Salvation

Salvation is a gift from God given to man by grace through faith, not by works. “8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast,” Ephesians 2:8-9.

Salvation is offered to all men, that the Lord Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins; and shed his precious blood at Calvary, was buried, and rose again on the third day. Jesus is our Substitute for our redemption, which thereby paid our sin debt and purchased our salvation for us; and that all who place their faith in Him are saved by His shed blood (Mark 10:15; John 1:29; John 1:4; John 3:17-18; John 3:36; John 5:24; John 6:44; John 6:47; John 6:50-51; John 6:57; John 8:12; John 8:32; John 8:36; John 10:9-10; John 20:31; Acts 4:12 Romans 5:9; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 2 Corinthians 5:19; 21Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14).

Is heaven your destiny or is hell? You have the free will to choose. If you choose heaven here are few simple steps to take to ensure your destiny is truly heaven:

Understanding Man is a Sinner. Adam & Eve sinned by being disobedient to God’s command. This disobedience separated man from God and doomed man to hell for all eternity. (Isaiah 59:2a).
Understand Man must be rejoined with God. To reconnect with God, man must have a willing desire to return to God. To do this he must be born again (be saved) not in the physical sense, but in the spirit sense. (John 3:3, 7, Luke 19:10).
Understand Man cannot save himself. In order for man to atone his sinful nature, there must be a sacrifice to atone for his sins. As told in the old testament, animals of pure blood and without blemishes were used as a sacrifice to atone for disobedience to God. Man is born in sin because of what Adam and Eve’s disobedience to God, cannot be used as a sacrifice to atone for his sins. (Titus 3:5a, Ephesians 2:8-9).
Understand God’s love for mankind. God love man so much that he gave his only begotten son as a sacrifice to atone for man’s sins. (John 3:16, John 10:10b, John 10:30, John 14:6, I Timothy 1:15, Hebrews 9:12, I Corinthians 15:3b-4).
Understand man needs to repent and believe. Man must have strong faith in Jesus Christ in order to be saved, to receive salvation, in order to avoid spending eternal life in hell. (Acts 20:21b, Luke 13:3, Acts 16:31, Romans10:9-10).
Understand man must ask God to save him. Man must go to God believe, repent, ask for forgiveness of sin, to save him, and accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. This can be done by praying what is called “The Sinner’s Prayer.” (John 20:31, John 5:24).
Understand scriptural baptism by immersion. Scriptural baptism is always public, obedience to the Lord’s command, and by immersion after salvation. Baptism does not save but it is the Lord’s prescribed way for us to identify ourselves with Him in open confession. Baptism is a symbolic representation; a picture of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. (Matthew 10:32-33, Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:16, Luke 9:23, Acts 2:38, Acts 16:30-34, Romans 10:9-10).

After taking the above steps, it is clear you truly understand the meaning of salvation and are now certain your destiny is heaven not hell.

Man

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Day 1 He saw the earth was without form, void, and dark. Then he said, “Let there be light.” He called the light Day and the darkness Night.
Day 2 He created the sky to separate the dry land (earth) from the firmament (heavens).
Day 3 God called the dry land Earth and the waters Seas and the firmament heaven. He also added grass, herbs that yield seeds, and trees with fruit that yield seeds.
Day 4 He created the stars for them to be signs of the seasons, days, years and to light the earth. He created the sun to rule the day and the moon and stars to rule the night.
Day 5 He created moving creatures, creatures with wings to fly and creatures that live in the water in the seas. He told them to be fruitful and multiply.
Day 6 He created living creatures such as cattle, creeping things, beast of the earth. Then he said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, the fowl of the air, over the cattle, and creeping things.’ He created both male and female and said be fruitful and multiply.
Day 7 He ended his work which he had made and rested from all his work he had created and made. He blessed the seventh day and sanctified it.

What God did afterward:

He caused midst and rain to fall from the firmament to water the ground.
He formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
He planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man. He placed in the garden of Eden every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food; He placed the tree of life and the tree of knowledge of good and evil in the midst of the garden as well.
He put man into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. He commanded man he could eat of any tree in the garden except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. He told man he cannot eat from that tree, if he did he would surely die for his disobedience, the penalty for disobeying God.
He said it is not good for man to be alone. I will make him a mate.
He brought living creatures such as cattle, creeping things, beast of the earth before Adam to see what he would call them and whatever he called them are their names today.
He saw that every creature had a mate, but Adam. God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam and he took one of his ribs and made woman. He took the woman before Adam and Adam said “This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” It is written, “a man shall leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” Adam and Eve were naked, but not ashamed.

About this time Archangel Lucifer had been thrown out of heaven along with a 1/3 of the angels who followed him. He was thrown out, because of his pride that originated from his desire to be God instead of a servant of God. Satan was the highest of all the angels, but he wasn’t happy. He desired to be God and rule the universe. God cast Satan out of heaven as a fallen angel. God later changed his name to Satan after he was expelled, (Isaiah 14:12-15 and Ezekiel 28:12-19). Understand Satan is a spirit, not flesh and blood. But he can take on flesh and blood by entering a willing and able living soul who will do his bidding in the flesh for him. Thus, the phrase, “people do devilish things.” Meaning they have allowed Satan to take control and rule over their mind, body, and soul; causing them to behave in an ungodly-like manner.

The serpent in the garden was a willing vessel for Satan to use and do his bidding.

Test 1. Satan in the form of a serpent asked the woman if God told her she could not eat of every tree in the garden. This was a test to see if she knew about the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The woman answered the serpent and told him she could eat of every tree except the one in the midst of the garden (the tree of the knowledge of good and evil) or she would surely die.
Test 2. The serpent lied to her and told her she shall not surely die just like he is doing to so many who listen to him today. He was thrown out of heaven and destined for hell and now want to block everyone’s path to heaven. “Misery loves company.”
Test 3. The serpent further explained God knows that if she ate from the tree she will be as gods knowing good and evil and the woman believed him. Like so many today who are falling into Satan’s traps. She ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil disobeying God command. She not only ate from the tree, but offered it to her husband, and he ate as well. The first sin was disobedience. Immediately their eyes were opened and they knew that they were naked and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves aprons (clothes). Then God called out to them in the garden and they hid themselves, because one they had disobeyed God and second they knew they were naked and ashamed. When they did not answer God asked them where they were. And of course, God knew exactly where they were and what they had done. Adam answered and said, I heard your voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.

Then God asked Adam, who told you that you were naked? God then asked Adam, have you eaten from the tree I told you not to eat? And without answering God’s question, Adam puts the blame on his wife by stating, the woman you gave to be with me, she gave me it to me and I ate it. We are still blaming others for our disobedience instead of blaming ourselves for listening to Satan's lies.

God said to the woman (Eve), what have you done? And the woman said, the serpent smooth talked me and I ate of the tree. Again blame was placed else where and not on herself for listening to the serpent.

God's Judgment

God cursed the serpent, Eve, and Adam:

God said to the serpent, because you have done this, you are cursed above all cattle and above every beast of the field. God told the serpent, you will crawl on your belly everywhere you go and shall eat dust all the days of your life. And God added that he would cause hostility between him and the woman; between her children and his children. They shall bruise your head (cut off his head) and you shall bruise their heel (bite their heels).
God said to the woman, I will greatly multiply your sorrow and conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.
God said to Adam, because you listened to your wife and ate of the tree I commanded you not to eat, cursed is the ground and in sorrow you shall eat of it all the days of thy life. Thorns and thistles shall the ground bring forth and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; by the sweat of your face you shall eat bread till you die and return back to the ground, “For dust you are and dust you shall return.”

Adam called his wife's name Eve; because she was the mother of all living. To cover their nakedness, God made coats of skins for them. The first sacrifice of a living animal, the shedding of blood, to cover and pay for their sin of disobedience. Then God said, behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever: God then threw them out of the garden of Eden, to till the ground and to keep them away from the tree of life.

Every time man sinned there had to be a blood sacrifice, some shedding of blood to atone for their sins. But because Satan was roaming the earth stealing, killing, and destroying all in his path and man was constantly being disobedient and not following God’s commandments, God became angry and destroyed the earth by water. He saved Noah and his family to start all over again. There emerged many different races and nationalities. Among them was a man called Abraham, a Jew. God saw Abraham as an upright man who loved and was obedient to God. As a result, God made a covenant with Abraham and his seed (his children) and blessed them. Everyone outside the blood line of Abraham were called Gentiles (non-Jews). The Jews were a blessed people, but over time, they became disobedient to the commandments of God. So God decided why should the Jews be the only ones to inherit the blessings of Abraham and decided he would allow the Gentiles to inherit the blessing of Abraham based on their love and obedience to him. God so loved the world that he sent his only begotten son born from the blood line of Abraham to atone all mankind’s sins giving them an opportunity to inherit eternal life and reap the blessings of Abraham. His son, Jesus, would be the ultimate sacrifice for all mankind (Jews and Non-Jews) to atone for their sins. “16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16); that is, a right to the tree of life and live with him for all eternity. Plus all the things he promised Abraham and his children God will extend to all who believes in son is saved and baptised.

So, he sent his son, Jesus Christ born of a virgin, to atone for man’s sins. As in the first sacrifice, blood had to be shed to cover and cleanse all mankind. Jesus Christ was born, buried, and resurrected for all mankind to inherit the blessings of Abraham and the tree of life. The "Harmony of the Gospels" explain the three phases of Jesus’ life so well. Jesus Christ promised he would not leave us comfortless, he would send his Holy Spirit, to lead and guide us in all things, how to resist Satan, how to be a true servant of God, how to listen to Gods voice and not Satan, how to fight Satan, how to resist Satan, how to be Christ-like in character, how to produce good spiritual fruit, how to study the word of God, and how to share the word of God without fellow man. Jesus Christ pay the way, all we need to do is believe, repent, accept, and receive him as our Lord and Savior and invite the Holy Spirit into our hearts.

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Satan

Satan was an Archangel in false doctrine. John 10. He makes it his business to cheat and defraud. Matt. 21.

In John 10:10, the scriptures tell us “10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”

Satan was defeated at the cross, but the execution of his judgment has been postponed by God until after the Millennial Kingdom when he and his evil kingdom will be casted out into the eternal lake of fire. In the meantime, he walks the earth seeking all he can persuade to join his doomed kingdom. “Misery loves company.”

Satan can be resisted by the believer through faith and reliance on the power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will reveal to the believer through their spiritual gift of discernment the presence of Satan. We can break the strongholds Satan has on individuals through the use of spiritual warfare. I am not naive enough to think I can destroy Satan with my intercessory prayers (spiritual warfare prayers), but I am wise enough to know that strong faith in Almighty God, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit gives me the authority to bind, break, loose, and cast out demons on assignment against me, God’s anointed, and the innocent into a “holding place” till the appointed time when the angels gather Satan and all his demonic kingdom and cast them into the eternal lake of fire for all eternity; never to bother God’s children again.

During spiritual warfare, the prayer warriors, the Holy Spirit, Archangel Michael, the warring angels, and our strong faith will deliver us from Satan’s stronghold on our lives preventing us from doing the will of God. But note Satan has many demonic spirits. As we get rid of demons, Satan will send others in their place. But not to worry, because God is in control. At times, it may look like Satan is in control, but it’s all a part of God’s plan. Keep the faith, hold on to God’s unchanging hand, and watch God do what he does best and that is take care of his children. Remember this one thing if you don’t remember anything else I just said, “And we know that ALL THINGS work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose,” Romans 8:28. I am reminded of another scripture that says what Satan meant for evil, God will turn it for our good, Genesis 50:20. Satan just does not get it, that he cannot outwit God. GOD IS IN CONTROL. God created him. He did. not create God

Believers must remain vigilant, prayerful, and study God’s word. The Holy Spirit will reveal to you things and make you aware of Satan’s presence. “16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves,” Matthew 10:16. Remember the word of God is our ammunition against Satan. In Ephesians 6:10-18, the word tells us to put on the “Whole Armor of God.” One of the items of armor to wear during spiritual warfare, is the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:” The word of God cuts like a two-edged sword. Hebrews 4:12, “12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Use scriptures from the bible, Gods words, to defeat Satan. That’s why we need to study the bible and meditate on the scriptures in order to quote relevant verses to defeat Satan at will. The word of God needs to get deep into our mind, body, and soul. Start memorizing bible verses that you can speak to Satan when he comes calling. Jesus went up into the mountains to fast and pray, Satan came to him three times to temp him. And Jesus defeated him each time with the word of God, saying, “IT IS WRITTEN…” The word of God is one of our pieces of spiritual armor that is used against evil. Remember this and never forget it. You may not be able to say the words aloud at times, but you can certainly speak them in your spirit, in your heart as you look Satan dead in his eyes. Silent words are just as powerful and Satan will hear them and flee. The word says, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you,” James 4:7.

Encouragement Against Satan
Remember your enemy is not flesh and blood, but a spirit, anevil spirit. “12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places,” Ephesians 6:12.

You must believe in our heavenly Father and that he is in control. You must know this deep in your heart, in your spirit, that God loves you very much and that he has your best interest at heart. You must know that Satan cannot do anything to you without God’s permission. And if God is in control and he allows Satan to temp your faith, then you must believe that everything will work out for your good and God’s glory. And that you will be blessed in the midst of it all. You must know that God is working on something good for you or better yet. You are close to your divine destiny or you are about to receive a blessing. Stay strong, courageous, obedient, and faithful to Almighty God. Remember we do not look at things using our physical eyes, but we use our spiritual eyes. Things may look one way, but through your spiritual eyes you will be able to see that God is at work on your behalf. “7 For we walk by faith, not by sight:” 2 Corinthians 5:7.

Satan wants you to feel defeated or upset, this is the trick of the enemy. He wants you to lose faith in God. Learn to talk back to Satan in your spirit, learn some praise songs to sing throughout the day giving God praise glory and honor for what he has done, is doing, and about to do in your life. When Satan shows up, be happy, first because it means you do not belong to him, he only bothers those he does not own, and secondly, because you are about to be blessed in some way due to your faithfulness and obedience to God Almighty. Satan wants you out of position to receive what God has for you. God is about to show you something amazing, but Satan doesn’t want you to receive it. You must believe in the word of God and believe that God is in control of all things including Satan. Whatever is happening in your life, it is the will of God. Put a smile on your face, joy in your heart, and a pep in your step, because you know that whatever God allows Satan to do will work out for your good and God’s glory every time.

Again, let me make this perfectly clear, you are not fighting flesh and blood, but an evil spirit, Satan, his demonic evil spirits, witches, and all those who are out to destroy God’s will for his children’s lives. Your defender is God Almighty. God is willing and able to bring you out of any situation victorious, but you must exercise your faith and obedience in him. In other words, you must be still and follow God’s instruction sent to you through the Holy Spirit.

How to be Victorious
When you put God in the mix it extinguishes the fire Satan started under your feet. And when you speak words without asking God to anoint or bless your words, you speak without the power of God and it fuels the fire and Satan use your words against you.

If you continue trying to fight your battles alone; without God; God will step back and let you defend yourself. Then he will wait until you realize that you cannot make it without him. You never want try and defend yourself without the help of God, because what you are telling God is that you don't need him and he will step back (note: not away from you just back to allow you to take control). When he does this, he will remove the hedge of protection he had surrounding you and protecting you from all hurt harm and danger from Satan. Now you are being left to defend yourself. And you will never win without God's help. Why go through all of that when all you need to do is exercise your faith in God, obey him, and let him defend you.

When Satan seeks us out, it is a test of our faith and obedience. To pass,

THE FAITH TEST, you need to trust in the Lord, and do good, Psalm 37:3.
THE OBEDIENCE TEST, you need to be patient and wait on him to deliver you, Psalm 37:34 and Psalm 46:10.

Dwell on the goodness of God and your faith in him while in your tests, trials, and temptations; and remember:

If God is for you who can be against you. Romans 8:31b.
No weapon formed against you will prosper. Isaiah 54:17.
God loves you very much.
God is Good.
God is in control.
God will take care of the matter.
Sing God praises throughout the day.
Meditate on the word of God.
Fast for clarity and spiritual strength.
Pray to your Heavenly Father.

Restoration Sevenfold

If the thief (Satan) has been caught stealing, killing, and destroying the property of a child of God, then he is required to return everything to the rightful owner sevenfold. In Proverbs 6:31, "But if he (the thief/Satan) be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house." If an individual who has the spiritual gift of discernment (1 Corinthians 12:7-11}; that is, a person who has the ability to know what lies behind a person’s words or actions and can see whether something is holy or demonic; good or evil; right or wrong, an individual who can recognize the presence of Satan in any situation. That individual has the ability to recognize the thief (Satan), the one who is blocking the will of God for their life. Because they are able to see Satan's handy work, they have caught Satan "red-handed;" that is, with blood on his hands Satan will have to return every he has stolen, killed, or destroyed sevenfold.

Remember the story of Job. Satan took everything Job had trying to get him to turn his back on God. But when Job opened his eyes and saw that his troubles came from the handwork of Satan and not anything he had done, the thief was caught red-handed, and immediately the things that were taken from Job were restored. Job 42:10, "And the Lord turned the captivity of Job when he prayed for his friends: also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. "GOD IS GOOD, ALL THE TIME." Just continue to trust in him and remain obedient to his word.

Obedience

Obedience means compliance with a command, prohibition or known law and rule of duty prescribed; the performance of what is required or enjoined by authority, or the abstaining from what is prohibited, in compliance with the command or prohibition. To constitute obedience, the act or forbearance to act must be in submission to authority; the command must be known to the person, and his compliance must be in consequence of it, or it is not obedience. Obedience is not synonymous with obsequiousness; the latter often implying meanness or servility, and obedience being merely a proper submission to authority. That which duty requires implies dignity of conduct rather than servility. Obedience may be voluntary or involuntary. Voluntary obedience alone can be acceptable to God. (http://av1611.com/kjbp/kjv-dictionary/obedience.html).

We are showing our love for God, respecting his authority, and showing our faith in him when we:

hear his voice and obey his commandments
read and understand the word of God and apply it to our lives.
answer the call of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and do his will.

Obedience as opposed to disobedience is a life-and-death issue. God has given man free will to choose to obey or to disobey. The choice of obedience leads to God's promised blessing of life; the choice of disobedience leads to curse, judgment, and death.

Obedience Is Better Than Sacrifice

1 Samuel 15:22–23 - 22 And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king.

Is obedience better than sacrifice? The following examples show you, the answer is yes, obedience is better than sacrifice.

Example 1. Adam and Eve. Adam and Eve were given a very simple command from God, not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. God told them that if they did eat of the tree, they would surely die. But they listened to the serpent (Satan) who told them that they would not surely die and are from the tree; thus disobeying God’s commandment. The penalty for disobeying God, was death and being thrown out of the Garden of Eden. God further cursed them to endure hardship all the days of their life down to each of their children down their generation. They doomed all mankind to the same fate. Adam and Eve sacrificed the beauty, peace, and happiness of living in a place full of abundance. (Genesis 1,2, & 3).

Example 2. King Saul of Israel. God anointed Saul to be King of Israel and reminded him what the city of Amalek did to Israel and how they laid wait for him. Because of what the Amalekites did, God commanded Saul to go and kill the Amalekites and destroy all they had including, men, women, infants, ox, sheep, camel, and donkeys.

So Saul gathered people together and attacked the city of Amalek. He killed all the people, but he took Agag the king of the Amalekites hostage and spared the best sheep, oxen, lambs, and all that was good. Saul disobeyed God’s commandment. Because of his disobedience, God told Samuel how disappointed he was with Saul. He stated Saul disobeyed him by not performing his commandments. This information grieved Samuel to tears. Samuel rose early the next morning and met with Saul. When Saul saw Samuel he stated that he performed all God told him to do. Not only did Saul disobey God’s commandments, but he was not be totally truthful. Samuel asked Saul why was he hearing sheep and oxen, and Saul said he saved the best of the sheep and oxen to sacrifice unto God and the rest they destroyed. Samuel told Saul he did an evil deed in the sight of God. Saul further tried to justify why he did what he did. He again stated by brought back Agag the king of Amalek, destroyed all the Amalekites, and kept the best of the sheep and oxen to sacrifice unto God he did as God commanded. Samuel then asked Saul is God pleased with sacrifices than he is with obedience? Samuel further stated, that disobedience is rebellion and a sin of witchcraft and stubbornness. And because he rejected God’s commandment God has rejected him as king of Israel. Then Saul confessed that he had sinned against God by disobeying his commandment but blamed his behavior on the fact that he was afraid of the people and did what they wanted him to do. He begged forgiveness. Samuel told Saul that he will not pardon him because he rejected the words of God and he has rejected him as king of Israel. (1 Samuel 15:1-47-9, 11-15, 19-26). “Obedience is always better than sacrifice.”

Obedience shows our love for Jesus Christ

John 14:15, "15 If ye love me, keep my commandments."
John 14:21, "21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. "
Luke 6:46, "46 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?"
1 John 5:2–3, "2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep his commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous."
2 John 6, "6 And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it."

God Rewards Obedience

Ephesians 5:6 , "6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience."
Exodus 19:5, "5 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:"
Genesis 22:17-18, "17 That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; 18 And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice."
James 1:22–25, "22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: 24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. 25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed."
Joshua 1:7-8, "7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest. 8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success."
Luke 11:28, "28 But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it."
Matthew 7:21, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."
Proverbs 13:13, "13 Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded."
John 14:15, "If ye love me, keep my commandments."
·Romans 8:28, "28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

Obedience to God Demonstrates Our Faith

1 John 2:3–6, "3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked."

Disobedience Leads to Sin and Death

Genesis 1-3, "The disobedience of Adam and Eve brought sin and death into the world. But Christ's perfect obedience showing us the way to God’s heart and restoring our fellowship with God, for all who believes in him."
Romans 5:19, "19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous."
1 Corinthians 15:22, "22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

Walking by Faith

When things become unbearable and you don’t understand why, know this one thing God is “Jehovah-Jireh,” our provider in times of need. The word says, “25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? 26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? 27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? 28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? 31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof,” Matthew 6:25-34. These are the times you must “For we walk by faith and not by sight,” 2 Corinthians 5:7. Trusting and believing God will do just as he promised in his word; and that is, he will supply all our needs.

How to be Saved

BELIEVE - God loves you. John 3:16 (KJV), 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Romans 5:8 (KJV), 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Ephesians 2:4-5 (KJV), 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;).

REPENT - Man is a sinner. Romans 3:10 (KJV), 10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:. Romans 3:23 (KJV), 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;. Romans 6:23 (KJV), 23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Isaiah 59:2 (KJV), 2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

ACCEPT - Jesus is the only way. John 14:6 (KJV), 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Romans 6:23 (KJV), 23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. John 17:3 (KJV), 3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

RECEIVE- Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Romans 10:9-10 (KJV), 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Ephesians 2:8 (KJV), 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:. Acts 16:31 (KJV), 31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. If so, here is a simple prayer you can pray to God. Saying this prayer is a way to declare to God that you are relying on Jesus Christ for your salvation. The words themselves will not save you. Only faith in Jesus Christ can provide salvation.

A very important point I need to make, accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, requires public admission. This and baptism both require public admission of your acceptance and commitment to Jesus Christ. You don't sneak around a corner into an out of way room or closet to disclose this very important event. The word says that if we are ashamed to own Jesus Christ before men, then he will be ashamed to own us before his father. My dear grandmother stressed this fact constantly with me as well. There are two scriptures which supports this:

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

2. “For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels,” Luke 9:26.

Be proud to show your love, honor, respect, and thankfulness for our Lord and Savior. He deserves every bit of it. After all if it were not for him we would not have a right to the "tree of life." eternal life with the "Trinity."

Sinner's Prayer

If you truly understand the harmony of the gospels by believing, repenting, accepting, and receiving Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and inviting the Holy Spirit into your heart, then read the prayer making it know to yourself, God and those who are witnessing your confession:

“Heavenly Father,

I come to You now admitting that I am a sinner. Right now, I choose to turn away from sin, and I ask You to cleanse me of all unrighteousness. I believe that Your Son, Jesus, died on the cross to take away my sins. I also believe that He rose again from the dead so that I might be forgiven of my sins and made righteous through faith in Him. I confess with my mouth and believe in my heart that Jesus is Lord. I call upon the name of Jesus Christ to be the Savior and Lord of my life. Jesus, I choose to follow You and ask that you fill me with the power of the Holy Spirit. I declare that right now I am a child of God. I am free from sin and full of the righteousness of God. I am saved in Jesus’ name. All these things I ask in your darling son Jesus' name, Amen."

Baptism

"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned," Mark 16:16.

Baptism, also called “water baptism” or “scriptural baptism” is when a person’s full body is immersed in water after salvation. This is always done in public. The actual act of baptism does not save, it is an act of obedience to the Lord’s command and it symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.

Following Christ
Jesus Christ’s life was our example on how to live a godly Christian life. He taught us about baptism the necessity of baptism and how to be baptized.

The Necessity of Baptism. Jesus Christ was baptized by John the Baptist in the river of Jordan. In Matthew 3:13-17, the scriptures says, “13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. 14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? 15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. 16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God (the Holy Spirit) descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: 17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” In Matthew 3:11, John the Baptist states, “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and [with] fire:” After being baptized we are commissioned to go and teach to all he good news and baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, Matthew 28:19.

How to be Baptized. Jesus Christ was immersed in water. The word “baptize” comes from the Greek word “baptise” which means “to immerse or dip under water”. “As soon as Jesus was baptised, he went up out of the water.” Matthew 3:16. Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion underwater. The book of Acts shows us that this was the norm for every believer. “38.…and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.” “39 And when they were come up out of the water…” Acts 8:38b-39a.

An Act of Obedience
Water baptism is an act of faith and obedience to the commands of Christ. “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20.

A Public Declaration
Baptism declares that you are a follower of Jesus Christ. It is a public confession of your faith in, and commitment to, Jesus Christ. It is the next step after salvation through repentance and faith and is an important foundation for the Christian life. We are to go and make disciples of men baptizing all those who believe. In Mark 16:16, we are told anyone who believes and is baptized shall be saved and anyone who does no believe shall be damned.

A Move from Death to Life
Baptism is a symbol of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. Our entrance into the water during baptism identifies us with Christ’s death on the cross, His burial in the tomb, and His resurrection from the dead. “Going under the water was a burial of your old life; coming up out of the water is the resurrection, God raising you from the dead as he did Christ. All sins forgiven, They were casted into the “sea of forgetfulness,” the slate wiped clean and nailed to cross.” Colossians 2:12-14, “12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. 13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross.”

A Brand New Life
the renewing of a person’s mind, body, and spirit. In Romans 12:2, the word says “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Baptism is a symbol of your new life as a Christian. We bury the ‘old life’ and we rise to walk in a ‘new life’. Baptism is like a wedding ring, it is the outward symbol of the commitment you made in your heart, a commitment that has to be followed through and lived out on a daily basis. The individual is a new creature; Christ-like.

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new,” 2 Corinthians 5:17.
“Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life,” Romans 6:4.

A New Family
Baptism also connects us to the ‘body of Christ’, his people in the earth. In baptism there is a real sense of being joined with other believers, not just participating in an individual act of our own spiritual journey. “12 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. 14 For the body is not one member, but many,” 1 Corinthians 12:12-14. We have become “the body of Christ,” 1 Corinthians 12:27, “Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.”

When are we baptized?
Everyone who hears the good news of the gospels, believes that Jesus is the son of God who dies for our sins, repents of their sins, accepts Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and fully understands the message of salvation, can and should be baptized.

Acts 2:38 - Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Mark 16:16 - He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Hebrews 3:15 - While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

The Holy Spirit

A white dove signifies the “The Holy Spirit.” In, Matthew 3:13-17, the scriptures says, “13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. 14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? 15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. 16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God (the Holy Spirit) descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: 17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

The Holy Spirit (also called The Holy Ghost) is the third person of the God head; “God the Holy Spirit.” The other two are “God the Father” and “God the Son.” The Holy Spirit, Father and Son all comprise a unified Godhee in the same deity and each reflects the divine attributes of the one living God.

If you recall in Genesis 1:26, the word says “26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.” When he said “us,” he was speaking of “The Trinity.” God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. All three were present when man was created. Letting us know that they exist and are one. There is only one God. All three make up the Godhead. Now notice what God said in the very next verse, “27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” He referred to himself as God, also letting us know that God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are truly one.

The Spirit of God is fully divine. He inspired holy men of the bible to write the Scriptures. Through the spirit, He enables men to understand biblical truth. He exalts Christ. He convicts men of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. He calls men to the Savior, and effects regeneration; rebirth or how to be born again. At the moment of regeneration, He baptizes every believer into the Body of Christ. He cultivates Christian character, comforts believers, and bestows the “Spiritual Gifts” by which they serve God through His church. He enables Christians, the ability to exhibit true Christian character by producing what is called “Fruits of the Spirit.” He seals the believer unto the day of final redemption. His presence in the Christian is the guarantee that God will bring the believer into the fullness of the stature of Christ. He enlightens and empowers the believer and the church in worship, evangelism, and service.

Before Jesus was crucified he told his disciples that he would be leaving them, but he would not leave them comfortless, God would send another “Comforter,” the Holy Spirit in Jesus’ name, so that God could continue to administer to their souls. Jesus also told them that the Holy Spirit would teach, lead, and guide them in all things and bring all things to their remembrance; the things Jesus’ told them.

John 14:16-18, “16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 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. 18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.”
John 14:26-27, “26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost (Holy Spirit), 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. 27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

The Holy Spirit dwells in the heart of every “true” believer (Christian) WHO ASK FOR IT. In Luke 11:13 the word says, “13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?”

When we are baptized, and immersed fully in the water, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:” Matthew 28:19, there should be a spiritual transformation of body, mind, and soul. We bury our old self and arise in our new self. At that moment we become part of the body of Christ indwelled with the Holy Spirit.

Acts 2:38, “38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
John 14:20, “20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.”
1 John 4:13-21, “13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.”

At that moment, we are converted and our bodies become the temple of God. The Bible says, “16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” 1 Corinthians 3:16. Also understand the Holy spirit will not dwell in an unclean temple. So, we must keep our temple clean and holy, avoiding all uncleanliness (sinful nature).

Tarrying for the Holy Spirit
To receive the Holy Spirit; that is, to be indwelled with the Holy Spirit you must ask for it. Luke 11:13, “13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?” God is a loving God who gives us “free will;” choices. He gives us a choice to walk with him or to walk with the adversary, Satan. He does not force his will on any one. The Holy Spirit shows us what can be if we follow Jesus Christ and what could be if we choose not to follow him. The choice is ours to make. But if we choose to follow Jesus Christ, and we want the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and its holy power, we must do what is called “Tarry for the Holy Spirit”; that is, we must fast and pray to God for however long it takes asking him to fill you with the Holy Spirit after repenting of your sins, belief in the birth, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, accepting Jesus as our Lord and savior, receiving salvation, and being publicly baptized; fully immersed in water. Luke 24:49, the word says, “49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.”

As a child, I would love to hear my paternal grandmother talk about how she was saved. She would tell me how she felt when the word of God finally convicted heart that she was a sinner and to be saved from sin it took faith in Jesus Christ. Then she said she would sit on what was called the “mourner’s bench” located in front of the church near the alter. The “mourner’s bench” was a place where the saints of God would pray with her and for her to receive the Holy Spirit.

The Mourner’s Bench

At home she would find a quiet place to prayer and she would pray and pray until the Holy Spirit fell upon her and she was filled with the Spirit. She said when it fell upon her, she began to weep with joy and thanking God was sending his spirit to fill her heart, mind, and soul. She said it was a glorious day she will never forget.

I was saved at the age of ten. Remembering my paternal grandmother’s spiritual experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit. I embarked on the same journey, accept I was not able to tarry on the mourner’s bench, because our church did not have one. But I did; however, tarry for the Holy Spirit at home. I remember secretly praying to God to be filled with the Holy Spirit. I remember my grandmother telling me I needed to go to my secret closet when praying to God. I took this literally and would seek out my closet and kneel there to pray and pray to God telling him how much I loved him, Jesus Christ, that I wanted to be saved and filled with the Holy Spirit. My grandmother told me that we all have a calling and that God had a plan for each of our lives. I wanted to know my calling and how to fulfill God’s will for my life. About a week or so later, the Holy Spirit came upon me and I too began to weep with joy. Some say the Holy Spirit feels like fire shut in my bones. It felt like that and more. It is a feeling I can’t fully explain and a joy indescribable. But one thing I can say, the Holy Spirit is real and has truly filled my life with joy, peace, and happiness. And I never want to quench the spirit or let that internal fire go out. I never want to let go of God’s powerful hand or him letting go of mine. And I know he will never let go of mine. If there is a separation it will fall on me. God never leaves us, it’s us who leave him.

Temple of the Holy Spirit
Over time, the Holy Spirit taught me how to remain filled with the Holy Spirit. In 1 Corinthians 6:19, the word says, “19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” We must keep our spiritual temple, body cleansed. And we do that by praying, fasting, meditating on his word, studying the bible, listening to the Holy Spirit, and continuing to walk with God.

Spritual Gifts

God has given every individual a plan or calling for their lives. All they need to do is accept or reject the call. When they repent, believe, and accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, is baptized, and asks the Holy Spirit to lead and guide them in the ways of God and his will for their lives, the Holy Spirit assigns them spiritual gifts based on their calling; that is, the task God called them to perform for their benefit and his glory. There are several spiritual gifts:

Administration - The Holy Spirit enables certain Christians to organize, direct, and implement plans to lead others in the various ministries of the Church. This gift is closely related to the gift of leadership, but is more goal or task oriented and is also more concerned with details and organization. See also I Corinthians 12:28, Titus 1:4-5.
Apostle - The gift of apostleship is to plant new ministries and churches, go into places where the Gospel is not preached, reach across cultures to establish churches in challenging environments, raise up and develop leaders, call out and lead pastors and shepherds, and much more. See also Ephesians 4:11, I Corinthians 12:28, Acts 1:21-22, 1 Corinthians 9:1.
Discernment - The spiritual gift of discernment is also known as the gift of “discernment of spirits” or “distinguishing between spirits.” The Holy Spirit gives the gift of discernment to enable certain Christians to clearly recognize and distinguish between the influence of God, Satan, the world, and the flesh in a given situation. The church needs those with this gift to warn believers in times of danger or keep them from being led astray by false teaching. See also I Corinthians 12:10, Acts 5:3-6; 16:16-18; 1 John 4:1.
Evangelist - Evangelists are given the unique ability by the Holy Spirit to clearly and effectively communicate the Gospel of Jesus Christ to others. They are burdened in their hearts for the lost and will go out of their way to share the truth with them. Evangelists are able to overcome the normal fear of rejection and engage non-believers in meaningful conversations about Jesus. Holy Spirit to approach different people. They love giving free treasure away for Jesus (2 Corinthians 4:7). See Ephesians 4:11, Acts 8:5-12, 26-40, 21:8, Matthew 28:18-20.
Exhortation - The spiritual gift of exhortation is often called the “gift of encouragement.” The Spirit of God gives this gift to people in the church to strengthen and encourage those who are wavering in their faith. Those with the gift of exhortation can uplift and motivate others as well as challenge and rebuke them in order to foster spiritual growth and action. The goal of the encourager is to see everyone in the church continually building up the body of Christ and glorifying God. See also Romans 12:8, Acts 11:23-24; 14:21-22; 15:32.
Faith - The Holy Spirit distributes this gift to some in the church to encourage and build up the church in her confidence in God. Those with the gift of faith trust that God is sovereign and He is good. They take Him at His Word and put the full weight of their lives in His hands. They expect God to move and are not surprised when He answers a prayer or performs a miracle. See also I Corinthians 12:9, Hebrews 11:1-40.
Giving - The Holy Spirit imparts this gift to some in the church to meet the various needs of the church and its ministries, missionaries, or of people who do not have the means to provide fully for themselves. The goal is to encourage and provide, giving all credit to God’s love and provision. Those with this gift love to share with others the overflow of blessings God has given them. See Romans 12:8, 13, 2 Corinthians 8:1-5; 9:6-15; Acts 4:32-37, Galatians 4:15, Philippians 4:10-18.
Healing - Those who have this gift are compassionate toward the sick and pray over them regularly. They have great faith and trust that God can and will heal some and are not deterred when He chooses not to. They are motivated knowing that God’s revealed power will draw people to faith in Jesus. Their ultimate concern is the spiritual well-being of those being healed and their relationship with Jesus. They yearn for the day that there will be no more pain and suffering, and sin will no longer wreak havoc on the people of God. See 1 Corinthians 12:9, 28, 30, James 5:13-16.
Interpretation of tongues - The spiritual gift of interpretation of tongues is found alongside the gift of speaking in tongues in 1 Corinthians 12:10. The spiritual gift of interpretation is given by the Holy Spirit to certain individuals to reveal messages spoken in an unknown tongue to God for the building up of the church. Like the gift of prophecy, tongues that are interpreted have the effect of encouraging and blessing the church to love and serve God more deeply and effectively. See also 1 Corinthians 12:10, 30; 14:1-28.
Knowledge - The spiritual gift of knowledge is also known as the “word of knowledge” or “utterance of knowledge.” The Holy Spirit gives this spiritual gift to some believers to bring about understanding and to inform the church or individual believers. The person with this gift is usually well-versed in the Scriptures and often has much committed to memory. They can retain the truth and communicate it effectively at the appropriate times. The gift of knowledge allows a believer to relate the Scriptures, and particularly the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to all aspects of life in this world. They can see how it connects to every situation and circumstance and how the reality and truth of the Gospel is to inform every decision a Christian makes. See also 1 Corinthians 12:8; Romans 15:14; 2 Corinthians 2:14.
Leadership - The spiritual gift of leadership is closely related to the gift of administration and, the spiritual gift of pastor/shepherd. The Holy Spirit gives the spiritual gift of leadership to some in the church to care for God’s people and lead them into deeper relationship with Christ and each other. See also Romans 12:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:12; 1 Timothy 3:4-5, 12; 5:17.
Mercy - All Christians are called to be merciful because God has been merciful to us (Matthew 18:33; Ephesians 2:4-6). The Holy Spirit gives the spiritual gift of mercy to some in the church to love and assist those who are suffering, and walk with them until the Lord allows their burden to be lifted. See Romans 12:8, Matthew 5:7; Luke 10:30-37; James 3:17; Jude 22-23.
Miracles - The spiritual gift of miracles is described in Scripture much like the gift of healing. Those with the spiritual gift of miracles often have a heightened sensitivity to the presence and power of God through the Holy Spirit. See also 1 Corinthians 12:10, 28-29; Acts 1:8; Galatians 3:5.
Pastor - The spiritual gift of pastor or pastor/shepherd is one that carries many different responsibilities. This gift is closely related to the spiritual gifts of leadership and teaching. The Holy Spirit gives the spiritual gift of pastor to some in the church to humbly teach them, guide them, protect them, and to lead them in the mission that God has for His church, namely the Great Commission. See also Ephesians 4:11; Jeremiah 3:15; Acts 20:28; John 10:11-18.
Prophecy - The spiritual gift of prophecy is an extraordinary and unique gift. The Holy Spirit gives the gift of prophecy to some believers to make God’s heart known and to edify the church. This gift is for the benefit of both believers and unbelievers and is a sign that God is truly among His church (1 Corinthians 14:22-25). Those with this gift are sensitive to both the prompting of the Holy Spirit and the needs of the church body. See also Romans 12:6, 1 Corinthians 12:10, 14:1-5, Ephesians 4:11-12, 1 Peter 4:10-11.
Serving - The spiritual gift of service, ministering, or helps covers a wide range of activities in its application. The Holy Spirit endows some believers with this gift to fill the many gaps of ministry and meet the needs of the church as it fulfills the Great Commission. See also Romans 12:7, 1 Corinthians 12:4-7; 28, Acts 20:35; 2 Timothy 4:11; Revelation 2:19.

Teaching - The spiritual gift of teaching is one that carries a heavy responsibility in the church. The Holy Spirit gives certain people the spiritual gift of teaching so that they would help the church fulfill her ministry and not fall into error (1 Timothy 3:15). See also Ephesians 4:11; 1 Corinthians 12:28; Romans 12:7; James 3:1
Tongues - The spiritual gift of tongues is more accurately called the gift of languages or “heavenly prayer language.” The Holy Spirit gives some believers the spiritual gift of tongues to glorify God and, with the help of an interpreter, to edify the church. See also 1 Corinthians 12:10, 30, 14:4, 39, Acts 2:4, Acts 19:6.
Wisdom - The spiritual gift of wisdom, like the gift of knowledge, is also referred to as the “word of wisdom” or “utterance of wisdom.” The Holy Spirit gives some the spiritual gift of wisdom to not only impart the truth and understanding to believers, but to invoke a response of holiness and worship lived out in the world and amongst God’s people. See also 1 Corinthians 1:17-31, 2:1-16, 12:8; Colossians 1:9-10, 2:1-3; James 3:13-18.

Fruits of the Spirit

Once an individual has been saved and is a new creature in Christ Jesus he should be taking on the characteristics of Jesus Christ and producing what is called fruits of the spirit such as love, joy, peace, long suffering (patience), gentleness (kindness), goodness, faith (faithfulness), meekness, and temperance (self-control), Galatians 5:22-23.

Love - It is the choice to be kind, to sacrifice, to consider another's needs greater than one's own.

Joy - Is the natural reaction to the work of God, whether promised or fulfilled. Spirit’s production of joy can manifest in several different ways:

Peace - Once the Spirit draws us, we believe in Jesus, and the peace comes. “Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Long suffering (patience) – Steadfastness in difficult circumstances.

Gentleness (kindness) - It involves humility and thankfulness toward God, and polite, restrained behavior toward others.

Goodness - A life characterized by deeds motivated by righteousness and a desire to be a blessing.

Faith (faithfulness) - Steadfastness, constancy, or allegiance; it is carefulness in keeping what we are entrusted with; it is the conviction that the Scriptures accurately reflect reality.

Meekness – The ability to be tender, benevolent, and useful to others.

Temperance (self-control) - The ability to control oneself. It involves moderation, constraint, and the ability to say “no” to our desires and fleshly lusts.

Holy Communion

During the Feast of the Passover, Jesus would be betrayed by Judas and later crucified. Jesus knew what was going to happen and wanted to have a last supper with his disciples before he was taken away. This supper is known today as the “Last Supper.” During this supper, he prayed and consecrated (blessed) the bread and wine that was served to the disciples. In Matthew26:26-28 the holy scriptures says, ”26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. 27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; 28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”

You see my brothers and sisters, man is born of sin because of Adam and Eve's disobedience. For man to enter heaven there must be a sacrifice without a spot or blemish. But who or what would be worthy to use as a sacrifice for mankind's sins. In the Old Testament, there were many sacrifices performed, when an animal was used, it must be an animal without a spot or blemish; an animal that is pure. Because man's sins were so great, there wasn't anything available to use as a sacrifice for man. So God sent his only begotten son, Jesus Christ, to die for the sins of man giving them the right to be a right to the "tree of life." John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Remember the "tree of life" was one of the trees in the "Garden of Eden." When Adam and Eve sinned and disobeyed God, he hid this tree from them, because it would have given Adam and Eve eternal life and they did not deserve it. After being kicked out of the "Garden of Eden," there had to be a great sacrifice for mankind to earn the right to the "tree of life" (eternal life with God). And it was the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Holy Communion Defined
The Holy Communion, also known as Communion, the Holy Sacrament, and the Lord’s Supper, is defined as a special service when Christians, true believers, would come together to share consecrated bread and wine in the remembrance of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as commanded.

The bread represents Christ’s body broken and the wine represents Christ’s bloodshed. We are commanded regularly to take part in “holy communion.” As we drink the wine and eat the bread, we reflect on the sacrifice Christ gave for our sins allowing us a right to eternal life, a right to be with him in paradise.

Importance of Holy Communion
In 1 Corinthians 11:20-26, Paul wrote a letter to the Corinthian Church explaining to them the importance of the holy communion. Paul reminded the Corinthians, that we do not come together to just eat or drink, because they could do that at home or should do that at home, but they should come together to pray, consecrate, bless the bread and wine by taking the bread representing Christ’s body broken for our sins and taking the cup of wine representing the blood Christ shed for our sins. And that this should be done in remembrance of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice for us all. For as often as we eat the bread, and drink the wine, we recognize and remember Jesus Christ’s death till he comes again. The bread and wine is not for our physical needs but for our spiritual needs.

1 Corinthians 11:20-26, “20 When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper. 21 For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken. 22 What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? what shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not. 23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.”

Who Should Take Communion?
Paul tried to explain to the Corinthians, that we do not take part in the Lord’s Supper because we are hungry or thirsty, but because we are remembering Jesus Christ sacrificed his life for our sins. If we are hungry or thirsty we can eat and drink at home. Do not waste their time. This means that only Christians, not non-believers, should part take in the Holy Communion. Paul also states that those who take part in Holy Communion should be Christians (followers of Christ), otherwise taking the holy communion is meaningless. Paul also stresses that they should not take the holy communion unworthily; that is, without checking and cleansing themselves before taking communion. If they do, then they will suffer damnation to themselves causing them to be weak and sickly in mind, body, and soul.

1 Corinthians 11:27-30, ”27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. 29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. 30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.”

Other supporting bible verses:

Matthew 26:26-28, “26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. 27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; 28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. 29 But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom. 30 And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.”
Luke 22:14-20, “14 And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him. 15 And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer: 16 For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. 17 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves: 18 For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. 19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. 20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.”
John 6:53-58, “53 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. 54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. 55 For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. 56 He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. 57 As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. 58 This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live forever.”

In conclusion remember…
1. Christians should take Holy Communion regularly.
2. Christians should spiritually cleanse themselves, mentally, physically, and spiritually, before taking the Lord’s Supper.
3. Christians should bless the bread and wine which represents Christ’s body and blood shed for the sins of all mankind.
4. Christians should do this in remembrance of Jesus Christ for sacrificing his life so mankind can have eternal life.