Faith -

Thou wilt keep him in Perfect Peace

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength.
Isaiah 26:3-4

The world is a dusty, dirty place, and we as Christians must walk in it every day. There are times when we experience conflict, and the daily grind can weigh heavily upon our bodies to bring us down. It is no wonder that Jesus told the twelve disciples to shake off the dust of their feet if they were not received in a city or a person’s home [see Matthew 10:14]. We go out to work, play, and buy, and it is not always pleasant. We witness anger, arguing, and nasty words that are not worth mentioning, but we see no peace. Visiting someone’s house who may or may not be receptive to what you have to say can be nerve-racking. Some do not want to hear what you have to say because you’re a Christian. We may want to tell the world what God has given us, but we are told to shut up. Has this happened to you? Has someone walked away from you because you are a Christian? Some may even say, “Oh! You think you are so righteous.” It happened to me. I just looked upon the person with sadness in my heart, for they were speaking judgment rather than the love of God. This can be a reflection on themselves that they are not what they want to be.

Only those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as the Son of God who died and arose from the dead have been given the gift of Christ’s righteousness. The word righteous is a Hebrew word “ tsadiyq,” meaning to be upright or just. This speaks to an upright or just man. The meaning of a just man refers to an individual who is right with God and follows God’s commandments. As a child of God, we carry the peace of God with us everywhere we go. If you are not received by an individual, when you depart, shake off the dust of your feet. Why? Shaking off the dust of our feet is a testimony against them.

“And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.”

Luke 9:5

This speaks to the day of judgment, and your peace should be returned to you. We are to be at perfect peace, regardless of what is happening in the world around us. God’s peace should reign within our hearts. Jesus told his disciples, “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]. As Christians, we should be able to see with different eyes because of Christ’s atonement on the cross.

It is because of what Christ did on the cross that we are a new creation. We are reconciled to God through Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ has given us the ministry of reconciliation. This is the ministry of atonement for our sins, for judgment came upon us all, but through Christ we have the gift of justification [see Romans 5:18-19]. We have been made righteous through Jesus Christ. If our mind is anchored in Christ, we will have perfect peace within our heart and soul. Our trust is in what Jesus has accomplished for us on the cross. Paul states that “being justified by faith, we have peace with God through Jesus Christ,” [see Romans 5:1]. In fact, the entire fifth chapter of Romans speaks about our justification. It is about living in the grace of God and having not only hope but peace. Paul affirms that through the tribulation that we experience, we will learn patience and hope. We are not ashamed because the love of God is in our hearts. Love is the fulfillment of the law [see Roman 13:10]. All things must be done through love, or it means nothing. That is why the apostle Paul stated in 1 Corinthians chapter 13, verse 13, “now abides faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”

Love makes the world go round. . .love is what we humans need. Love is what God gave us through his son, Jesus. That love gave us perfect peace. As Christians, we are restored because we trust in the Lord. That is what Isaiah was talking about in chapter 26. It becomes a testimony of those who are restored and walk in the path of the just. Jesus Christ is our strength when we are weak. He is our peace if our mind is firmly anchored in him. We are not to be anxious about anything, but to pray and ask God for help. “Let your request be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus,” [Philippians 4:7]. This is a promise that God gave us that we ourselves would have perfect peace. If one does not have peace, we must ask the Lord to reveal the reason why we do not have peace. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you what caused the peace to leave. Remember, a right relationship with God is an open relationship where nothing is hidden.

Washing of Regeneration

according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.”
Titus 3:5

What is the washing of Regeneration? The Washing of Regeneration is associated with the “New Birth.” It is like a sunny Spring morning after the shower of rain. When new growth appears as flowers emerge from the ground and leaves spring forth on the trees. Everything becomes new, and one can see the beauty of it. It is a divine act that is imparted to all repentant sinners to a higher plane of existence. Regeneration is a divine act of a repentant sinner to a new life in Christ. It is what I see in God’s creation. Thus, the nature of regeneration takes on certain aspects within a believer. These aspects are a new birth, a cleansing, a quickening, a new creation, and a resurrection. This, to me, is the essence of regeneration, and it is as Myer Pearlman wrote in his book titled “Knowing the Doctrines of the Bible,” which was published in 1937. This is the Christian who is begotten of God, who has gone through a thorough washing to be regenerated.

Are you not begotten of the Father God through the love of Christ? Are you not born again, as Jesus stated in the Gospel of John, chapter three, verse 7? Being born again is God’s creative work through the Holy Spirit. It is like the birth of Spring within our gardens. It is the grace of God at work in our lives. With the birth comes a cleansing from your burdens and the stress of life. The word “washing” is having a bath to wash away the dirt and grime we have picked up on our bodies. Think about how the trees are dusted with dirt from the wind, or from birds cleaning themselves on the trees, leaving grime and waste on the trees. When the rain comes, it washes away the dust and the grime on the trees. Christians experience the same when they work out in the world, touching unclean things or associating with those who are against them because of who they are in Christ. Anything that defiles one’s life is to be washed away so that new life may be experienced. This could be considered a time of reckoning for you personally when the Holy Spirit brings conviction upon your heart about something.

Remember that “Regeneration” is a divine act of a repentant sinner to a new life in Christ. The new life is experienced by the quickening of the Holy Spirit. Notice the scripture at the beginning of this devotional in Titus 3:5? At the end of this verse, it states, “and the renewing of the Holy Ghost. The Holy Spirit that Jesus promised each believer in John chapter 14:16 and verse 26. The Holy Spirit is the comforter whom the Father sends in the name of Jesus. It is the Holy Spirit who will teach us all things and will help us to remember what is important in our lives. Everything we do should be guided by the Holy Spirit. This is tested by the word that is written in the Bible. We may not know everything that we need to know. This takes time and a period of growth in walking out your Christian walk-through faith. It is understanding who the bread of life is. Is he more than just a place to come and get your personal needs met? Is this not what Jesus was referring to in John 6:26-27?

Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?
John 6:26-27

What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? So, many try to do the works of God in their own flesh. What was Jesus’ answer to this question?

This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
John 6:29

Wow! What an answer. It is not doing great works but believing in him whom God sent. If we labor at all, it should be to know him, for He is the Bread that brings us life. This in itself is a revelation, even when we ask for something in our prayers. You may not be in your right mind to receive what God wants to reveal to you because you may be in unbelief. Like King David, we must ask that our sins be blotted out and that God would create in us a clean heart and renew a right spirit within us [see Psalms 51:10-12]. There is no arrogance in David’s attitude; it is a total surrender to the will of God. The Holy Spirit will impart the new life within us so that we can have our fellowship restored with God. This will bring the new creation within your heart and soul. There will be no doubt that you are not sealed with the Holy Spirit, for where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty [see 2 Corinthians 3:17]. This is the glorious change each believer goes through, and this is continued throughout a believer’s life.

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”
2 Corinthians 3:18

We are changed into the image of Christ from glory to glory by the Spirit of the Lord. Can you imagine that? Maybe it is too high a concept for us to reach or even think about. Have we witnessed this in others? Have we witnessed this in our own lives? This is the question of the hour, when we are struggling to find answers. Our Lord is in the business of reconciliation and in building up the temple of God. Is this not what the Apostle Paul questioned the Christians at Corinth by saying, “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? [see 1st Corinthians 3:17]. Let the wise man beware, for God will take them in their own craftiness, [see 1st Corinthians 3:19]. What Christians need is constant renewal of the mind, soul, and spirit to be like Christ. Therefore, we need to feed upon the word daily. For most Christians, this was done once a week by attending a service. The question is, is this enough? All services help to build up and edify Christians in their walk, living out the will of God through Christ. A Christian must learn to stand on their own two feet and walk in their own faith, not the faith of others. A Christian must grow and have a deep personal relationship with the Lord, knowing who they are in Christ. This enables them to stand on a firm foundation in Christ, knowing that they have a heavenly Father who will hear their prayers, even in unusual circumstances.

We must see a change in our nature, character, desires, and purposes in the way we are living every day. There must be something new for us to see in living as a Christian. There must be a progression in our growth. We must grow daily and have love for God as well as for others. Regeneration is the change that God, through the Spirit, brings to us. The revelation of what is new or learning something about our Lord concerning our personal needs. We need to experience this on a personal basis. This is more than just a religion, which is the act of doing some kind of ritual in a specific order. Rituals can become a law to which man can be bound. Christianity is not meant to be a ritual. Christianity is through the person of Jesus Christ. A Christian who has believed in who Christ is and is now living a life under the grace of God. This is where liberty is. It is always through the love of Jesus Christ, for He gave His life for us.

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”
Galatians 5:1

Christians must stand fast in the liberty they have received from Christ and not go back to what they were before they came to Christ. There should be no shallowness in our walk as a Christian. We are born of the Spirit to receive spiritual food that will bring us to the Kingdom of God. We partake of the new divine nature of Christ to walk in newness of life. The practical side rests in that love, having remorse against sin, and having victory that overcomes the world, which is done through faith in who He is. We continue on this path until the resurrection of our bodies after death, or until Christ gathers us at His coming.

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so, shall we ever be with the Lord. “
1 Thessalonians 4:17

This is the resurrection of life eternal to be with the Lord forever. The washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit is very important in our walk as Christians. The very nature and virtue of Christ is now within us through the Holy Spirit, and this will take us into sanctification, which is the separation from the things of this world unto the holiness of God. This is dedication and consecration of our lives to God for His service. The Christian walk is never stagnant; it is always moving. If you find yourself stagnant and parched, get on your knees and pray for revelation of what caused it. Ask God to reveal the truth to you and be ready to receive the answer. He is always ready to receive you when you surrender yourself to him. May you continue your walk with a cleansing, a quickening in the Spirit, a growth in the image of Him as a new creation, and in the final resurrection of Christ our Saviour.

How are you Justified?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. Galatians 3:23-24

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

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

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

It Is of Faith, that it might be by Grace

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

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

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

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

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

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

The seed of Abraham is fulfilled through Christ.

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

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

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

What Does it Profit You

“What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?” James 2:14

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

What does it profit you if you only have faith and not works? What is James, the brother of Jesus, saying here with such conviction? I was told that faith is a verb. As a verb, it has action. If there is no action, in what we believe, then it will not profit or have any growth. No movement means it is dead, according to James. Thus, faith must have works associated with it to prove God’s will. This is where sanctification plays an important role in the Believer’s life.

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]

Faith is related to what Christ did for us on the cross. It is believing in God’s sacrifice. Righteousness was imputed to Abraham, and it is imputed to us as well. The apostle Paul tells us that justification is separate from the Jewish law or {the letter of the law}, for if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void. God made the promise unto Abraham and his seed, that He would be the father of many nations [see Romans 4:17]. God gives life to the dead and calls those things which are not, as though they were.

He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. Romans 4:20-21

Abraham staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strong in faith, giving God the glory. Abraham believed fully that God would perform the promise. Abraham walked in faith, thus, his action was to take God at his word. As a child of God, we should do the works of God. As a child of God, the process of Sanctification continues for a lifetime. Being sanctified is the process of growth. To grow into godliness and good works. It is the scriptures that are profitable for correction and reproof. The apostle Paul tells Timothy the following;

That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:17

As a Christian, there should be growth in doing good works. Our walk in this life is to imitate Christ. Paul stated the following;

“Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” 1 Corinthianas 11:1

Are we followers of Christ and the Apostle Paul? This is like what Jesus explains in John chapter 8, verses 37 to 39. The understanding here is that we imitate what our parents do. If we are followers of Christ, we do what He has done. We become doers of the word, spreading the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those around us.

“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” James 1:22

We are not to deceive ourselves by becoming dormant in our actions. Our actions should be one of faith with expectations, knowing the will of God. We believe in the miraculous works of God. We stand grounded and rooted in the Love of God in envisioning good works and not evil works. We look to Jesus, who is the author and finisher of our faith. With Christ, we can do all things. The power is of God and not of our own selves. As the apostle Paul stated;

“We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;”

We should have the same spirit of faith as Paul. We believe, and therefore we speak. Let us continue in our walk in faith, in doing good works, in growing to become more like Him. Let us gain knowledge in the word of God so that our faith continues to grow in doing good works. That all may profit from being continuously reconciled with God and with each other. Let our faith have action in believing in Jesus and seeing the promises of God unfold.

Please note:

Inge will be on sabbatical for two months. Therefore, there will be no new postings for that period. Please read other posts that you may not have read, or do the Bible Reading Plan. Take time to learn about Jesus. God bless you all and have a safe beginning of summer.

I am the Resurrection, and the Life

“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? John 11:25-26

Do you believe in the resurrection and the life? Some do not believe in the resurrection, and some believe that it has already happened. Yes, it happened with Jesus, but there will come a time when believer’s will be caught up into heaven when Jesus comes again in the future. That has not happened yet. Christ resurrection from the cross is the power of God. That power he gave to men who are saved to do greater works. Jesus told Philip;

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.” John 14:12

Jesus is saying that we should be doing greater works, because He has gone to be with the Father. Yet, we as Christians would not even think about doing these greater works without some proof of credentials. To do the greater works requires faith. Faith in Jesus. Jesus is now sitting at the right hand of God and is our high priest. Jesus is the resurrection and the life. Resurrection is coming back from death to life. It is revival from death. The Greek word is “anastasis,” which literally means to stand again. Jesus was standing on the right hand of God when Stephen was martyred in [Acts 7:55-60]. Standing to receive Stephen, and He will be standing to receive those who belong to Him.

“In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” 1 Corinthians 15:52

The trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised. This is the victory Jesus gave us on the cross. I would have loved to witness the dead raised in the 19 Century under Smith Wigglesworth ministry. Through His faith in God, 14 people have been raised from the dead. Is this not greater works for the glory of God? Jesus raised Lazarus in John chapter 11, verses 38 to 43, so that those who witnessed it may see the glory of God and believe in Jesus. This is the power of God towards restoration of the whole body. Can we envision the resurrection of our own body? The body being changed, restored, revived for the glory of God.

Some say that the church has only believed for salvation and not for healing. But, through the cross, Jesus has provided complete healing for the body. Let’s look at Isaiah chapter 53, verse 3, the Berean Standard Bible translation.

“Surely, He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted.”

If Jesus bore/took up our infirmities/sicknesses, why are we still carrying them? It is our unbelief that keeps us from seeing the truth of the resurrection of a restored body. We would rather believe that Jesus was struck down by God and afflicted than seeing him raised up from the grave victorious. “O death, where is thy sting?” How far would you travel to receive healing in your body? There have been many people who traveled across the country just to be healed from all kinds of sicknesses. I have watched Kathryn Kulman televised healing services and also have gone and witnessed people healed during the Benny Hinn healing crusades. It is not the individuals themself who receive the applause for doing great works, but the fact that God used them for His glory in order that people may believe and be healed in the name of Jesus.

It is the prayer of faith that people are saved and healed.

“And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he has committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.” James 5:15

We must grow our faith and believe in the resurrection power of Jesus to be raised up out of our own sickness into a newness of life. Restored from death is to see the glory of God. To be called a child of God and to have communion with God. Listen to what the apostle Paul said to the Corinthians.

Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. 1 Corinthians 15:12-14

Our faith is not in vain when we place it in Jesus who is the author and finisher of our faith. The resurrection of Jesus from the cross gives us the victory over sin and death. Jesus paid the price on the cross for you and me. Listen to the story of the song titled “The Cross” recorded live at the Bread of Life Mission in Seattle, Washington.

The Cross

Jesus stood on trial before the people.
They accused him of sin and wanted him crucified.
Jesus did no wrong, he had no sin.
They let a criminal go, instead of Him.

Chorus
And the tears flowed down upon His face.
The tears of his love for you and me.
And the tears flowed down upon His Face.
The tears of his death for you and me.

For you and me [repeat 3 x]
He bored the Cross.

The crown of thorns was placed upon His head.
They mocked saying, "Hail the King of the Jews."
Jesus carried His cross burdened by its weight.
They nailed Him upon it with two other thieves.

Jesus cried, "Father forgive them,
They know not what they do."
People stood watching him upon the cross,
Not knowing the price, He paid to free their sins.

Written by Inge Schultz
© 1985

May you be blessed in the name of Jesus as you grow in faith to believe in doing greater works, for He is the resurrection and the life.

Sanctification Through Christ

“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:

Saved by the Washing of Regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Spirit

“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.

Hebrews 13:20-21

Be Strong in Faith, giving Glory to God

“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.”

Romans 4:20

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.

In My Flesh dwelleth no Good Thing

“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

Obedience unto Righteousness

“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.