Speaking and Praying in Tongues, Written by my Husband

Speaking and Praying in Tongues Written by my Husband, Mel

The gift of speaking in unknown tongues comes in two forms. There is a prayer language that benefits the believer only, and there is the giving of a message in tongues to an assembly that must be interpreted. Here are scriptures concerning the prayer language.

(1 Corinthians 14:2) For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.

(1 Corinthias 14:14) For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.

Tongues are an unknown language that is spoken by those who have been filled with God's Holy Spirit (also known as the Baptism in the Holy Spirit). Tongues may be the languages of men or of angels.

(1 Corinthians 13:1) Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

When a person prays in the Spirit and with understanding, they are praying in tongues with the understanding given by the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is making intercession for them and others through this unknown language. Tongues are both a sign to you in prayer, as well as a sign to unbelievers within an assembly where a message is given.

(1 Corinthians 14:14-15) For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.

(Isaiah 28:11) For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.

Intercessory prayer is standing in the gap for others. It is praying for their needs, protection, health, as well as spiritual condition. It is important to also pray in tongues in intercession for others. You may not fully know what to pray for on behalf of others, but the Holy Spirit does.

Praying in tongues is also beneficial when a person is engaging in spiritual warfare. When you are under any form of attack it is good to pray in tongues. If you have a nightmare, or a person is persecuting you at work, school, home, or everything seems to be going wrong, it is good to take a moment and pray in tongues, either silently, or vocally.

(Mark 16:17-18) And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."

The gift of tongues is also given to some for giving a message within an assembly of believers. If a person gives an audible tongue, it should be interpreted by one or more people within the congregation. See 1 Corinthians chapter 14 for how to use tongues decently and with order.

The Bible is clear that not all speak with tongues, or interpret, these are gifts of God's Spirit given as he wills to those who have been baptized and filled with his Holy Spirit. Many churches teach that the gift of tongues is the evidence that a person has been filled with the Spirit. Tongues are normally the evidence of the baptism in the Spirit, but not always.

The apostle Paul said:

(1 Corinthians 14:18 ) I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all.

(1Corinthians 14:5) I would that ye all spake with tongues but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is the that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

There are people filled with the Holy Spirit that don't understand or believe in tongues, or other spiritual gifts. Many within holiness churches and groups experience the infilling of the Holy Spirit without many of the manifestations. Many live a transformed life, full of good fruit, which is the most important evidence of the infilling of the Holy Spirit. Many Nazarenes, Wesleyan, Free Methodists, Church of God etc. testify to the life-transforming power of the Spirit in their lives.

In order to receive the gift of tongues, you must seek God for the baptism and infilling of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said to ask the Father for the Spirit because the Father gives good gifts to those who ask. If you feel tongues coming into your spirit and mind, you need to open your mouth and speak by faith. God will not force tongues out of your mouth because it comes from faith. Allow yourself to babble until a distinct language comes.

Many Christians have never been taught that there is more to their spiritual walk. In order to live an overcoming Christian life in these dark times, it is essential that we be filled with God’s Holy Spirit (Baptism in the Holy Spirit). You cannot be saved unless you have been filled (baptized) with the Holy Spirit. The atonement of Christ provided for the fullness of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. The Holy Trinity is received by faith alone in the finished work of Christ.

The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a second act of Grace, and it is when a believer is filled and becomes indwelt by the Holy Spirit. The Baptism is an immersion of power that is accompanied by spiritual gifts according to God's will and must be sought after by faith. The Holy Spirit is God, he is the third person of the Holy Trinity, and he indwells us, as well as ministers to us. It is God’s will that we all experience the fullness of God and that is only possible by receiving the baptism in the Spirit. The infilling of the Holy Spirit was given through the laying on of the hands of the Apostles within Scripture. It was first given on the Day of Pentecost to those seeking God in the upper room. You may receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit by earnestly seeking God in prayer, or through the laying on of hands.

(Acts 2:1-4) When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

There are nine gifts and nine fruits of the Holy Spirit. It is God's will that we seek him for the fullness of his Spirit. The strivings of the flesh are worthless. It is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that we may become a new creation (set apart people). Only through the Holy Spirit is the love of Jesus poured into our hearts. We cannot walk, live, or bear good fruit apart from the Holy Spirit. If you love Christ, you will keep his commandments. This is only possible by being transformed from the inside out by the Holy Spirit. To live and walk in the Spirit is to walk away from sin.

I'm an old school Christian that is not into Christian entertainment, but into God's Word. I believe that we are saved by God's Grace alone and Not by our works. However, many churches are Not teaching their people about sincere repentance and getting the sinful bondages out of their lives. After we are truly saved through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross, we need to learn to Walk in the Spirit and bear good fruit (Galatians 5). You cannot walk in the Spirit by your own merit. It is only by the power of the Holy Spirit that you are able to live an overcoming life and bear good fruit. You must turn the reins of your will and life over to God and let him refine you and make you into a reflection of him. If the Holy Spirit dwells within you then you must allow him to manifest the attributes of God. You can only put down sin in your life by surrendering to God's Spirit.

The true gifts of the Spirit should be commonplace within the church today. A healthy church that teaches sound doctrine, will not quench God’s Spirit, but will allow God entrance to their services. God should not be put into a box, he should be allowed to speak, teach, as well as lead the service.

(John 3:5-7) Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

(1 Corinthians 14:22) Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.

(1 Corinthians 14:3) Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues

(Acts 8:14-17) Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

(Acts 19:1-6) And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

(1 Corinthians 12:4-11) There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

(1 Corinthians 14:2) For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.

(1 Corinthians 14:1) For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.

The apostle Paul teaches that the gifts of the Spirit must be done in an orderly manner.

(1 Corinthians 14: 26-33) How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God. Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge. But if anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent. For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.

Here are some more scriptures on the baptism in the Holy Spirit.

(Acts 2:1-4) When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

(Acts 2:14-20) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams. And on My menservants and on My maidservants, I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy. I will show wonders in heaven above and signs in the earth beneath: Blood and fire and vapor of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord.

2017 Prophecy: Donald Trump is America's Final President, Written by my Husband

Note from Julie:  After Donald Trump lost the election in 2020 (his second run for office), many people made fun of my husband Mel because he had previously reported that God had told him Donald Trump would serve two terms as president.  However, as soon as Mr. Trump announced his bid to run a third time, I knew he would win.  I had faith that God doesn't lie, and that my husband is a true man of God that hears from the Lord. 

Below are two writing from my husband, the first is what he wrote yesterday, and following that writing is the link to what he wrote in 2017 (showing proof of what God told him) as well as the writing for those who would rather not click on the link.  I know it is a lot to read, but you can read it a little at a time if you need to.

I try to keep politics off my ministry pages, but this is not political, it is Biblical as well as critical information for survival.  You will see the warnings from God in my husband's writings.  God has also showed me some visions of the future that I will not share here, but I can concur that we must be very cautious in the days ahead. It is only by the power of God that we have visions and dreams pertaining to the future, not by our own might. We give God all the glory! 

(Revelation 13:9) If any man have an ear, let him hear.

 

2017 Prophecy: Donald Trump is America's Final President

Written by my Husband, Mel

In early 2016, before Trump won the GOP nomination, God spoke to me in a vision and told me that Donald Trump would be president. The following year in 2017, The Lord spoke to me that President Trump would be America's final president. When Trump lost the election to Biden, I lost over 50 followers on my main ministry page. I posted that I believed that Trump would run again and win the next election, and I was laughed at for stating this. However, that is exactly what happened.  Although I am politically conservative, I don't support Trump. The Lord has showed me the darkness that surrounds him.

World War 3 will begin with China, and later Russia, as well as other nations will join them in war against the United States. America will be defeated and occupied by China and Russia. Prior to the great war to come, there will be major acts of terrorism in the USA, and some will eclipse 911. Iran, and other jihadist groups will attack many areas within the United States. There will also be nuclear bombs set off in some American cities prior to the final, total, nuclear apocalypse. Atomic bombs on the scale of the Hiroshima bomb will be set off. These smaller yield bombs will be suitcase or backpack nukes. Toward the end of the Great Tribulation, there will be total intercontinental nuclear warfare. Immediately after the Tribulation, Christ will return and rapture the elect (see Matthew 24, post tribulation return). Many will be protected by God and kept out of the Tribulation in remote wilderness locations (see Revelation 12).

 In 2017, the Lord gave me a dream of the 2020 Covid pandemic, as well as dreams of the rioting that went on across our country at that time. All of these dreams came true in detail. I say this to give all the glory to God and to give proof of authenticity of the visions given by the Holy Spirit. Please pray and consider all of this.

A number of years ago the Lord showed me a pronounced vision of the nuclear destruction of my former hometown of Kansas City. Although this vision was about Kansas City, it also pertains to many other cities within America as well. This was Not a dream! I was working as a security officer at a bank in downtown Kansas City Missouri. I was making a foot patrol around the outside perimeter of the bank. I noticed some construction workers were standing around a manhole in the street that was taped off with barricades and flashing lights. I thought that this was strange since it was after ten p.m. I then heard a loud explosion and witnessed a large mushroom cloud ascend hundreds of feet into the air. I was terrified and ran for cover. I then looked into the street and noticed that there were not any construction workers, nor had any explosion occurred. I then walked over to the area of the street where I saw the manhole and barricades with flashing lights. To my amazement, there was neither a manhole, nor barricades. I then realized that I had seen a vision. Several months later, I had a second vision. I was looking out the window from the Twelfth floor upon Kansas City. I was thinking of how beautiful the city looked at night. I then saw the city in rubble. Flames were ascending from the remains of destroyed buildings, and ash was falling from the sky. This ash was nuclear fallout. The Lord had given me two visions concerning the nuclear destruction of Kansas City.

Feb 19, 2024, I dreamed that I was in a tall building in a large city looking down upon the traffic below. I saw the reflection of a mushroom cloud produced from a nuclear explosion on the windshields of every car passing below. Dozens of cars passed by, and I knew I must warn people about the nuclear war that is coming. I ran outside and began yelling, "Nuclear War is Coming, Wake Up!" I repeated this several times, but nobody seemed to listen they walked by oblivious to God's warning. I then shouted several times, 'The United States of Sodom and Gomorrah will be judged! Then I woke from the dream. In the past the Lord told me to continue to warn people about the coming war, as well as to prepare for the coming tribulation. The Lord said, "Most people won't listen to you but warn them anyway." Jeremiah warned his nation of the coming Babylonian captivity, and most did not listen to him either.

In a dream, the angel of the Lord pointed out a window. I looked out the window and saw nuclear bombs going off, as well as nuclear missiles being launched. The angel said, “The west coast of California has been destroyed.” Another dream, I was driving my car through Utah at night. I witnessed a large nuclear explosion that was to my west. My car then stalled, and the lights of a nearby town went dark. I also had a dream about a group of people hiding in a bomb shelter in Paris France. I witnessed a large mushroom cloud ascend from behind the Eifel Tower. The Lord said that Paris was ground zero and no one would survive. I also had a dream that the nuclear bombs would cause the sun to scorch people with intense heat. I saw people hiding in caves, as well as holes in the ground to escape the intense heat. The nuclear war will most likely destroy the earth’s ozone layer. Rev 16:8 Then the fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and power was given to him to scorch men with fire. 9 And men were scorched with great heat, and they blasphemed the name of God who has power over these plagues; and they did not repent and give Him glory.

(Acts 2:17-21) And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable day of the Lord come: And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Now here is a link to my husband's blog post from January 17, 2017 that is proof that God spoke to him before Trump won a second term as president.

https://twelfthhourendtimeministries.blogspot.com/2017/01/visions-and-dream-of-president-trump.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawGbT_BleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHebgFGfMKgc2VO0VZPx_gBFFz3gQCZDqjqyQfddFgSt5w2-Cao3uhqQfEQ_aem_33xocIlgQ5eGk6ykF0GV1A

Also here is repost the writing for those who don't want to go to the link:

Visions and Dream of President Trump and the Coming Nuclear War! Written by my Husband, Mel

On Friday Jan 13, I had a vision of two, dark red, blood moons. This vision was followed by a second vision of fireworks in the sky over Washington DC, and flags flying on inauguration day. Blood moons are symbolic of judgments and war. I believe that the war with China and Russia will begin during the end of our final President’s administration.  Donald Trump will be America’s final President.

Today, Tuesday Jan 17, I had another dream from the Lord about the coming war. I dreamed that I was at a gas station filling my tank with gas. A very large transport truck pulled in carrying a nuclear missile, there was a large picture of Donald Trump on the side of the truck. I heard a voice say, “Trump is going to make more nuclear missiles.” I noticed that the workers at the service station, were mostly Russians, but a few Americans were working with them. Some of the workers were riding on American made bicycles. I believe that this indicates that there will be a short time of peace, with working harmony, between America and Russia. I then entered the station to pay for my gas, and I noticed that the Russian workers were very busy and seemed to be preoccupied with something. I said to them, “War is coming soon with China and Russia.” I also said, “The wise will prepare now!” End of dream.

I am reposting this vision from Nov 21.  On Saturday, the Lord gave me a vision. I saw an opened magazine and both the pages were black, with a picture of Donald Trump in the upper right hand corner. I saw a profile of Trump’s face turned to the right, facing the edge of the magazine. Trump had a fierce countenance and appeared very stern. Above Trump’s head, was a full, very dark red, blood moon.  I also heard a female voice singing, “Halleluiah, Jesus is coming!”

This vision indicates that President-Elect Trump, will play a major part, in end time events. The black pages of the magazine, indicate a time of both spiritual, as well as, physical darkness. The two black pages, may also represent, two terms in office, or possibly the start of the Great Tribulation. The dark red, blood moon, probably indicates the great war to come. Trump’s profile, was facing the edge of the right side of the magazine, this may indicate that, Trump will be America’s final president. I am going to pray more for the interpretation of this vision. The good news is that Jesus is coming back immediately after the Great Tribulation! Those who endure unto the end, will be given the crown of everlasting life!             

 (Joel 2:30-31) “And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth: Blood and fire and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord.

(Revelation 6:2-13) And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer. When He opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, "Come and see." Another horse, fiery red, went out. And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great sword. When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, "Come and see." So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, "A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine."  When He opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, "Come and see." So I looked, and behold, a pale horse. And the name of him who sat on it was Death, and Hades followed with him. And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth. When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. And they cried with a loud voice, saying, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?" Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed. I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken.   

Salt or sugar?

 

If you have been through the Bible multiple times, you may think it is not necessary to still read it on a regular basis.  I have either read the Bible or had it read to me for 52 years, and when my heart is open, I still see verses from a new light   The other day, my husband and I were listening to the gospel of Luke, when chapter 14, verses 34-35, spoken by Jesus, stood out to be as never before.

"Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned? It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear." Luke 14:34-35

I said to my husband something like, "For some reason, I never really stopped to consider those verses before, but that is really standing out to me.  I see it as a warning not to lose our fire for God or our fire for sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ."

My husband and I began talking about this and agreed it would make a good blog topic, so here I sit today to share my thoughts for whoever " hath ears to hear, let him hear."

Often when I am writing on a topic I know has been written about by many others, I intentionally do not go back and read anyone else's writings. I pray to only be influenced by the Holy Spirit.  I know there are several different angles from which I could write this blog, but I am choosing to focus on the issues most infusing my heart today.

I am a person who loves words and their meaning, so I looked up the definition of the word "savor."  I will use the definition in another version of Luke also mentioned in Matthew.

"Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt has lost his savour [a characteristic taste, flavor, or smell, especially a pleasant one]... it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men."  Matthew 5:13

First, I want to touch on not losing our fire for the Lord. Revelation 3:16 says, "So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue [spit] thee out of my mouth."  If you feel you are growing cold toward the Lord, spend more time in praise, prayer, and Bible study.  Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you anything that may be hindering a closer walk with Him and be obedient to let go of the things He brings to your heart (see Psalm 139:23-24).

 Next, lets' talk about not losing our salty fire for sharing the message of salvation.  In a world where people plug their ears to holiness messages, and make fun of/reject the True believers, it can be very discouraging to want to give up and quit speaking out for righteousness.  Let me encourage you that even if it seems no one is paying attention, God is, and His opinions matter more than anyone else's.  Stay faithful to the call, fellow Christian.  You are not alone; you have the Holy Trinity in your corner, and my husband and I as well!

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6:9

Now I want to explain what I mean when I say there is a difference between a salty message and a sugary one. To most people, a pleasant gospel would be one that tells them it is perfectly fine to sin as much as they like because God gives us grace for everything.  We just have to say a prayer one time to ask Jesus into our hearts and then never again worry about right or wrong because we are now eternally secure.  That, my friends, is a sugar-coated gospel!  

We are not being called to politely lead people to hell, we are called to escort them boldly to heaven's throne!  

Salt was considered very valuable in the days when Jesus walked, but if something valuable gets broken, tarnished, or damaged in any way, the value dramatically declines.  And as Jesus puts it, if that something valuable loses its potency, you could even say, if it gets watered down, it deserves to be thrown out and even trampled under people's feet.  

The same is absolutely true with the most valuable asset on the planet, the message of salvation that can show one the way to eternity in Heaven.  If it is damaged, it is useless to your soul.  

For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness [turns it into something inaccurate and unholy], and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. Jude, verse 4

Now I finally get to it, here is my salty message speaking out against a sugar-coated gospel:

To be clear, I believe Jesus' death on the cross, our salvation, and grace are free gifts we do not have to earn. However, a salty message will encourage you to treat these precious gifts with the utmost care and not neglect them, because they and your soul can be lost.  

But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die. When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die. Ezekiel 18:24 & 26

Pretty clear cut, don't you think? Ezekiel was a mighty profit who heard directly from God.  He tells us when the righteous, or the Christian, turns his back on God and intentionally chooses to sin, he will lose his salvation - die in his sins! This is not speaking of minor offenses, of course, but as Ezekiel says, "abominations," or rebelliously refusing to do what you know is right in the eyes of God.  Just as when we sincerely repent from our sins, they are blotted out by the blood of Jesus (Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive. Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die. Ezekiel 18:27-28), the exact opposite is true. Righteousness is canceled out by sin until we sincerely repent again.   (These same words are repeated in Ezekiel 33 as well.) 

Now let's look at the words of Jesus:

I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. John 15:1-6

The definition of the word abide is "to remain; continue; stay."  Therefore, Jesus is telling us that if we leave our fellowship with Him (cease abiding with Him) we will be "cast forth... into the fire and burned."  Obviously, He is speaking of the fire in Hell. In other words, if you give your life to Christ and become a Christian, but then refuse to follow the ways of Jesus by leaving your morals behind, you are no longer bearing good fruit, and you will be cast away.  Jesus does not say that you can stay grafted into the vine no matter what, and that you will be eternally secure. No, if you make the choice to leave, you will be cast off!

The more you abide in Jesus: read the Bible, pray more than just when you are asking for a favor, and worship Him with a contrite heart, the more it will be clear what He expects of you.  The more you will understand His character and His will and you will want to do what is right (...the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance. Romans 2:4).  The Holy Spirit will convict you of your sins and testify to your spirit what must be done to see the face of God for all eternity (I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. Romans 12:1).

Let's go again to the words spoken by Jesus:

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. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Matthew 7:21-23

This is obviously about someone who is calling himself a Christian, otherwise why would he be calling out to the Lord and prophesying, casting out demons, etc. But Jesus says that even if you call on Him and work for Him, you can still be in danger of losing your salvation if you are doing all these things while living in sin.  No, eternal life with Christ is not automatic just because you use the name of Jesus or work for Him; you must keep the sin out of your life or He will tell you to "depart from" Him.  In other words, He will send you to hell.

I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.  2 Timothy 4:4; 7-8

There are many more verses I can list where it says in the Bible that all people will be judged according to their works. That Truth alone shows we are not automatically eternally secure.  If so, there would be no reason for God to judge our works.  Finishing the course and keeping the faith means the same as abiding in the vine.  In order to obtain the crown from Jesus, you must not let go of your righteous ways or give in to sin.

Here are a few more verses on obtaining crowns from God, our judge.  No where does it say the crown of righteousness will be given to every single person that says some version of the sinner's prayer.  There are conditions that must be met! In the below verse, Paul makes it very clear that even he, an extremely faithful servant of Christ, could be cast away from heaven if he falls into sin.

Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. I Corinthians 9:24-27

Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. Phillipans 4:1

And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. II Timothy 2:5

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. James 1:12

The messages of these verses are: stand fast in the Lord, strive lawfully, endure temptation, and you will receive a crown of righteousness.  Stray away from the Lord and holiness, and you will be cast away.

The last verses below are the easiest way to point you away from sugar and to the salt of the gospel: Note the list of sinful actions does NOT say, "If you call yourself a Christian you can do all these things and still go to heaven," NO!  It says, if you commit the sins listed, you will NOT inherit the Kingdom of God.  There are no exceptions to that rule. You must daily repent of your sins, and strive to be holy as the Lord is holy, or you will not have eternity with the Father - not my words, this is scriptural as you will see below.   

As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: I Peter 1:14-17

Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Hebrews 12:14

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21

He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. Revelation 21:7-8

The Armor of Light

Growing up as a preacher's kid, my Dad used to say that you can find a sermon in anything.  While this became a common joke in our family, there is a lot of truth to my Dad's statement.  In fact, this blog proves that theory!  

When I noticed a black smudge on my foot, I assumed that the soap and hot water would simply wash it off, but it remained.  I had to use the washcloth and scrub to remove the mark. That got me to thinking how sin in our lives is just like that!  We may think it is something that will go away without any real effort on our part, but in reality, we need to work on certain issues to permanently remove them from our life.  Just like I needed the aid of the washcloth, I will always need the aid of the Holy Spirit to help me conquer my sins.  

Philippians 2:12 reminds us that we cannot just go on our merry way and ignore the sins in our life, we must, "work out [our] own salvation with fear and trembling."  In other words, like that stain on my foot, we have to put forth the effort to be clean before the Lord.  Not just ignore them and hope they will go away.

To be clear, I am not saying I believe in a works-only salvation, Jesus' death on the cross is a free gift we do not have to earn, but based on what the Bible says, it is clear we can fall away from our salvation if we actively live in rebellion against the rules of Jesus Christ. Working on our salvation means we must daily ask for The Lord's Help in conquering our sins.  We cannot do it on our own. (And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross DAILY, and follow me. Luke 9:23)

My Bible reading this morning emphasizes the theme of this blog:

And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly (other versions say "decently" or "honestly"), as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts. Romans 13: 11-14 

Just as 2 Corinthians 6:2 reminds us that "now is the day of salvation," so do the verses in Romans. And as Ephesians 5:14 instructs, "Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light," so the words in Romans also remind us to wake out of the darkness of sin and walk into the light of holiness!

Make no mistake, dear readers, the time is short!  Surely with all the end-time events happening, you have to be aware of it!  How much time do you think we have left on this planet? I sincerely doubt we have more than 20 years (probably less) before the end of this world.  The signs are there: pandemics, wars, plagues of locusts and other insects, unusually strong weather, droughts, unexpected tornados, earthquakes, and other natural disasters in strange locations, even supernatural dust clouds appearing, rioting and chaos, the list goes on...  (Mark 13:8 "For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places [many different places], and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.") My point is that now is not the time to play around with fire, now is the time to wake up and walk into the light.  Work out your salvation and get rid of the sin in your life!

You may think a little bit of sin is no big deal.  A little lie here, a slipped swear word there, but 1 Corinthians 5:6 -7 says it differently (I exchanged the words leaven for yeast and lump for bread so that it is easier to understand), "Know ye not that a little [yeast rises] the whole [loaf of bread]? Purge out therefore the old [yeast], that ye may be a new [loaf of bread], as ye are unleavened." (So you will be free from even the small sins damaging your soul.)

 While I do not believe all so-called small sins will cause us to lose our salvation, if we repeatedly choose to rebelliously ignore these sins and refuse to try to change because we feel they are not as bad as murder or adultery, then the callus condition of your heart could send you to Hell.  That small amount of yeast can indeed ruin your soul. 

We need to purge ourselves of pride, racism, deceitfulness, bad language, unforgiveness, the occult etc. "The night is far spent," and the there is precious little time left! If you love the Lord and care about where you spend eternity, pay close attention to the condition of your soul!  Now is the day to make your heart right with God! 

I will close with more words from 2 Corinthians 6 and also from Ephesians 5, please let these words sink into your heart and soul! ("Not to receive the grace of God in vain" means not to take advantage of God's favor by living a life full of sin, read on...)

We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For He says “In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you.”

Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God... by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love, by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left...

Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people.”

Therefore “Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters," Says the Lord Almighty.” Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 2 Corinthians 6:1-7, 14-18 & 7:

Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savor. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.  See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;” Ephesians 5:1-20

"We do not want to be eternally separated from those we love."

 

(Originally posted on July 19, 2021)

This is another blog inspired by a dream I had last night. I am not certain if this dream was from God or from my own imagination.  Either way, the dream has a message I feel I should share.   

I dreamt my husband and I ran into a man (I will call him Friend, even though he did not have a name in the dream) that had been a close friend to my late brother.  Now, let me stop right there; I have never had a brother. Therefore, if this dream was from the Lord, the "brother" in the dream may have been symbolic of my spiritual brothers and sisters.  While Friend was speaking to me, I noticed another man (I will call him Watcher) standing somewhat behind Friend and listening very closely to the conversation.  My husband often has angels in his dreams silently watching all that transpires.  I am not certain this second man represented an angel or not, but I believe he did.  Friend took a wild trip down memory lane and was telling me all about my brother's crazy ways and how funny it had been when my brother had wrecked his vehicle when he was drunk.  In fact, all Friend's memories of brother were of rules broken and all-around rebellious ways.

Watcher studied me very closely and looked at me with an expectant expression as if he wanted me to stand up for the things of God instead of silently listening to all the bad acts that had been committed by my late brother. Friend then began to complain that he and Brother had grown sick and tired of all of their family members always preaching at them.  He said it was what had ended his friendship with Brother because Brother eventually caved in, became a Christian, and gave up his ungodly habits.  Friend said he was angry with those that had taken his best friend away from him.

Again, Watcher gave me a look that let me know I was expected to speak up for the Truth.  It was then that it seemed the Holy Spirit took control of my words.  I began to boldly explain to Friend that the reason those with holiness beliefs preach so often about what the Bible says about sin is because those sins can keep them from the kingdom of God.  I pointed to my husband and said that I love him so very much and I cannot stand to be away from him for even an hour. I then said, "Imagine being separated from someone you love for all eternity. The reason we talk about the things of God is because we do not want to be eternally separated from those we love.  We cannot stand the thought of anyone going to hell. The idea of being separated from our loved ones for all eternity is what drives us to speak out and risk rejection and humiliation.  It is out of love for you and others that drives our actions to warn against the sins that can lead you to hell. Not judgmentalism, not legalism, not self-righteousness, but love. Pure love.  Now imagine that kind of love magnified greater than you can fathom.  It is how much God loves you, and He does not want to be eternally separated from you either."

By the time I had finished my speech my husband, Watcher, and Friend's eyes were all filled with tears.  I had said enough to make Friend willing to listen to more things about God and holy living. 

Are you willing to risk being separated for all eternity from those you love?  Time is very, very short.  If you are a believer, now is the time to speak out for holiness.  If you are not a Christian, now is the time to study the Bible and learn what it says about holiness. Be humble enough to allow the Holy Spirit to gently convict you of your sins, repent, and return to God.  

The Lord... is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

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

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21

He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. Revelation 21:7-8

The Message of the Full Gospel, Written by my Husband

 

The Message of the Full Gospel, Written by my Husband, Mel

(John 3:5-7) Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

Many churches teach salvation through Jesus Christ but neglect to teach people the necessity of being filled with the Holy Spirit. John 3:5 states that we must be born of the water and of the Spirit to be truly born again. Salvation is a free gift of Grace that can never be earned through our works or by religious rituals. However, salvation is a three-step process. Salvation begins with true repentance of sins. Repentance is a change of mind and heart in regard to the old sinful lifestyle. God gives grace to those who seek first the Kingdom of Heaven and his righteousness. Repentance occurs when you surrender all to Christ. You must first realize that you cannot save yourself through the strivings of the flesh. We are justified by faith in the atonement that Christ made upon the cross. Salvation is for those who walk in the light, not darkness.

After we truly repent of our sins and put our faith in Christ and his atonement upon the cross, it is also essential that we are baptized in water. Water baptism is an act of obedience, it proclaims to the world that you have been born again. You are marked by God, and you identify with the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ through water baptism. You are also proclaiming that you have been crucified with Christ and are dead to sin and risen with Christ as a new creation! See Romans 6:1-13 below.

(Romans 6:1-13) What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 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. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. or he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.

Many Christians have never been taught that there is more to their spiritual walk. In order to live an overcoming Christian life in these dark times, it is essential that we be filled with God’s Holy Spirit (Baptism in the Holy Spirit). You cannot be saved unless you have been filled (baptized) with the Holy Spirit. The atonement of Christ provided for the fullness of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. The Holy Trinity is received by faith alone in the finished work of Christ.

The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a second act of Grace, and it is when a believer is filled and becomes indwelt by the Holy Spirit. The Baptism is an immersion of power that is accompanied by spiritual gifts according to God's will and must be sought after by faith. The Holy Spirit is God, he is the third person of the Holy Trinity, and he indwells us, as well as ministers to us. It is God’s will that we all experience the fullness of God and that is only possible by receiving the baptism in the Spirit. The infilling of the Holy Spirit was given through the laying on of the hands of the Apostles within Scripture. It was first given on the Day of Pentecost to those seeking God in the upper room. You may receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit by earnestly seeking God in prayer, or through the laying on of hands.

(Acts 2:1-4) When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

There are nine gifts and nine fruits of the Holy Spirit. It is God's will that we seek him for the fullness of his Spirit. The strivings of the flesh are worthless. It is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that we may become a new creation (set apart people). Only through the Holy Spirit is the love of Jesus poured into our hearts. We cannot walk, live, or bear good fruit apart from the Holy Spirit. If you love Christ, you will keep his commandments. This is only possible by being transformed from the inside out by the Holy Spirit. To live and walk in the Spirit is to walk away from sin.

Dream of the four Harlots and the Holy Spirit

I recently had a dream of the four harlots and the Holy Spirit. Babylon is a biblical term that means wickedness. We read of Mystery Babylon in Rev 17 and 18. This is a reference to an adulterous or harlot church. Many people within modern day Christianity have not been taught to be filled with the Holy Spirit, or to crucify their old carnal nature.

I dreamed that there were four young adult girls wearing ankle length night gowns. They were running around in many directions and then each one stood still next to a gas pump. Four gas pumps with four girls. I woke from the dream as the Lord spoke the word Babylon to me four times. The interpretation is that the young girls were playing the harlot. They were running around in many directions, being tossed to and fro by many false doctrines of men. They were wearing night gowns meaning they were asleep to spiritual issues like holiness.

The church is the bride of Christ; however, many are not faithful to Christ. They have not allowed God's Holy Spirit to teach them to walk and bear good fruit. Mystery Babylon is the end time apostasy (Great Falling Away). When the church is indistinguishable from the sinful world they are not set apart. The gas pumps within the dream were symbolic of the need for Christians to be filled with the Holy Spirit which empowers them to live an overcoming life. The young harlot brides stopped running around playing the harlot, and stood Still, next to the gas pumps in order to be filled with the Holy Spirit.

The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is essential for all believers. Come as you are to Christ, but don't stay that way. It is true that we are justified, saved, and sanctified by faith alone. Christ's finished work upon the cross paid our debts in full and his shed blood sanctified us and removed our shame and guilt! However, faith must be accompanied with repentance to be sincere. You must be born again to inherit eternal life with Christ.

(Hebrews 12:14). Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

A dead, or lukewarm church will be vomited out of God's mouth according to His Word (see Revelation 3). You cannot overcome your old nature, or bear good fruit, apart from God's Spirit. It is only possible to live an overcoming, or holy life, by surrendering your will to God and allowing the Holy Spirit to change you from the inside out. God gives us Grace to grow in Him. We come to Him as babes on milk and learn to walk by his Spirit.

You must abide in the vine (Jesus Christ). Scripture teaches us that to abide in Christ is to continue in the faith and allow His Spirit to pour love into our hearts for others. To truly know Christ is to love one another and forgive others their trespasses, as Christ has forgiven us. We must give others grace to live in His grace. To walk in the Spirit is to live in God's freedom and no longer to be a slave to sin. Are you a new creation in Christ? Are you born again?

(Hebrews 12:12-16) Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.

(Hebrews 13:20-21) Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

(Galatians 5:15-26) But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.