Count Your Blesseings

It is usually common and human to always look at the flip side of our life and murmur, complain, Be bitter etc. We hardly remember when our life is at its best. When we are in good health, in happiness, We hardly remember our live is in good stature. We hardly remember when out stomachs are always full because of plenty of supplies around us. We hardly remember any of it. When problems sets in and give us challenges - We cry the louddest as through we have been suffering all the years. it so sad. Let's look up and remember the cross when God gave us all. God gave us Jesus. He gave us the Holy Spirit and He gave us Himself the father. We need to thank God for all that we go through - for it is well...it is well saints all the time, anytime.

Jesus commanded believers all over the World to take the everlasting message to all people of the World

THE INNER MAN

On the sixth day of creation week God made Man on his own image according to his likeness. God took soil and formed man, but he was lifeless. Then God breathed a life giving spirit and the Man became conscious. The life giving spirit is a living being and he is the inner Man. The outer Man is the physical body that aid the inner Man communicate with the outer world. 

Man disobeyed God and fell and were cast out of the Garden of Eden and a Cherub placed in the Garden to protect the tree of life so that he would not approach the tree and it of its fruits and live for ever in sinful life. 

God made a promise of salvation for mankind when he proclaimed that the Seed of the Woman and the seed of the serpent would bruise each other. We know for sure that women has no Seed in them but men. So what did God refer to when he said the SEED OF EVE would bruise the seed of the serpent? Virgin Mary engaged to Joseph were to conceive miraculous and have child and would name him Jesus because he will save the world. These were the angels words. 

When Adam and eve ate the forbidden fruit they committed serious sin and were separated from God. They were no longer meeting with God on daily basis in the evening hours. They were send away to till land outside Eden. Their inner man no longer please God as it was sinful. it was no longer holy and was bound to die. A saviour was to come and die for them (John 3:16) for the saving of mankind. 

At the cross Jesus died and all human beings were inside him and died with Jesus and resurrected with him therefore reversing the works and intentions of Satan, Any person accepting Jesus is made a child of God. The inner man received from Adam is removed and a new spirit man is given to the convert and instantly becomes a new person. The new man (inner spirit) from the second Adam (Jesus) never dies and never commit sin (I John 3:9). 

The inner man in believers are in fact hidden in God together with Jesus (Colossians 3:1-3).

This inner man is in believers those righteous Children of God. 

YOU ARE GOD’S VALUED TREASURE

By Vivian Chebichii Saina,

 Miss Vivian chebichii Saina hails from Kapsabet. She was born on 26th August 198 and is the second born in a family of three, two daughters and one Son. She is pursuing a University degree in Business Management at Moi University .She shares the message below to encourage all those who feel, life has lost meaning for them and want to give up. She point them to the source of Hope, Jesus Christ, who is Lord and Saviour. This message is for those who feel left out, unimportant, neglected and insignificant in life. Be encouraged in the knowledge that God loves you and knows you even by the locks of your hair; he knew you before you were formed in your mother’s womb. You are special! Phil 4:6,7 There are times when you feel: Too young to be recognized: The Holy Bible describes how God used Gideon, a young boy from a humble background, to lead a mighty army against the enemies of Israelites and won the war(Judges 7:20-23). Just as Gideon, God knows you on personal level. If you wait for God’s time in humility you will be exalted among those who looked down on you. Too small to be used by God: David a humble young lad was empowered by God and he killed the giant Goliath, a mighty Philistine warrior who had slain many and was dreaded by all. 

David brought down the mighty warrior with just a single stone slung into his forehead killing him instantly. God can use diverse ways for you to overcome the Goliaths of your life I Samuel 17:32-58). Too dirty or too big a sinner to be associated to God: Jesus associated with the Samaritan woman whom many felt was too filthy as she was a harlot. He associated himself with tax collectors such as Zacheaus who accepted Jesus as personal Saviour through contact. Jesus wants to use you as his agent of change. To take the everlasting message to through contact the same way the Samaritan rushed to town and called thousands of people ...“to come and see the man who told me the secrets of my past” John 4:1-42). Neglected: Joseph was neglected by his brothers who even contemplated killing him, but chose to sell him to foreigners who resold him to the Egyptians. God was with Joseph though, and even though he was subjected to persecutions, God used him to fulfil his dreams (Genesis 41:42-43). Sometimes bad things happen to us but when it does we should not lose hope for they are a blessing in disguise. You therefore need to look for a window of opportunity that God has opened before you and not the closed window behind you. From the wrong sex, background, race social standing etc; God chose Mary, a simple maiden and Joseph a carpenter to bring forth the messiah of the world, son of God whose name is wonderful, counsellor, mighty God and the King of Kings. 

He could have chosen the rich of the rich or the daughters and sons of mighty King but he chose Mary and Joseph. Humble yourself before the lord and he will lift you high (Mathew 1:16-25). The examples are many in the Bible but the message is clear today, you are God’s chosen child created in his own image. When he sees you, he sees one who is wonderfully and fearfully made (Psalms 139:14)despite all disabilities and shortcomings and he is willing to use us as vessels for his honour and glory. Taste God today and you will realise how much love you had deprived yourself of. 

 HOPE MINISTRIES WORLD IS TODAY'S VOICE OF HOPE TO THE WORLD. WE URGE PEOPLE TO COME TO JESUS AND RENEW THEIR RELATIONSHIPS WITH GOD! IT IS TIME THE WORLD TURN BACK TO GOD OUR SOURCE OF HOPE.

Get Saved and receive Righteousness

By Apostle William K Korir, 

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son Jesus, to come down to die for our sins, and through his death we all receive Salvation. God loved all peoples and he sent Jesus to come and die to purchase us and secured us from the jaws of the Devil. We are now free in Jesus mighty Name! 

In the Book of Romans 10:9-11, Read on ...

Romans 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

 11 For the Scripture says, "Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame."

 (NKJV)

THE BLOOD OF JESUS WASH OUR SINS

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By Apostle William Korir

Jesus Christ was crucified so that through His blood all peoples of all nations will have their sins washed away so that they shall be clean. For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten son that whosoever beliveth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. Jesus came to die and by shedding His blood people would receive salvation. All those who believe in Jesus would be forgiven of their sins, and through faith they would become heirs of God. Isaiah 1:18,19, God calls people to his Boardroom saying; Come let us reason together; says the LORD! never mind how sinful you may have been, you will be washed by the blood of Jesus and you shall be as white as snow.

God loves you so much and He has appointed you as His child. You have no reason whatsoever not to obey God and behave as His Child, for He has paid such a huge price by letting Jesus come down to die for you and therefore redeem you from eternal destruction by fire. God is watching over you all the time. 2 Chronicles 16:9, He never turn His eyes away from you. He has great plans for you. He Has assign you angels to guard you 24/7, because you are the child of the Kingdom (Psalms 91:11). He loves you and He will protect you so no evil can come your way (Isaiah 41:10,13). God bless you as you choose to serve the Lord and to be faithful to Him in all your dealings.
Choose today to walk with God and you will never regret.



HOPE MINISTRIES WORLD IS TODAY'S VOICE OF HOPE TO THE WORLD. JESUS INVITES YOU NOW TO REPENT FROM ALL YOUR SINS AND TURN AWAY FROM COMMITTING SINS AND RENEW YOUR RELATIONSHIPS WITH GOD! IT IS TIME EVERYONE IN THE WORLD TURN AWAY FROM LIVING IN SINFUL WAYS AND WORSHIP GOD THE CREATOR OF HEAVENS, EARTH, THE SEA AND ALL THE CREATURES. TURN TO GOD AND LIVE!

A threat to Abraham's life in Egypt

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By Apostle William K Korir (254) 722 301 429 / 0722 301 429

Genesis 12:1-20, 13:1 20:1-13

Abraham heard the voice of God saying, "Abraham come out of your father's house and go to a place I will show you. I will bless you and give you a huge lineage. Abraham believed and shared the news with his next of keen. His obedient wife agreed to go with him his nephew Lord excitedly accepted to follow him. Where was Abraham going to with all his followers? He didn't know! If it was in our time; I doubt if the wife would have accepted to go with him let alone the nephew. The idea would have sounded weird and people would have suspected that the man probably had some kind of mental illness. But Abraham the Father of Faith was different....He followed God's voice. Out there they arrived in Canaan, a desert place and lived in Tents. They were all starngers in a foreign land and people mistrusted them. Then, while there....drought hit the land, and they would not go back to their home probably because people would laugh at them.... then he heard that a neighbouring country Egypt had plenty of food, so he decided to go to that foreign land to find food. On arrival another danger occured to Abraham...he feared for his dear life. He told his wife when we arrive in that foreign land and when people ask you what relations I have with you, tell them you are my Sister so that through you I may live. His wife was so beautiful and he knew that the King might get him killed so he can take his wife. Sarah, Abraham's wife when told the King that Abraham was her brother, and the King was happy... He gave Abraham lots of gold and flock, but the Lord plagued pharah and his house with great plagues because of Sarai Abraham,s wife. The King complant to Abraham for lying to him and sent him away with all he had. Again Abraham was confronted with a similar incident and he had to lie again to King Melchizedech who took Sarah to the place, but God spoke to Melkizedek and warned him that he was going to be dead meat if touch Abraham's wife. When Abraham was asked the next day he defended himself saying he did not lie, Sarah was his step Sister, same father, different mothers.
Abrham was loyal to God but he also had human weakness, he valued his life when he came accross mighty men in high possitions and he his wisdom he did his part to live for tommorow. In each scenario God came to Abraham's rescue and saved the situation. As the Children of Abraham by faith, we ought to trust in God and let him do his will in our lives. Be blessed in Jesus mighty name.






HOPE MINISTRIES WORLD IS TODAY'S VOICE OF HOPE TO THE WORLD. JESUS INVITES YOU NOW TO REPENT FROM ALL YOUR SINS AND TURN AWAY FROM COMMITTING SINS AND RENEW YOUR RELATIONSHIPS WITH GOD! IT IS TIME EVERYONE IN THE WORLD TURN AWAY FROM LIVING IN SINFUL WAYS AND WORSHIP GOD THE CREATOR OF HEAVENS, EARTH, THE SEA AND ALL THE CREATURES. TURN TO GOD AND LIVE!

NEW SOULS JOINS MINISTRY

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By Apostle William Korir, 

 New Souls have joined the Ministry. Four people namely, Rosemiriam, Monish, Tom and Ongita were baptised by immersion on 27th December 2009 and entered the new year with joy. The Church members celebrated the new births with Praise songs and jubilation as they welcomed the new members into the congregation. God is mighty and is working powerfully in the Ministry. We are to worship God and serve him loyalty. Please continue visiting this site to check new updates. 

 HOPE MINISTRIES WORLD IS TODAY'S VOICE OF HOPE TO THE WORLD. JESUS CALLS ON ALL PEOPLE TO REPENT OF THEIR SINS AND FOLLOW HIM; AND RENEW THEIR RELATIONSHIPS WITH GOD! IT IS TIME THE WORLD TURN AWAY FROM THEIR SINFUL WAYS AND WORSHIP GOD THE CREATOR OF HEAVENS, EARTH, SEA ALL THINGS.

THE MOMENT OF TRUTH!

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By Apostle William Korir, 

 It is time people tell the Truth! About 2000 years ago one great man came to this earth. those who met him did not recognise him because there was nothing so special in him to attract them He was so ordinary yet he was a deity. The ordinary people roughed him up and eventually shamelessly hanged him on the cross. They even stripped him Naked and scraped for His clothing, each taking a piece. After 40 days he ascended to heavens and He was received with jubilation by the mighty Angel He was for his success. He is representing humanity in heaven and receiving their prayers before God.His NAME is Jesus Christ. 

He is now about to come back to Planet Earth, to receive all those who are prepared. How do I prepare so may ask. Simple, be a good person and do good things to others. Do not make mistakes such as sleeping with other peoples wives or husbands, stealing from your employer for both time and materials. Do not smoke, Do not drink anything that alters the normal functioning of your brain. Have a clean heart not hating anyone. Do not talk about other people with ill intentions. Do not feel bad when others progress and you don't. Do not have a habit of loving money. Respect all persons irrespective of their position in life for this will please God. Respect and support widows and orphans and God will bless you abundantly.Never tell a lie even if the consequences are tough, always tell the Truth no matter what. God Loves Honest people of pure heart. 

 HOPE MINISTRIES WORLD IS TODAY'S VOICE OF HOPE TO THE WORLD. JESUS CALLS ON ALL PEOPLE TO REPENT OF THEIR SINS AND FOLLOW HIM; AND RENEW THEIR RELATIONSHIPS WITH GOD! IT IS TIME THE WORLD TURN AWAY FROM THEIR SINFUL WAYS AND WORSHIP GOD THE CREATOR OF HEAVENS, EARTH, SEA ALL THINGS.

WHICH DOES THE LORD PREFERS: OBEDIENCE OR OFFERINGS AND SACRIFICES ?

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By Apostle Korir

; Israel the LORD who created you says, " Do not be afraid - I will save you. I have called you by name - you are mine. When you pass through deep waters, I will be with you; your troubles will not overwhelm you. when you pass through fire, you will not be burnt; the hard trials that come will not hurt you. For I am the LORD your GOD, the Holy God of Israel, who saves you. Isaiah 43:1-3. GOD rejected King Saul for being a weak leader. He lacked firmness in his leadership and his reasoning lacked in content. 

He could did not understand the consequence of disobeying the deity. He had been instructed to fight the enemy and to exterminate them completely and to destroy all their property including their possessions; livestock and other riches. They were not to carry anything back home with them. Indeed King Saul went and fought overwhelmed all the armies of the inhabitants of Canaan. He fought Amalekites but his strategy changed. He only destroyed what was useless or worthless and he killed all the people except their King - Agag. Saul took their hostage plus all the fat cows and sheep back to the City. God was displeased with King Saul's action and he sent prophet Samuel to take the judgement message to the King. 

 When the prophet came to the King and inquired why he had disobeyed God, the King denied having disobeyed God and blamed his army men for disobeying God. He tried to justify their action by alleging that the animals brought would be sacrificed to God. The PROPHET said to King Saul; "Which does the Lord prefer: obedience or offerings and sacrifices? it is better to obey him than to offer sacrifice to GOD of the best sheep, saying; Rebellion against Him was as bad as witchcraft, and arrogance is as sinful as idolatry. Because you rejected the LORD'S COMMAND, he has rejected you as King." I Samuel 15:1-23. As we enter into the year 2010; your desire should be to OBEY THE LORD JEHOVAH GOD - who created you and gave you life. Do noit be afraid for whatever you are going through - for GOD Jehovah loves you so much and has great plans to prosper you, giving you hope and a future! Isaiah 43 : 5, Jeremiah 29:11-13. TRUST AND HONOUR GOD IN ALL YOU DO. 

 HOPE MINISTRIES WORLD IS TODAY'S VOICE OF HOPE TO THE WORLD. JESUS CALLS ON ALL PEOPLE TO REPENT OF THEIR SINS AND FOLLOW HIM; AND RENEW THEIR RELATIONSHIPS WITH GOD! IT IS TIME THE WORLD TURN AWAY FROM THEIR SINFUL WAYS AND WORSHIP GOD THE CREATOR OF HEAVENS, EARTH, SEA ALL THINGS.

JESUS FOR THE LOVING PEOPLE OF UGANDA

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By Apostle William Korir, 

 Dear loving People of Uganda!, I bring you all the end time message. Jesus is coming soon to take those faithful people who have lived a chaste life. God look across the villages of Uganda and sees every person with His aim of blessing them. God loves you all for you are fearfully and wonderfully made. it doesn't matter whether you are physically challenged. God intended for you to be that way for his good reason. therefore never blame any one for your condition for this does not change God's plan for you. God loves you the more and is satisfied the way you are. He has good plans for you, to prosper you and not to harm you, for he is your God and there is no other.Jeremiah 29:11; Isaiah 41:10,13. The people of Uganda your Country was once called the pearl of Africa. It is in this respect I refer to you all as God's people.

The almighty God loves Uganda and declares unto all of you to turn to Jesus and receive eternal life. Without Jesus Christ, there is no life, it is therefore prudent to accept Jesus today and be transformed so as to conform to the divine attributes of God. Jesus died for all the Ugandans, about two thousand (2,000) years ago. He shed his dear blood in the Calvary Cross for all the peoples of Uganda. There is therefore no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus, who do walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. In Jesus Christ all are set free (Romans 8:1). Ugandans you have a choice to make, for there are two ways; one that leads people to heaven and the other that would lead people to eternal fire. Accepting Jesus and become a follower of Him would leam that we have to make sacrifices, to stop leaving in sin and yielding to the desires of the flesh. In the book of Galatians 5:19-21, the desires of the flesh are enumerated, and people urged to stop practising it, so as to promote peace and Love. In the same Chapter verse 22... encouraging words have been stating that would boost our love and harmony. 

Those who love Jesus ought to walk in the way pleasing to God. God is very understanding for he invites all irrespective of the serious mistakes committed in the past, including, murder. God has promised to close your past record and open a new chapter for you. Isaiah 1:18. God knows you by name and he loves you the way you are. He is prepared to transform you into a good person and he will protect you all the days of you life. You need to mend your ways and avoid all evil. If for any reason you have engaged in devil worship, take flight and seek the protection of Jesus and he will instantly enter into your life. For God so loved the world that he gave His only Son Jesus, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life (John 3:16). 

I declare Jesus for Uganda NOW! and all peoples are invited to accept Jesus now! I ask you to Pray this Prayer; Dear Jesus, I humbly come before you to confess my Sins. I know I have lived a life which is contrary to your love. I have learnt that you died for my sins at the Calvary Cross. therefore Lord I turn away from my unrewarding past to follow you. I believe in the message I have read and would now serve you for the rest of my life. I will speak your message until you stop me Lord. Thank you for saving me and making me your child (I John 3:1). I pray all this believing in the mighty Name of Jesus Christ My Lord! Amen. 

HOPE MINISTRIES WORLD IS TODAY'S VOICE OF HOPE TO THE WORLD. WE URGE PEOPLE TO COME TO JESUS AND RENEW THEIR RELATIONSHIPS WITH GOD! IT IS TIME THE WORLD TURN BACK TO GOD OUR SOURCE OF HOPE.

CHRISTIANS CAN LIVE HOLY CHASTE LIVES

By Apostle William K Korir
In a certain country their lives type of spider which builds its nest under the water but spends it time during the day in the land. The interesting thing about this kind of spider is that, each time it comes out of the water it is dry. God created the insect in such a way that its body do not get drenched with water while in the water.

Despite the spider being sorrounded by water it doesn't get wet, The spider goes about its business every day in the land and during the night it goes back home inside the water, not bothering at all of getting wet in the process. The land and water environments to the spider are same and it doesn't affect its existence.

Christians, are the Ambassadours of Christ on earth and they are expected to serve Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ with dedication and unrivaled loyalty. The Christian body worldwide is duty bound to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ relendlessly. All effort must put in winning souls for the Kingdom. As Christians go about their businesses, they will encounter serious challenges, but just like the spider, the determined christians will continue to live normal Christian lives even in this polluted world and their faith would not be affected.

Christians have no excuse whatsoever not to live chaste Christian life, for Jesus Christ knocks at the door of their hearts and, whoever hears the soft voice and opens the door, will be blessed as the Godhead (Father, Son and the Holy Spirit) will enter their hearts (temple) and live with the Christians forever and ever.

What will happen then with those who claim to be saved and yet they do not live holy life? The bible expressly points out that Christians must watch and pray. Jusus warned Peter that Satan was preparing to sift him like chaff. but the Lord had prayed for him. Christians are bound to be tempted at all times. It is not a sin however, to be tempted, even Jesus was tempted in the desert for 40 days and nights yet he did not sin. but It is sin to yield to temptation.

In the book of I John 3:7,9 it says, those who sin are of the devil and those born of God do not sin, for the seed of God is in him.Interestingly, the last sentence seems to aver that christianity is about perfection. I John 2:4 says, if you sin do not be afraid for Jesus is an advocates for us while in heaven.

Those who are continually linked to Jesus Christ find God's enabling power to overcome sin (Jude 1:14). If we draw food daily from the scriptures, we shall not fall into sin. God Jehovah will provide us with the Holy Spirit who will warn us of the Satan's wiles, and helps us overcome sin.

Trust in our Lord Jesus for His saving power, he has great plans for you and he is standing by you all the days of your life. Endeavour to live a chaste life and He will surely bless you.

FLEE FROM SEXUAL IMMORALITY

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By Apostle William Korir

Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.(1st Corinthians 6:18 - 20) The fact that you are here probably means that you desire to be set free from the sin that so easily takes you prisoner. The word "Flee" in the scripture passage above means to run away but it also means to escape. The most important thing about running away is not where you are running from but rather where you are running to. Where you are running to is your present and future, where you are running from is your past. God wants you to run to Him. He is the One who bought you with a price, the price was Jesus hanging and dying on a cross so that you could experience God's life in you. You are created to be God's temple, His Holy dwelling place, the place where He meets with you for fellowship. (More about this at the message Be Filled with all the Fullness of God.) In the passage above the Bible says that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. That means the love of God and the power of God lives in you. If you are feeling the shame of sin then you may be unaware of God's presence in you. All sin causes us to feel separated from God. As you turn your focus toward the God who loves you the veil of sin will be removed and you will begin to see the Truth and the Truth will set you free. Jesus Christ is Truth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled. (Matthew 5:6) Everyone has certain sins that they are more vulnerable to falling into. These are weak points that ensnare us and weigh us down when we give into the temptations. But by looking unto Jesus, and seeking His presence, and His help, we can throw off those heavy weights and run free toward the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV) Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, {2} looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Jesus wrote the book of your faith and He will finish the good work that He has begun in you, it is your destiny. We look unto Jesus and not our selves for help because we are helpless, and He gives help. Jesus is the Creator of the universe and the source of our help. (Psalms 121:2-3) My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip-- he who watches over you will not slumber. By seeking God we keep moving forward in the Kingdom of God. (2 Chronicles 26:5) He sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God; and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him prosper. The word prosper here is the Hebrew word tsalach, it means to push forward. Seeking God keeps us pushing forward in the right direction. Your addiction, your bondage to sin, is a setup for God to demonstrate His Love and Mercy for you, to you, and in you. You can not overcome this on your own, only by divine help will you be set free. (Romans 11:32 NIV) For God has bound all men over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all. Jesus came to set you free (Isaiah 61:1 NKJV) "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, Because the LORD has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound. If you have never asked Jesus into your heart before then go to the New Life Page at www.seekgod.org/newlife.html and begin a relationship with the Creator of the Universe. Then come back here because this message is for Christians. You will not overcome this addiction by your own will power or any other means then by the mercy of God setting you free. The Lord longs to set you free and He is the one that will change your will to want to do His will. (Philippians 2:13 NKJV) for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. God wants to carry you into love, peace, and joy; He wants you to experience His presence. (Psalms 16:11 NKJV) You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. There is no high like The Most High, God. I am beginning to see more and more that the Lord is always taking us through situations to help us become more dependent upon Him, to trust Him more, He is ever increasing our faith. This is what He did with all of the Bible characters for our examples. The reason for this process is to eliminate pride and increase humility. Pride is depending upon yourself and giving yourself credit; humility is depending upon God and giving God the credit. (1 Peter 5:5-7 NKJV) … "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble." {6} Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, {7} casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. When we first came to Jesus for salvation from our sins and to be adopted as children of God, we came humbly, as little children, saying to our Lord have mercy on me a sinner. In our humble state we received the grace of God in our lives, and experienced our first love. (Matthew 18:2-4 NKJV) Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, {3} and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. {4} "Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Why did Jesus say that whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? Because there is no other way to enter the kingdom, and no other way to live in righteousness and holiness in the kingdom. Just as we are saved by God's grace, His mercy and compassion, we are also kept by God's grace, mercy, and compassion. The truth is God's grace was at work in us and for us before we ever came to Christ. (Ephesians 1:2-6 NIV) Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. {3} Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. {4} For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love {5} he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will-- {6} to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. Many people come to the Lord humbly for salvation but then something happens that causes them to begin to depend upon themselves to maintain righteousness and holiness. Sometimes this comes from bad teaching which has come down from generations but is not biblical. I am beginning to believe that the teaching of a person's "free will" is false doctrine; although we do have choice our decisions are never free from influence. In order to come up with the free will doctrine many scriptures have to be ignored, and they have been, up until now, but they are now revealed unto us, "The Generation of the Upright". We are going to walk in righteousness and holiness before our God it is our destiny it is our hour. By the teaching of free will we are taught dependence upon our selves to make the right decisions. Anything that causes us to become dependent upon our self and not totally dependent upon God is pride in disguise. Let me just say here that anyone who is alive now is a part of this generation and this message is for you. But my heart goes out to the many young people who have written in to the ministry to say, "Pray for me, I became a Christian but now I am struggling with this sin or that sin in my life and I don't want to do it." One 15 year old boy said please pray for me Satan tempts me every hour of every day. The key is when they always say "I am struggling". They are struggling because "they are struggling", they have bought into a false doctrine that has made them try to become holy and righteous by their own will power. They did not know that the battle is the Lord's, until now. This is also a good sign because it shows that young people all over the world are now hungering and thirsting for righteousness, they shall be filled and even now are being filled. PRAISE BE TO GOD FOR HIS SOVEREIGN MOVE OF HIS HOLY SPIRIT UPON THIS GENERATION. Not because of us, but because of His mercy. (Psalms 100:5 NKJV) For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations. The Bible teaches that we are slaves to sin or slaves to righteousness. (Romans 6:18 NKJV) And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. (Romans 6:22 NIV) But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. True freedom is given to us by Jesus Christ, who sets us free. (John 8:34-36 NKJV) Jesus answered them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. {35} "And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. {36} "Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. Jesus gives us freedom and we maintain freedom through the presence of the Holy Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:16-18 NKJV) Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. {17} Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. {18} But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. So even if there is such a thing as free will we are totally dependent upon God to give us the freedom, which brings us back to His mercy again. There is something more important than our will and that is God's mercy. (Romans 9:15-16 NKJV) For He says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion." {16} So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy. The NIV says it like this (Romans 9:16 NIV) It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy. God's mercy is the key not our free will, because we don't have free will without God's mercy. When a person is bound to sin it is a setup by God so that He can have mercy on the person and set them free. (Romans 11:32 NIV) For God has bound all men over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all. So the Lord is waiting for the person to come to the end of himself, the end of all his effort and striving. Then when He turns to the Lord as his humble child and says God I can't do it please have mercy on me, the Lord does. It is in our weakness that God's grace comes in. (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV) But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. God is Love. The first description that God gave of His character was to Moses. (Exodus 34:6 NIV) And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, "The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. In the original Hebrew the first word about His character means "Full of Compassion", merciful. So the kind of love that God is, is what we call compassion. It is the kind of love that God gives parents for their children. Compassion demands action, compassion needs to nurture, to help, to rescue, to protect, to provide for, to give, to show mercy, to comfort, and many other things. These are things that God needs to do, things He longs to do. This is why He has placed us in a world where we desperately need Him to provide these things for us, to us, and in us. If we try to become righteous and holy any other way then we are robing God of being able to show us His mercy. For more about this see our online book at www.seekgod.org/compassion.html A prophecy given by Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, about Jesus said that Jesus was coming to rescue us and to enable us to serve God in holiness and righteousness all our days. (Luke 1:67-75 NIV) His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied: {68} "Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people. {69} He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David {70} (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), {71} salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us-- {72} to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant, {73} the oath he swore to our father Abraham: {74} to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear {75} in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. Whoever humbles himself as a little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. We are to come as a little humble child that asks a parent for a glass of water because we can't reach the glass or the water. In the same way we hunger and thirst for righteousness, and then trust and depend upon God to give it by His mercy and compassion for us. (1 Corinthians 1:25-31 NKJV) Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. {26} For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. {27} But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; {28} and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, {29} that no flesh should glory in His presence. {30} But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God; and righteousness and sanctification and redemption; {31} that, as it is written, "He who glories, let him glory in the LORD." When we are taught that "Well God gives us a free will, its our choice, our decision", then we can glory in our decisions and are "spiritually correct choices", instead of giving God glory for His mercy. Pride is depending upon yourself and giving yourself credit; humility is depending upon God and giving God the credit. There are Muslims that are having visions of Jesus right now, where He is appearing to them to bring them into the revelation of who He is for their salvation by grace. Is that God's mercy or their decisions at work? If you have a child that seems to be separated from the Lord right now isn't it good to know that the Lord may cause some situations that have a little interference in that child's will to bring Him into the Kingdom. If you look outside and see a tornado coming from the horizon it will probably have an affect on your spiritual will. The Lord causes situations that affect our will and bring about His will. Sometimes I think that tornado's are the reason that the Bible belt is the Bible belt. (Romans 9:15-24 NKJV) For He says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion." {16} So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy. {17} For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, "For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth." {18} Therefore He has mercy on whom He wills, and whom He wills He hardens. {19} You will say to me then, "Why does He still find fault? For who has resisted His will?" {20} But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed say to him who formed it, "Why have you made me like this?" {21} Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor? {22} What if God, wanting to show His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, {23} and that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had prepared beforehand for glory, {24} even us whom He called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles? Some people that just read the scriptures above are thinking, "Oh no what if I am a vessel created for wrath", you are not, or else you would not care. The fact that you are reading this and you want God's righteousness and holiness, proves that you are a vessel created for His mercy. The vessels of wrath don't care. Deep in your heart you hear the call of God, that means He has prepared you in advance for glory, it is your destiny, rest in the Lord your righteousness. There may be just a gleam of righteousness in you right now and it may be dim but it is increasing and will become as bright as the sun because of God's mercy at work in you. (Proverbs 4:18 NLT) The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day. I began to come into the revelation that the free will doctrine is not helping people be righteous, but it is causing people to fail, and it is causing others to be judgmental, after all "they have a free will so it is their fault, their choice". These people fail to realize that a person is bound by sin so that God can have mercy upon them. The people that recognize that a person's failure is an opportunity for God's mercy, have mercy. The Lord uses such people as vessels of His mercy, ambassadors of Love, that bring the good news of the gospel to hurting people. (Daniel 12:3 NIV) Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever. When I first began to see that the free will doctrine is not so good, I said in my heart, "Lord there are some scriptures that seem to say it is by our effort like in having done all, stand." (Ephesians 6:13 NKJV) Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Immediately I heard the Lord say in my spirit, "When I command you to stand I am not saying gather up all of your strength and stand by your own power, I am commanding you to stand with my power the same as when I told the lame to rise up and walk. They did not have a choice, the power of God lifted them right off the ground and stood them on their feet." Also notice that when we put on the armor of God, we are putting on God's armor not our own. (Luke 5:22-26 NIV) Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, "Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? {23} Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'? {24} But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins. . . ." He said to the paralyzed man, "I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home." {25} Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God. {26} Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, "We have seen remarkable things today." By grace we are saved, by grace we stand, and by grace we walk in the power of the Holy Spirit. When Jesus commanded Lazarus to come forth, Lazarus did not have a choice. (John 11:43-44 NKJV) Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come forth!" {44} And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Loose him, and let him go." So when the Lord says to you, "Be holy for I am Holy, you don't have a choice it is your destiny, rest in it. (1 Peter 1:13-16 NIV) Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. {14} As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. {15} But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; {16} for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." This seems like a free will choice doctrine verse until you notice the part that says "set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed". Once again our only hope, and our total hope, is in the grace that is to be given us when Jesus Christ is revealed. Still wondering about free will I thought there is that verse about if you are willing and obedient. (Isaiah 1:18-19 NKJV) "Come now, and let us reason together," Says the LORD, "Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool. {19} If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the good of the land; So I looked up the word willing it is the Hebrew word 'abah, aw-baw'; a prim. root; to breathe after, i.e. (fig.) to be acquiescent:--consent, rest content, will, be willing. So the word willing contains the meaning to rest content in Jesus, His salvation, and His work in our life. This is consistent with the message throughout the Bible about resting in God's grace. (Isaiah 30:15 NKJV) For thus says the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel: "In returning and rest you shall be saved; In quietness and confidence shall be your strength." There is tremendous peace and rest in knowing that it is not up to us but by God's grace only. Not anything we do, but only by God's mercy. (Ephesians 2:4-10 NKJV) But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, {5} even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), {6} and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, {7} that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. {8} For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, {9} not of works, lest anyone should boast. {10} For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. (Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV) Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; {6} In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. The word trust here also contains the meaning of taking refuge, and even complacency. The kind of trust you can rest in, the way a child will rest in the arms of a parent. Here is a quote from the Believers Study Bible about this verse: "These verses express a firm admonition (v. 5) and gracious assurance (v. 6). Throughout Proverbs one sees the reward of trusting in (lit. "clinging to," with the idea of setting one's hope and confidence upon) the Lord as opposed to the futility of resting in one's own wisdom and seeking one's own way. God designed His creation to have a dependency upon Him. Even the ordinary decisions of a day need the counsel of God, who instructs His creation to consult Him about even the most minute details, whether in the spiritual or secular realm. God promises to communicate in return. The Fall itself was precipitated when man sought to live independently of God, and this human independence continues at the heart of sinful rebellion today." End of quote. Jesus came to have mercy upon sinners, not to call the self-righteous people, but the people that recognize their own weakness and dependence upon His mercy. (Matthew 9:12-13 NIV) On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. {13} But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." The fact that a person recognizes their need for God's righteousness means that the Lord is already at work in the person's life. (Hosea 10:12 NKJV) Sow for yourselves righteousness; Reap in mercy; Break up your fallow ground, For it is time to seek the LORD, Till He comes and rains righteousness on you. We reap a harvest of righteousness because of God's mercy. Soften the soil of your heart and let pride be replaced by humility so that you can receive from the Lord, For it is time to seek the LORD, Till He comes and rains righteousness on you. (Titus 3:4-7 NKJV) But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, {5} not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, {6} whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, {7} that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The conclusion of the matter is that if you are struggling with sin, it is because you are the one struggling. (Romans 11:32 NIV) For God has bound all men over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all. You are bound to that sin so the Lord can have mercy upon you. Come to the Lord in all humility as a helpless child and receive mercy, grace, and help. (Hebrews 4:15-16 NKJV) For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. {16} Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. The Lord is waiting for you at the throne. David recognized His need for God's mercy and that the Lord was His righteousness. (Psalms 4:1 NKJV) Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; Have mercy on me, and hear my prayer. (Psalms 6:2 NKJV) Have mercy on me, O LORD, for I am weak; O LORD, heal me, for my bones are troubled. (Psalms 30:10 NKJV) Hear, O LORD, and have mercy on me; LORD, be my helper!" (2 Corinthians 12:9 NKJV) And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (Ephesians 6:10 NKJV) Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Remember it is His strength, His power, and His might. (Proverbs 21:21 NKJV) He who follows righteousness and mercy Finds life, righteousness and honor. We are the generation of the upright, vessels of mercy, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do, it is our destiny. (Psalms 112 NIV) Praise the LORD. Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who finds great delight in his commands. {2} His children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. {3} Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever. {4} Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man. {5} Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice. {6} Surely he will never be shaken; a righteous man will be remembered forever. {7} He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. {8} His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes. {9} He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor, his righteousness endures forever; his horn will be lifted high in honor. {10} The wicked man will see and be vexed, he will gnash his teeth and waste away; the longings of the wicked will come to nothing. A Freedom From Bondage Prayer: Oh God, my Father, I come to you as your humble little child, weak and helpless, have mercy on me oh Lord. Set me free from _________ help me to not want to do this anymore, help me not to like it, help me to not think about it. Lord please change my will to want to do your will. Oh Lord have grace, mercy, and compassion, upon me, and in me, and let your love flow through me to touch other people. I promise to give you all the credit for the work that you do in my life. I thank you and I give you all the glory, and praise, and honor. A prayer like this can be repeated at least 490 times if you keep falling back into sin. (Matthew 18:21-22 NKJV) Then Peter came to Him and said, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" {22} Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven." The Lord may discipline you for the sin but He will forgive you if you confess it to Him and ask for His mercy. (Hebrews 12:5-6 NIV) And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, {6} because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son." For the people that are in bondage and keep falling back into the sin repeat this process until you are set free completely. Each time you repent you will loose a little more pride and gain a little more humility and dependence upon God. As pride decreases, Jesus increases in you, righteousness and holiness increase as we become more unified with Christ, as a part of His body. Sometimes God binds some people into greater bondage so He can give more mercy to them, so that they can become more merciful, more humble. (Romans 5:20-21 NKJV) Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, {21} so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. The more mercy (compassion) that you receive from the Lord the more of His (compassion) mercy you will have to give others. (Romans 9:23 NKJV) That He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had prepared beforehand for glory. Here are some other techniques to help you overcome.... When you are tempted remove yourself from the temptation quickly if possible. (2 Timothy 2:19-22 NKJV) Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity."... {21} Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. {22} Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (Matthew 5:28 NKJV) "But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. When you are tempted by your own lust or by Satan with lustful thoughts about a person, pray for that person. Even if it is someone that you have only seen a picture of pray for that person. Pray for them every time that they are brought into your mind. Pray for the person's salvation and that they will be set free from all addictions. Give them to Jesus Christ to be His. When you are lusting for someone your real desire is to posses and use the person for your own selfish purpose. Instead give them to Jesus in prayer. When you do this your lust for the person's body will turn to love for their soul. This is true intimacy. They will thank you for your prayers in heaven

JOHN 15 - STAYING CONNECTED TO JESUS

Apostle William Kipyegon arap Korir

JOHN
Chapter 15

(John 15:1 NKJV) "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.

(John 15:2 NKJV) "Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.

(John 15:3 NKJV) "You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.

(John 15:4 NKJV) "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

(John 15:5 NKJV) "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

(John 15:6 NKJV) "If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.

(John 15:7 NKJV) "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.

(John 15:8 NKJV) "By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

(John 15:9 NKJV) "As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.

(John 15:10 NKJV) "If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love.

(John 15:11 NKJV) "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.

(John 15:12 NKJV) "This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.

(John 15:13 NKJV) "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends.

(John 15:14 NKJV) "You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.

(John 15:15 NKJV) "No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.

(John 15:16 NKJV) "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.

(John 15:17 NKJV) "These things I command you, that you love one another.

(John 15:18 NKJV) "If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you.

(John 15:19 NKJV) "If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

(John 15:20 NKJV) "Remember the word that I said to you, 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.

(John 15:21 NKJV) "But all these things they will do to you for My name's sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me.

(John 15:22 NKJV) "If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin.

(John 15:23 NKJV) "He who hates Me hates My Father also.

(John 15:24 NKJV) "If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would have no sin; but now they have seen and also hated both Me and My Father.

(John 15:25 NKJV) "But this happened that the word might be fulfilled which is written in their law, 'They hated Me without a cause.'

(John 15:26 NKJV) "But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me.

(John 15:27 NKJV) "And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning.

THE SPIRIT FILLED LIFE

Text: Acts 1:1-9; Acts 2:1-12
Topic: How the Holy Spirit indwells the believerBig
Idea: When one takes Jesus as Lord, Jesus becomes resident in that life in the person of the Holy Spirit.
Keywords: Holy Spirit; Holy Spirit, indwelling; Lordship
Introduction:
The church needs to call people to the awareness of a higher level of life.-
Illustration: Augsburger briefly quotes a Forbes editorial that criticizes the church for lacking the voice of God.
When one takes Jesus as Lord, Jesus becomes resident in that life in the person of the Holy Spirit. The presence of Jesus is made real by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
The wind, fire, and languages of Pentecost were symbols of Jesus' presence.- Acts 2:1-12
While the person Jesus was localized, his Spirit is global.
Jesus baptizes us with the Holy Spirit. The power of Jesus is made real by laying your life open to the Holy Spirit.
The indwelling of the Spirit is a covenant relationship.-
Illustration: Augsburger tells a joke about an elderly couple who professed their love only once and never built upon that relationship.
We must empty and open our lives to the Spirit.
The continuous presence of the Spirit empowers the Christian.-
Illustration: Augsburger uses a brief object lesson with gravity to demonstrate how in spite of the pull of sin the Spirit still lifts us up.-
Illustration: The story of a boy who failed to regularly keep the water spout clear, however, illustrates that we must continually maintain our relationship with the Spirit to keep his power flowing through us.