Matthew 24:6]. The key verse is the preaching of the “gospel of the kingdom” in all the world for a witness before the end comes [see Matthew 24:14]. The importance of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is to save humanity from eternal punishment in hell. Christians have a voice to preach the gospel to those around them.

“Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the LORD shall bring again Zion.”
Isaiah 52:8 KJV

Lift up your voice and break into joy for your salvation has come. Deliverance is here right now through the Son of God. Let not your heart grow cold; believe in what Jesus did on the cross for you. He delivered you from the bondage of corruption, the chains of darkness, and now you are waiting for the redemption of your body when He shall return. Oh, what a glorious day that will be. Christians are to watch and lift their voice, for no one knows the hour when our Lord will come. That’s right! No one will know the exact hour [“Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.” Matthew 24:42]. It will be as it was in the days of Noah, when no one believed in Noah as he continued to build the ark. Noah believed in what God told him, and he was busy building the ark until the day of the flood. Many mocked him and made fun of him. They knew not the hour until the flood came [see Matthew 24:39], so it will be the same when the Lord comes. No one will perceive the hour when He comes. Let your testimony of Christ be confirmed in you, for remember in the end you will “overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of your testimony, [see Revelation 12:11]. It is the blood of the Lamb [Christ’s sacrifice] and the word of your testimony that the preaching of the “gospel of the kingdom” is to go out into the world as a witness. Every believer is a witness, every believer has a voice, for they have overcome the evil one through the word of their testimony. This is our victory that we have through Jesus Christ. Watch, pray, and be a witness for Christ.

“But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57

“O victory in Jesus, my Savior, forever! He sought me and bought me with His redeeming blood,” is the chorus sung in this wonderful hymn written by Eugene Bartlett. Listen and sing along with Lynda Randle.

No matter what the future may bring us, God is still in control of our tomorrows.

Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. Matthew 6:31-34 KJV

We all seek food, clothing, and a place to live. However, in Matthew Chapter 6, we are told not to think about expecting these things, for our heavenly Father knows that we need these things. We must seek first the kingdom of God and know where we stand with God. We must have the assurance that we are victorious through Christ. As we begin this New Year, place all your cares upon Him, for He careth for you. Our God will establish, strengthen, and settle you [see 1 Peter 5:10] as you continue to walk in faith. God loves you.

The Glory of God

Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?
John 11:40

First published in March 2021.

The glory of a majestic sunset

The glory of God is all around us if we are willing to see its majesty. Landscape and seascapes reveal the glory of God in the images of color and light, to which many artists strive to capture what they see with the naked eye. How can we know the glory of God? How can we see the splendor, beauty, and magnificence of God’s glory in our lives? Have you ever wanted to see His glory? Can we believe in seeing the glory of God? This is what Jesus said to Martha when he yelled out for Lazarus to come forth from the grave. This is in the Gospel of John, chapter 11. Can you imagine witnessing this event? I often wondered what it was like and how many were astonished at what they were viewing with their own eyes. Whatever we may have done is nothing compared to what God can do.

To see God’s wondrous works among the people is amazing. I have seen it with my own eyes. People being healed during a song that I have sung, and witnessing healings of people during a crusade I participated in. This was manifesting the glory of God. I remember watching Kathryn Kuhlman’s television program in Southern California in the early 70’s. Kathryn received so much criticism, and skeptics were out to discredit the ministry God had given her. The very idea that God would use a woman was unheard of. Some have said it was sacrilegious. Yet, those behind the scenes saw tears upon tears flowing down her face as she lay on the floor, praying to God. Let us remember that Jesus, too, had skeptics out to do him in. Yet He went about healing sickness and every disease among the people [see Matthew 9:35]. No one really knows how many people were touched by the message of the Gospel during Kuhlman’s crusades; only God knows the truth.

“For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.”
2 Peter 1:16

Peter exhorts people to remember the power and glory of God, to whom he was an eyewitness of his majesty. We do not always remember the near misses of death we may have experienced, but these are miraculous, especially if a tornado misses your house, or a car misses your car in a near accident. In 1974, on Queen Anne Hill in Seattle, I was struck down by a car while walking home with several friends. I always looked both ways before crossing the street, but as I stepped out on the street, I went a little faster ahead of my friends and was hit by a car. My friends witnessed what happened and exclaimed that the car came from out of nowhere with no headlights on. I was partially under the front of the car and knocked out, while they were in shock as to what had happened. I came around and saw I was under the front of the car. My elbow and hip were sore, but I did not seem to be badly hurt. My friends said that the car stopped so fast, as if a wall had come up, so it did not completely run me over. They believed it was a miracle that I was not seriously hurt. I thanked God for keeping me alive and well.

Sometimes we ignore these miracles, but they do happen every day. Even when we do get hurt physically, God is still able to bring healing to our bodies. His healing is still available today if we would only ask him. I am amazed at the many times I have received healing for my body. Jesus said, “whatever you shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son,” [see John 14:13]. Whatever happens in your life, remember that you are viewing God’s glory in your life. We need to pass on the glory to God, as Andrae Crouch once said before singing the song “My Tribute [To God be the Glory]. Give God the glory today, for all the things he has done in your life.

There are now 15 days until Christmas. Spend time giving God the glory for all He has done for you. There is a miracle just around the corner for you if you believe and ask Him for healing in Jesus’ Name. Merry Christmas to you and your family, and may God bless you all.

Bless the Lord, O my Soul

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless His Holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgiveth all thine iniquities, who healeth all thy diseases, who redeemeth thy life from destruction, who crowneth thee with loving-kindness and tender mercies. Psalms 103:1-4

Bless the Lord, O My Soul, and do not forget all his benefits. Do not forget all his benefits! It seems fit that we should be reminded of all his benefits, and in Psalms 103, David exclaims with praise on his lips the benefits of God. We are not to forget what good things the Lord has done for us. The benefits are then listed in verse 3, starting with forgiveness and healing for all diseases at the top of the list. We should hold onto the benefits of the Lord, and forgiveness and healing are in the atonement for each person to receive. In Matthew chapter 9, we read about the sick man of the palsy, lying on a bed, and Jesus seeing their faith told the man of the palsy, “Son, be of good cheer, thy sins be forgiven thee, [Matthew 9:2].” Later on in verse 6 of chapter 9, Jesus exclaims that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, and He told the man sick of the palsy to arise, take up thy bed and go to thine house. He did so as it was spoken.

“And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with diver’s diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatic, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.” Matthew 4:24

Jesus was famous for healing all diseases, and he even gave his disciples power over all devils and to cure all diseases [ see Luke 9:1]. We know that our Lord was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement for our peace was upon him, and with his stripes we are healed [see Isaiah 53:5]. We must not forget that not only sin may be a part of sickness, but oppression from the devil can bind a person like the daughter of Abraham in Luke 13:16, whom Satan had bound for 18 years. It was Satan who had bound the daughter of Abraham. Any disease comes from Satan and not from God. In Psalms 103, verse 4, it states, who redeemed thy life from destruction, and crowns thee with loving-kindness and tender mercies. Only Christ has this power to redeem our lives, for He is the resurrection and the life. Our life belongs to the Lord, and he keeps his promises to those who believe. He will keep our life in the resurrection, and His loving-kindness and tender mercies toward us will not fail. Do you believe this? Read Psalms 103 on to verse 12. “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.” Wow! This is His mercy towards us, and it is everlasting.

Is he satisfying your mouth with good things? So that your youth is renewed like the eagle? Are you waiting upon the Lord? In Isaiah 40:31, it states that “they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” If you are feeling burned out and weary, it is time to wait upon the Lord to renew your strength. It is time to lean upon the Lord to bring you peace and to renew your mind from the things of this world. It is time to commune with the Lord and ask him to allow the Holy Spirit’s refreshing so that you can mount up with wings like the eagle and soar. Have you ever watched an eagle soar in the sky? Last week, I watched an eagle soar as it gained lift under its wings and soared up to new heights in the sky. This is what we should be able to do: to soar up to new heights above the oppression of the devil. We shall walk and not faint. O Bless the Lord. O my soul and all that is in me, bless His holy name.

It was midnight when Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises to God. An earthquake came suddenly, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken, and all the doors were open, and the bands were loosed from the prisoners. The keeper of the prison awoke and saw the doors open, and drew up his sword to kill himself. Paul shouted to him, “Do not harm yourself.” We are all here [see Acts 16:28]. The keeper of the prison was saved and baptized. He washed the stripes of Paul and Silas and fed them rejoicing and believing in God. This is satisfying your mouth with good things. Rejoicing and praising God for what He has done. God brought Paul and Silas the victory to soar to new heights. Having their wounds treated and receiving food for their hunger. Paul and Silas had gained a new friend in the fellowship of the Lord, and later they were released from jail. Such wonderous acts of God. As it is exclaimed in verse 6 of Psalms 103, “the Lord executes righteousness and judgment for all who are oppressed.”

Paul and Silas were being oppressed because they had rebuked a spirit of divination out of a maid [see Acts 16:18]. The maid’s master saw that their hope for money was gone and accused them. Paul and Silas were beaten and put in jail. Paul and Silas were abused, ill-treated, and persecuted for freeing a woman of divination. Sometimes, for no reason at all, we can be abused or ill-treated at work or at home. Sometimes it grates on our being about the injustice of having to endure the aggravation. Paul was grieved by the maid’s actions and exclaimed, in the name of Jesus Christ, Come out of her. We do not think about being mournful of those under an oppressor, such as a spirit or devil, yet Jesus himself freed them from the oppression. We must remember that in the last days, many will be oppressed and in need of healing and relief from being oppressed. Pray not only for yourself, but also for those around you.

Is this not what Paul and Silas did? And the Lord executes righteousness and judgment for all who are oppressed. Oh! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. Let us remember thy loving kindness and mercy to heal our bodies of sickness and to execute righteousness and judgment for all who are oppressed. May you soar to new heights and be renewed like the eagle. He will heal all diseases and redeem your life from destruction and death. He will crown you with loving-kindness and tender mercies. Let us bless the Lord forever and remember His benefits. May He always satisfy our mouths with good things. Share the goodness of the Lord with others and soar to new heights in the Lord, and forget not all his benefits.

Please Note:

This is the last post for this year. As we enter the Holiday season with Thanksgiving and Christmas, take time to bless the Lord. May you be thankful, grateful, and blessed for what the Lord has done for you and your family during this past year. Reflect and ask the Lord to send His Holy Spirit to help you in all your ways. May the joy of the Lord be your strength forever. Remember that He has made us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light, so share the light of the Gospel of Jesus. See you next year.

“Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:” Colossians 1:12

Gain by Soothsaying

“And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:” Acts 16:16

“Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;” 2 Peter 2:15

Gain by soothsaying is when a person is paid for telling the future. This also includes prophets who do not belong to the Lord but are in the business of being paid for some kind of prophecy about future events. We even watch it on TV, especially during pagan holidays like Halloween, to honor the dead and evil spirits. The occult practices during this time display magic, supernatural, and paranormal phenomena. Any form of pagan practice involves the false teaching of pagan gods. Some have entered the church today preaching a different doctrine that is not of the Gospel of Christ. People are no longer looking to God for answers, but instead are seeking special prophets’ advice who are not Christians at all. We are not to glory in any spirit of the dead or any other kind of spirits. We are not to go and have our fortunes read or play games that seek the spirit world for advice. Any character of divination, enchanter, charmer, or consulter with familiar spirits is an abomination unto the Lord [see Deuteronomy 18:10-12]. We should be aware that these practices bind a person to live a life of darkness where deceit and lying spirits control the individual.

Have you ever read about the prophecies of Balaam? In Numbers chapter 22, you can read the story about the prophecies of Balaam. Balaam was a mercenary prophet from Pethor. He was a prophet for hire. We have many prophets for hire today. Some are pastors claiming to be prophets of God but are not following the truth of the Gospel of Christ. We should heed the warning about Balaam, who was a man who practiced divination. In other words, He predicted future events. Balaam was hired by King Moab to curse the Israelites. Can you imagine being paid to curse people? Yet, through many generations, some families have talked about being cursed. This is why James states that the tongue is full of iniquity and sets on fire the course of nature that brings chaos rather than order in people’s lives [see James 3:6].

Yes, we can learn lessons from the story of Balaam. The first thing we can learn is to bless others and not curse them. Is it harder to bless than to curse? Some would say yes, but it should not be this way. Christians should already be doing this since they have the Spirit of Christ living within their hearts. If they do not have the Spirit of Christ living within their hearts, then they can pray for it after they have repented. If your focus is on something other than God, your heart is in the wrong place. It is what you focus on that causes you to speak out a curse because your focus is on gaining something you want, or you are angry about something. What can we do about individuals who consistently harass or persecute others? The apostle Paul tells us to bless those who persecute us [see Romans 12:14]. By blessing them, it will reveal the individual’s own behavior and help them to come back to the character of Christ. It is similar to the random acts of kindness policy that helps one see their own negative behavior or feelings. We all need to be noticed and loved.

Balaam received payment to curse the Israelites. He rode on a donkey with the princes of Moab. This was after God had visited and spoken to Balaam, giving him specific direction on what he was to do, but Balaam ignored God’s instructions. God sent an angel of the Lord to stand in the way of Balaam. The donkey saw the angel and turned out into the field. Balaam hit the donkey with a stick and tried to turn the donkey in the direction it should go. The donkey began and still saw the angel, thus running into the wall and crushing Balaam’s foot against the wall. Balaam hit the donkey again. The donkey still saw the angel and had nowhere to go because the angel of the Lord always blocked his path. The donkey fell with Balaam on top. Balaam got mad and started to hit the donkey again with his stick. That is when the donkey started to talk back to Balaam as to why he was being beaten.

The Lord had to open the eyes of Balaam for him to see the angel of the Lord. The angel of the Lord asked Balaam, “Why did you hit your donkey three times?” The angel of the Lord told Balaam that he had to stand against him because his way was wicked [see Numbers 22:32]. Despite Balaam’s disobedience, Balaam ended up speaking the blessings of the Lord and not cursing the Israelites. Let us see what the Apostle Peter had to say about Balaam when he was referring to false prophets and teachers.

Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;
2 Peter 2:15

The second lesson is to be aware of false prophets and teachers. They have no concern for those within the body of Christ, and they are intent on going their own way. They trap others to follow them into coveting after their own desires. They are deceitful in bringing in a stumbling block before God’s chosen people, causing them to sin [see Revelation 2:14]. Sexual immorality is one of the well-known sins in Christian leaders today. False teaching is a stumbling block when the truth has been told, but is being ignored for personal pursuits. A true prophet will give the truth according to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. A true prophet will believe in the Bible as the written word of God. A true prophet will not be selfish but will follow Christ and lead others to follow Christ. A true prophet will not seek after their own best interest; instead, they will be concerned with the well-being of others who are in the family of God.

The third lesson is to repent. Balaam would not repent and accept God’s word. Balaam was deceptive, and he chose who he wanted to listen to. Balaam knew the truth, but decided to find a way to be disruptive, causing Israel to sin. Balaam did not believe in God’s sovereignty. Balaam worshiped many pagan gods. He may have spoken God’s words, but his heart was not in what God spoke. Many organizations that say they are Christian-based are promoting a different lifestyle that is not pleasing to God. Let us not be caught worshipping something other than the true God who has given us His son Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. Be ye holy for I am the Lord your God. It is the Lord who sanctifies us. Be careful to not defile yourself. Keep yourself pure before the Lord. Bless and curse not, and always look to Jesus, who is the author and finisher of our faith. Tame your own tongue to speak blessings in the name of Jesus. Do what Peter said in the following verse and inherit a blessing.

Be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. 1 Peter 3:9

That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection

That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death. Philippians 3:10

Do we really know him (Christ) and the power of his resurrection? How can we experience the power of Christ’s resurrection? The apostle Paul is pressing into Christ, being made more like Christ. Most Christians have just made it past the point of being saved by faith in Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. Many have not pressed in further to really know Christ and the power of his resurrection. The Bible speaks of continued growth for those who are saved, and this growth involves the power of His resurrection, the fellowship of His sufferings, and being made conformable unto His death. At least this is what the Apostle Paul is stating in the letter to the Philippians in Rome while he was in prison. “To live is Christ, to die is gain,” stated Paul in Philippians 1:21. The Apostle Paul wants to experience the power of Christ’s resurrection. The Hebrew word [tequmah], meaning resurrection, is restoration, standing, or rising before our enemies. It is the power to stand strong.

Our standing is in Christ, and our rising up from the dead is in Christ also. Jesus said that He is “the resurrection and the life,” [see John 11:25]. Our own life is made possible through the power of Christ’s resurrection. This resurrection power gave the victory over the power of death. It was the devil that had the power over death [see Hebrews 2:14] until Christ’s death and resurrection gave all those who believe a new standing over the power of death. The resurrection is also a part of our inheritance as Christians for that future date, when Christ returns. Now we have the down payment of our inheritance through the promised Holy Spirit, who helps us in our walk and conformity to Christ. The apostle Paul counted all things as loss to know Christ more. Paul did not look at his personal possessions; his focus was on Christ and pressing on towards that high calling in Christ. Paul was reaching forward to his future as a citizen in heaven [see Philippians 3:14-20].

Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12

The apostle Paul is following after Christ to know and understand Him as Christ has known us. We should have the mind of Christ. We should press forward in the calling of God in Christ Jesus and forget those things that have bound us in sin. Our citizenship is in heaven, and our body will be fashioned after His glorious body [see Philippians 3:21]. We are to be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let our request be known to God [see Philippians 4:6]. This is how we receive the peace of God. Our prayers and supplications, which pass all understanding, will keep our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Our minds are to think on what is good, whatever things are honest and pure. This is realizing spiritual growth towards perfection in Christ.

The Apostle Paul’s journey in life is to know Christ, to fellowship in Christ’s resurrection power, and to be conformed to His death. Have we as Christians really thought about the fellowship we have with Christ and being made conformable to His death? For many, this is not what they had in mind, nor even conceived. Any talk about being made conformable to Christ or his suffering is far from what they think a Christian is. Some just want the easy life, but this is not the reality of Christ. Today, there are a great number of humans who are suffering from all kinds of pain. What can we gain in life when the outcome is death? Can we have the mind of Christ? The answer is, Yes. But we must press toward the mark with the Apostle Paul for Christ. We must ask to be filled with the Holy Spirit and to know Christ and the power of his resurrection. We need the Holy Spirit’s help in becoming more like Christ, in love, patience, and holiness. We need to continue our walk towards spiritual maturity and understand our standing in Christ. We have forgiveness for our sins, and the Holy Spirit of promise to continue our walk as followers of Christ. Not that we have attained righteousness on our own, for it is through Christ that our position is in righteousness, and this is through faith in Christ only.

Charles Spurgeon expressed it this way: “that the less you value your own righteousness, the more will you seek after true holiness; the less you think of your own beauty, the more ardently will you long to become like the Lord Jesus.” The way to the mind of Christ is to know Him in a more personal way. Christ emptied himself of his status and took on the form of a servant [see Philippians 2:7]. The mind of Christ is to have love for one another, tender mercy, and compassion. As Christians, we are not to create strife by arguing, quarreling, or seeking self-glorification. We are to esteem others better than ourselves [see Philippians 2:3-5]. Our future is assured through Christ. Jesus said that if you believe in him, you have everlasting life, and He will raise us up at the last day [see John 6:40]. This is the power of his resurrection to gain victory over the evil one and be brought out of darkness and into His wonderful light. We barely know Him and the power of His Resurrection. Let us press in to know Him more. If you want to read more about this subject, click on the link below to read Charles Spurgeon’s take on the power of his resurrection, written in 1889.

Charles Spurgeon, Power of His Resurrection

How are you Justified?

A man is not justified by the works of the Law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ. Galatians 2:16

Some people today are justifying their own actions. Even Christians can fall right back into working for their justification and leaving Christ behind. I pray that this does not happen to you, but when we read the Word of God, there are warnings about the subject of justification and how it is applied. The apostle Paul, in his writings to the Galatians, gave warnings about mixing the purity of doctrine with conduct and distorting the Gospel of Christ. The cleverness of some who exhort their authority to teach a different doctrine will, in part, go along with salvation is from Christ, but then insist that one should also work for their own salvation as well. It is like saying, “let’s cover all our bases just in case. ” Just in case of what? That our salvation is assured at any cost by what we do. No, this is not true. First of all, salvation is the gift of God to humanity.

Even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by works of the law; for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. Galatians 2:6

The apostle Paul tells the Galatians that the works of the law shall no flesh[man] be justified. We must consider how the law is established. The do and don’t rules have been designated by God, starting with the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20. The Jewish people followed the “torah,” which is the law of God, providing instruction on behavior and conduct for everyday living. Tradition is the discipline in how we live and treat each other that is handed down from generation to generation. The customs that each nation has are derived from its indigenous population. For the Jewish population, it is the establishment and the correct practice and interpretation of the “Torah.” The Jewish rule may become common law, even though it may seem codified. In essence, it is a matter of interpretation and what is happening at that specific time. Historians are at times baffled and continue to argue to this day on the understanding of the meaning of the Torah. If we get down to the root of the problem in God’s eye, it will always be a matter of the human heart.

Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. Proverbs 4:23-24

Have you ever wondered why you should guard and keep your heart? Because your heart will direct your course in life. “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh,” [see Matthew 15:6]. This is the root of the problem, it is our heart. We speak what is in our heart, what is in our mind as we personally perceived it to be. In Proverbs 23:7, it is said “as he thinked in his heart, so is he.” What are you thinking about? Are you what you think? Today, it may be hard to determine what direction a person is moving towards, for their speech does not match the direction they are going. This is why Jesus said;

“This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.” Matthew 15:8

This is known as lip service, because they have already made up their mind to go a different way. We should give this some more thought, for many desire to follow their own way or another individual’s way. How we are being taught may put us back into legalistic ways. By adhering to a standard of rules, we believe God will accept us. This is done without acknowledging God’s son, Jesus, who died for all our sins.

The Hebrew root word for salvation is “Yeshua,” which means the Lord is Salvation, and its meaning is freedom from that which binds or restricts an individual. Now, if we look at the Hebrew word for justifies “sadaq, it means that of condemnation that brings judgment. We are not justified by the works of the law. The law reveals our sinfulness.

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 might be justified by faith. Galatians 3:23-24

Jesus is the only way that we can have freedom from that which binds or restricts us. Jesus is the answer for sin, where we will not be condemned [see Romans 8:1]. Our freedom from condemnation is only through Jesus Christ because He is the final sacrifice for all our sins. We cannot earn God’s favor by keeping certain traditions or by any laws that man has made. This is not God’s method for reconciliation, no matter how good it may sound. We receive God’s favor through the finished work of Jesus Christ. We receive salvation through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ, and not by any efforts of our own.

If justification were by our works, then why did Jesus die for our sins? Justification by our works nullifies what Jesus has done on the cross. It also nullifies the ministry of reconciliation towards God and each other. Did you know that nullify means to remove the force? Would we deny the force of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross to save us from the oppression of the evil one? Be careful to what you subject yourself to [such as any social movement], it could bring you under bondage. Legalism within the church lacks joy, because they feel they deserve something from God by doing good works. Legalism in the church compares itself with others. Those within the church claim they are more righteous and justified than other people. “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known,” said Jesus to his disciples in Luke 12:1-2. Pharisees followed strict observance of the traditional and the written law, claiming that they were more righteous than other people. The truth was that they could not even follow their own traditions and the written law themselves.

That is why Paul stated that the law is our schoolmaster to bring us back to Christ. Did you know that there is power in the blood of Christ? That power gave us His righteousness, His faith, and His love. He gives us the victory over the evil one and even death. He also gives us eternal life. Let us come to Jesus and place our faith in Him alone and not in ourselves. Let us ask Jesus to keep us free from that which binds or restricts us in any way from His power and from who Jesus is, the Son of God, who came in the flesh, and arose to sit on the right hand of God, ever making intercession for us. Jesus, who is the author and finisher of our faith. Let us not nullify who He is or His power to save us all from the evil one, our sins, and our pride. Jesus truly is our justification, and it is by our faith in him alone, not by anything we can do ourselves, that we are justified. Let us praise God for providing us with the way to justification and reconciliation.

It Is of Faith, that it might be by Grace

“Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,” Romans 4:16

It is of Faith that it might be by grace. The Hebrew word for Faith is “emunah,” which means to believe or to have faithfulness. It is a life full of reliance upon God, no matter what is happening around you at the present time. The apostle Paul states that the faith of Abraham is the father of us all; therefore, Abraham is our example. Was there a time that you had to leave behind what was familiar to you? God commanded Abraham to leave everything familiar behind. The Lord God told Abraham to get out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house [see Genesis 12:1]. Abraham did not know where he was going, for God said He would show him after he obeyed. This was the calling of God upon Abraham. It was his inheritance rights and the security of a familiar culture that he left behind. To depart from a place of comfort for an unfamiliar place that you have not known can be a challenge.

Abraham believed in God’s promises and journeyed to the promised land. He gathered up his belongings and family and traveled to the land of Canaan. My parents decided to leave the United States for Australia. I was fourteen years old when I had a dream of what would happen after we got settled in Western Australia. We were told that we could only take under 40 pounds with us on the airplane. I took my clarinet and clothing items. Leaving friends behind and my dog was painful. However, in my case, I was angry. The anger soon left me when I heard my father crying in the garage one night. I wondered if Abraham cried, but we are not told if He did; we are told that He staggered not at the promises of God through unbelief, but was strong in faith, giving glory to God [Romans 4:20].

Can we be fully persuaded by God’s promises, like Abraham? I wandered around the city of Perth, lost for one day. And so is humanity, lost and in a moral dilemma, seeking to be justified by its own laws. It is easier to work out our own justification, rather than allow God to work through our hearts and change us into the image of Christ. What about Grace? Grace is God’s gift through His son, Jesus Christ. We were all bought with a prize for our sins. With the law, there is knowledge of sin. Destruction and misery follow men who are full of cursing and bitterness [Romans 3:12-16]. What did Paul say to the Romans?

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Romans 3:23-24

Grace is God’s unearned favor and blessing. Is this not what Abraham had received from God? Abraham did not work in his own flesh towards receiving God’s favor and blessing. Abraham received God’s favor and blessing through faith. Through believing and relying totally on what God told him. Grace is God’s love through his son to free us from all bondage. We may have forgotten why Jesus died on the cross. Jesus died and arose from the cross to free us from the power of sin and death. A man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law [see Romans 3:28]. A believing sinner is considered righteous because of Christ’s death on the cross. Christ, who knew no sin, bore sin on the cross that we might be made righteous. Christ fulfilled the law. It is the law of faith whereby believers receive salvation, healing, and the forgiveness of sins. It is the law of faith that believers can receive all the promises of God.

The seed of Abraham is fulfilled through Christ.

Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.” Galatians 3:16

“And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Galatians 3:29

Isn’t it amazing that we, as believers in Christ, become Abraham’s seed and heirs to all the promises that God has made! Through faith, we receive favor and the blessings of God. We must be fully persuaded in God through Jesus Christ that all his promises will work his grace through our lives. Whatever journey you are on, remember God is with you and will guide you in the way you should go. Even if it means leaving your comfort zone and going somewhere else where God wants you to be.

Be Partakers of the Divine Nature

“We are given exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” 2 Peter 1:4

Be partakers of the divine nature. Partakers of the divine nature is a transformation that is worked through Christ. We are given this newness of life after we believe in the death and resurrection of Christ on the cross. A partaker of the heavenly is a follower of Christ, like Saint Peter and Paul. If you follow Christ, you will be a partaker of Christ. Christ is the power of God, and we who are saved from darkness have escaped the corruption in this world. God’s power goes where His will is. Listen to what Jesus said after he told the Jews, “My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me,” [John 7:16].

“If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.” John 7:17

Today, many speak of themself, rather than speaking of the true gospel of Christ. We must understand and recognize the difference between doing His will and our own will. This means reading His word daily. Having our eyes enlightened towards the knowledge of God and His Son, Jesus Christ. As we grow in knowledge, we will receive a portion of something or a share of His divine nature. This is done through the Holy Spirit. Jesus sends the Holy Spirit to those who believe in who He is. The Holy Spirit helps us to understand how we are one in the Lord. How we are partakers of the divine nature of Christ. The divine nature of Christ we have received after our repentance from dead works. We are sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, [See Ephesians 1:13]. The Holy Spirit is our inheritance until the possession of Christ. We should not fall away, but by faith be victorious over the evil one. Are we not partakers of the Holy Spirit?

“For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,” Hebrews 6:4

Yes, we are made partakers of the Holy Spirit. Now, let us look at Colossians chapter one.

That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son. Colossians 1:10-13

We are to become partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light, delivered from the power of darkness and translated into the kingdom of his dear Son. Because of this divine nature, we are strengthened. We are strengthened by our relationship with the divine one. Let us come boldly to the throne of grace to obtain mercy and find grace to help us in times of need [see Hebrews 4:16]. As partakers of His divine nature, we can participate in coming to the throne of grace and know our petitions will be heard. We have received the Spirit of adoption, and we are now heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ, [ see Romans 8:14-15]. As joint-heirs with Christ, we have become labourers together with God.

As labourers together with God, we are partakers in sharing the Gospel and living a life in holiness. We are chastened in our actions and corrected through the word for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness [Hebrews 12:10]. The Holy Spirit is our helper in guiding us in a shared experience of the nature of Christ and of divine blessings.

“For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.” 1 Corinthians 10:17

The apostle Paul states that we are all partakers of the one bread. That one bread is the communion of the body of Christ. If we become partakers of His divine nature, we are active in fellowship with the Father and His Son. An active participant in the divine nature in Christ. The Holy Spirit is the agent through which the divine nature in Christ is possible. This is a shared experience that brings meaning to our everyday life. King David prayed in Psalms 51:11, “Take not thy holy spirit from me.” This should be our prayer as well. To be partakers of His divine nature, we must receive the Holy Spirit as our guide and teacher. We must walk in the Spirit, so the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us. We must consider the precious promises of God, who has given us a life in His divine nature, and helped us escape the corruption of this world. Pray to continue to walk every day and be partakers of His divine nature.

Be Ye Followers of God

Be ye, therefore, followers of God as dear children.
Ephesians 5:1

Are you a follower of God? Have you put off your former conversations and put on the new man? If you are speaking with deceit and are greedy for what you don’t have, it is time to take another look in the mirror at the life you are living. Are you bitter, angry, and saying negative things about everything in your environment? Most conversations I hear today are about what is wrong in the world. It is harder to know these days what the real truth is that is being broadcast on social media networks. Let me remind you that propaganda has taken hold in recent years, and some truth is being withheld. This has been a proven fact in the advertising world. We should think twice about all the advertising we see regularly and remember that they use propaganda to play on people’s emotional state in persuading them to buy specific products. Deliberate omission of certain facts about anything can later destroy what one accepts to be the truth, for it is deceitful.

Deceitfulness and lying are the biggest offenders in the body of Christ, for they can create dissensions and strife. Dissensions and strife do not deliver souls; rather, they bring bondage and separation from God.

“A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.” Proverbs 14:25

A follower of God should bring the good news of the Gospel of Christ and deliver souls. In Chapter 5 of Ephesians, the apostle Paul explains that the believer’s walk is to be in love, giving thanks, and having the fruit of the Spirit rather than having unfruitful works of darkness [see Ephesians 5:9-11]. Christians are not to be partakers of any form of darkness since they are now the light in the Lord and therefore should walk as children of light bearing the fruit of the Spirit. [Ephesians 5:7-8]. All things are to be reprove through the light of His glory. The apostle Paul states clearly that no fornicator, covetous man hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God [see Ephesians 5:5]. In fact, we are warned about not letting man deceive us with vain words. Anything unclean, such as these actions, will bring the wrath of God because of disobedience. We should be careful who we follow if human actions such as lying, deceit, filthy talking, crude joking, and racist comments are flowing out of their mouths. This is not flattering to a person who is a follower of God.

Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins; keep thyself pure. 1 Timothy 5:22

Even Elders are to be careful to not be a partaker of another man’s sins. We are to remember not to take part in sin. We are to reprove them as is stated in verse 11 of Ephesians chapter 5. Reproving a person in the love of Christ is gently speaking to them about the way they are acting and speaking. The Christian’s walk is a reflection of Christ. Therefore, the old man or former life is put away through repentance, and the new man in Christ is put on through the love of Christ. This is the renewal in knowledge after the image of Christ. We have the help of the Holy Spirit to change us and to know the love of Christ. We should be filled with all the fullness of God and not of anything else that is unclean. We are to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man, [see Ephesians 3:16].

We followed the course of this world, living in sin. We were ignorant, sitting in darkness until the light came and revealed the love of God through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Wherein in time past ye 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 children of disobedience:” Ephesians 2:2

We all followed after the desires of the flesh towards self-gratification rather than following love, which is only in God’s Son, Jesus Christ. We have been reconciled to God through the cross of Christ and have been given the status of fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God [see Ephesians 2:19]. We are not to abuse the status that was given to us. Our foundation is built upon Jesus Christ, who is the chief cornerstone [see Ephesians 2:20]. Because of that status, we are to grow into a holy temple in the Lord. Listen to what Paul said in verse 22 of Ephesians chapter 2, “in whom ye also are built together for a habitation of God through the Spirit.” This habitation is our body being filled with the Holy Spirit with the love of Christ. This is so we can walk in Christ bearing the fruit of the Spirit, which is love, joy, and peace. In other words, as followers of God, we should be walking daily in His love, speaking truth to each other, edifying one another, and not speaking evil, deceit, or anything else that is unclean. We are not to return to our old ways of filthy communications because this is not of the Spirit of Christ.

There is a distinction between what is godly and what is evil. As Christians, we should notice the difference between good and evil. We should understand that bitterness, anger, and evil speaking are not from the Spirit of Christ, but of the spirit of the children of disobedience. We should remember that bitterness, anger, and evil speaking will grieve the Holy Spirit of God. Do not think that God’s Spirit can reside in anyone unclean. We are to submit ourselves to God and resist the devil, and he will flee from you [see James 4:7]. Resist the devil in the name of Jesus, and he will flee. You do not have to yield yourself to evil, for you are now children of the light and not of darkness. Remember your standing in Christ. Remember what Paul told the Corinthians, “To not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers.” Paul questioned what fellowship light has with darkness [see 2 Corinthians 6:14]? That is why, as Christians, we are to be separate from what is unclean. How is God to be our God if we are unclean? We can only be followers of God when we are clean from all unclean things, so keep yourself pure and be ye followers of God.

Ambassadors for Christ

Now, then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us; we beg you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.
2nd Corinthians 5:20

Did you know that if you are a Christian, you are now an ambassador for Christ? If you are a follower of Christ, you are His ambassador. The Strong’s concordances for the Hebrew word for ambassador is [tsiyr], which means “an official envoy or messenger of a country or state. Today, this may be akin to a goodwill ambassador appointed by a charity or other organizations to publicize their activities or promote a specific cause. An ambassador for Christ is a messenger of Good News, for the ambassador brings healing and health to the souls of those who will listen.

As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to those who send him; for he refreshes the soul of his masters.
Proverbs 25:13

We should enjoy hearing the Good News of the Gospel, because it brings the message of Christ and reconciliation to God. In Acts chapter 3 in verse 19, Peter spoke these words, “Repent, therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.” We may have missed the meaning of what Peter was saying in Acts 3:19, in that everyone should repent so that the time of refreshing comes upon us all. Having sorrow about our sins is not repentance. Even Christians need to repent from their sins and be reminded that if they have lost their standing with God, they need to confess before God instead of carrying the sorrow of sin within their heart. Repentance means to change your mind. A changed mind regarding sin, and the self-life to which only God can bring times of refreshing. Let us not be fooled in this regard about the true meaning of repentance. It follows Christ in word and in deed because he changed his mind not to be of this world.

As messengers of Christ, we must remember that our faith will be tested to prove where our mind and heart truly are. Jesus said, “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God,” see Luke 9:62. We are either for Christ or against Christ. We do not look back to what we were living in, for we came out of darkness since the light has shone upon our hearts. We no longer walk in darkness but in the light of His glory. Our eyes are now open to the truth, and our minds have changed to walking on a new path. The Lord may send you out like the seventy he sent forth in chapter 10 of the Gospel of Luke. We should pray for the laborers who are sent forth into the harvest field. We are all sent out into the field knowing about the ministry of reconciliation, as is stated in 2nd Corinthians 5:18. Are we not a new creation in Christ? Hasn’t the old man passed away because of Christ?

Let us examine ourselves to see that we are in the faith of the one to whom we believe. Prove yourself that you are walking in faith, for whatsoever is not of faith is sin [see Romans 14:23]. In Luke 10:17, the seventy returned to the Lord with joy and were amazed, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject unto us through thy name.” Yes, they came back as victors in Christ Jesus, and Jesus said, “I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.” You must read the rest of the story of that wonderful chapter. About the things being revealed unto babes, the power of God. These seventy people that Jesus appointed were not elders of a church; they were babes in Christ doing the will of Christ. Will you go forth and share your testimony of what Christ has done for you? Will you go forth and heal the sick and cast out demons?

“Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Luke 10:19

Jesus gives us power to tread on serpents and scorpions and over the enemy. Yet, I have not always witnessed this power in the church. However, laborers are to go out into the harvest field and gather the harvest. What if you were appointed as one of the seventy people? Does this frighten you? My husband asked the elders of the church to come to the men’s homeless mission in Seattle, Washington. To my surprise, some were afraid to go to a Christian-based homeless shelter for men. Granted, the scene sometimes in and around the shelter was not always pleasant to witness. Men were living in cardboard boxes by the mission. Some were intoxicated, some had mental conditions, and some were just rough around the edges. This was witnessing human degradation due to circumstances that happened in their life. This is where Human dignity was violated. You may think, Why would God be concerned about those who violate themselves as well as others? Why? Because God so loved the world that he gave us his only son. Everyone needs the love of God residing in their heart.

Human dignity is lost when there is slavery, torture, poverty, starvation, armed conflict, domestic violence, racism, genocide, rape, and human trafficking. The evil power in these practices does not reflect on the goodness of men, but rather the opposite. We may not want to be reminded of such wicked or cruel acts, but they are written down in many history books for a reason. The reason is that we should not fall to such a low estate ourselves. Can we change our way towards repentance instead of seeking our own success and power? Yes, we can. Charles Colson, who was involved in the Watergate scandal under President Richard Nixon, changed his mind and was reconciled to God. He told his story in a book titled “Born Again.” Colson became the founder of Prison Fellowship, a non-profit ministry. He made a promise while in prison to remember prisoners and their families. What a change of mind and profession Colson had, and many thought he was crazy. Would you be crazy for Christ?

To walk under God’s power is the best way to walk as ambassadors for Christ if we are reconciled to God. Our minds have changed from doing wicked works to doing good works in the love of Christ. This new life gives us human dignity because His love for us is genuine and not fake. We remember who we once were, but now we walk in the light of His glory. We go where he sends us, even if it is our own backyard, because we are now ambassadors for Christ. Do not be afraid of what you might see. Share how you have changed your mind for Christ and received freedom from the burden of sin. Live in the light of His love, hope, and peace and become ambassadors for Christ.