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.
“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.” 1 John 3:1
Behold, what manner of love the father has given unto us. Have you beheld and observed the love of God? The love of God came upon us as a wonderful gift. God gave us His only begotten son Jesus Christ as a gift. If we receive that gift we become the children of God. How amazing that we should be called the children of God. Behold and observe the person Jesus Christ, who died for you, and arose from the grave. You do not need to be alienated from the life of God anymore, for the sacrifice was made on our behalf.
“But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” Ephesians 2:13
You who were far off in your own sins, has been made nigh that is made near in place, time, and relationship with God. Our sins are forgiven in the name of Jesus. It is by the blood of Christ that He became our peace. The middle wall of partition has been broken down. The curtain torn in the middle to allow us to come into the Holy of Holies. We can now walk in His love every day if only we would surrender our will to His will and ask for His divine grace to help us in our walk. He is merciful.
“For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.” Hebrews 8:13
How grateful we should be that He will not remember our sins anymore. We have a new Covenant through Jesus Christ. Through that Covenant man is no longer responsible for the burning sacrifice. A new Covenant has been made that the first is now old and is vanishing away. [see Hebrews 8:13]. Behold/observe the love of God. God gave His only son for our sins. He gave so that we do not have to do it ourselves. No more rejection, for He called everyone to behold and observe what love can do.
Every single person has this living hope in their life when they have surrendered their will to God’s will. Through Christ we are made pure.
“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” 1 John 3:2
Christ has taken our sins away. We stand in faith knowing His love for us is real and not a fantasy. Through the power of His Son and the Holy Spirit, we will know Him and experience the wonder of His love for us. Whoever abides in Him will sin no more. Christ came that He might destroy the works of the devil [see 1John 3:8]. Sin is linked to the devil because the devil has sinned from the beginning of the world. If you are born of God there will be no sin, for you carry the seed of God within you. Sin separates you from God while Christ blood brings you to God.
“For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. 1 John 3:11
There is no room for hatred. If a person has hated that person will not have eternal life [see 1 John 3:15]. The hardest thing to understand, is how to love those within the body of Christ. We must realize that we have passed from death to life. Do we understand the meaning of laying down our life for another? Behold/observe the love of God and how John tells us that we should lay down our lives for the brethren. If a brother has a need, do not ignore him, but through love help him. We must walk in deeds and truth and not just by spoken words that have no real meaning.
We receive from God because we have confidence in God, for our heart will not condemn us if we are walking in His love. If we do not have love, we ask in prayer for His help to teach us to love. His Spirit will come and help us to love our brothers and sisters in Christ.
“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
Are you free from the law of sin and death? Through Christ we have the victory of being free from the law of sin and death. We have the assurance through faith in Jesus. Let His love reign in your hearts by surrendering to the love of God. Ask for a change within your own heart to that of Christ, thus you will fulfill the law by loving one another. Behold/observe the love of God that has been given as a gift to all humanity. Let us ever walk daily in His love.
Take the following scripture with you every day.
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless, I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
“Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice for the LORD will do great things.” Joel 2:21
Fear not, and rejoice, for the Lord will do great things. Do you believe that the Lord will do great things on your behalf? I hope your answer is, yes. The Lord will restore what has been taken away from you. He has restored Job and others in the word. What is in the word applies to those who walk by faith and not by sight. What the grasshopper has eaten in the field, will be restored. You shall eat plenty and be satisfied. Are you satisfied? You shall not be ashamed. Don’t worry, God is on your side and will do great things. When I had lack of food, God supplied. I never went hungry nor my family.
Beware of those who have a harmful influence over you. These are those who make merchandise out of you and use you for their own benefit. What they have taken from you will be restored. The Lord will fight for you and your family as you build yourself up in His Holy word. Stay the course in faith having your shield up. Whatever work you are doing, pray that God will bless it and sustain it. Even if you lose your job, it will be restored. Your adversaries may come against you, but you will stand strong in the Lord.
“For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall.” Isaiah 25:4
Against the wall of evil is the storm, but the Lord will be our hope and strength. Purify your heart before the Lord and trust in Him.
Blessed be the LORD, because he hath heard the voice of my supplications. The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore, my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. Psalms 28:6-7
Whatever opposition you receive, the Lord will be your strength and shield. We can read about Nehemiah and see how those who oppose through ridicule, greed, and craftiness will be judged under the hand of God. Read chapter 5 of Nehemiah and see the cry of the people who have mortgaged their lands, vineyards, and houses that they may buy and eat during the famine. Some have borrowed money to pay their taxes. God is in the business of restoration to those who repent and believe that God is their strength.
(For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;) The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. 2 Peter 2:8-10
Those who are corrupt shall utterly perish in their own corruption. There is no escaping God’s judgement for those who are unjust. However, God will restore the years that the locust hath eaten, [see Joel 2:25]. Now, look at verse 24 of chapter 2 of Joel that states the floors shall be full of wheat, and the vats shall overflow with wine and oil. The Lord answered their cry by giving them corn, wine, and oil. This was after they were sanctified, consecrated unto the Lord. God said, “You will be satisfied.” You will be contented at what the Lord has done for you. He will give you what you need or what has been taken from you, and you will be satisfied.
The Lord will even restore your health as is stated in Jeremiah chapter 30 verse 17.
“For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD; because they called thee an Outcast, saying, This is Zion, whom no man seeketh after.”
Have you been called an outcast? Have you been rejected by someone? Today, we have mothers and fathers rejecting each other and their children. Jesus rejected no one and even allowed the children to come and be healed, [see Matthew 19:14]. If you have been injured in any way, God will heal you. Pray and receive it now in Jesus Name. The Lord will do great things in your life every day when you trust and believe in Him.
“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
“We wrestle not against flesh and blood,” said the apostle, Paul. Yet, at times tempers flare up to where believers are at war with one another, and it becomes physical. Fighting over parking places, over food, and even clothing. Politeness and respect have gone out the door. Darkness seems to grow around our surroundings. The news hour is full of those who hate others, killings, and theft. Some are even rejoicing over what is happening. These actions are of the children of disobedience [see Ephesians 2:2]. These are those who are fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind.
The inner life of a believer is to walk worthy before the Lord and men. In Chapter six of Ephesians, Paul is addressing the warrior’s armor for the believer. Paul states the following.
“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11
We need to heed the scripture and put on the armour of God and pray to stand against the wiles of the devil. Wiles meaning to entice, deceive, and manipulate into doing something that is not right before God. We are to walk honestly, not in strife and envying. We are to put on the whole armor of God as is stated in Ephesians chapter six in order to withstand the evil that is happening every day.
We are to carry with us the truth of the Gospel. The breastplate of righteousness, which we have in Christ. Our feet shod for the preparation of the gospel of peace. Christ is our peace.
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27
Jesus said let not your heart be troubled or afraid.
“Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses.” Psalms 107:13
It is the shield of faith that will bring us through our distresses and God will deliver us from destructions [ see verse 20 of Psalms 107].
Faith in Christ Jesus is our shield. This is how we quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. We have the helmet of salvation, which is our protective covering from harm, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. We stand strong in the Lord when we read the word of God every day and mediate on its meaning. This is how we are sanctified. Jesus said, “the light of the body is the eye,” [Luke 11:35]. If your eye is single, it is full light and not darkness. We are to take heed what our own eye sees.
“Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness.” Luke 11:35
Make sure that you yourself are not drawn to darkness. Stand firm in the foundation of the Lord. We wrestle against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Our resource is the word of God and prayer. We rebuke the evil spirits at work and cast down every imagination that exalted itself against the knowledge of God, [see 2 Corinthains 10:5].
“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; Ephesians 6:18
We pray in the Spirit and watch with perseverance God’s intervention. We give thanks to the Lord always for His protective care.
Listen to Pilgrims Journey taken from Ephesians chapter six or visit Inge Schultz Music and read the post about it.
“We are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” Hebrews 10:10
Sanctification is through the body of Jesus Christ. The body of Christ on the cross is the final sacrifice for the remission of all sin. There is no other sacrifice but Christ, and He sat down on the right hand of God, [see Hebrews 10:12]. The death of Christ is the power of God unto salvation. We cannot within our own self achieve justification, sanctification, or glorification. These three processes are worked through the Holy Spirit through faith in Jesus Christ. This can only be achieved through the body of Jesus Christ who died for our sins and won the victory over death. Jesus said, “it is finished.” Sin and disease are finished in the name of Jesus.
Back in the 1980’s, I had written in my Bible the definition for sanctification. I did not fully understand what it meant, and I wondered how many Christians or Believers truly understand its meaning. I feel that somehow the meaning has been lost through the years of watering down what it means to be Holy before the Lord.
Sanctification is to separate from the world and consecrate oneself unto God. To sanctify means that it belongs to God. Sanctification is through the redemptive work of Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit. From Inge's Bible notes.
Sanctification is the work of Christ and the Holy Spirit. In otherwards, we cannot accomplish this in our own self-will. The work is done through faith in Christ Jesus. To be Holy is to be separated unto God. Thus, sanctification is separation from the world to dedication unto God. Through faith, a person becomes partakers of the divine nature of God. In 1 Thessalonians chapter four verse three we read the following:
“For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:”
1 Thessalonians 4:3
Sanctification is the will of God, and we should know how to hold ourselves in the process of becoming a vessel of honor for God. A vessel of honor is one who is pure in their mind and heart. They do not withhold any imperfections of sin before the Lord. They communicate and surrender all weaknesses to God through prayer daily. All is open before the Lord and nothing is withheld. Thus, they are clean before the Lord. Myer Pearlman stated, “cleanliness is a condition of holiness.” Israel as a nation was sanctified by the blood covenant sacrifice through the priesthood of Aaron’s sons.
“And he poured of the anointing oil upon Aaron’s head, and anointed him, to sanctify him.” Leviticus 8:12
The sons of Aaron who were chosen had to go through a washing, sprinkling of blood, and be anointed with oil before taking the office of a priest, [see Leviticus chapter 8]. Today, through the blood of Jesus we are made clean in order to have fellowship with God. As believers in Christ, we are also sanctified. We are washed clean of all sin, and this is where many stop in their consecration to God. Many do not move ahead in surrendering their all to God. However, God wants us to follow Christ and be sanctified. To be a clean person and have an open dialogue with God.
An open dialogue is talking to God on a daily basis. This is what prayer is all about. It is not a ritual or law; it is the freedom of an open dialogue with God. It is open communication with God. It is being consecrated to the service of God. Brother Lawrence, a French monk, practiced this daily and one can read about it in his book titled, “The Practice of the Presence of God. God has called us unto holiness and not uncleanness, [see 1 Thessalonians 4:7].
Sanctification involves possession by God, for we were bought with a price through the blood of Christ. Sanctification changes our position to being a child of God whereby we can cry “Abba” father. Sanctification is progressive in that we follow Christ and are in the process of taking on the divine character into the image of Christ. Sanctification is practical in righteous living every day for the glory of God.
Sanctification is the work of Grace to be free from sinful habits. What you cannot do God through the Holy Spirit is able to make the change within you. How wonderful this is to be free and holy before our Lord God. We must believe that it is finished. It is finished, because Christ died on the cross and has given us the victory over sin and death. We are sanctified through the word of God, and we are one in the Lord. Just meditate on this and read what Jesus said in John 17:16-22.
“They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
“Hear ye therefore the parable of the Sower.” Matthew 13:18
The parable of the Sower can explain the causes that hinders a believer’s growth. We are to grow into the image of Christ, for Christ is the incorruptible seed. The seed is grown into four different kinds of soil. The seed is the word of the gospel of Christ. This is the seed of faith. Faith in Jesus Christ who is the head of the church. This is the lively hope of an inheritance that is incorruptible and undefiled.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that faded not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.
1 Peter 1:3-5
We are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation, yet at times, we would with draw from the seed of faith to go a different way. The way of self is a person who has a strong will that professes to be a believer but has not fully surrendered their will to God. Many do not have the ear to fully listen to the truth about who Jesus is. Jesus spoke in parables because of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven [see Matthew 13:11]. Jesus said the “people’s heart is become gross, and their ears are dull of hearing,” [Matthew 13:15].
Has your heart become insensitive and your ears dull of hearing? Let us look at the four soils where the seed was planted. The first seed is on the wayside which has no root at all. It has no root because the wicked one has taken it away. This seed is the root of bitterness, criticism, doubt and unbelief. The second seed is sown in stony ground. This is a person who is moved by strong appeal and at first receives the message of the word with joy but falls away because of fear. They have not counted the cost of the gospel of Christ. They could not withstand tribulation and persecution.
The third seed is sown in thorny ground. This seed takes root but does not grow up to bear fruit. The thorns have sprung up around the plant and has overshadowed them. The cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches have choked them from bearing fruit. The lust for other things has choked the word from bearing good fruit [see Mark 4:19]. The fourth seed is grown in good ground. This seed has roots and has grown up to bear good fruits in different amounts. Some bear 100-fold, while others bear 60 and 30-fold. This seed hears and understands the word of God.
It is said that a lack of cultivation is the cause of many believers to not grow up and bear good fruit. Lack of knowledge of the word of God has led to a lack of growth. Cultivation means to till and fertilize the land. The soil needs to be prepared by breaking up the hardness of the soil and feeding it with fertilizer to soften the soil for the seed. Remember, Jesus said that the heart has become gross. In otherwards the heart is dull or insensitive to know and understand the word of God, therefore it needs to be tilled and fertilized.
The importance of the Holy Spirit to come and soften the hearts of men and women is vital in receiving the word of God. We must pray for the Spirit to move upon our dull hearts to hear the truth of the word of God. If you find yourself in one of the three grounds that do not grow, repent and pray to be delivered from that ground of soil and come into the new ground and become a new creation in Christ Jesus.
Believe in the incorruptible seed, which is Jesus who will take care of you, for He is the good shepherd that gave His life for the sheep [see John 10:11]. Surrender your will to Him and He will make sure to take care of all your needs. Stay the course in faith and you will bear fruit. Remember the three soils where there is no fruit and pray that your heart and ear do not become dull of hearing.
“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 Ghost;”
Titus 3:5
Saved and washed by Regeneration through Christ. Regeneration is the new birth into the family of God. “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible seed, by the word of God,” [see 1 Peter 1:23]. Regeneration is a total washing of sin and anything else that is unclean to a newness of life. It is a spiritual renewal from death to life. This is the new life imparted by God through the Holy Spirit. In other words, one cannot achieve the process of regeneration on their own. Regeneration requires the Holy Spirit to do the work of being born again. The apostle Paul stated that it is the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Spirit.
It is not by our own works of righteousness, but by the mercy and grace of God. We are quickened into a new creation through the operation of the Holy Spirit. We are born into the Spirit of Christ.
“Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
2 Corinthians 5:17
The apostle Paul told the Corinthians that if any man be in Christ, then he is a new creature. A new creation and whatever was before is now passed away. We must believe that this is so. This means that a change took place within the individual. The result is a new nature, character, desire, and purpose in life. This is why Paul stated, “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availed anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature,” [Galatians 6:15]. Are you a new creature in Christ? Have you experienced the spiritual renewal and the remission of sins? If your life is alienated from the life of God, then repent now and ask God to reveal what is holding you back from becoming a new creation in Christ.
We are to be renewed in the Spirit of our mind through the word of God. Paul tells the Ephesians to put off the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts. [see Ephesians 4:24.] We are not to give place to the devil by going back to our old ways of life. No, there is a change to take place within our nature. That change comes by faith in Jesus Christ. Our part is to repent and have faith in Jesus who is the giver of everlasting life. Jesus who died for our sins on the cross. Jesus told Nicodemus the following:
“Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” John 3:5
Born of water and the Spirit. The washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit. Our soul, body, and spirit are quickened by the Holy Spirit. This seems hard to believe, but it is true and can only happen when we have surrendered all to Him. Sometimes a person may need more time in surrendering all to Jesus. An individual may need time in gaining an understanding on how God works. When we believe in Christ, the ministry of reconciliation begins. This is the process of reconciling all men to God. When we believe, our position changes. When we believe, we are adopted into the family of God. This is the privilege of becoming His child. There are three effects to regeneration. It is adoption, spiritual union with God, and righteous living.
There must be a demonstration in an individual character and nature by letting go of the past life and witnessing the victory over sin and temptation. The fruit of the Spirit must work through the individual into the image of Christ. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, and gentleness as is stated in Galatians 5:22. Every day we must surrender our self-will to that of the will of God. We must know within our own heart that we have been changed. We are justified by faith. As we believe Jesus who is the author of our faith, He will finish the divine work through the Holy Spirit. We must go on to perfection in God. To be complete in Him. There are three stages to perfection. That of positional in Christ, continuing in absolute perfection in Christ towards maturity, and ultimate perfection at the time of His resurrection.
As a believer in Christ, we take all things to God in prayer. We do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, for those who believe are sealed with the inheritance until redemption. [see Ephesians 1:14]. We are dependent upon the divine acts of God through the Holy Spirit. Thus, with the washing of regeneration, we have a clear conscious before God and man. We are renewed through the Holy Spirit every day to do the will of God.
Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
“He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;”
Romans 4:20
Are you strong in faith, giving glory to God? What does it mean to be strong in faith? It means not to walk or move unsteadily. It means having a sure foundation under your feet. The apostle Paul gave the example of Abraham who “being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead,” [see Romans 4:19]. Let us remember Abraham at that time was a hundred years old. Abraham belief what God said despite his own current condition. Abraham focus was placed in God’s promise and vision. It took 25 years for the promise of Isaac to be fulfilled. Our justification stands on a foundation that cannot be moved.
“Therefore, thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.”
Isaiah 28:16
We should not rush nor be impatient at the promises of God to unfold. We must wait on the Lord God for the promise to unfold and become a reality. We should make sure that we are standing on a firm foundation. Paul said that there is no other foundation a man can lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ, [1 Corinthians 3:11]. Salvation is through Jesus who gives us His righteousness and justification. Justification is a change in our position of condemnation towards a pardon of all sins. Through Christ all condemnation is removed. Whatever covenant you had before will be disannulled. Whatever agreement with hell shall not stand but be broken in the name of Jesus.
“And your covenant with death shall be disannulled, and your agreement with hell shall not stand.”
Isaiah 28:18
Any kind of occult practice or witchcraft will be broken in the name of Jesus. Any kind of Divination such as psychic healing, horoscopes, palm reading, tarot cards, fortune telling, magic, witchcraft, crystal healing and sorcery are an abomination unto the Lord, [see Deuteronomy 18:10-13]. God wants you to be clean of all these things. A pastor revealed to me how the younger generation was into occultic practices in his city. The pastor told me how they had a burning barrel in the parking lot so those who believe in Jesus came and brought their occultic books to be burned.
This is what happened at Ephesus where miracles were happening under the hands of Paul. Acts chapter 19 verses 18 and 19 conveyed that those who believed came, confessed, and showed their deeds. There were many who used magical arts, who brought their books and burned them before all men. In verse 19 of chapter 19 of Acts, the books burned was worth fifty thousand pieces of silver. Today, this is about 5 million dollars. We must not hold anything back but believe, confess, and show what we have done. What a testimony to hear that the Lord God can perform the change in an individual’s life. Give glory to God for the wonderful things He has done.
The testimony of the restored are those who believe the word of God. There is a physical manifestation of a change within the individual. This is a divine intervention that they have changed their position from death to life. Can you continue like Abraham to stand and not stagger in your faith in Jesus? Can you have the vision that your own body is not dead but alive unto God? Jesus is the power of God to transform humanity from the power of Satan. Any covenant with death shall be disannulled, and your agreement with hell shall not stand. We must believe that this is so. This is done, for our victory is in what Jesus has done on the cross.
Let us always stand strong in faith giving God the glory for His divine intervention. Keep God’s vision for your life and you will know without a doubt that your condition will change. Praise God, you will not look at your own body as dead, but alive unto God. Like Abraham we will believe that God will perform what He has promised.
” Being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.”
“I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”
Romans 1:16
We should not be ashamed of the gospel of Christ states the apostle, Paul. Why? Because the gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes. The just shall live by faith. Through faith the power of God is revealed in the manifestation of God working through man. The key word in Romans chapter one, verse sixteen is salvation. Christ is the power of God unto salvation. The Hebrew word for salvation is “Yeshua,” to be saved and or delivered from the penalty of sin. Salvation also carries the act of being saved from danger, devastation, and oppression.
The Christian is saved from the penalty of sin, and from the habit and dominion of sin. Salvation signifies deliverance, preservation, and healing. Salvation brings the Redemptive work and process of justification, sanctification, and glorification. These are acts and processes that God through the Spirit works through man to perfect and preserve him for the coming of the Lord. To believe is the key to the processes of justification, sanctification, and glorification. As human beings we cannot obtain the finishing touches of these three processes on our own. They are the creation and manifestation of God. Judgement came through Adam’s sin; however, justification of life came through Christ.
“Therefore, as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.”
Romans 5:18
The free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. The transformative power of God that all man and women are to be changed from glory to glory into the image of Christ. The gospel of Christ is the power of God because of the blood sacrifice of Christ. We were bought with a prize for a purpose. This is our purpose to be a child of God in righteousness. We can have fellowship with God. We are in the process of sanctification. Being separated unto God. Being freed from all dominion of sin, we now sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus [see Ephesians 2:6].
How amazing is the love of God to allow us to set in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. We have not experienced what this really means. The authority we have through Jesus Christ. Christ sacrifice on the cross has freed us from Satan’s bondage. But our lack of faith will keep us in bondage if we do not surrender and trust in God fully. Every day we must yield ourselves to God and make our profession to God and men without any regret. We should not be ashamed of the gospel of Christ. The gospel of Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. We should be ashamed of our own sin that has kept us bondage.
Christ is the power of God unto salvation, justification, sanctification, and glorification. Remember these four words, for they bring in the power of God through the Holy Spirit to change us into the image of Christ and to do good works for the glory of God. This is our identity. To sit together with Christ in heavenly places. Paul told the Corinthians to “examine yourselves, whether you are in the faith,” [2 Corinthians 13:5]. Paul stated further, “know ye not yourselves how Jesus Christ is in you?” Whatever we cannot imagine, or even believe, let us confess it to God. “Help thou mine unbelief,” said the father of the child [see Mark 9:24].
Let us examine ourselves if we are in the faith. That we believe in Jesus, who is the author and finisher of our faith. That we are not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for He is the power of God. We bring our weaknesses to God through prayer and through the power of God in Jesus name we are changed. Changed from any habit of sin that would bound us to become the children of disobedience. What was it that Jesus said to the father of the child, “if thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth,” [Luke 9:23]. Trust in the maker of all things. Stand, believe, and be changed.
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”
Galatians 6:7
The apostle Paul is making a statement to the Galatians to not make the mistake of thinking that one can mock God in their own achievements. In otherwards, one cannot ridicule or belittle God in what they decide to do themselves. Whatsoever it is, is what a man sows in life. This is what he will also reap. Whether for good or bad. I am amazed at what I see in the world today. I hear the statement “as it was in the days of Noah,” and everyone shakes their head in agreement. However, we must take note that whatever a man or woman sows today, that is what they will reap. The word [reap] is the harvest in the field. This is a new way of understanding its meaning. What kind of harvest is man reaping? What is the end result to what you are reaping? We have heard the following scripture mentioned from the pulpit:
“For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”
1 Timothy 6:10
When we make money our focus in life, we fall into coveting. Our focus is on the thing we desire instead of focusing on eternal life through Jesus. Our focus becomes our strong desire. When it is achieved, it brings pride, and we begin to exalt our own achievements. We may ask ourselves how God can know anything and where is the knowledge of God? At this point we have lost touch with God and have gone a different way. What does the apostle Paul have to say about this?
“For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceived himself.”
Galatians 6:3
As soon as you think you are something, you have deceived yourself. Why? Because you have fallen like Satan who also thought he was above God and like God. God wants you to see the difference between the reaping process of what you will reap. God wants you to be at peace in what you are sowing and reaping. What kind of harvest are you producing in your life? God wants you to be a new creation in Christ Jesus. That we should prosper as our soul prospers and that we should be in good health. What are we sowing today in your life? This is what we should question daily. Let us continually sow good through the Spirit of Christ.
“For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.”
Galatians 6:8
If we sow towards our flesh or desires, we will reap corruption, but if we sow to the Spirit, we will reap life everlasting. If we walk in the Spirit, we will not fulfill the lust of the flesh [see Galatians 5:16]. This is our sanctification which is through the Spirit. This is the process of being purified. The process of resting in the Lord. The process of bringing our burdens to the Lord.
“Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.”
Psalms 55:22
The new life we have in Christ is staying the course in faith. Let us bring our own weaknesses to the Lord. Let us confess Lord, I cannot do it, but you can Lord. Your grace is sufficient [see 2 Corinthians 12:9]. Bring your burdens to the Lord and without a doubt our God will sustain you. God will strengthen your walk and give you wisdom. You do not have to carry a heavy load anymore. Peter tells us to cast our care upon the Lord [see 1 Peter 5:7]. We must believe that God will supply all our needs. Our reaping is dependent upon what we desire the most. Make Jesus your desire and all these things will be added unto you [see Matthew 6:32]. Food, clothing, house, etc. God knows you have need of these things. Believe, and he will supply all your needs. Study to show that you are approved by God. A workman who is not ashamed [see 2 Timothy 2:15]. When you walk in the Spirit of Christ, you will reap everlasting life and not corruption. Stay the course and when opportunity arises do good unto all men, for God is not mocked.
Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Galatians 3:2
The gift of the Holy Spirit is given by Faith. In otherwards one must believe in the giver of the Holy Spirit. Who is the giver? It is Jesus Christ. Listen to what Jesus said.
“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever;”
John 14:16
Jesus said He would pray to the Father for the comforter to come and be with us forever. Can you imagine what this means? I am still amazed about the Holy Spirit and how the church can so easily overlook its work within the believer’s life. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth that the world cannot receive but we who are Christians should know him for He dwelleth within you [see John14:17]. If you are born again and baptized in Christ, you have the Spirit of Christ living inside you. The Holy Spirit will help our walk and give us directions. The Holy Spirit will help us to understand the word of God. The Holy Spirit will open our eyes to see the will of God. We will not stand alone when we acknowledge the Holy Spirit presence in our life.
Look at what happened to those who were disciples of John the Baptist. The apostle Paul asked them if they have received the Holy Spirit since they believed? What was their response? “We have not heard whether there is a Holy Spirit? [see The Acts 19:2-3]. Paul told them that John Baptized with the baptism of repentance, but they should believe in Jesus. Paul laid his hands on them and the Holy Spirit came upon them and they spoke with tongues and prophesied [see The Acts 19:4-6]. Can you imagine these disciples of John speaking in tongues and prophesying.
This was my experience. Repentance and knowing that I have sinned. Jesus who for gave me and washed me clean from the guilt of sin. Being born again into a new life to where I could be free from the burden of sin. This is the liberty we have in Christ. This happened in 1974 when the movement of the Holy Spirit [the charismatic movement] begun in Seattle, Washington. I was not the only one, there were others. A group of young people wanted all what God had to offer them. We were hungry for more of God. We ended up at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Seattle, Washington. When the altar call was given, we flew to the alter and Dennis Bennett laid hands upon our heads, and we began to speak in tongues. At the time we did not know anything about the Holy Spirit.
Mainline protestant churches were experiencing outbreak of the Holy Spirit were people spoke in tongues. I was at the time attending the Presbyterian church on Queen Anne Hill in Seattle. I was a part of the youth group that meet weekly at the church. I heard from a brother that the Elders of the church had a meeting and announced during a service that I had missed, that the speaking in tongues had to stop. That it was of the devil. I was confused for why would God give us the gift that was from the devil? Later I found that this was really a matter of control within the body of Christ. It was not what the elders would endorse. Having had this experience stunted my growth as a Christian, but I began to read books on the subject and study in the Bible what the Holy Spirit was all about. The issue is ignorance about the Holy Spirit and not moving in the will of God. Remember the apostle Paul said, ” I speak with tongues more than ye all,” [1 Corinthians 14:18].
Needless to say, the charismatic movement carried on in the 80’s and the 90’s here in the Pacific Northwest. As I moved in the Spirit and performed Gospel music in many churches, God was manifesting himself among the people with healing. The Holy Spirit will always point to Christ. If it is any other Spirit that only speaks of itself, it is not the Holy Spirit. John tells us to test the Spirits whether they be of God or not [see 1 John 4:1]. Ask if Jesus Christ is come in the flesh [1 John 4:2]. If they do not answer or state no, it is not of the Holy Spirit. We must grow and know the will of God. There should be no fear when God has supplied us with the answer in the word of God [the Holy Bible]. The Holy Spirit will teach us and show us what we need to know. We can read about the Spirit in 1 Corinthians chapters 12 to 14. Do not deny the Holy Spirit work in your own life. You do not need anyone to lay hands on you today to receive the Holy Spirit. Pray, ask, and believe in faith and receive the Holy Spirit.
“For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.”
Romans 7:18
Do you have victory over sin in your flesh? Many Christians today live only a moderate quality of life as a Christian. They have been born again but stopped after finding that they could not perform the good that they wanted to do. Whatever bondage held them back from moving forward with God has hindered them. Many have used their own will to achieve the goal of being a good Christian but have fallen back into their old habits. Every Christian will struggle against the indwelling sin until they have surrender it all to God. The burden we carry of unresolved sins sits deep within our heart and we do not understand how to resolve this issue of our own sin.
How to perform that which is good is far from our hands to do. Have we taken it to the Lord in prayer. How can our soul be converted from sin? Many tried to perfect themselves, but in the process, they have denied the fact that they cannot cleanse themselves from their own sins. The law written in the word of God was to show the impossibility of man to reproof himself. We have examples of battles in the Bible where man stood in fear of the Lord not knowing what to do. They prayed like Jehoshaphat’s who sought after the Lord along with the people of Judah and Jerusalem. Let your request be made known unto the Lord. They were about to be invaded by Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir. What happened? God answered Jehoshaphat’s prayer and told him to not be afraid for the battle is not theirs but the Lord God’s [see 2 Chronicles 20:15]. Now you may think this does not apply, but what about the woman taken in adultery? Jesus said, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.” [John 8:7].
No one could cast the first stone. Jesus asked,” where are your accusers.” She replied, “no one Lord.” Jesus said, “neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.” God provided a way, and it was not in the hands of men. The law points to sin, but God is saying that the battle belongs to Him. God provided a way, and it is through Christ death on the cross. Most Christians believe that Christ provided victory over sin and death, but they do not know how to apply it to themselves. We are kept by the power of God through faith. Our faith is in Jesus, for He is our sacrifice for our sins. The battle is already won through the cross of Christ. You must believe it to be so. It is done. The victory is in Christ. You must take your position in Christ and walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh.
“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”
John 14:26
Many just do not understand the importance of the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit who will teach us all things we need to know about Christ, our inheritance, our position in Christ, and the coming of Christ. The Holy Spirit is the anointing that we need to understand the word of God. It is the Holy Spirit who will help us to perform good works in the name of Christ. We must come to the fact that we are a wretched man who can only be saved through the blood of Christ. We must believe that He paid for our sins. The apostle Paul reveled that the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made us free from the law of sin and death. [see Romans 8:2]. We lay down our weaknesses with confession through faith in Christ. It is the denying of our own self-will that we lay down at the cross daily in order to live and walk in the Spirit.
The law of the Spirit gives us the power over the law of sin. [see Romans 8:2].
To perform that which is good is done by the power of God through the Holy Spirit. Total surrender of our will is the only way we can allow the Spirit to work through our bodies and mind to that of Christ. Whatever we cannot do, it is possible with God. [see Luke 18:27]. By grace we are saved. And we have been raised up together and made to sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus, [Ephesians 2:6]. We have been grafted into the Vine of Christ and any branch that is in us that bears no fruit will be purged in fire. We are cleansed through the word of God. God has made us able to do His will. It is Christ who made the way and said, “go and sin no more.” It is through Christ that the power of God through the Spirit that gives us life and forgiveness.
“Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever.” Amen
“Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?”
Romans 6:16
Obedience to the divine commandments or instructions of God. Most human beings do not adhere to God’s commandments. We do not want to hear about the consequences for our actions, or the result that it could cause death. The apostle Paul asked the question “do we know to whom we yield ourselves to?” The old man through Adam is unrenewed because of sin, but Christ through His death has given us the new man in righteousness. As Christians we now walk in newness of life through what Jesus did on the cross.
If we go back to verse 13 of Romans chapter six, Paul is stating that we do not yield our members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin but instead yield our members unto God. Sin shall not have dominion over us, for we are no longer under the law but under grace. We became servants of righteousness and not sin. There is no good fruit in serving sin or our lusts. Every man “is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.” [see James 1:14]. We are to put to death through prayer the deeds of sin such as covertness, hatred, strive, envying’s, murders, and drunkenness. [See Galatians 5:19-21].
Obedience is to be fulfilled when we are ready to punish every act of disobedience. [see 2 Corinthians 10:6]. Obedience is linked to faith and rightly so for Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. Jesus himself learned obedience through what He suffered.
“And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;”
Hebrews 5:9
All of them that obey Jesus. Jesus was “called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.” [see Hebrews 5:10]. Faith is believed in Jesus. He is our salvation. He is the one that has overcome sin and death. It is Jesus who can help our weakness through the Holy Spirit. We come to Jesus to lay our burden down and our sins. Obedience and faith demand that we repent and surrender in order to receive His righteousness. That we cast down all “imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” [2 Corinthians 10:5]
Have we done this? Repent and receive His righteousness. Casting down all evil imaginations. Let us have an encounter with God to the full assurance He will perform and restore our soul.
He will lead us in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Can we say like David that God’s rod and staff comfort us. David who repented and obeyed. Can we all dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Yes, do not allow sin to hold you captive any longer.
We cannot establish our own righteousness. We have obtained righteousness through Jesus Christ. Righteousness that is of faith and not of works. Righteousness that is by obedience and faith in Christ Jesus. He will restore the Joy of our salvation. Obedience to the point of friendship, for a servant does not know what his master is doing. [see John 15:15]. Listen to the words of Jesus.
“If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my father’s commandments and abide in his love.”
John 15:10
Jesus spoke these things that our joy might be full. Is your joy full? Press in deeper and obey and stay within the love of God. We are to grow and become more than just servants. We are to be friends that know what the will of God is. He has chosen us and ordained us to bear good fruit. [see John 15:16]. Let us continue in His love by keeping and obeying His word. As we repent and obey, we have His righteousness along with the fullness of joy, love, and peace.
