THE NEW BIRTH!

EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

WEDNESDAY APRIL 15, 2020.

SUBJECT: THE NEW BIRTH!

Memory verse:  "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." (Acts 2 vs 38.) 

READ:  John 3 vs 3 - 8:

3:3: Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." 

3:4: Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?"

3:5: Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 

3:6: That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is Spirit. 3:7: Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.' 

3:8: The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.

INTIMATION:

The new birth is the birth of the spirit by being regenerated by the power of God. To be part of the kingdom of God, that is, to enter into the kingdom of God, Jesus stated a condition for one’s participation in it. The condition will be the manifestation of one’s response to all that God as done in order to bring one into a covenant relationship with Him. In this one statement of Jesus, the condition is established for one’s participation with Him in the kingdom of God. He is not establishing a commandment as a work of merit or a condition that will put God in debt to save one. 

This birth is not the result of one’s ancestral heritage from Abraham. Neither is it the physical birth that would result from a sexual relationship between a man and a woman. Neither is the birth generated from the religious inventions of men who would pronounce themselves righteous before God. The new birth is from God. The cleansing of sin at the point of baptism originates from the One against whom sin has been committed. However, His forgiveness and justification are given when men respond by faith to be buried and resurrected with the One who died for our sins (Romans 6 vs 3 - 6). It is at the point of baptism, therefore, that one is born again.

In the passage we read today, Nicodemus’ first question was certainly or the purpose of generating further explanation by Jesus concerning what He said about a new birth. Jesus answer is that to be in God’s kingdom, one would have to be spiritually born again in order to come into a covenant relationship with God. One must be born of the water of baptism, at which point, one is renewed by the Holy Spirit. What Jesus is saying is that unless one truly repents because of obedient faith, and is immersed into Christ via immersion baptism in water, he or she cannot participate with Jesus in the kingdom of God. 

One is thus born anew in baptism by the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit. “Born of water” is the response of the individual to the grace of God. “Born of Spirit” is the work of God in a realm we do not fully understand. We are simply told that it is the Spirit who does His work to bring us forth from the grave of baptism pure of sin because we have relinquished to obedience to the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. The apostle Paul says, “Therefore we are buried with Him through baptism into death: that just 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 vs 4.)

When one is born of the Spirit, He is spiritually rejuvenated by the Holy Spirit through the sacrificial blood of Jesus (Ephesians 1 vs 7). To be saved we must be spiritually regenerated in order to be reconciled to God. Just as the wind cannot be seen by the physical eyes of humans, and so is the work of the Holy Spirit in regeneration. The Spirit does His work in the regeneration of the soul of man at the point of immersion. In the new birth, the Spirit does His work of sanctification without the perception of men. 

Baptism parallels the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, and it also portrays the death and burial of our sinful old way of life followed by resurrection to new life in Christ. Remembering that our old sinful life is dead and buried with Christ gives us a powerful motive to resist sin. Not wanting the desires of our past to come back to power again, we can consciously choose to treat our desires as if they were dead. Then we can continue to enjoy our wonderful new life with Christ. (Galatians 3 vs 27; Colossians 3 vs 1 - 4). 

Therefore, the confession of our believe in Christ as our personal Lord and Savior, is a step in our obtaining new birth in Him. The baptism by immersion into water parallels our death, burial of our sinful old way of life followed by our resurrection to new life in Christ. One is this born anew by the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer: Abba Father, thank You for our death and burial with Christ by baptism. And our resurrection from the dead by Your glorious power, and making walk in the newness of life, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

PARKAKERS OF THE NEW HEAVENS AND NEW EARTH!

EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

TUESDAY APRIL 14, 2020.

SUBJECT: PARTAKERS OF THE NEW HEAVENS AND NEW EARTH!

Memory verse: "Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness." (Revelation 21 vs 3.) 

READ: Isaiah 65 vs 17; 66 vs 22; Second Peter 3 vs 10 & 13:

Isaiah 65:17: For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.

66:22: For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain.

Second Peter 3:10: But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

3:13: Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

INTIMATION:

Heaven is where God live. It is a dwelling place of God, His Son Jesus where He first came from, and dwelling place of angels (Matthew 6 vs 9; 18 vs 10; Hebrews 8 vs 1; 10 vs 12). Life in heaven operates according to God’s principles and values, and it is eternal and unshakable. However, God will purify the heavens and earth with fire, to make anew. The new heaven and earth is the future realm of dwelling wherein the resurrected redeemed will eternally exist with a spiritual body in the presence of God. 

We don’t know how the new earth will look or where it will be, but God and His followers—those whose names are written in the Book of Life—will be united to live there forever. It is not a place flesh and blood (First Corinthians 15 vs 50), like the present earth, where we all face limitations. Some have physical, mental, or emotional disabilities. Some are blind, deaf, lame, but we will all be given new bodies when Christ returns and that these bodies will be without disabilities, never to die or become sick. 

In addition, those with disabilities and other limitations are encouraged that those disabilities and limitations are only temporary. 

God’s purpose for people is not destruction but recreation. God will purify the heavens and earth with fire, then He will create them anew. We can joyously look forward to the restoration of God’s good world. The purified or new heavens and earth is a place of rest, joy, glory, righteousness, no sorrow, no death, and a place of eternal life. (Romans 8 vs 18; Colossians 3 vs 4; Matthew 25 vs 21). The purpose of purified heaven and earth is for the reward to the obedient, an inheritance for God’s children, a place of immortality for the mortal, a crown of victory for the faithful. 

Our loyalty should be to our citizenship in the new heavens and earth, not to our citizenship here on earth, because the earth will be destroyed. Jesus remarked that heaven and earth shall pass away, therefore, our utmost desire is to be partakers in the new heavens and earth, where God will live with the faithful forever. Those who will inherit heaven are; the pure in heart, the persecuted Christians, the undefined, the moral upright believers. (Matthew 5 vs 4 - 12. Revelation 21 vs 27; Galatians 5 vs 19 - 21; Revelation 22 vs 15).

Realizing that the earth is going to be burned up, we should put our confidence in what is lasting and eternal and not be bound in earth and it’s treasures or pursuits. While it is true that money, fame, and belongings can’t be taken with us from this life to dwell with God, we can produce fruit that survives even death by utilizing them to do God’s will; taking care of the poor and needy amongst us, investing in kingdom endeavors, and excelling in every good works. God will remember our love, kindness, and faithfulness, and those who accept Christ through our witness, and they will join us in the new earth. 

Be sure that your values are in line with God’s values, and decide today to produce fruit that lasts forever. Our loyalty should be to God’s truth, His way of life, and His dedicated people. Do you spend much of your time piling up possessions or striving to develop Christlike character? Will you be part of the new heavens and earth? The choice is yours, and the time is now, for the end is fast approaching! 

Prayer: Abba Father, one thing I desire, that will I seek after; is that I may dwell in Your kingdom, and live with You forever. Give me the grace to earnestly pursue this desire, and that the zeal of Your house will eat me up, that I may run to obtain the in perishable crown of eternity with You, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

GOD IS EVER CARING!

EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

MONDAY APRIL 13, 2020.

SUBJECT: GOD IS EVER CARING!

Memory verse: "Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." (First Peter 5 vs 7.) 

READ: Psalm 103 vs 8-14 & 17:

103:8: The Lord is merciful and gracious. slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. 

103:9: He will not always strive with us, nor will He keep His anger forever. 

103:10: He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities. 

103:11: For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; 

103:12: As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. 

103:13: As s father pities his children, do the Lord pities those who fear Him. 

103:14: For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust. 

103:17: But the mercy of The Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him. And His righteousness to children's children. 

INTIMATION:

God has deep interest in all that concerns you and I. We are fragile, but God's care is eternal. Too often we focus on God as Judge and Lawgiver, ignoring His compassion and concern for us. When God examines our lives He remembers the frailty of our our human condition. His mercy takes everything into account. God will deal with us compassionately. God is so caring that when He forgives us our sin, He separates it from us and doesn't even remember it. As east and west can never meet, so is the symbolic portrait of God's forgiveness of our sins. We need never wallow in the past, for God forgives and forgets.

In Matthew 6 vs 31 - 33, the Scripture states, "Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' Or 'What shall drink?' For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." To "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness" means we should put God first in all things in our lives; we should turn to God first for help, to fill your thoughts with His desires, to take His character for your pattern, and to serve and obey Him in everything. Though other things, and desires all compete for priority in our lives, and any of these can quickly bump God out of first place if you don't actively choose to give Him first place in every area of our life.

Carrying your worries, stresses, and daily struggles by yourself shows that you have not trusted God fully with your life. It takes humility, however, to recognize that God cares, and to admit your needs, and let God take care of you. Sometimes we think that struggles caused by our own sin and foolishness are not God's concern. But when we turn to God in repentance, He will bear the weight of those struggles, including your sins. Our loving Father will never leave us; that is His promise. But the enemy of our souls wants us to doubt God, and to question His ability. And undoubtedly, this is the trick the father of lies—Satan—has used from the beginning of human history.

In the Garden of Eden our first parents were set up to live happily ever after, having been placed in a paradise-like setting by a Loving, Caring, and Personal God. They had been given everything they could ever want, but with only one small restriction: "Don't eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil." We easily will say today, 'What a simple innocuous request and easy to obey.' But when they were enticed by the “tempter,” they fell into his trap of questioning the love and goodness of the One from whom they had only experienced good. What a monstrous lie! But they bought the lie hook, line and sinker! And mankind has been wretched ever since, but for God's intervention through His Son, Jesus Christ!

We do the same today. We willingly swallow the lie that we cannot trust our Heavenly Father. We allow our earthly hurts from parents or others to distrust our view and our understanding of God. Our many feelings, emotions, fears, and human experience effectively block a clean perception, consequently stifling all truth about Him. Pray that God will help you not allow negative human relationship and experience interfere with having a close relationship with your Loving, and Caring Father, and hindering your enjoying the never ending and limitless benefits of His care.

Prayer: Abba Father, You are so caring and loving that You gave Your only Son, Jesus Christ, to die for my sins. What a supreme sacrifice You made for me! Forever You remain my God. Endue me with the spirit of love, compassion, trust, and complete obedience to You, Who has given all for me, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

BREAKFAST BY THE SEASIDE
Life's Punchlines... (Volume 3).
❤🇳🇬🇳🇬 Year 2020🇳🇬🇳🇬❤.

Preacher: Priest Godsknight O.J

Topic: Come For Breakfast 🍷.

Text: John 21v12" Jesus said to them, "Come and eat breakfast." Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, "Who are You?"--- Knowing that it was the Lord."

Whoever invites you to a table, is as important as the table. A table is a place where you'll table your appetites before your host 🍞 🎏 🍱🥘🥂🍾, avoid poisons (Matt 11v28-30).

Our intakes every morning, will determine if we'll have a balanced life or not. There is a breakfast that breaks every chain so fast, only Jesus offers that🙏.

So many doctrines globally, the KING'S Love to humanity regardless of our frailties is the perfect doctrine (Rom 8v1-2). This is our leaven in three measures (Luke 13v20-21)!

Not everyone is rich enough to afford a breakfast daily, let alone a divine breakfast. God wants to recharge your life today with both, He can wash away your past sins (Is 1v18-19).

It's okay to wake up hungry😋, but don't be a glutton in the devil's 😈 coven. I Prophesy, divine supplies shall overtake you today in Jesus Name.

The ravens of this world shall serve you daily with bread 🍞 & meat (1Kings 17v5-6), & you'll also be channels of blessings to others in Jesus Name.

Stop filling your belly with pig's 🐖 grubs in the morning (Luke 15v16-18), you deserve to be on the tables for Kings🤴 and Queens👸🏼 like Mephibosheth (2 Sam 9v1-13).

You don't have any business with meals dedicated to deities🕷, they're poisons to your souls. It was a wrong meal that led to the young prophet's death (1 Kings 13v7-24).

Eat a divine breakfast today, & receive divine enablement. Elijah ate it & performed a miracle (1 Kings 17v8-16).

Learn about the beauty of Jesus on His table today, your dry bones need to live again (Ezek 37v1-14). May Calvary victory work for you😃, your family👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 & businesses in Jesus Name.

God bless you🤝.
Instagram: @PriestGodsknight.

BE A WORD WARRIOR!

EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

SUNDAY APRIL 12, 2020.

SUBJECT: BE A WORD WARRIOR!

Memory verse:  "Put me in remembrance: let us plead together: declare thou, that thou mayest be justified." (Isaiah 43 vs 26.) 

READ:  First John 5 vs 14 - 15; Hebrews 4 vs 12:

First John 5:14: Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask any thing according to His will, He hears us:
5:15: And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.

Hebrews 4:12: For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

INTIMATION:

You must have a word-stuffed heart, to maintain a hotline communication with God. Emotional displays in prayer does not move God. No amount of tears from your cry will move God if your communication is void of adequate Word preparation. God is only moved when you ask according to His Will. So, all you need is the right Words, and right presentation, and your communication with Him will be through. 

When we communicate with God, we don’t demand what we want, rather we discuss with Him what He wants for us. It is all about His will, not our will. If we align our prayers to His will, He will listen, and we can be certain that if He listens, He will give us a definite answer. His Word is His Will. God said to Joshua, “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” (Joshua 1 vs 8.) And the apostle Paul told the believers in Colosse, "Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom...." (Colossians 3 vs 16.)

One thing is needful for every other thing to fall in place, and is the the Word of God. If you check through Scriptures, you will find out that everything is hooked to and rooted in the Word. Faith, effectual prayer, and success etc, are all rooted in it. Being outstanding in Christianity is a function of your Word content, and not the amount of religious exercises you engage in. I have seen many heavy prayer warriors who are weary, but I am yet to see a Word warrior who is not a conqueror. When you are wordless, your prayers can't be genuine. You will either be under pressure, or just be playing games. 

It is God's Word that connects you to the throne for response. No matter how long you have been cheated by the devil, when you cry to God and say, "Lord, can't You see how I am being cheated? Can't You see how long I have been a Christian?" All He will say is, "My son, talk sense! What do you want Me to do for you?" He wants you to bring your strong reasons from His Word and put Him in remembrance of them (Isaiah 41 vs 21; 43 vs 26). So until you remind Him of His Word that commits Him to your deliverance (Jeremiah 1 vs 12), your prayers will continue to remain unanswered. 

The Bible in John 1 vs 1 & 14 says, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father) full of grace and truth." Jesus is the Word of God. Therefore, locating the Word for any situation, is locating Jesus for that situation.

Now, the Bible says in Matthew 21 vs 42 & 44, "Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the Scriptures: 'The stone which the builders rejected, Has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord's doing, And it is marvelous in our eyes?' And whoever falls on this stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder." The stone referred to here is Jesus, and He is also the Word. If any opposition falls on it, that opposition will be broken; and when it falls upon any opposition, it grinds it to powder. That means any time you locate Scriptures that address any issue of concern in your life and use them, you are spiritually hauling stones against the opposition, breaking them first and then grinding them to powder.

You know the Bible says, "..The Scriptures cannot be broken.." (John 10 vs 35). So, the Word of God cannot be stopped; it is irresistible and always gets its way. The Word of God is not simply a collection of words from God. Embedded in the Word is the power and might of God. It is living and dynamic as it works in us. It penetrates the core of our moral and spiritual life. It discerns what is within us, both good and evil. Locating the Word is bringing God to the scene. 

We are certain of the stability and surety of God’s of Word (His promise). Because He has made the promise, it will happen. Christians must work by faith in the word of God. When one trusts in the promise of God, then God’s Word is able to transform his or her life. Therefore, there can be no change in life unless one focuses his attention on the promise that God will justly reward those who remain faithful. It is imperative that Christians maintain a strong faith in reference to what God has promised. If they do, then their lives will conform to that which they believe. 

Rather than spend time doing some religious exercises that won't profit you, spend it in the Word, to gather the appropriate stones that will bring down your Goliath. Go by the River of Life (the Bible), carefully choose and pick up those lively stones (Scriptures), put them in your bag (your heart) and then move against the opposition and you are sure to bring it down.

Prayer: Abba Father, give me the grace to be studious of Your Word; the sword of the Spirit, that I may be a conqueror in all life’s circumstances, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

FORGIVENESS IS A CONDITION FOR ANSWERED PRAYER!

EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

SATURDAY APRIL 11, 2020.

SUBJECT: FORGIVENESS IS A CONDITION FOR ANSWERED PRAYER!

Memory verse: “And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” 

(Mark 11 vs 25.)

READ: Matthew 5 vs 23 - 24:

23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

INTIMATION:

Forgiveness is a condition for answered prayer. God does not answer the prayer that comes from an unforgiving heart. God will judge without mercy the one who has shown no mercy. Those who are subjects of the kingdom reign of Jesus should be of a forgiving nature. One should always view forgiveness in relation to how much God has forgiven us. The extent to which God has forgiven us should make our forgiveness of others limitless. We shouldn’t even keep track of how many times we forgive someone. We should always forgive those who are truly repentant, no matter how many times they ask. 

Forgiving others is tough work—so much so that many people would rather do something totally distasteful than offer forgiveness to someone who has wronged them. For a person to pray while bearing a grudge, however, is like a tree sprouting leaves and bearing no fruit (Mark 11 vs 13). True faith changes the heart. Real prayer dismantles pride and vengeance, filling the holes with love. Real faith speaks peace. For our churches to have prayer power, there must be harmony and forgiveness evident in the body of believers. Let go of hurts, abandon grudges, and forgive others.

Jesus gives a startling warning about forgiveness. If we refuse to forgive others, God will also refuse to forgive us. Why? Because when we don’t forgive others, we are denying our common ground as sinners in need of God’s forgiveness. God’s forgiveness of sin is not the direct result of our forgiving others, but it is based on our realizing what forgiveness means. It is easy to ask God for forgiveness but difficult to grant it to others. Whenever we ask God to forgive us, we should ask, “Have I forgiven the people who have wronged me?” 

In the parable of the unmerciful servant (Matthew 18 vs 23 - 35), Ten thousand talents would be about sixty million denarii. One denarii was about one day’s wage. So much money is indicated that it would be impossible for a mortal man to work every day of his life in order to repay. The spiritual implication of the parable is clear. We owe God more than we can pay in reference to our eternal salvation in heaven. We will receive more in heaven than we can possibly earn through works on earth. Salvation is truly by grace. 

The unforgiving servant showed no appreciation for his own forgiveness. Instead of manifesting mercy in his heart because of the mercy that was extended to him, he only thought of himself in reference to his fellow man. Because God has forgiven all our sins, we should not withhold forgiveness from others. As we realize how completely Christ has forgiven us, it should produce an attitude of forgiveness toward others. When we don’t forgive others, we are setting ourselves above Christ’s Law of love.

God’s mercy toward us should stimulate the same in our lives toward others. Those with unforgiving spirits cannot inherit the heavenly environment of a forgiving God because they are not of the nature of the Father. God will render judgment without mercy on those who do not show mercy. Therefore, we must store mercy for judgement by exercising mercy toward others in reference to their sins against us. One must keep in mind that the ability to forgive is a necessary quality that one must possess in order to be a candidate for heaven. It is the nature of God to forgive, His children must have the same nature.

The spirit of forgiveness guards one against becoming bitter. It guards the joy that must be characteristic of our hearts. An unforgiving attitude will destroy a Christian’s spirit. Therefore, one must forgive for his own benefit. If he does not forgive he will often become bitter. 

Prayer: Abba Father, endue me Your excellent spirit of love and compassion, that I may manifest all these toward others, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD! 

BELIEVERS HAVE THE SAME SPIRIT AS CHRIST!

EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

FRIDAY APRIL 10, 2020.

SUBJECT: BELIEVERS HAVE THE SAME SPIRIT AS CHRIST!

Memory verse: “But if the Spirit of Him that raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead shall also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.” (Romans 8 vs 11.)

READ: John 14 vs 15 - 18:

14:15: If you love Me, keep my commandments.
14:16: And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you for ever;
14:17: the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him, nor knows Him: but you know Him; for He dwells with you, and will be in you.
14:18: I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.
14:19: A little while longer and the world will see Me no more; but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also.
14:20: At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you.

INTIMATION:

The “new creation” (the believer) has that same spirit that was at work in Jesus; the Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead. And that same Spirit is at work in the believers that will enable them to do what Christ did; working in the power of that Spirit—Holy Spirit. Jesus used the illustration of moving the mountain to show that God can do the impossible with the believers. The qualification for being able to command the power of the supernatural demands that you believe. You require a non-doubting faith that will enable you to do great things for God. 

This “new creation” is with God's nature, and God is indwelling him, he has been given a legal right, and the power of attorney to the use of the Name of Jesus; the name that is above every other name in heaven, on earth, and beneath the earth, and to receive help from the Holy Spirit. This believer; this new creation in Christ, is a child of Deity. He stands before the world as a very branch of the vine. He is taking the place of Jesus in the world. He is really an incarnation. The Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead, came the day of Pentecost, to make His home in the body of the believers. He not only has God's nature, but has God actually living in him.

Have you been worried about whether or not you really are a Christian? A Christian is anyone who has the Spirit of God living in Him or her. If you have sincerely trusted Christ for your salvation and acknowledged Him as Lord and personal Savior, then the Holy Spirit lives within you and you are a Christian. You can be assured that you have the Holy Spirit because Jesus promised that He would send Him. We have a new life through the Holy Spirit, and He continually renews our hearts. The Holy Spirit is God’s promise or guarantee of eternal life for those who believe in Him. 

The Spirit is within the believers now, and by faith we are certain to live with Christ forever. The Holy Spirit is a powerful person on our side, working for and with the believers; He is the very presence of God within all believers, helping them live as God wants and building Christ’s church on earth. By faith the believers can appropriate the Spirit’s power each day. He helps them to act as Christ directs (Romans 8 vs 5; Galatians 5 vs 22 - 23), and find help in dealing with their daily problems, and in praying (Romans 8 vs 26 - 27).  

Jesus was soon going to leave the disciples, but He would remain with them. How could this be? The Helper—the Spirit of God Himself—would come after Jesus was gone to care for and guide the disciples. The regenerating power of the Spirit came on the disciples just before Jesus’ ascension (John 20 vs 22), and the Spirit was poured out on all the believers at Pentecost (Acts 2), shortly after Jesus ascended to heaven. 

The Holy Spirit will never leave the believers; the world at large cannot receive Him; He lives with them and in them; He teaches them (John 14 vs 26); He reminds them of Jesus’ words (John 14 vs 26; 15 vs 26); He convinces the world of sin, shows them God’s righteousness, and announces God’s judgement on evil (John 16 vs 8); He guides them into truth and gives them insight into the future events (John 16 vs 13); and He brings glory to Christ (John 16 vs 14).  

Prayer: Abba, Father, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit to all who are recreated in Christ Jesus. Engrace me not to quench the Spirit, but always follow His leading in all things, and at all times, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!