As we approach Christ’s return for the church, remember to follow God’s will and guidance. In 1 Timothy 2:8, Paul instructs us to pray with holy hands, free from anger and conflict. This verse reflects the behavior of those who submit to Christ, seeking peace and righteousness rather than strife, worldly power, and discord.
It’s safe to say that in our current state of affairs in America and abroad, hate-filled debates and controversy surround us over God’s will for the Earth. A time where good is labeled as evil and evil is glorified. So that Satan can have the upper hand and those who are genuinely trustworthy and anointed in Christ’s insight are cast away like stones. It’s a familiar scenario, as it has been over many centuries, where we see good and evil fighting to the death.
The Bible contains several references to good being called evil and vice versa, which is often seen as a result of moral relativism and the influence of worldly sin. But, more importantly, in our churches and government, what better way to stifle the truth than to elect and promote whoremongers and heathens to positions of power to influence the rest yet while acting in evil low-key?
Still, it’s not over until it’s over, so let’s seek the scripture to gain a better overview so that we slice a hole in the lies of some who call themselves good but are something far more sinister. By doing so, Father’s revelation shines a light on the lies of the lavish to promote the truth, which can salt the Earth and spiritually purify many nations. So that the spiritual realm surrounding the chaos is dispersed, back to hell where they came from, and we are helping all people live for Christ and be baptized.
That said, Romans 3:10 demonstrates that righteousness is not found in anyone but Christ; therefore, we must be baptized to live in the Spirit of peace. The spiritual cleansing needed to live virtuously and with decency; comes from God. Consequently, it is essential to be reborn and baptized into the Holy Spirit to have the spiritual capability to walk in the Lord’s path and follow His direction, promoting justice.
As Christians, we believe through experience that Spiritual baptism is the only entryway to the power of the Holy Spirit, who presents Himself holy inside us; this promotes a genuine transformation within our body and produces God’s fruit.
Holy Spirit baptism is the divine experience that fills us with the Holy Spirit, empowering Christ’s believers to live a life that pleases God and do ministry work. However, we must never ignore the truth that we must go through spiritual rebirth to enter the kingdom of Heaven because it is through the Holy Spirit that we are transformed and purified to enter the house of God.
Take a look at Acts 1:8, Jesus tells his disciples that they will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them, and this power will enable them to be his witnesses to the ends of the Earth. Then, in Acts 2, we see the fulfillment of this promise when the Holy Spirit comes upon the disciples on the day of Pentecost, and they begin to speak in tongues and proclaim the gospel boldly.
In Ephesians 5:18, Paul tells us to be filled with the Holy Spirit, and Galatians 5:22-23 describes the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are the qualities we need to live a life that pleases God and to do his work in the world.
This transformation is supernatural and cannot be achieved through pseudo-spirituality or religion. It only happens when we genuinely give ourselves to Christ and allow the Holy Spirit to work within us. The scripture supports this fact that Christ enters us through baptism, which was made possible by Christ’s death and resurrection. Christ’s presence transforms us, a change that is not a result of any works of men but God, and a direct result of our faith and surrender to the power of God.
Furthermore, Jesus says you will know My disciples by their fruit. In Matthew 7:15-20 the scripture demonstrates the idea of fruit which elaborates on how human beings can be bitter or sweet, like fruit. This verse details how fruit can look good on the outside but still be rotten on the inside, while Christ’s Holy Spirit’s fruit is fragrant, ripe, and good throughout.
Look at Matthew 7:15-20; the verse says, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.
Take notice of God’s warning in verse nineteen, which says, 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore, by their fruits, you will know them. This verse implies retribution for living secretly in sin yet claiming to be God’s sheep. Therefore I encourage humanity to reconsider their lifestyles and be transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit and repentance.
Despite the world’s current state, we must lay down all double-mindedness and get right with God, which invites a healthy and holy fear of the Lord. A healthy fear of God is integral to a relationship with our Creator. It means having reverence for Him and recognizing His sovereignty, power, and authority. It means understanding that He is the Creator, that we are His creations, and that He is worthy of our worship and adoration.
The Bible confirms a healthy fear of the Lord in places, in Proverbs 1:7, which says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” And this verse tells us that when we fear God, we will better understand His will and plan for our lives. And isn’t that what we should all strive for, not worldly luxuries?
Other verses that speak about the fear of God include Psalm 33:8, which states, “Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him,” and Deuteronomy 10:12, which says, “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.”
Today I leave this small teaching to help all of us understand the importance of having a healthy fear of God and being Baptized so that in the upcoming elections and the heated debates, we stay ready, lanterns filled because Christ could return at any time for those who believe, and are baptized.
The hourglass is draining; it’s time to love and obey Christ, adhere to the word of God, and share that love with humanity so all may know the goodness of God.
What are you waiting for?
God Bless You,
Sister Christine
C. Beach ©️