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THE HOLY SPIRIT

Table of Contents
                                               
Copyright page                                          
Table of Contents                                      
The Holy Spirit                               Chapter 1            
the Holy Spirit Is God                      Chapter 2            
Misunderstood Terms About
        The Holy Spirit                       Chapter 3            
How The Holy Spirit Works In Our
          Salvation                               Chapter 4                     
Letting The Holy Spirit Help In
          Discipleship                            Chapter 5                      
The Way To Eternal Life                                     

POEMS
Fruits Of The Spirit                          # 93-A                 
The Holy Spirit’s Job                       #67                      
His Feet                                          # 174                   
Walking With God                           #268                    
Eternal Life                                     #210
Eternal Life                                      #1192
Eternal Life                                      #1249                               

Scripture verses taken from: [KJV] King James Version
Yellow bold italics is Jesus’ Words.
John 14:6  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life:no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. [KJV]

THIS BOOK IS NOT COPYRIGHTED,
AND IS NEVER TO BE COPYRIGHTED.
This book is free and not to be sold.

IT MAY BE USED BY “WHOSOEVER”
TO EDIFY THE CHURCH, AND TO
HONOR AND GLORIFY GOD.

THE HOLY SPIRIT
Revised from the original 10-2015
Written and compiled by: HIS SERVANT
Connie Kramer

 

THE HOLY SPIRIT
Chapter 1

The HOLY GHOST is the third Person of our awesome Triune God. He is indeed a “Person” and this can be proven by the attributes of His personality; His intelligence, power, love, willingness to aid and assist us in all matters, etc.

John 14:17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.  (KJV) . . . The Holy Spirit was here on this Earth, before the day of Pentecost. He has always been. He is eternal, just as the Father and the Son, Christ Jesus are eternal. But, on the day of Pentecost, He came in a very special way! He came to indwell ALL believers! That is what was so different, and so new! “Holy” and “Spirit” would be descriptions of Him. If He has a name, it would be “Comforter.”
   
If you notice, in this verse Jesus does not say the world ‘WOULD NOT’ receive Him, but that the world “CANNOT” receive Him! The Spirit of God can make the Word of God ‘COME ALIVE’ to a believer, but the lost (unbeliever) must first believe in Christ Jesus as his (or her) Saviour and Lord. The “world” CANNOT “see” Him, or “know” Him because He is seen only with our spiritual eye. It is only when our spiritual eyes are opened by acceptance of Jesus can we ever see, know, understand, and receive the Holy Spirit of God in our hearts forever.
   
John 14:26 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. (KJV) . . . When Jesus ascended to Heaven, He did not forget about the apostles (or us) here on Earth. He promised to send the “Comforter”, and He did! The only way the world (unbelievers, or the lost ones) can ever know the ‘truth’ is through God’s children, or those who have the Holy Spirit, for it is only through the Holy Spirit that we can receive power and knowledge to tell others of Jesus.
         
John 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: (KJV) . . . The Holy Spirit bears witness of Jesus. If the Lord Jesus is real to you, then you know you have the Holy Spirit within you, and once He is real to you, you must tell others about Him! You cannot keep Him to yourself. You cannot be a ‘closet Christian.’
         
1 Cor. 2:10-11 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. [11] For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.  [KJV] . . . When we become God’s children, what we cannot understand through our eyes or ears, the Holy Spirit will teach us. All the deep, spiritual truths of the Bible must be made known to us by the Spirit of God, for only He knows what is really ‘inside’ God.
Just as no one can possibly know what is truly within us, except our spirit, so it is with God. Only His Spirit knows “the things of God,” and only His Spirit can possibly teach us those things!

Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (KJV) . . . The Holy Spirit carries out services that are unique and distinctive, that apply only to a person. When we (God’s children) don’t know how or what to pray, the Holy Spirit takes over for us! He knows our hearts, and He will pray to the Father for us.

Acts 16:6 Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, (KJV) . . . For some reason, Paul and Silas were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to go to a certain area to preach the Word of God. He had something else in mind. We should always obey the urgings of God’s Holy Spirit. He is all wise!
         
Hebrews 3:7-8 Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, [8] Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: [KJV] . . . Whenever we come across the word ‘wherefore’ or ‘therefore’ in Scripture, we must look back to what was previously said. It is a very important word. In a way, it’s like a door that swings both ways . . . back and forward. It’s also like a warning sign, as you attempt to pull your vehicle out onto the highway. You must look both ways before you attempt to proceed. Wherefore means in view of what has already been said, and here it is speaking of the great danger of doubting. It we hear (or feel) the Holy Spirit speaking to us, we must obey. We should never harden our hearts to Him.

2 Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (KJV) . . . Neither Isaiah nor Jeremiah (or any of the Old Testsment writers), sat down and said to themselves, “I think I’ll write a book.” The Bible did NOT come about by any man’s decision, nor by any man’s will. It came about by God’s leading them (moving them) by His Holy Spirit, Holy men does not mean the writersof the Bible were perfect an pure; it means that they were ‘set apart’ to do a certain job.

THE HOLY SPIRIT IS DIVINE

His divinity is established (1.) from the fact that the Names of God are ascribed to Him.
Hebrews 3:7-11 Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, 8  Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: 9  When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. 10  Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.
11  So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)
(KJV) . . . The children of Israel journeyed in disobedience to the commandment of God, led by the pillar of cloud and fire.  When they came to a place where there was no water for them to drink, they began to question whether God was with them or not. This is called “tempting God”, which is simply showing doubt and distrust of Him; and after they had seen such marvelous proofs  of Hisawesome power and goodness.
Do we tempt God? (2.) His divinity is proven by divine attributes ascribed to Him.
Omnipresence: 
Psalm 139:7-13 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? 8  If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
9  If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; 10  Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. 11  If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. 12  Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee. 13  For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.
(KJV) . . . Almighty God is “omnipresent”, meaning that He is present everywhere. Because this is so, we can never be lost to His Spirit. This is good news to those who know and love God; it is a tremendous blessing; because no matter what we do or where we go, we can never be far from God’s comforting presence. We cannot see God, but He can most certainly see us. The psalmist did not want to get away from the Lord. He is simply showing us that no matter where we could possibly go, God is there. In the farthest corner of the world, in Heaven, or even in Hell, we cannot get out of His reach or sight. No veil can hide us from God; not even the thickest darkness. There is no disguise we could use, to keep us from being seen or known by Him. Our most secret haunts of sin are wide open before God.
   
On the other hand, we cannot be removed from the supporting power and comforting presence of our Almighty Friend. Should a persecutor take our physical life, our eternal soul will immediately ascend to Heaven to be with Jesus. The grave cannot separate our body from the love of our Saviour, who will one day raise it to a glorious body, like unto His. No outward circumstances can separate us from our Lord. While we strive in service to Him, we can be happy in any situation, if we keep our faith and go to Him always in prayer.
    
Romans 8:35-39 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness or peril, or sword? [36] As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. [37] Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. [38] For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, [39] Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. [KJV] . . . These verses give us extremely great comfort. God makes many promises in Scripture, and He will keep every one of them! Believers of all ages have always had to face some form of hardships: illness, imprisonment, persecution and sometimes even death. These bad things could cause them to think they have been abandoned by Christ. But Paul tells us here it is impossible to be separated from Christ. His death on the Cross (for us), is proof of His unconquerable and unequaled love. Nothing can stop Christ’s constant and continuing Presence with us, by His Holy Spirit. God tells us, and shows us how great His love for us is, so that we will feel completely secure in Him. If we believe God, we will not be afraid.
Ephesians 2:17-18  And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. [18] For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.  [KJV] . . . The Jews were considered “near to God” (nigh) because they knew of Him through the Old Testament Scriptures and worshipped Him. The Gentiles of that day were considered “afar off” because they knew little or nothing about God. Because neither group could be saved by good deeds or knowledge, both needed to hear about the salvation available through Jesus Christ. Both Jews and Gentiles now have access by the Holy Spirit to come to God through Christ. Many barriers can divide us from other Christians: age, appearance, intelligence, politics, economic status, race, ‘religion’. One way to stifle Christ’s love is to be friendly only with  those people that we like. Christ has removed barriers and has brought all believers in one family. His love and His Cross should be the focus of our unity. The Holy Spirit helps us look beyond any barriers that separate us, to the unity to which we are called to enjoy.
 (3.) The divine attribute of . . . omniscience, meaning He knows all things.

1 Corinthians 2:10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. (KJV) . . . The Spirit of God knows all things.
         
Ezekiel 11:5 And the Spirit of the Lord fell upon me, and said unto me, Speak; Thus saith the Lord; Thus have ye said, O house of Israel: for I know the things that come into your mind, every one of them. [KJV] . . . The Holy Spirit (God) knows what we think, before we think it.
         
Isaiah 42:9 Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them. [KJV] . . . He knows what will happen, before it happens.
         
Isaiah 46:10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: [KJV] . . . Even before a thing is started, He knows what the end will be!

Ezekiel 11:5  And the Spirit of the LORD fell upon me, and said unto me, Speak; Thus saith the LORD; Thus have ye said, O house of Israel: for I know the things that come into your mind, every one of them. (KJV) . . . He knows our thoughts BEFORE we think them!

         
(4) The divine attribute of --- omnipotence, meaning He is all powerful. There is no greater power anywhere!
         
Luke 1:35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. (KJV) . . . This power (the Holy Spirit) that created life in Mary is in no way possible to any man. The Holy Baby (Jesus) was the decision of God alone.

Romans 8:11 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. (KJV) . . . The Holy Spirit who abides within each and every believer, has awesome power; for He raised a dead Jesus to life again! And this awesome power will one day also raise us also! All people who have ever lived, will one day be raised by Him, to life in eternity, some to everlasting life in Heaven, and some to everlasting shame and contempt and agony in Hell (Dan.12:1-2).

Creation is ascribed to Him.
  
Genesis 1:2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. (KJV) . . . The Holy Spirit was most certainly there when the Universe was created!
    
Psalm 104:30 Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created: and thou renewest the face of the earth. [KJV] . . . God ‘sent forth His Spirit’ in days gone by; and He still sends forth His Spirit today. But His job today is different than in Old Testament times.
       
Working of miracles belongs to Him.

Matthew 12:28 But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. (KJV) . . . When Jesus said: “The kingdom of God is come unto you”, He meant that they were standing in the Presence of the Messiah. He was telling them: “I am here!
   
A soul under the devil’s power and led by him, is blind to the things of God, and dumb before the throne of grace. Satan blinds people’s eyes by unbelief. He seals up their lips from a saving prayer of repentance and acceptance of Jesus. It seems the more people magnified Christ, the more the evil Pharisees wanted to slander and degrade Him. I think it is the same today! When unclean spirits are cast out by the Holy Spirit, the sinner’s life converts from bondage to sin and Satan, to a life of faith and obedience to God. The Kingdom of God is come unto us. Anyone who does not rejoice in God and His Word are against Christ.
         
Evil spirits can use the human body to distort and destroy man’s relationship with God. Even in today’s world, demons are extremely dangerous, powerful and destructive. It is so important to recognize their evil activity and their power (from Satan) so that we can stay away from any and all demonic temptations; but we should avoid any curiosity about them, or get involved with the occult (Deut.18:10-12). ALL the things in these verses are an abomination to God!  If we submit to God, and resist the devil and his influences, he will flee from us (James 4:7). I would add here too, that drugs invites the devil into your life. BEWARE!!!

We NEED the help and power of God’s Holy Spirit. With the eternal Presence of the Holy Spirit within God’s children, we have all the help we need. We just need ask and let the Spirit do His job!

Worship is required and ascribed to Him.
    
Revelation 1:4 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; (KJV) . . . This letter is from John to the seven churches in the province of Asia. The “sevenfold Spirit” is another Name for the Holy Spirit.
    
Gal.5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, [23] Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. [KJV] . . . The “fruits of the Spirit” are all characteristics of God! We, on our own, can produce NONE of these! But when we become Christians, God gives us His Spirit to abide with us (for ever), and when we allow the Spirit to work in our lives, He produces these precious attributes of God in us! How wonderful this is. We are created in God’s image, and each day we become more like Him, IF we let His Spirit control us! Do NOT quench (suppress) the Holy Spirit! Let Him work freely in your life (1 Thes.5:19). 

THE HOLY SPIRIT IS GOD!
Chapter 2
   

The Holy Spirit is absolutely GOD! Yet, there are those, who completely refuse to believe this! Just as they refuse and reject God, the Son; so too, people refuse and reject God, the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the third Person of our Awesome Triune God. He is a PERSON! He should have great reverence attributed unto Him; we should hold Him in high regard; yet those rejecting Him refer to Him as the “holy spirit” (NO capital letters, NO respect, NO honor). God is HOLY, meaning He is separated from ALL other beings by His eternal existence; His infinite perfection; His wisdom; His power; His holiness; His justice; His purity; His goodness; His truth; and His marvelous glory which fills the Earth.
Isaiah 6:3 And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. [KJV] . . . Even the holy angels ascribe holiness unto Him (Is.6:3; Rev.4:8; 16:5). The Holy Spirit (Ghost) is part of the triune Godhead; He MUST be reverenced and respected as such! HE IS GOD! See: Our Awesome Triune God:
http://www.hisservants.org/books_our_awesome_triune_god.html

The Trinity is a description of the unique relationship of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Had Jesus stayed on Earth, His physical Presence would have limited the spread of the Gospel, because physically (as a Man) He could be in only one place at a time. After Christ was taken up into Heaven, He would be spiritually present everywhere through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit was sent so that God would be with and within His followers after Christ returned to Heaven. The Spirit would comfort and guide them to know His truth, remind them of Jesus’ words, give them the right words to say, and fill them with power from Almighty God!
    
Acts 2:1-4 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2  And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3  And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4  And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (KJV) . . . At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was made available to all who believed in Jesus. We receive the Holy Spirit (are baptized with Him) when we receive Jesus Christ as our Saviour and Lord. The baptism of the Holy Spirit must be understood in the light of His total work in Christians.

(1.) The Spirit marks the beginning of the Christian experience, and our new life in Christ. We cannot belong to Christ without His Spirit.
   
Romans 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. (KJV) . . . We cannot be united to Christ without His Spirit.

1 Corinthians 6:17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. (KJV) . . . We cannot be adopted as God’s children without His Spirit.

Romans 8:14-17 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15  For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16  The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17  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. (KJV) 
   
Galatians 4:6-7 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. 7  Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. (KJV) . . . We cannot be in the body of Christ except by baptism in the Spirit.
   
1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (KJV)

(2.) The Spirit is the power of our new lives. This ‘power’ is NOT only strength beyond the ordinary, but it ALSO includes: boldness, confidence, courage, insight, discernment, ability, authority, love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith. humility or meekness (which is strength under control) and self control. He begins a lifelong process of change in us, as He makes us more like Christ each day we live.
  
Phil. 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: (KJV) . . .  When we receive Christ by faith, we begib an immediate, personal relationship with God. The Holy Spirit works in us to help us become like Christ (mature, perfect).
   
(3.) The Spirit unites believers in Christ.
Ephesians 2:19-22 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20  And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21  In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22  In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. (KJV) . . . The Holy Spirit can be experienced by all, and He works through all.

Ephesians 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; (KJV)  

1 Corinthians 12:4-7 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5  And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6  And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. 7  But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. (KJV) . . . There are many varieties of gifts which are granted by the Holy Spirit. In order to have the unity, He gives different gifts to different people. We have no control over what gift we receive, but ALL believers are given a gift to edify the church.

1 Corinthians 12:11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. (KJV) . . .  “Gifts” are abilities given by the Holy Spirit. You cannot choose your “gift”, although many times your gift is related to a natural talent you may have. The sovereign Spirit grants these gifts at His discretion. The gifts we are given are not for selfish use, but to serve Christ and to edify His church. The Holy Spirit works in us to help us become like Christ (mature, perfect).

GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT

WISDOM . . . 1 Cor. 12:8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; (KJV)  

KNOWLEDGE . . .  same verse.

FAITH . . . Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. (KJV)  

PROPHECY . . . is not always predicting the future as in the Old Testament. It can also be preaching or teaching God’s Word. 1 Cor. 12:6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. (KJV) . . . 1 Cor. 12:10 - - - - -  to another prophecy;

DISCERNMENT of SPIRITS . . .  1 Cor. 12:10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: (KJV) Discernment is a “gift” of the Spirit, but all God’s children have some ability to discern between right and wrong, good and bad, necessary and unimportant, because we have God’s Spirit abiding within us to teach and guide us. We should pray for moral discernment so we can maintain our Christian morals and values. Because we must grow from baby Christians to mature, adult Christians, we must learn to discern; we must train our senses and minds to know good from evil, right from wrong. Can you recognize temptation before it traps you? Can you tell the difference between a correct use of Scripture and a mistaken one? As you grow in the Lord and put into practice what you have learned, your capacity to understand and discern will also grow.

ENCOURAGEMENT  . . . 1 Cor. 14:3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. (KJV)  Romans 12:8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. (KJV) . . .  Use whatever gift you have!

EXHORTATION (warning, sermons) . . . Romans 12:8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. (KJV) Proverbs 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. (KJV)  

TEACHERS . . .  Romans 12:7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; (KJV)  Eph. 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (KJV)  

EVANGELISTS  Eph.4:11  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;  (KJV)

ELDERS . . . 1 Peter 5:1-4 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 2  Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3  Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 4  And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. (KJV) . . . Elders (meaning older) are church officers who provide supervision, protection, discipline, instruction and guidance for the other believers. Elders carry great responsibility, and are expected to be good examples.

RULERS, ADMINISTRATATORS  . . . Romans 12:8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. (KJV)  

KINDNESS . . . Romans 12:8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. (KJV)  

MONEY . . . Romans 12:8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. (KJV)  

LOVE . . . 1 Cor. 13:1-3 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2  And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3  And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. (KJV)
1 Corinthians 13:13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. (KJV) . . . LOVE is extremely important in serving our Lord, and building His church. Some people are given the gift of love. IF LOVE IS YOUR GIFT . . . USE IT!

HELPS . . . 1 Cor.12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. (KJV) . . .  There are many ways of helping others, and building the church: sweeping the floor. Serving in the kitchen, greeting people at the door, visiting the sick, assisting when one needs aid, being there in sorrow or troubles, just showing that you care, etc. There are many people who think they have a menial, unimportant gift. NO gift is unimportant! All must use their gifts to build the church properly. Remember, the bigger and more important your gift, the more God expects of you.

GIFTS OF THE EARLY CHURCH   

Gifts were supernaturally bestowed on the early Christians, each one having his own gift for the edification of the body of Christ. These were the result of the extraordinary work and power of the Holy Spirit, as on the day of Pentecost. They were the gifts of speaking with tongues, casting out devils, healing, etc. (Mark 16:17-18), usually communicated by the laying on of the hands of the apostles (Acts 8:17; 19:6; 1 Timothy 4:14). As I see it, these special gifts were enjoyed only for a time. They could not, and would not continue always in the Church. These particular gifts were suited and needed in the church’s babyhood, and to the necessities of those times.
   
There are many today who “seek” the Holy Ghost. Believers do NOT need to “seek” the Holy Spirit. If you are “born again” (know Jesus as your Saviour and Lord), the Holy Spirit of God has been already been GIVEN to you! Today there are many charismatic churches today seeking the Spirit. THE DAY OF PENTECOST CANNOT BE DUPLICATED, ANY MORE THAN CHRIST’S BIRTH CAN BE DUPLICATED, NOR HIS DEATH ON THE CROSS! All these events were ONE time only, NEVER to be repeated! WHY do people think that they must SEEK the Spirit, Who is already here???

You do NOT have to urge or beg the Holy Spirit to come into your life. If you belong to Jesus, if you’re “born again” the Holy Spirit is there with you!  2 Cor.1:22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.  [KJV] 

2 Cor. 5:5 Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. (KJV) . . . God Himself has given us the Holy Spirit as a guarantee (a down payment) of what is to come!
Eph. 1:14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. (KJV)  . . . The Holy Spirit is given to us by God as an earnest (down payment) on what is to come: eternal life in Heaven. He lives within us, forever!
   
I know there are those (many) who believe in “speaking in tongues” in the church today. I believe that ‘tongues’ was a very special “gift” only for the early church; especially to evangelize the foreign born Jews who were in Jerusalem for the annual feast at that special (once only) “Day of Pentecost” when the Holy Spirit of God came to the church as promised (John 14:16-18, 26; Acts 1:8). There were sixteen different nations (languages) present that day according to Acts 2:8-11. NO ‘unknown’ tongues were spoken on that exceptional day, ONLY languages spoken by those who were there (Acts 2:4, 6, 8-11).

The gift of tongues is listed in the two early lists found in 1 Cor.12:8-11 and 28-30, and they are at the bottom of both lists. Tongues are NOT listed in the later lists in Eph.4:8-12; Rom.12:4-8. Neither are they mentioned in the “fruits of the Spirit” in Gal. 5:22-23. NOT one place in Scripture does it tell us we must ‘SEEK’ the gift of tongues, and NOT one place does our Lord, Jesus tell us we must speak in tongues. If it were necessary, He’d say so! He would have told us!           
1 Cor.14:22  Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: - - - - - - - [KJV] The apostle Paul very plainly stated: 1 Cor. 14:19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. (KJV) . . . Speaking in unknown tongues will not help ANYONE because people CANNOT understand what is being said. And unbelievers in the congregation will think that the people speaking in tongues are crazy. Those who minister, should plainly interpret Scripture in a language everyone can comprehend. They must preach the great Truths of the Gospel, so a heathen or unlearned person might come to know our Saviour and Lord, Jesus the Christ.  
 

NAMES OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Spirit of God.                          1 Cor.3:16
Spirit of Christ.                       Ro.8:9
Eternal Spirit.                          Heb.9:14
Spirit of Truth.                        Jn.16:13
Spirit of Grace.                        Heb.10:29
Spirit of Glory.                        1 Pet.4:14
Spirit of Life.                           Ro.8:2
Comforter.                              Jn.14:26
Spirit of Promise.                    Acts 1:4-5
Spirit of Adoption.                   Ro.8:15
Spirit of Holiness.                    Ro.1:4
Spirit of Faith.                         2 Cor.4:13
Seven Spirits of God               Rev.1:4, 4:5

MINISTRIES OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Created the universe.               Gen.1:2
Inspired writers of the Bible.   2 Sam.23:2;  Isa.59:19;  1 Cor.14:37; 1 Thes.4:15 
Restrains Satan’s power.          2 Thes.2:7-14
Gave birth to church.               Acts 2:1-4; Ep.2:19-22
Warns church members.           1 Tim.4:1
Regenerates believing sinners. Tit.3:5
Baptizes believers.                    1 Cor.12;13
Indwells believers.                     Ro.8:9; Jn.14:16; 1 Jn.3:24; 2 Jn.2
Seals believers.                        2 Cor.1:22;  Ep.1:13; 4:30
Fills believers.                          Ep.3:19; 5:18; Col.1:9
Conforms us to the image of Christ.    2 Cor.3:18
Reveals Biblical truths to us.   1 Cor.2:10
Assures us of salvation.           Ro.8:16; 1 Jn.4:13; 5:6
Helps us pray.                         Ro.8:26
Guides us.                               Jn.16:13; Ro.8:14
Teaches us.                              1 Jn.2:27
Gives power to witness.          Acts 1:8; Lu.12:12
Imparts Christ’s love to us.    Ro.5:5
Anoints us.                              1 Jn.2;27
Gives discernment.                  1 Cor.2:13-15
Brings to remembrance Christ’s Words.    Jn.14:26
Testifies concerning Christ.     Jn.15:26
Guides into all truth.               Jn.16:13
Gives life.                                Jn.6:63
Comforts.                                Jn.14:16, 26; 15:26
He can be grieved.                    Ep.4:30

What I am about to say may greatly offend some. It may seem that I am totally against the Charismatic churches. This is not so. I know some wonderful Christians (some good friends), who belong to Charismatic churches. However, I do disagree with some of their beliefs. I will try to explain why I do.

The greatest and most specific job of the Holy Spirit IS TO TESTIFY OF CHRIST JESUS; revealing Him to us, and showing us our NEED for Him! ALL the ministries of the Holy Ghost (Spirit) revolve around Christ. Some in the Charismatic movement today place more emphasis on tongues and miracles than anything else. Too, they seem to attribute more glory to the Holy Spirit than to Christ Himself. This should not be.
    
We should NOT seek and glory in ‘fleshly experiences’ but instead, glory in the finished Work of Christ our Saviour! There are NO Scriptures anywhere that state that we are to seek after signs and miracles. The Holy Spirit is extremely important in our lives. I would never diminish His capabilities; for He is very necessary in our lives. We NEED Him very much! But we should not place Him above Christ, our Saviour, Whom He has come to glorify. And we should always be thankful to the Holy Spirit for His ministry in our hearts!
   
Without the Spirit’s work, we would NEVER be saved, we would NEVER be forgiven of our sins, we would NEVER access Heaven, we would NEVER be able to go to God in prayer, we would NEVER know when we sinned. We would be utterly lost without the Holy Spirit of God! He is extremely important in our lives, but . . . He is NOT more important than Jesus, our Saviour and Lord!
   
The Holy Spirit is the Spiritual Presence of our precious Saviour, Jesus, which abides (lives) within all born again believers. He first became available to ALL believers on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2). In Old Testament days the Holy Spirit empowered specific individuals for specific purposes, but now all believers have the power of the Holy Spirit available to them. Be ever so grateful for this immense blessing! Thank God every day you live, and allow His Spirit to work in you that you may live a life pleasing to Him.

THE HOLY SPIRIT’S JOB

God’s Spirit shall not always strive with man,
But today it seems God’s forgotten this plan.
But I’m here to tell you, God’s in control,
Of ALL of the world, including your soul!

God grew impatient back in Noah’s day,
With mankind’s unending wicked display.
God set a time limit, hoping they’d change,
They would not listen; from God were estranged.

Noah and his family, secure in the ark,
Were the only ones safe; for to God they did hark.
God’s Spirit had strived with the lost ones back then,
But they did reject Him, o’er and o’er again!

The day finally came when God shut the door,
His patience had ended; He could take no more!
Every soul was destroyed, the world wide,
All except those in the ark; all safe inside!

God will never condemn to Hell any soul,
Until His Spirit has fulfilled His roll.
Striving, convicting, wooing each single one,
Trying gently but firmly, that heart to be won!

But God’s patience one day will run out for you,
His Spirit will leave, His rejection through!
As long as you feel that tugging at your heart,
It’s not too late for you, from sin to depart.

Noah’s ark of old represents Jesus today,
Are you like the many God destroyed that day?
You can be like Noah, all secure inside,
Just believe God, and let the Holy Spirit guide!
***************************
By: His servant, Connie Kramer Dec.12, 1995 #67
Scripture reference for above poem: Gen.6:3, 5-7; 7:7,16;
Pro.29:1; 6:15; 2 Chron.36:16; Rev.3:20

FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT

Lord, how I thank you, as this morn I wake,
For all your blessings, for granted I take.
They’re all invisible, but all so real,
For each one I thank you, as I do kneel.

Love, joy and peace, can come only from you,
Without Christ in my heart, what would I do?
Patience, gentleness, and goodness in me,
By your Spirit, that never used to be!

Faith that started all these wonders my way,
As a tiny seed; did bring a new day.
Humility and self control; fruits so good,
Let all these o’er flow me, like a great flood.
***********************
By: His servant, Connie Kramer Jan.3, 1996 # 93-A
(Gal.5:22-23)

The wonders and blessings of the Holy Spirit will never end. If you are a child of God, they are yours for ever! Once the Holy Spirit comes to reside in your life, He will NEVER leave you!!

MISUNDERSTOOD TERMS ABOUT
THE HOLY SPIRIT
Chapter 3

TRINITY   

Belief in the ‘TRINITY’ is one of the basics of TRUE Christian faith. Disbelief is rejection of the One True God of the Bible; rejection of His deity, and rejection of the Personalities of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.
   
The “Athanasian Creed” was formed in the very early church. It may be helpful. It reads as follows:
          So the Father is God; the Son is God;
                   and the Holy Spirit is God.
  And yet there are not three gods, but one God.
               Neither confounding the persons
                   nor dividing the substance. 
   

The Trinity is hard to understand, and many efforts have been made to try to explain it. Some illustrations follow that may make understanding a little easier.

(1.) An egg    consists of the yolk, white and shell.
(2.) An apple        consists of the peel, flesh and seeds.
(3.) Water   is liquid, ice and steam.
(4.) Time     is past, present and future.
(5.) A family      is father, mother and children.
         
All the above consist of three entirely different ‘things’ . . . but the end result is ONE thing.
It is the same with our God. He is three entirely different “Persons” yet ONE God, for all three are in harmony and complete agreement on all things!

BAPTISM OF THE SPIRIT   

We do NOT have to seek the baptism of the Holy Spirit. All who believe and accept Jesus become God’s children; and the moment this new birth takes place, we are GIVEN the Holy Spirit of God . . . freely. So you see, it NOT by our pleading to God, or by SEEKING Him that we are endowed with the awesome presence and power of the Holy Ghost, but by the grace of Almighty God!
John 1:12-13 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: [13] Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. [KJV] . . .  And when you become God’s child, you are baptized into the ‘Body of Christ’ (the one and only true church).

1 Cor. 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (KJV)  . . . This ‘baptism’ takes place the moment you accept Jesus, and it makes Christ and the believer one. The baptism of the Holy Spirit unites you with Christ! It places you into the “Body of Christ” which is the one and only TRUE church. I am NOT speaking of denominations here . . . but the TRUE church! I firmly believe denominations are of the devil, because people could not tolerate the TRUTH of God’s Word. ALL TRUE believers have the Holy Spirit. 

BORN OF THE SPIRIT

John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of  the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. [KJV] . . . This is being “born again” (spiritually) into God’s family.
John 1:12-13 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: [13] Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. [KJV] . . . This rebirth comes only from God. IF we BELIEVE and ACCEPT Jesus, the Son of God, we are born again into God’s family!

SEALED BY THE SPIRIT
   

When we are baptized by the Spirit, we are also sealed by the Spirit. The Holy Spirit ‘marks’ us for God. I don’t know if this is a particular mark (as in Revelation 7:3), or if this seal is the Holy Spirit Himself, or both! To me, it really doesn’t matter. I’m just grateful I am “sealed by the Holy Spirit of God.
Eph.1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, [KJV] . . .  Once  God’s children are sealed, NO one can take them away from Him!
Eph.4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.  [KJV] . . . Once we are “sealed” we are safe (in the arms of Jesus); for we are sealed until we are in the Presence of our mighty Saviour and Lord. Once you are saved . . . you are always saved! Once you become God’s child . . . you are God’s child forever! Once you are sealed . . . you are sealed for eternity! NO one can ever take you away from God! Praise His Holy Name!
http://www.hisservants.org/once_saved,_always_saved_h_s.htm

FILLED BY THE SPIRIT  

To be “filled with the Spirit” means submitting to Him, and allowing Him to lead and control us. The more room you make available for God’s Holy Spirit, the less room will be left to be filled with things of the world (Satan).
Eph 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; [KJV] . . . I think we have all seen those who were “filled with wine” (alcohol), and were under control of its power. It’s a sad thing indeed! We as Christians, should NOT be controlled by wine, or any evil forces; but instead, we should be filled (to the top) with the Holy Spirit! Let Him lead you in your daily life.
   
Being “filled with the Spirit” is NOT a once in a lifetime thing, as is being born of Him, baptized by Him and sealed by Him. Being filled by the Holy Spirit is an everyday thing! In a way, it’s like our cars; we must fill the gas tank quite often. When you wake up in the morning, even before you step out of bed, go to the Lord in prayer; ask Him to “fill you with His Spirit.”  Allow the Holy Spirit to work freely in all that you do. Do not quench Him by holding Him down or holding Him back (do not suppress Him), but allow His wondrous power to do its job in your life. He will NEVER harm you in any way, but do only good and great things and make life easier and so much better for you.

INDWELLING OF THE SPIRIT  

1 John 3:24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us. (KJV)
Colossians 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: [KJV]
John 14:16
And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; [KJV]
2 John 1:2 For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever. [KJV] . . . The moment we believe by faith, and accept Jesus, the Son of God, we receive the Holy Spirit; who then abides with us FOREVER! We are “indwelt” by Him! When He dwells IN us, we are then “IN CHRIST”.
John 14:20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. [KJV]  
2 Cor.5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. [KJV] . . . We are “IN CHRIST” IF we are indwelt by His Holy Spirit. IF we are NOT indwelt by the Holy Spirit, we are NOT Christians!
Romans 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. [KJV] . . . We are NOT God’s children without His Spirit! And if a person is not a child of God, there is only one other thing they can be . . . and that is a child of the devil. (1 John 3:10, below).
Eph.2:1-2 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; [2] Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: [KJV] . . . These verses are telling us that before we accept Jesus to save us, we are spiritually dead (in our sins). We follow after things of the world, and its master, Satan. So, these verses are telling us that without Jesus, we are children of disobedience (children of the devil).
1 John 3:10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. [KJV] . . . To do “righteousnessis to believe God and accept His only begotten Son as our Saviour. Once we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit of God, our lives change drastically!   
       

ANOINTING OF THE SPIRIT  

1 John 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. [KJV]
1 John 2:20 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. [KJV] . . . “Unction” is anointing. This Anointing is from God.
 2 Cor.1:21  Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; [KJV] . . . When we receive the Spirit (Anointing), He continually abides within us (for ever); He teaches us, guides us, helps us to pray, and He will NEVER lie to us.

GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT   

The moment we are “born again” into God’s family, the Holy Spirit gives us a gift (or gifts) to edify (build up) the church (Body of Christ). He presents us with a special talent or quality. We are to use this gift generously, and not be selfish with it. If you are a Christian; one who truly believes in our Saviour and Lord, Jesus the Christ, you have a gift, and you should use it!


    EARNEST OF THE SPIRIT

2 Cor.1:22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. [KJV]
2 Cor.5:5 Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.  [KJV]
Eph.1:14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. [KJV] . .  . The Holy Spirit is God’s seal that we belong to Him, and this guarantees that He will do ALL that He has promised. The Holy Spirit is like a down payment, a deposit, or a signature on a contract. The Presence of the Holy Spirit in us demonstrates that our faith is real, proves that we are God’s children, and secures eternal life for us. His power works in us to transform us from the unbeliever bound by sin, to a child of God, who each day matures to become more and more like Christ. The Holy Spirit is the earnest of the believer’s destined inheritance. The word is the same as “pledge”, a particular kind of pledge which is a part of the full price of something paid in advance. The Spirit's gracious Presence and working in believers is just a foretaste of the blessedness of Heaven. It not only pleases God to give Pledges (Promises) to His children, but it also pleases Him to give us a foretaste of the future bliss of Heaven, of which we shall partake.
The Holy Spirit makes God’s children firm in the faith of the Gospel: the earnest of the Holy Spirit is a promise of everlasting life; and the comfort the Holy Spirit makes possible is just a down payment on everlasting peace and joy. Any strength and ability we have are owed to our faith; and any love, comfort, peace and joy we possess flow directly from that faith. Thank Him each day for all blessings!

FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT   

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23  Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. [KJV] . . . Fruits of the Spirit are Christian character qualities; the SAME character qualities that our God has. What does the Bible say are evidences of a Spirit filled life? Many people would wrongly say: “Speaking in tongues, gift of healing, etc.” Jesus did NOT say “ By their ‘gifts’ ye shall know them.” He said: Mat.7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. - - - - - - - -  [KJV] . . . One thing we must remember; to be filled with the Holy Spirit and His ‘fruits’, we must first EMPTY ourselves of the world. Any container will hold just so much. If you first empty your life (your container) of bad things; you will be able to “FILL” it with good things. When you try to fill your container with both the Spirit and the world, you will be grieving the Spirit; for the Holy Spirit (God) and the world (Satan and evil) do not mix.
Eph.4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.  [KJV] . . . There are MANY ways we can grieve the Holy Spirit. Unwholesome language, bitterness, being quick to get angry, brawling, slander, bad attitudes toward others, bad thoughts, not forgiving others when the hurt us, etc. Instead we should be forgiving, loving, compassionate, kind, gentle, meek and humble toward others. We should act in love toward our brothers and sisters in Christ, just as God acted in love by sending His Son to die for our sins. Living a Christian life is NOT easy! We CANNOT even come close without the help of God’s Holy Spirit.
   
Are you grieving or pleasing God with your thoughts, attitudes and actions?
Ephesians 4:28-32 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. 29  Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. 30  And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 31  Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32  And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. [KJV] . . . As I said, living a life that is pleasing to God is NOT easy! Will we, as God’s children still do some of the evil and wicked things listed above? Sad to say, “Yes.” We still possess our old nature that is sinful. But there is a big difference in slipping and falling on our face at times, and practicing sin (willingly living in sin).
   
Romans 7:14-25 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15  For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. 16  If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. 17  Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 18  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. 19  For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 20  Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 21  I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22  For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23  But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24  O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? 25  I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. [KJV] . . . I can feel Paul’s pain and agony as he wrote this. The apostle Paul was indeed a very godly man. If he had trouble with sin, don’t you think all God’s children will also? The good we want to do, just doesn’t seem to get done, but the evil, wicked things we don’t want to do, that it seems is what happens in our lives.
Romans 7:19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. [KJV]          . . . So, what do we do when we do sin? We go to our Father in Heaven, and beg His forgiveness!
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. [KJV] . . . When a true Christian sins, he mourns because He has offended God, his Father (James 4:9; Mat.5:4). The joy of his salvation (Ps.51:12) is gone, and fellowship is broken until he repents of that sin, and receives forgiveness.

IN CHRIST   

To be “in Christ” is to be saved. When we are “in Christ” we are joined to Christ by the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and placed into the body of believers; making us God’s children. This union with Christ CANNOT be undone, CANNOT be altered, CANNOT be recalled, and CANNOT be revoked as many wrongly believe. Once you are saved, you are ALWAYS saved! NO one can take us away from Jesus!
John 10:28-29 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29  My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. [KJV] . . . NO ONE, EVER!!!
http://www.hisservants.org/once_saved,_always_saved_h_s.htm
   
1 Cor.12:12-13 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. 13  For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. [KJV] . . .  God places us into the body of believers, we do NOT do it! We CANNOT do it! Only God (the Holy Spirit) has that power. We do not! And dear one, do NOT try to fool Him! It will NOT work! He KNOWS if you are sincere or if you are a hypocrite. Only TRUE believers in Jesus will be granted access to Heaven.
1 Cor. 6:17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. [KJV] . . . We no longer have the spirit of the world in us, but the Spirit of Christ, and His Spirit is MUCH greater!
1 John 4:4 - - - - - because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. [KJV] 
Eph. 5:30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. [KJV] . . . We are one with Christ! Nobody can change this! We belong to Christ! This is a wonderful accomplishment of salvation! We cannot improve upon this marvelous fact!
Romans 12:5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. [KJV]
1 Cor. 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: [KJV] . . . God is the source and reason for our personal relationship with Christ Jesus. Our union identifies us with Christ, resulting in our having access to God’s wisdom and knowledge. Being “in Christ” gives us right standing with God. We are sanctified (set apart for God), and the penalty for our sins has been paid (in full) by Jesus. And we are justified by believing in Christ.
Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: [KJV] . . . Justified = just as if I’d never sinned! Declared NOT guilty in the courts of Heaven! It doesn’t get any better that this! THANK YOU JESUS!!!
1 Cor.15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. [KJV] . . . All who are united to Christ, by faith, are assured of their resurrection to eternal life because of His resurrection. Because of Adam’s sin, all men became mortal, receiving from him the same sinful nature. But the resurrection of Christ grants all those “in Christ” to partake of His Holy Spirit, who will one day revive us to live for ever in Heaven.
2 Cor.5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. [KJV] . . . Those “in Christ” are brand-new people on the inside. The Holy Spirit gives them new life. They simply are not the same anymore. We are re-created (new creations) because of our union with Christ. When conversion takes place within us, we are not just turning over a new leaf; we are beginning a brand-new life under a new Master (Christ).
Eph. 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: [KJV] . . . Eternal life with Christ is sure because we are united in His powerful victory.
Eph. 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. [KJV] . . . We become “in Christ” through our faith and God’s grace, NOT as the result of our efforts.
Eph. 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. [KJV] . . .  If you are NOT “in Christ”, the Bible, God’s Holy Word, says you are lost! You are doomed for an eternity in Hell! Being “in Christ” is eternal life in Heaven!

ABIDING IN CHRIST   

Abiding in Christ means constant communion and fellowship with Him. We must cleanse our lives of all known sin, daily! 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. [KJV]
    
Abiding in Christ is to walk in His Spirit, letting Him guide and lead us in all things. The Spirit produces fruit in us when we abide in Christ.
John 15:4-5 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. [5] I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. [KJV]
John 15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. [KJV] . . . Abiding in Christ is: (1.) believing that He is God’s Son (1 John 4:15), (2.) accepting and receiving Him as your Saviour and Lord (John 1:12), (3.) doing what God says (1 John 3:24), (4.) to continue in a steadfast way, to believe the Gospel (1 John 2:24), and (5.) showing love to the Body of Christ (John 15:12).
   
Many people try to be honest and do what is right, and try to live a good, moral life. But Jesus says that the only way we can live a truly good life is to stay close to Him (remaining in Him), like a branch attached to the vine. Apart from Christ our efforts are unfruitful. Are you receiving the nourishment and life offered by Christ, the Vine? If you are not, you are missing a special blessing He has for you.
   
Christ is the Vine, and God is the Gardener who cares for the branches to make them fruitful. The branches are all those who claim to be followers of Christ. The fruitful branches are TRUE believers, who by their union with Christ produce much fruit. Those who become unproductive, who stop bearing fruit, those who turn back from following Christ after making a superficial commitment, will be cut off from the Vine. Unfruitful followers are like dead branches that will be cut off and tossed aside.
    
Christ Jesus is as a true living Vine. His Human and Divine natures are united in a perfect way, and the fullness of the awesome Spirit within Him, symbolizes the root of the vine, made fruitful by the moisture from a rich, fertile soil. Believers are branches of this Vine. The root (the Holy Spirit) is unseen, as are roots, and our life is hid with Christ (Col.3:3). The root bears the tree, sending out nourishment to it, thus supporting and supplying it of all its needs. There are many branches of the one Vine; yet all join in the root. This is the way all true Christians, even though they all are quite different in their place of origin and opinions, they join together join in Christ. We as believers are like the branches of a vine. We are weak and unable to stand on our own. God the Father is the Husbandman (Gardener, Farmer). There has never been, nor ever will be, any husbandman who is so wise and so watchful about His prized vineyard, as God is about His church. Therefore we must be fruitful. From a vine we look for grapes; and from a true believer we look for Christian disposition, temperament, attitude, patience, etc. We must love, honor and glorify God; and love one another. This is bearing fruit.
1 John 2:6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. [KJV]
1 John 2:28-29 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. 29  If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him. [KJV]
2 John 1:9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. [KJV] . . . We CANNOT be all that our Lord Jesus was (and is). Neither can we do all that He did (or does). But to abide in Him, our heart must be right. We must put Him first in all things. We must walk as He walked, and talk as He talked. We are His feet, His hands, and His mouth while we live here on Earth. For more on Walking With Jesus, and Abiding in Him, see:
http://www.worldlychaos.org/w_c_books_walking_with_jesus.html
    
The following is a poem that fairly well sums up how we as God’s children should live, as we sojourn here on this Earth (which is our temporary home).
   

HIS ‘FEET’

We are His ‘feet’ in this world today,
That is why we must trust and obey.
We must take the Gospel to His lost sheep,
Lest the devil with false doctrine creep.

We must travel the road, where He would go,
And love and compassion, we must show.
We are His ‘feet’ as we walk this Earth,
Imitate Jesus, or we’re not much worth.

Jesus sits at God’s right hand this day,
We must be His ‘feet’ and go the right way.
We must do the job, by others begun,
We must be His ‘feet’, or it won’t get done!

As we travel this Earth, life is fleet,
We must love and trust Him, and be His ‘feet’.
Do only what our Saviour would do,
‘Tis a hard life for me; how about you?
**************************
By: His servant, Connie Kramer Mar.20,1996 # 174
(1 Co.3:9; 15:58; 2 Co.6:1; 2 Tim.4:5; Mk.16:20; 10:43-44; Jn.13:14; 21:16)
(1 Cor.3:9; 15:58; 2 Cor. 6:1; 2 Tim.4:5; Mark 10:43-44; John 13:14; 21:16)
Scripture reference for above poem.
    Living a life that is pleasing to God is NOT easy! It is absolutely impossible without the Holy Spirit of Almighty God! Only He can make us God’s child when we believe and accept Jesus as our Saviour and Lord. Only He can lead, guide and direct us in all the right paths. Only He can teach us things of God the Father and God the Son (Jesus). Only He can discern for us what is right and what is wrong in doctrines we hear. Only He can convict us of sin. Only He can help us to pray when we know not what to say to God. Only He can produce the fruits (characteristics) of God within our lives. Only He can abide with us forever! Praise God for Him!

HOW THE HOLY SPIRIT WORKS
IN OUR SALVATION
Chapter 4  
 

God the Father planned our salvation (Eph.1:4-6). God the Son paid for our salvation (Eph.1:7-12), and God the Holy Spirit applies that salvation to us. (Eph. 1:13-14). We need all three Persons of the Godhead in order to achieve salvation of our souls.
Eph.1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, [KJV] . . . When we embrace the Gospel, we trust Christ Jesus to save us. The gospel of your salvation is the Gospel and is so called because it contains the most excellent and necessary of all truths, the doctrine of righteousness and life by Jesus Christ. The gospel of your salvation means that God works on our faith, and brings us to salvation. In whom also after that ye believed refers to believers, and then it shows by virtue of whom this benefit of sealing is bestowed . . . by benefit of Christ. We are sealed with that Holy Spirit, secured and promised our right to the heavenly inheritance, which is done by the Holy Spirit's affecting on the soul the work of regeneration. The Holy Spirit: (1.) Regenerates us. (2.) He is our refuge (shelter, comfort, safe retreat, help). (3.) He gives reality and meaning to our lives.

God’s work in planning the church and His work in redeeming the church, through His Son are great Truths! In Eph.1:13, we have the Holy Spirit regenerating us. But, some may say: “The word ‘regenerate’ is not in this verse.” That’s true! But . . . when we pass from sinful man to God’s child, that is “regeneration”! God’s work and planning for us now takes place IN US through His Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit works in our hearts, trying so hard to persuade us to turn to Jesus. Once we “hear” (or read) the Word of truth (Gospel), and we submit to Him, we then “trust” and believe God. The Holy Spirit then “seals” (identifies) us as God’s children. We are given the Spirit for now and always, --- FOREVER!
John 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;  [KJV]
2 John 1:2 For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever. [KJV] . . . This absolutely wonderful, life changing event takes place the moment we trust and believe God and accept Jesus as our Saviour and Lord. We do NOT have to “tarry” as did the disciples awaiting the day of Pentecost, nor do we have to beg for or seek the Spirit. Since the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit is granted immediately upon believing! We are “sealed” with the Holy Spirit of Promise! It is so sad to me, that so many listen to the Gospel but do NOT “hear” it (take it into their heart). Many people have ears, but they simply cannot hear spiritual things, because they do NOT want to hear! 
   
1 Corinthians 1:23-24 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24  But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. [KJV] . . . The Gospel is a “stumbling block” to Jews, and “foolishness” to most people. Yet, God in His infinite wisdom states that our faith comes by hearing the Word of God.

Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. [KJV] . . . We must hear (or read) the Gospel to be saved. This places a huge burden upon us! WHO is responsible for bringing the Gospel to the lost souls? Is it just pastors? Or chaplains? Or teachers? NO! It is everyone who is God’s child! Hopefully it is you!

Romans 10:13-16 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14  How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15  And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! 16  But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? [KJV] . . .

Isaiah 53:1 Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed? [KJV] . . . There are those who will absolutely and defiantly refuse to believe us. Some will actually blaspheme God and His Word and us. We are NOT to be concerned about people not believing us. Our job is simply to tell others about Jesus. We CANNOT make anyone believe us. We CANNOT save anyone. That is God’s job! Our job is to reach out to those who do not know Jesus, and tell them of Him, in hopes that they might believe and be saved. Are your “feet” beautiful? I think there are two things that happen when we are “sealed” by the Holy Spirit.
FIRST, He implants the image of God upon our hearts. John 3:33 He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. [KJV]
The SECOND thing is that this sealing marks us as God’s children. We now belong to Him, forever! 2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. [KJV] . . . Just because God has called you to be His child, just because you are secure in Christ, does NOT mean you can live in sin (practice sin). When you take on the Name of Christ (Christian) you must make every effort to stay away from ALL evil and wickedness. If you do not, and if when you do sin, you have no remorse, there is great doubt that you are a Christian.

The Holy Spirit also is our Refuge (comfort, strength, protection, help, etc.). And He shows us that we are God’s children. If we do not have the Holy Spirit, we do NOT belong to God. Romans 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. [KJV]  

Eph. 1:14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. [KJV] . . . This is a wonderful Promise to all God’s children! The Holy Spirit is just the “earnest” (guarantee) of what is to come! He is just the down payment, a Pledge (Promise) from God of what we are to expect in eternity. So, what God is saying is: “My child, there is much more blessings to follow.” The spiritual blessings just BEGIN with the Holy Spirit!
   
Four things are demonstrated by the Presence of God, the Holy Spirit within us:
(1.) He demonstrates our faith (trust and belief) in God’s Word.
1 John 5:1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. [KJV]  

(2.) He proves (by sealing) that we are God’s children by baptizing us into the body of Christ (church). 1 Cor. 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.  [KJV]
Gal. 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. [KJV] . . . We are one with Christ! We are all in the same package with Him! Praise Him!
   
(3.) He demonstrates that God will most certainly fulfill all that He has promised to us in the way of salvation. Titus 1:2  In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; [KJV] . . . With Jesus, eternal life is ours!
    
(4.) His power transforms us into a “new creature”. 2 Cor. 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. [KJV]  
Gal. 5:19-21 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20  Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21  Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. [KJV] . . . If we are “in Christ” and have the Holy Spirit abiding within us, we WILL change our lifestyles. We must, for it is none other than God Himself within us, and He cannot tolerate sin. We CANNOT fool God, and we must not try to fool ourselves or others. This is hypocrisy!
   
We must NOT desire to do the above things. Will we ever do any of them? Sad to say, yes, we will. But when you become a “new creature” you HATE it when you stumble and fall. You are filled with regret, remorse and guilt. Anyone who WILLINGLY participates in the above will NOT inherit the Kingdom of God. We ALL make mistakes, we ALL fall flat on our face now and then, but to willingly and defiantly participate and practice such “works of the flesh” is completely different. See what the Book of Revelation states:
Rev. 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. [KJV}
Rev. 22:14-15 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. 15  For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. [KJV]

 Galatians 5:22-26 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23  Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24  And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25  If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26  Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. [KJV] . . . Our precious Saviour and Lord wants us to produce “fruit”, as He plainly states in the ‘parable of the sower’ in Matthew 13. See: Parables of Jesus:
http://www.hisservants.org/books_parables_of_jesus.htm

Yet our Lord Jesus clearly tells us: John 15:5  I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. [KJV] . . . I think this is a direct warning from Jesus. We DO have a ‘free will’ and we CAN make our own decisions, which sometimes turn out to be wrong. When we ALLOW sin in our lives, we are breaking fellowship with our Lord Jesus. He truly desires that we “abide” (remain) “in Him” because IF we do not, there is NO way we can produce any of these ‘fruits’. He indeed is the “Vine” from which we receive our strength and spiritual nourishment. The moment we attempt anything ‘without Him’ we certainly shall fall!

God wants us to produce ‘much fruit,’ like the seed in the parable; some thirtyfold, some sixty and some a hundredfold. This (to me) means that the closer we can get to Jesus, the more fruit we will produce. We, as God’s children, must do all we can to abide in Christ; including Bible study, prayer, fellowship with other Christians, and telling others about Jesus.

We must NEVER forget to honor and thank and praise our Awesome Triune God for every one of His blessings, every day of our lives.
http://www.hisservants.org/books_our_awesome_triune_god.html

When I think of all the blessings God bestows upon us day after day, it simply astounds me. There is NEVER a day goes by that TRUE Christians (God’s children) are not blessed by God in some way or another.
Do you thank Him when He does something for you?
Do you thank Him for your salvation?
Do you thank Him for His amazing love?
Do you thank Him for Jesus?
Do you thank Him for the awesome Presence of His Spirit within you, and the power He gives you to live a victorious life?
Do you thank Him for true friends?
Do you thank Him for forgiving you . . . day after day?
Do you thank Him for answered prayer . . . even if His answer is “no”?
Do you thank Him for His Divine Presence, the Holy Spirit?

I could go on and on and on! When He does something for you THANK HIM, PRAISE HIM! We should even thank Him for the times when things go wrong and when we have pain, sorrow and grief; for the end result will only benefit us (Romans 8:28). Thank God for His Divine Presence, the Holy Spirit! We could NOT make it without Him!

LETTING THE HOLY SPIRIT
HELP IN DECIPLESHIP
Chapter 5
  

A disciple of Christ is one who: (1.) believes His doctrine, (2.) rests on His sacrifice, (3.) drinks of His Spirit, and (4.) imitates His example.
John 6:64 
But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. [KJV] . . . It did not matter in what sense Jesus spoke to them, for they simply would NOT believe! He tells them that the Spirit quickeneth, but it does NOT quicken all . . . only those with TRUE faith in Him. The majority there . . . and NOW . . . do NOT understand these things, but have most disgusting notions of inspiring spiritual things . . . the reason simply boils down to "you believe not." Even though faith is an inward, secret act of the soul, yet Jesus knew, from the beginning, who the TRUE believers were, and who were not! Some were sincere, some were not! Jesus KNOWS the TRUE ones! Today, just like back then, hypocrites are many! They abound! Those who say "I'm a Christian" are also many . . . but when you watch these people, you know they are NOT God's TRUE children. We do not have to be omniscient to know this. All we need do is check out their fruit. We ARE restricted as to judging (Mat.7:1) . . . but we are NOT restricted from being "fruit inspectors."
And who should betray him . . . Jesus not only knew how it was with the multitude of the disciples that professed love to Him, and faith in Him . . . He also knew that one of the apostles would betray Him, and knew who he was. This was decided in the decrees of God, and was foretold in the prophecies of the Old Testament (Ps.109:8), and was predicted by Christ; and the person was pointed at by Him before the treacherous deed was done (Jn.13:18-26).
John 6:65-69 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. 66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. 67  Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? 68  Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. 69  And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. [KJV] . . . Our Lord has promised eternal life to His followers. The disciples decided to cling to Him, but others turned away from Him. The doctrine of Christ is the plain word of eternal life, therefore we must live by it, and die by it (if it were to come to that). IF we forsake Christ, we forsake all the mercies of God that are available to us. When we are tempted to backslide or turn away, it is good to remember the love and grace of God. He alone can give us salvation, by the forgiveness of our sins. This brings confidence, comfort, peace and joy, and chases fear and discouragement away. Jesus is the only way to happiness in this world, and opens the way to the unending happiness of the next.

Matthew 10:24 The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. [KJV] . . . We who represent Jesus should always put Him FIRST, over and above everything, every where! IF we do not . . . we will come upon great troubles, with/from HIM! We should never try to take for ourselves any glory in serving Christ. ALL glory belongs to God! Let the Holy Spirit produce the fruit of humility in you.
    
Luke 14:26-27 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. 27  And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. [KJV] . . . Hate here means to love less. The strongest bonds of love and duty, have often been broken because of enmity against Christ. Sufferings we experience from friends and relatives are very grievous, to say the least. I am very familiar with this. It appears plainly, that all who live godly in Christ Jesus must suffer some form of persecution; and we must realize that to enter into the Kingdom of God will be through many tribulations. The disciples of Christ are as hated and persecuted as snakes, and people try their best to ruin them. This is why we need the wonderful wisdom of the Holy Spirit. We need the serpent’s wisdom, and to be as harmless as doves.
    
Matthew 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. [KJV] . . . Our Lord warned His disciples (then and now) to be ready for persecution. They (and we) were to avoid all things which would give advantage to their enemies; meddling with worldly or political concerns, all appearances of evil or selfishness, and all underhand dealings. Christ has dealt fairly and faithfully with us; in warning us about the worst we can expect to come up against in serving Him. Persecutors can be worse than animals. We must always rely on the Holy Spirit to see us through any persecution or trouble. He will never let us down! 

Luke 14:27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.  [KJV] . . . The disciples of Christ must all bear their crosses. We must consider this fact. We can count on it, because Jesus plainly tells us here, if we do NOT bear our cross, we are NOT His disciples! What does it mean “to bear our cross”  or to “take up thy cross and follow me”? It simply means we must deny ourselves; say NO to one’s self, and to put Jesus FIRST. We CANNOT do this without the help of the Holy Spirit! We would give in to ourselves every time.
   
Phil. 3:8-10  Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, [9] And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: [10] That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; [KJV] . . . Just as the apostle Paul had made a deliberate choice of Christ, His cross, His poverty and His reproach . . . and for these Paul had freely sacrificed all he had from the world, and all he could expect from it . . . we would be wise to do likewise. Paul counted everything as dung that I may win Christ . . . dung refers to the vilest refuse, the worst excrement. The word dung shows how utterly insignificant and ineffective keeping the Law and works were in salvation. With his best worldly things Paul freely parted, judging them all loss, while he put in their place . . . Christ crucified! Christ crucified, Paul considered that immeasurable, infinite gain, when compared with all the rest. There was/is NOTHING else but Christ to save the soul . . . and the Apostle Paul stands firm in his statement of this. My friend, IF the Law could have done anything, the apostle would have known it. He tried the Law, and found it vanity; he then tried the Gospel system, and found it the power of God to his salvation (Rom.1:16). By Paul’s losing all that the world calls excellent, he gained Christ, and eternal salvation through Him. Of the glorious influence of the Gospel, Paul was a perfect witness. May we all be as wise!

Mark 8:34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. [KJV]
    
Mark 10:29-30  And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, [30] But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. [KJV]

Luke 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. [KJV]

When we ACCEPT Christ, we must also FOLLOW Him; we must be His disciple. Jesus did not choose the 12 to be His apostles and companions because of their faith; for their faith often faltered. He did not choose them because of their talent and ability; for not one of them stood out with unusual ability. The disciples represented a wide range of backgrounds and life experiences. But the one characteristic they all shared was their willingness to obey Jesus. After Jesus’ ascension, they were filled with the Holy Spirit and empowered to carry out special roles in the growth of the early church. We, as the disciples of Christ today, should not disqualify ourselves from service to Christ because we think we do not have worthy credentials. If God chooses you to do a specific task; I guarantee that He will equip you to do the job. I am perfect proof of that. Without the Holy Spirit, I could do NOTHING!!! Being a good disciple is simply a matter of following Jesus with a willing heart.
   
When we decide to be a disciple of Jesus, we absolutely will come in contact with some kind of persecution on down the road. Count on it! To persecute means to harass, afflict, blaspheme, distress, oppress, to wrong, to hurt. This is a normal thing! People hated Jesus when He walked the Earth; He told us they would hate us too! He never lies to us.
John 15:18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. [KJV]  

1 John 3:13 Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you. [KJV] . . . Jesus tells us through John, what to expect when we become His disciples. But He also tells us He will NEVER leave us nor forsake us, ever (Heb.13:5; Mat.28:20), for He has given us His Holy Spirit to help us live the life He wants us to live.

Matthew 5:10-12 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. [KJV] . . . I had only verse 10 in the original book. I added verses 11 & 12 to SHOW another GREAT Promise of God (Jesus)! When anyone persecutes you . . . REJOICE! Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven . . .Jesus’ Words!

Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; [KJV] . . . When someone persecutes you, bless them! Pray for them! It REALLY works! Try it!

Luke 6:22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. [KJV] . . . Persecution can come from separation, because of Christ Jesus and His Gospel. Separation is not only persons being excluded from the congregation, but from all civil society and business. People may shun you because of Jesus, they may turn their back on you . . . even family and friends! If it happens to you, remember, there is NO greater Friend than JESUS! The Lord Jesus certainly did bring division with His Gospel! Pray for your enemies always! It absolutely works by giving YOU comfort and peace! Try it!
Division, separation: (Lk.12:49-53; Mat.10:34-36; 24:7-10).

1 Cor. 4:12 And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: [KJV] . . . Bless those who curse you. Be patient with those who abuse you. Pray for them. They really do need it!

1 Peter 4:16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. [KJV] . . .

1 Peter 4:19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. [KJV] . . . Christ will send His Spirit to strengthen those who are persecuted for their faith. This does not mean that all our suffering happens because of good Christian conduct. Sometimes a person might say, “He’s picking on me because I’m a Christian,” when it’s quite clear that this person’s own unpleasant attitude and behavior is the cause of his or her problems. We should carefully consider what the real cause of our suffering is. But, whenever we suffer (no matter the cause), because of our loyalty to Christ, He will be with us, all the way!
   
Being a true disciple of Christ will cost us something! We will have to give up SOME THING, to follow Him! Sit down and count the cost, and consider: will the cost be the forsaking (mortifying) of a sin near and dear to you? Or even your most beloved lust? Will you have to give up long time ‘friends’ because they lead a life that is greatly displeasing to God (the life you once lived)? It may even be a job. It may even be forsaking family members. If you are not willing to forsake ALL and follow Jesus, you are NOT worthy to be His disciple!
    
The most proud and daring sinner cannot stand against God; for who knows the power of His anger? It is in our best interest to seek peace with God; and whatever you do, do NOT try to dictate the conditions of that peace! That peace is offered to us by His awesome grace, and it is to our advantage, and it will greatly benefit us. In some way, and at some time, a disciple of Christ will be put to the test. We may well seek to be His disciples, but we should be very careful not to grow slack in our profession of Him, or be afraid to “take  up our cross and follow Him”. We must be the salt of the earth, to season those around us with the flavor of Christ.
    
We should never do anyone any harm, nor bear anyone any ill-will. The disciples of Christ must think how to do good, and how to speak well. The ‘fear of man’ is as a snare to us, a perplexing trap, which disturbs our peace and joy; a trap that will entangle and draw us into sin.  That is why we must strive against, and pray that the Holy Spirit remove this ‘fear’ from us. There is NO tribulation, distress, or persecution that can take away God’s love from us. (Rom.8:35-39). Fear Him, who is able to destroy both soul and body in Hell (Mat.10:28).

We must deliver our message to “whosoever”, for we must be deeply concerned in the doctrine of the Gospel. The whole counsel of God must be made known, Acts 20:27. We CANNOT bring only the nice things that people want to hear. We must bring it ALL! If you tell them about Heaven, . . . you must tell them about Hell also! When God calls us to speak for Him, we may well depend on Him to teach us what to say. His Holy Spirit is always there to assist us, no matter what! He will NEVER let us down . . . ever! Our loyalty to Christ and our believing heart will see us to the end of our troubles, because we know His Spirit abides and strives within us. The strength and comfort He offers shall be according to the problem of the day. It is a great encouragement to those who are doing Christ’s work, to know the Holy Spirit will see to it that the  work shall most certainly get done.
  
God’s care extends to all creatures, even to the tiny, insignificant sparrows. This should silence all the fears of God’s people; for we are of more value than many sparrows!
   
It is our duty, not only to believe in Christ, but to profess (tell others) that faith, and to suffer for Him IF necessary. Those who are best prepared for the life to come, must loose themselves from this present, worldly life. Christ (through His Holy Spirit) will lead us through all sufferings, that we may one day glory with Him.
    
There is little kindness shown to Christ’s disciples. Christ does not say that we deserve a reward; for we cannot merit anything from the Hand of God; but we shall receive a reward, from the amazing grace of God. Let us always boldly confess Christ, and show love to Him in all things.

WALKING WITH GOD

Walking with God, one step at a time,
Keeps us out of this world’s filth and grime.
We must speak truth; no sin on our lips,
Only His Holy Spirit equips.

Walking with God, we must always trust,
Also to obey; this is a must.
Believe what He states, for He does care,
He’ll watch out for you, no matter where.

Enoch, Noah, and Josiah too,
Walked with God; just to name a few.
Each one of us, need to be like these,
We don’t want to be God’s enemies.

Fear the Lord! be afraid ‘fore His Name,
Love and revere Him, each day the same.
Walking with God is divine fellowship,
Daily, consistent; a constant trip.

Walking with God, don’t wander away,
No matter what, with Him, you should stay.
Always with Him, in love, do abide,
He’s there to lead, direct, and to guide.

Thru’ long tedious days, you feel alone,
You stumble and fall, and how you do groan.
Why did He leave? when you need Him so?
YOU left! NOT HE! He wants you to know.

He will never leave, never forsake,
This great promise, He will not retake.
Walking with God, He’ll stay by your side,
The choice is yours; wander, or abide!
*************************
By: Connie Kramer Oct.8, 1996 # 268
(Jer.6:16; Gen.5:24; 6:8-9; Mal.2:4-6; Rev.3:4; 2 K.23:3; Mic.4:5; Heb.13:5)

We are truly blessed by the constant and continuing abiding of God’s Holy Spirit! We as God’s children could in NO way, ever live a life pleasing to Almighty God on our own. What kind of life is that? One that would be like His precious Son, our Saviour and Lord, Jesus the Christ. We are to imitate Jesus as we live this present, fleeting life. Without the Spirit of Christ within us, we cannot do this. Do you thank God for His allowing you to be His child, a child of the Almighty Creator of the Universe?
     
There are so many marvelous privileges that God gives His children that unbelievers cannot possibly have! You have forgiveness of all your sins, you have peace and joy within, you have the right to access God’s Throne of grace in prayer whereas God will NOT hear an unbeliever’s prayers (John 9:31; Is.1:15; 59:2). You have the Holy Spirit living within you for ever! If you are not His child, turn to Jesus NOW, and become one!

THE WAY TO ETERNAL LIFE   

The “WAY”  is Jesus. And friend, there is only ONE WAY! You do not have to work your way there, and you cannot buy your way there (Heaven). Only Jesus has the ‘key’!
   
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. [KJV] . . . Jesus IS God! He says you must go through Him to get to the Father, which is in Heaven!
    
John 10:30 I and my Father are one. [KJV] . . . God made salvation so easy, that even a small child could attain it. Anyone who trusts Jesus as Saviour and Lord, becomes God’s child, and will spend eternity with Him.
    
1 John 3:10  In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. [KJV] . . . There are only two groups (families) in the world, according to Almighty God; His children, those who believe Him and accept Jesus, His Son, and then there are the children of the devil. Those are the ones who refuse to believe God, and keep rejecting Jesus, God’s only WAY of salvation.
     We are all sinners, and God cannot stand to look on sin. But when we accept what Jesus did on the Cross for us, when we humble ourselves at the foot of that Cross, and admit that God is right, and we are wrong, the precious Blood of our Saviour cleanses us from all sin and unrighteousness. We are made right by His Blood in God’s eyes. Only Jesus can justify us And give us peace with God. Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: [KJV]
 

ETERNAL LIFE

Eternal life; what does it entail?
‘Tis endless life, that will never fail.
But friend, it means so much more than this,
It’s life in Heaven; it’s total bliss.

A promise fulfilled, it does mean,
No man, nor Satan, can come between.
‘Tis ours, the moment we do believe,
Trusting Christ to save, and Him receive.

Christ promised life, abundantly,
We can claim this promise, victoriously.
A full meaningful life, in His will,
Spirit controlled, with hope to instill.

This ‘life’ is yours, when you do believe,
It starts on Earth, ‘till Heav’n we receive.
Only thru’ Christ, can you have this ‘life’,
Without Christ, sin and evil are rife.

Life in Heav’n is coming, soon I know,
No tears, pain nor suffering, no woe.
Only the joy of serving our Lord,
Loving Him always; that won’t be hard.

I praise my dear Saviour, ev’ry day,
Eternal life is mine, for alway!
The joy and peace He puts in my heart,
And the hope of Heav’n, will ne’er depart.
***********************
By: Connie Kramer Apr.20,1996 # 210
(Jn.3:15-18,36; 5:24; 8:24; 10:10;14:27; 17:3; 20:31; Ac.13:52; Ep.5:18; 1 P.1:8)

ETERNAL LIFE

Eternal life, a Promise from the Lord,
Great comfort, from the pages of His Word.
Eternal life, in Christ, is for ever,
Once you are in His Hand, no one can sever!

Eternal life, is by Christ, made so clear,
The Gospel of Christ, is what you must hear.
Eternal life, only thru’ Christ, is giv’n,
Just Jesus has the ‘key,’ to blissful Heav’n.

Eternal life, comes by NO other name,
Just Jesus, God’s own Son, One and the same.
Eternal life, within Christ we do hide,
And His spirit, for ever will abide.

Eternal life, God’s children do possess,
And one future day, Heaven, we will access.
Eternal life, amazing hope for all,
When on the Lord Jesus, we humbly call.

Eternal life, you can have it right now,
But, you must be humble, and to Him bow.
Eternal life, are you Heaven bound?
Or will your soul, in eternal Hell be found?
**************************
By: His servant, Connie Kramer Sept.14, 2008 #1192
Tit.1:4; John 1:4; 10:27-29; . . . 1 John 1:2; Rom.10:13-17; 6:23;
John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Col. 3:3; John 14:16; . . . 1 John 5:9; Tit.1:2; Rom.10:9-10;
John 5:24; 2 Tim.2:25; Gal.5:22-23; Mat. 25:31-46
Matthew 25:46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. (KJV)

Eternal Life
The start of eternal life, is common faith,
We must believe this, with our every breath.
Grace, mercy and peace, comes thru’ our dear Lord,
All clearly revealed, in His Holy Word.

Eternal life has just One, Fountainhead,
‘Tho’ false doctrines by many cults, are spread.
Just Jesus is the Truth, Life and only Way,
That you will ever get, to Heaven one day.

Eternal life is a Gift, ever so free,
A Promise to “whosoever” . . . you and me!
To get into Heaven, it’s our faith, God’s grace,
It’s there in His Home, we’ll see His wondrous face.

Eternal Life means, in Christ we are hid,
Believing and trusting, is what God does bid.
Eternal life is surely, security,
Given by our gracious God, ever so free.

Eternal life is a hope, ever so grand,
God promised a mansion, in Heaven Land.
A wonderful mansion, reserved for me,
In the Promised Land, of eternity.

Eternal life means, we must walk in the light,
Following Christ, not letting Him out of sight.
Trusting Him always, let Him lead, let Him guide,
For just Jesus, eternal live can provide!
***************************
By: His servant, Connie Kramer Oct.6, 2009 # 1249
Eternal Life: Jn.1:4,12-13; 3:3-8,15-18,36; 5:24; 8:24; 14:1-6; Ac.4:12; Tit.1:2,4; Rom.6:23; Eph.2:8-9; Col.3:3; 1 Pet.1:4; Ps.73:24; God’s love: Jn.3:16; Ps.73:24; Mat.13:43; 1 John 3:1; 4:9-10,16,19; 5:1-10; Rom.3:24-25; 8:32-39; Eph.2:4-5; 2 Thes.2:16; Tit.1:2; 3:4; Grace of God: Pro.3:34; Rom.3:24; 5:1,15,17,20-21; 6:14-15; 2 Cor.9:14; Eph.6:24: Tit.3:7; 1 Pet.4:10; 2 Pet. 3:18; Jam.4:6; Heaven: John 14:2-3; 1 Pet.1:4; Rev.21 & 22. Forgiveness: Ps.103:12; Mic.7:18-19; Mat.6:12,14-15; 18:22; Mark 11:25; Luke 6:36; 17:4; Rom.12:19; Ephes. 4:32; Col. 3:13; Thankfulness: Ps.30:4; 50:14; 95:2; 97:12; 100:4; 105:1; 106:1; 107:1; 136:1-3; 1 Cor.15:57; 2 Cor.9:15; Eph.1:16; 5:20; Col.2:7; 3:15,17; 1 Thes.5:18; Sacrifice of praise: Ps.35:18; 50:23; 69:30-31; 107:22; 116:17; 119:108; Rom.12:1; Gal.6:6; Eph.2:8-9; Heb.13:15-16; 1 Pet.2:5; All sinners: Ro.3:10,23; 1 John 1:8-10; Jesus, only Way: John 14:6; Acts 4:12; John 3:15;18,36; 5:24; 8:24;

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