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I Am the Door

I am the door; by me if any man enters in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
John 10:9

There are some that would enter the fold of the body of Christ another way, however; Jesus said that He is the only door for man to enter and be saved. The question is, have you entered into the fold through Jesus? Is Jesus your good Shepherd? Is he guiding you in and out of the green pastures? The green pasture is a place of rest where the sheep can eat in peace. The sheep do not need to worry about the thieves and robbers at this point, for the Shepherd looks out for their every need. We sometimes forget that we have a great Shepherd who is desirous to care and see to our every need. All we have to do is ask. Sometimes just asking God for help is the problem that we have. It could be that we do not think that He really cares for us. Maybe we feel that He is too far away to hear us. Yet, the Shepherd is never too far away to hear his own flock of sheep. Can we say that the Lord is our Shepherd like David did in Psalms 23? What did David say about the shepherd?

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul; he leadeth me in the paths of righteouness for his name’s sake.
Psalms 23:1-3

In Psalms 23, King David tells us that the Lord is his shepherd who makes him lie down in green pastures and leads him to the still waters. David also tells us that his soul is restored as the Lord leads him in the path of righteousness. This is like going on a picnic where one finds nice green grass to sit on near a stream to eat and relax. The atmosphere is total serenity that one can even fall asleep on a beautiful sunny day. So peaceful, this is when lying down on the soft green grass under the shade of a tree and listening to the water run down the stream. Have you ever experienced this? If you have, then you will know how peaceful it can be. This is exactly the place for the sheep to be, yet we cannot always conceive this image in our own minds. We are ready to faint from the excursion of just trying to get to the place of rest and peace. Our soul needs restoring from all the things it has touched in the world we live in. We definitely need to be guided into the paths of His righteousness and not our own righteousness. Our own righteousness means nothing when compared to the great Shepherd who knows us intimately. Some may even find it an impossibility that the Shepherd already knows us.

In Psalms 139 in verse 16, David states, “thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unformed; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.” David exclaims, “How precious are your thoughts towards me, O God!” Yes, how precious are the Lord’s thoughts towards each of us that our members were written down in His book. The good shepherd knows his sheep, and the sheep only listen to his voice to follow him. The good shepherd gives his life for the sheep and does not allow any man to be plucked out of His fold. Only believers are in the fold of the Shepherd. No one is ever left out unless he willfully makes that choice. Each person has the choice to believe in the good Shepherd. It is individuals disbelieve that keeps him or her outside the fold of the good Shepherd. But look at verse 16 of John chapter 10. Jesus said that He would bring the other sheep into the fold. Jesus said He will bring them in. Jesus said, “There shall be one fold, and one shepherd.” Anyone can enter into the fold when coming through Christ by believing in Christ’s atonement.

One-fold, one shepherd, one body, one spirit, and one Lord of all. Is he your Lord? Do you know what it means to be truly lost? Have you ever been lost on a trail while hiking? How about being lost in a city you are not familiar with? I had run away from home as a teen in the city of Perth in Western Australia. There was no peace at home, and I just wanted to get away to find some peace. However, there are dangers out in the world that one can’t see ahead of time. I was physically assaulted in a park, and I cried out to God to save me. Save me he did, I stumbled around the city of Perth not knowing where I was going, and I heard his voice telling me I had to go back home. Nothing like arguing with God about the situation at home, let alone being assaulted. But that is exactly what I did. I argued with God. Plus, I told him I was lost and did not know the way back home. This was not a problem for God, as my eyes were closed and tears running down my face, He translated me back one block away to where home was. I did not see it happened, but when I opened my eyes, I knew I was in a different place from where I originally was. I just had to accept it for what it was. His voice gave me the assurance as He spoke that He would be with me and help me to bear the verbal abuse that I would receive. No one can tell me that He [God] is not interested in bringing in other sheep into the fold, for I am one of those sheep.

There is something else to take into consideration. Jesus mentions the thief in verse 10 of chapter 10 of the Gospel of John. The thief’s purpose is to steal, kill, and destroy. Who is this thief that would enter into the fold or pluck one of the sheep out of the hand of the good Shepherd? Anyone who is not a believer, and anyone who lives a life of disobedience from God. Those who follow their own will or the will of another man. Those who are under the influence of the devil. Have you ever considered what the word “devil” literally means? The word “devil” means a “slanderer.” A slanderer is one who makes false and damaging statements about someone. It is a person who slanders both God and man. The devil is the fallen angel who desired others to worship him instead of God. Just look at what he told Jesus in Matthew 4:8-9. The devil told Jesus that he would give him the kingdoms in the world if Jesus would only bow down and worship him. In verse 10 Jesus said, “Begone! Satan: for it is written, “Thou shalt worship the Lord, thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” Be careful to whom you follow or worship. The devil left Jesus and the angels came and ministered unto him [see verse 11 of Matthew chapter 4].

Each of us is to remember the words spoken in the Bible and pray for understanding as to its meaning. Jesus knew the father. To know is to have knowledge and recognition about something, or a person. It is more than just to know about a person. It is believing in that person for who they are as an individual. Building trust with that person is the key to fellowship. Can we have that kind of trust with God? King David had that kind of trust in God in that he believed in God’s goodness and mercy. He knew that each person has their appointed time here on earth. He knew that God would see him through troubled times. David also knew when he was at fault. That is why we pray that we would not to be led into temptation, but out of temptation, and from the evil one [see Luke 11:3].

We must remember that we are kept by the power of God through faith. And faith is believing in who Jesus is. Salvation and healing are in the atonement through Christ Jesus. Therefore, the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if [they] have committed any sins, they shall be forgiven [see James 5:15]. We draw near to the Shepherd of Love in humble obedience knowing He will see to our needs. All things are within the Shepherd’s capable hands. It is the meek who shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace [see Psalms 37:11]. Our path is in the Lord’s hand, and He is our Shepherd. Nothing is withheld that the Lord is not generous if we but ask Him for help. He helps us and instructs us through the word [the Bible]. Put your trust in his word and draw near to the Shepherd that you may declare His works. Trust Him to guide you in and out of green pastures so that your soul may be restored to living in love and peace. Ask the Lord for help and declare the work He has done in your life. Allow His spirit to restore your soul today in Jesus’ name and be healed, forgiven, and saved. Always pray without ceasing, rebuke the devil, and stay in the fold of the good Shepherd.

It is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.
Psalms 73:28

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.

Let not your heart be troubled

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.” John 14:1

Jesus said, “Let not your heart be troubled.” Is your heart troubled today? Are you being pressured, distracted, or distressed by circumstances that you have no control over? Some are on the brink of exploding because they have no way of intervening in a situation that has gotten out of control. Not only are adults feeling this, but children also are feeling the pain of distress. A teacher told my husband that during recess, they let the children scream in the school playground, for many are distressed at home. Children, like adults, have questions as to why things are the way they are. The importance of knowledge and understanding is the key to life. Understanding the word of God, the testimonies that are in the word. Understanding His voice in the word is to bring comfort to our hearts when we are pressured by the things that are happening around us.

Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me: yet thy commandments are my delights. The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live. Psalms 119:143-144

Has trouble and anguish taken hold of you? Look to the word and believe in God and Jesus. As a child, I memorized the Ten Commandments. After reciting the commandments in Sunday school, I was given a Bible. I was 9 years old. I slept with that Bible under my pillow. I knew it was a precious gift, but I did not understand it. I believe in God, but I did not know who Jesus was. I needed comfort and love. Have you ever felt out of place, like you do not belong in the place you are in at the moment? When I moved to Perth, Western Australia, I felt that I had come home. Although I didn’t have any relatives there, it was an act of charity. “Charity embraces all acts that contribute to human welfare,” as the Merriam-Webster dictionary stated. This is what Jesus meant when He said, “to love one another,” in John 13:34. The act of love is a sacrifice that many do not give of themselves because they have not witnessed it in their own life.

Yet, here in John chapter 14, Jesus states, “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” I have been in many houses and have seen the different styles and layouts of homes. I wondered what kind of mansion Jesus was preparing for me. Could trouble change what I believe in and vice versa? Who do we go to for help? Do we not pray to God for help? Jesus goes out of his way to convey that He is the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father God but through Jesus. Why? Because Jesus is the act of love, the final sacrifice for all humanity. Jesus is the one who will receive us, just where we are, in any moment in time. Jesus has an intimate relationship with the Father.

“Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.” John 14:10

If you believe in God, can you believe in Jesus? Can you believe that the Father is in Jesus? If not, believe in the works, the miracles of healing, and the unexplained things that have happened in your life. That saving grace of God in protecting you before He comes to receive you. You must know him before your own death. Before you go to the place prepared for you. Our hearts are not to be troubled when Jesus has provided the way to truth and life. The Father is doing the work, states Jesus. Jesus exclaims, “Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me,” [see John 14:11]. Relationship and obedience go hand in hand, for Jesus spoke the words of the Father in obedience. Believing in someone is a relationship. A relationship is being connected.

Jesus wanted his disciples to be connected with him and the Father. Therefore, he gave the promise of the Holy Spirit as a comforter. The Holy Spirit is the consoler, helper, and the Spirit of truth to the believer’s ignorance.

“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;” John 14:16

The Comforter, the Holy Spirit, is to abide with us forever. Jesus prayed to the Father for this to happen. This was not only for the disciples in Christ, but for all believers in the body, the church of Christ. A relationship is a connection with God through Christ. This is the ministry of reconciliation, as Paul stated in 2 Corinthians 5:18, “And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation.” God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself. This is the truth of Christ within the believer who believes in Christ as the Son of God. Our hearts need not be troubled when we have a relationship with God through Christ. When we are reconciled to God and are connected to him through the Holy Spirit. We can pray and ask anything in Jesus’ name and He will do it, so the Father may be glorified in the Son [see John 14:13].

I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ

“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.

Have You Obtained Salvation?

For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,”
1 Thessalonians 5:9

Have you obtained salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ? Many may be confused as to the truth of the reality of what being saved is. The terminology used such as “Have you accepted Christ,” may have watered down the true meaning of salvation. To accept is to take or receive something. We must question what we are taking and receiving? Believe on the other hand is to accept something as the truth. Salvation is more than just receiving something. Salvation is repentance and faith. One cannot accept something without repentance. A.W. Tozer said, “easy acceptance” has been fatal to millions of people who may have stopped short in matters of faith and obedience,” [see the book titled, “Discipleship: What It Truly Means to Be a Christian–Collected Insights from A. W. Tozer”]. Tozer called this a “fleeting formality of “accepting Christ,” and a great, great number of them are still not saved,” [A. W. Tozer. Discipleship: What It Truly Means to Be a Christian]. Anyone can accept Christ as a prophet, or a miracle worker without any remorse of their own sins. There is no real change in that individual’s heart.

Repentance is the complete turnaround from the bondage of sin and death to new life in Christ Jesus. Repentance is to change your mind from going your own way to going a new way under the authority of God. We repent as sinners, for we have transgress the commandment of the law of God. Sin is disobedience from God’s will and word. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God [see Romans 3:23].

“For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.“
Romans 6:20-23

How can you receive the gift of God without dealing with the wages of sin in your own life. A person may give intellectual consent without committing his life to the Lord Jesus Christ. What did the apostle Paul say about being saved.

If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.“
Romans 10:9-10

Have you confessed with your mouth the Lord Jesus Christ? In Romans chapter ten verses 9 to 10, Paul states that believe in the heart and confession is made unto salvation. It isn’t just confession or believe, it is both confession and to believe. It is godly sorrow that works repentance to salvation [see 2 Corinthians 7:10]. Many do not count the cost of discipleship as is written in Matthew 10:24-33. Look carefully at verses 32 and 33.

Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.”
Matthew 10:32-33

The gate is a narrow gate and not a wide one when it comes to salvation. Jesus said we will know them by their fruits. Are you doing the will of the father? Is your salvation from confession of your sins and believe in what Jesus did for you on the cross? Listen carefully and know for sure within your own heart that you have salvation. Remember to get, acquire, and be secure in your salvation. The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Make sure of your confession of sin and believe in Jesus Christ and His resurrection from the dead.

Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.”
Matthew 7:21

God has not appointed us to wrath but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ. His Love for us is a sure thing and that love will enter our heart as we yield ourselves to Him for our salvation.

Power to Heal

“And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.”
Matthew 10:1

Who gave the power to heal all diseases? It was Jesus who gave the twelve disciples the power, but he also gave the appointed seventy the power to heal in Luke chapter ten. The Strong’s Greek word is “exousia,” which means power and authority. It is Jesus who gave them this power and authority. This is no small act to be given this authority. Jesus was revealing what the kingdom of heaven was all about. It was about healing the sick, cleansing the lepers, raising the dead, and casting out demons, [see Matthew 10:8]. When Jesus gave the twelve disciples this authority the mission was to the house of Israel. Later it was to the whole world, that the kingdom of heaven is at hand. At hand means it is available. It is available right now.

Available right now, is this possible? Yes, it is possible today and in the future. Yet, many believe that this power was only for the First Century. However, the power of Jesus moved throughout the centuries. The power of Jesus doesn’t change during any time period. That is why we can trust in the power of Jesus to move mountains.

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today, and forever.”
Hebrews 13:8

God is using individuals who have the faith to move mountains. There have been certain time periods where the anointing was strong to where the power of the Lord was present to heal the people who needed that healing. One person that comes to my mind is Kathryn Kuhlman, a women evangelist who was known as a faith healer. I have watched TV broadcastings of the healing crusades. Many men envied her ministry and criticized her for being in and doing the work of an evangelist. In listening to one of her tapes she exclaimed that God had a man envisioned for this job, but for whatever reason he declined, and God used her to go forth and heal the sick. Many were healed during those crusades even though there was a lot of controversy if people were really healed. Only God knows the truth. When some asked her why everyone was not healed, she said she did not understand why everyone was not healed. The scripture tells us that it is unbelief that keeps a person from receiving their own healing. Jesus gave the reason for not doing many mighty works due to the people’s own unbelief in his own country, [see Matthew 13:58].

Two blind men followed Jesus’ crying, “Thou Son of David, have mercy on us,” [Matthew 9:27]. Jesus said, “Believe ye that I am able to do this?” They said, “yes.” Jesus then touched their eyes saying, “according to your faith be it unto you.” According to your faith is the measure you will receive. Oh God! Enlarge our faith to believe and receive what you have for us. Help us to trust in you at all times.

These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.
1 John 5:13

Do you have confidence in the son of God? He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself [see 1 John 5:10]. Can we see that as believers we have the witness within ourselves? Or do we just have a form of godliness but deny the power that Jesus gave to each believer. Are we denying the power of Jesus? Or are we changing the Bible truth for another truth where there is no power to overcome and receive forgiveness and healing. How far does your trust in God go? Are you limiting God from blessing you? Have you heard of the words Good, better, and best? Sometimes we pass over the best because we just do not want to hear it. Our part in surrendering to the Lord is just too hard a task to do, and we accept the good position instead of the best position we can have in Christ Jesus. God wants us to mature from good, to better, to the best. This is the beginning in believing and receiving what God has revealed to us. It also means to move forward in loving obedience towards what God has for us to do. Faith and works go hand in hand, they are not separate.

Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.”
James 2:17

Our faith will be tested to ensure that we are following in obedience like Abraham who by his works was faith made perfect when he offered Isaac, his son. Abraham was called the friend of God, [see James 2:21-23]. We act out what we believe or not believe. God is wanting us to move forward in maturity and in power. The kingdom of God is near you, and you have the witness of the Holy Spirit within you right now. If you have any lack in your life, ask God to provide it and believe you will receive it. Let nothing hold you back from receiving what God has for you.

And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.”
Matthew 21:22

Ask and receive. Believe and receive and continue to walk in the truth of God’s word. Be ready for the latter rain to bring in the harvest. The latter rain is needed for the maturation of the harvest. The righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith as it is written, the just shall live by faith, [Romans 1:17]. We must believe in the power to heal which is in the hand of Jesus. What was it that the seventy said when they returned with joy? “Lord, even the demons are subject unto us through your name,” [see Luke 10:17]. And Jesus said to them, “I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven,” [Luke 10:18]. What a reply! All things are subject through the name of Jesus because He is the son of God. Just listen to the following scripture.

If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. But if I do, though you believe not me, believe the works, that you may know, and believe, that the father is in me, and I in him.”
John 10:37-38

Believe the works that you may know and believe. Have you seen the works? I have witnessed the healing power of God, but sometimes even I fall short in believing that the power of Jesus can heal me. I must remember that whatever period in time when there is a need for healing, I must believe in the power of Jesus that He will heal me of all my own aliments. I must believe that He will heal all manner of sicknesses and all manner of diseases. May the power of Jesus manifest itself in my daily life. Let my faith grow to believe that Jesus has given us the power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt us, [see Luke 10:19]. Oh! Read on to verse 21 of Luke chapter 10, Jesus is thanking the Father that He is revealing this to babes and has hidden this from the wise and prudent. Babes are those who are new believers in Christ. Where you are right now in your walk with God, keep moving forward in faith through Jesus Christ, for He has given you the power to heal. Remember the kingdom of God is near you.

The Law of the Spirit of Life

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

The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has freed us from the law of sin and death. What does this really mean for Christians today? What is the law of the Spirit of life? I can remember some leaders say that being a Christian isn’t a bed of roses, for roses have thorns. It goes without saying that life itself has thorns that prick and can make us bleed. This becomes the acceptable fact of life due to Adams sin which brought condemnation into the world. The consequence of Adams sin made us all sinners, and this brought moral breakdown upon all humanity. This is the universal state of man’s nature which brings the moral state of fallen humanity. We inherited this nature from Adam’s sin. God’s grace through Jesus Christ changes us because of the blood sacrifice on the cross. Jesus himself being righteous in the father’s eye gave us a new inheritance that brings us life instead of death. The apostle Paul affirms this in the following scripture.

“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:”
Romans 5:12

The apostle Paul was explaining the difference between justification and condemnation. We are justified by the blood of Jesus. The death of Jesus made it possible for us to live under God’s grace. Christ death has reconciled us back to God. This is the condition where Adam had fellowship with God before he sinned. Just look at verse 17, in Romans chapter 5.

“For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.”
Romans 5:17

The law of the Spirit of life is in Jesus Christ and sin should not reign in our mortal body. Jesus Christ was raised up from the dead and the dominion of sin and death has been abolished. All that we were in Adam has been crucified through Christ. We are now to take on the new nature of Christ in all its fullness. This is the new creation in Christ Jesus. Christ is being formed within the Christians heart, soul, and mind. The apostle Paul told the Ephesians that we are not to walk in the vanity of our mind, but we are to put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness [see Ephesians chapter 4 verses 17-24]. This is the walk of a believer through the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus. Let not sin reign in your mortal body that you should obey its lusts, [Romans 6:12]. The struggle is between the spiritual and the natural man of sin. Many Christians struggle between the sin nature and the nature of Christ. We try to do it ourselves and fall short of the glory of God. We forget that the law of the Spirit of life is where the power of God is. It is through His son Jesus.

The law of the Spirit in Christ Jesus is the accepted way back to God for our sins. Remember the three in one in first John chapter 5 verse 7 states, “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.” We must believe in the work of the Holy Spirit who will manifest God’s power in our mortal bodies. This includes our fear, shame, old nature, and any sickness. It is Jesus’ death and resurrection that broke the power of sin and death in our mortal bodies. This is what changed my life of looking for love in all the wrong places to a genuine love that only Jesus could give. This love was worked through others who gave their life to God in full surrender. This is the law of faith in Christ Jesus working in each human being. The conflict of the old nature and the new nature will always be with us. It is faith in who Jesus is that will raise us up together in Christ Jesus. Just look at Romans chapter 8 verse 11.

“But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.”
Romans 8:11

Do you believe that the Spirit of Jesus dwells within you? Have your mortal bodies been restored to new life? We must walk in faith and continue in the Holy Spirit and not in the flesh. Walking in the flesh is to be carnally minded and that brings death. To be spiritually minded is to have life and peace. Those who walk in the flesh cannot please God. To walk in the Spirit is to walk in the faith, for this is the law of the Spirit in Christ Jesus. This excludes self-righteousness because all righteousness is through Jesus alone. The same Spirit that raised up Jesus from the dead shall quicken our mortal bodies. This is the work of the Holy Spirit to impart God’s life in our weak bodies. We put to death the deeds of the body in faith through Jesus Christ. As a Christian we do not fellowship with unfruitful works of darkness, but rather we reprove them, [see Ephesians 5:11]. The works of darkness is quarreling, jealousy, and greediness along with sexual immorality.

It is Jesus who said, “if you continue in my word, then are you my disciples indeed,” [John 8:31]. The word is the truth, and it shall set us free. Look at verse 34 of John chapter 8, where Jesus said, “whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.” A servant does not abide forever in the house, but the son does, [see verse 35 of John chapter 8]. What a revelation this is and speaks to our wonderful inheritance we have through Christ Jesus. As a child of God, we have an inheritance, but a servant does not, because the servant has not yet been adopted into the family. Think about your own position. Are you a servant of sin, or are you a child of God? Remember it is the work of the Holy Spirit that delivers us from the law of sin.

We are born into the life of Christ as God’s children, and we are joint heirs with Christ. We have been adopted into God’s family and have the assurance that he hears us when we cry out to the Father God. We do not have a mind of the flesh any longer but of the Spirit of God through Christ Jesus. We pray in faith for the Spirit to change our mind to the law of the Spirit of Christ who has made us victorious over sin and death. The apostle Paul affirms this in the following verses in chapter 8.

Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”
Romans 8:12-14

Our position in Christ has brought us the adoption as children of God. It is the Spirit that will guide us on to maturity as a child of God. This is the continuous work of law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus that forever will keep us free from the law of sin and death. Do you believe this? This is the gift that God has given us through His son. Reconciliation, adoption, and everlasting life. No more bondage in fear, but adoption and heirs of God.

And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.”
Romans 8:17

Who did sin, this man or his parents?

And his disciples asked, saying Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?
John 9:2

Wow! What a question the disciples asked Jesus. Who did sin? It is so easy to point the finger, but Jesus said, “neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents, but that the works of God should be made manifest in him,” [see John 9:3]. It is the works of God made manifest in the blind man and not sin. How amazing is that? This blind man was told by Jesus to go and wash in the pool of Siloam after Jesus anointed the eyes with clay. The blind man did as Jesus said and he went to the pool washed and received his sight. Earlier this year the Antiquities Authority has been working on the completion of the excavation of the Pool of Siloam. The Pool of Siloam will be soon open to the public to visit exclaimed the Israeli Antiquities Authority (IAA). Just look at the picture below of the Pool of Siloam in November 2020.

The significance of the Pool of Siloam in Hebrew is the word “Shiloah” which means to be send forth. Also, it is said that the Pool of Siloam was used by the temple priest to perform a cleansing ceremony as seen in Numbers chapter 19. A red Heifer without spot or blemish was used for the cleansing of the believer from the contamination of the world. Thus, we have the example of Jesus himself later through his own blood having obtained our redemption. Sanctifying to the purifying of the flesh [see Hebrews 9:13].

How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God.”
Hebrews 9:14

This blind man did not ask to be healed, yet through the compassion of Jesus he was healed. The blind man now could see, and many asked him how this happened. The Pharisees wanted to go after the man Jesus for healing on the sabbath day. The Jews would not believe that he was blind and asked his parents if this was true. The parents told the Jews that the blind man who could now see was their son, but they know not who opened his eyes to see. The parents feared the Jews for the Jews had already agreed that if any man confess Christ, they would be put out of the synagogue [see John 9:21-22]. Put out of the synagogue would mean they would be shunned or banished by everyone. Banishment from a group is a painful experience and carries the pain of suffering, yet Jesus is the true Shepherd and cares for those who belong to him.

What was the real truth why Jesus healed the blind man? Let’s look to verse 39 of John chapter nine.

For judgement I am come into this world, that they who see not, might see; and that they who see, might be made blind.”
John 9:39

Jesus came into this world for judgement in regard to who would believe in him. It is those who believe not that are condemned already, [see John 3:18]. Thus, if you are blind, you have no sin because you do not see the physical evidence within in your own environment. To see is to know the difference between right and wrong. Once you see lawlessness, your self-will enters into the picture of the act of violation against yourself and others. This is because of the original sin with Satan that entered the world through Adam. The apostle Paul stated, “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so, death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned,” [Romans 5:12]. I call this the “catch-22” because it seems that it is a paradoxical statement. The truth about how sin entered the world can be still debated today. Yet, God provided a way out of the dilemma of sin for man through his son Jesus. Jesus is the word that was made flesh and that dwelt among those who saw and witnessed him. It was Jesus who stated that “he that hath seen him hath seen the Father God,” [see John 14:9].

Even today, some do not believe that Jesus and the Father God are one. Look at verse 10 of John chapter 14, “Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? The words that I speak unto you, I speak not of myself; but the father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.” But the Father that dwells within Jesus is doing the work. It is the work of God to heal and cleanse us from all sin. It is the work of God made manifest in the blind man. This is the glory of God through the son of God that Jesus is the resurrection and the life, [see John 11:25]. Do you believe this?

“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”
John 17:17

Those who believe are sanctified by the truth in the word of God. In first John chapter two, verse 5, states, “whosoever keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected; by this know we that we are in him.” Is the love of God perfected in you? That is a question we each should ask ourselves. Is the light of God shining in our own heart? Can we testify how we were healed by God like the blind man? The blind man did what Jesus told him and he went to the pool of Siloam to wash, and he was healed by the words of Jesus. Healed by Jesus and sent forth to testify was the blind man. All for the glory of God. Oh! If only we would believe and see God manifest himself in our own life. Read the whole chapter nine of the Gospel of John. How many times did the blind man testify about the healing of his sight that he exclaimed, “why here is a marvelous thing, that ye know not from where he is, and yet he hath open mine eyes,” [see John 9:30].

The blind man spoke the truth about his healing from God, and he did not know whether he was a sinner or not. The Jews cast him out of the synagogue saying that he was born in sin and mocked him about teaching them about God. Oh, looked what happened next. Jesus found out that the blind man who now sees was cast out and found him and asked him “do you believe on the Son of God?” The blind man that now sees asked, “who is he.” Jesus told him he hath seen him and it was he that spoke with him. The blind man that now sees said, “I believe.” Let us believe in the Son of God like the blind man who now sees. Pray that you do not become blind like the scribes and pharisees who remained in their sin, rather than believing in the Son of God. We must believe in order to see the miracle of God in our own life. It is never too late to ask God to manifest himself in our own life. Ask, believe, and receive a miracle today.

He is Risen

The Lord is risen indeed!

Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.”
Luke 24:34,36

‘He is risen, said the angel of the Lord, and go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead [Matthew 28:6-7].” And what did the angel of the Lord look like? The angel of the Lord countenance was like lightning, and his clothes was white as snow [Matthew 28:3]. Can you imagine Mary Magdalene and the other Mary going to the grave site and finding an angel at the tomb? Shock, fear, and astonishment was the reaction. However, the angel of the Lord spoke to them saying “fear not, I know you came to seek Jesus who was crucified.” “Come and see where He was.” “He is not here. Go tell the disciples that He is risen said the angel of the Lord.” Oh! What joy to have witnessed Christ return to the earth as He came upon them. Those who witnessed the reality of His Resurrection seeing him again in the flesh.

Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself; handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.”
Luke 24:39

Even after seeing Jesus, they had trouble believing that He was who he said he was. So, Jesus asked them if they have anything to eat. They gave him broiled fish and a honeycomb, and He did eat before them [see Luke 24:41-43]. Everything that Jesus said and taught His disciples came true. He was the real thing that He claimed to be. Had He not shown himself alive, who would have believed. He had to assure those who witnessed it with their own eyes, it would have possibly sealed doubt instead of joy within their hearts. God had resurrected His Son to give us life. This is the power of God that we believe in His only Son. And He is still alive today as our high priest making intercession for us.

By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: But this man, because he continues forever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.”
Hebrews 7:22-25

There will be skeptics, who will always doubt, argue, and criticize what the truth is. But listen to what the Apostle Paul said, “Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” [Romans 8:34].

Everything was written down as to the truth of the reality of who Jesus is, and yet some still today would refute it as being fake. Today, we have evidence to dated material in archaeological finds that the information in the Bible is so accurate that it has actually assisted archaeologists in their work. If Christ had not risen, then Christianity is just another vain religion. All preaching would be in vain as the Apostle Paul stated.

“And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching is in vain, and your faith is also in vain.”

1 Corinthians 15:14

If our preaching is in vain, then it would have no real value and its effectiveness is lost in human efforts who are pretending to be something they are not. Because He is risen, we have atonement and the forgiveness of sins, a new life, and a future life. Because He is risen, He is the head of all creation and the head of all principality and power. God put all things under His feet in order that we may have the victory through the cross of Christ against all evil power. Because He is risen, we have the Holy Spirit as our comforter to help us in our weaknesses to overcome the flesh and the devil. We are never alone in our own trials. Our Lord is interceding for each one of us according to the will of God. The Spirit is working through us to produce the fruits of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance, against such there is no law [see Galatians 5:22-23]. We have the Holy Spirit that will help us to become the image of Christ.

The Lord is risen to fulfill what was written in the law of Moses, the prophets, and in the Psalms, [see Luke 24:44]. It was Jesus himself who spoke to the disciples, and it was Jesus who opened their understanding of the scriptures. Listen to the words of the risen Lord.

And he said unto them, thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day; And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things.
Luke 24:46-48

Yes, the Lord is risen. . .and we have the power of His love living within our hearts, if we believe in who He is. The son of God who died for us and arose victoriously to the glory of the Father. He arose that we might be reconciled back to God. God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself [2 Corinthians 5:19]. God provided the way through Christ to change man’s heart of stone into a heart of flesh where love is the key to opening the door into the Kingdom of Heaven. Let us understand that we still have a future in Christ even when we still see evil in this world. We are in the period of God’s grace, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. The preaching of the Gospel will go on until the time of His coming.

Surrender your life to Him in prayer and ask him to cleanse your heart and give you the spirit of His love. Ask him to open your mind to the understanding of the scriptures. Believe it to be so and it will be done unto you as you believe. Oh! What joy there is in my heart to know that our Lord is risen. Because He is risen, we have the victory to overcome, for greater is He that is in us, then He that is in the world [1 John 4:4]. Do not be deceived, only believe. Jesus won the battle for you and me. Believe and know within your heart that He is risen. “Because He lives, I can face tomorrow” is in the line of the chorus of a song that Bill and Gloria Gaither wrote, for God had reaffirmed it in their hearts that He was not dead but alive.

God sent His son, they called Him Jesus
He came to love, heal, and forgive.
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives.


Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, all fear is gone.
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living just because He lives.

Yes, an empty grave was left to prove our Savior lives.

Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.”
Hebrews 11:3

Jesus’ death and resurrection gives us faith. “Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God,” [Hebrews 12:1-2].

We may wonder what is happening in the world we live in today, but God’s plan is continuing because He is not slack concerning his promise. God is longsuffering and does not desire anyone to perish, but that all should come to repentance. [see 2 Peter 3:9].

May His love and peace be with you always. Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say, rejoice. Let the peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Let us Hold Fast our Faith

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering (for he is faithful that promised).
Hebrews 10:23

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

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

Ye shall offer a burnt offering, a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD: one bullock, one ram, seven lambs of the first year without blemish:
Numbers 29:36

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

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

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

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

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”
1 Peter 5:8

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

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith;
Hebrews 12:1-2

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