When Jesus suffered and died for us, He paid the price for our sins and if this was not enough, He left the world a gift “Salvation.” In John Chapter 3: 4, Nicodemus ask Jesus, “How can a man be born again once he is old… v 5 “I solemnly assure you, no one can enter into God’s kingdom without being begotten of water and spirit. V 6 Flesh begets flesh, Spirit begets Spirit. V 7 Do not be surprised that I tell you must all be begotten from above.
When we live our lives in the flesh, we are in constant war with God. The desires of the flesh are very often times in contrast with God. The road away from God is paved with the desires of the flesh. The breaking of the Ten Commandments Exodus 20 is the flesh warring against God. In Proverbs 6: 16 -19 There is six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood; A heart that plots wicked schemes, feet that run swiftly to evil, The false witness who utters lies, and sows discord among brothers. These are two prime examples when any one of theses are broken of flesh begets flesh.
When we live our lives in the Spirit we are communing with God having an intimate and “personal relationship” with Him. The benefits are insurmountable living in the Spirit that is welcoming the Holy Spirit to take up residence within us. This is the Power that makes it possible for an intimate personal relationship with God. In 1 Corn 12:4-10 lists the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, and Fear of the Lord. Also in Gal.5:22-23 is the Nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control. Latin Vulgate Text lists an additional three more: Chastity, Modesty, and Purity of Heart. The Holy Spirit does not sit back to see if we can live our lives in these fruits and gifts He empowers us. We seek him for everything entrusting ourselves to Him allowing Him to take charge of every part of our lives. The venue of Holiness is through the Holy Spirit and not by self. The source of truth is Jesus Christ, which comes from the lens of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit fills us within to proclaim in Boldness Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit is the teacher of the interior life. Nothing can stop those empowered by the Holy Spirit. It is through prayer that we seek, ask and receive from God see Matthew 7: 7:11.
Holiness and living in Christ, is taking up our cross to follow Him, and not letting being in this world become us being part of this world. It is simpler than we think to begin our life in Christ it is to know we are sinners go to Him, with a contrite heart, and confess our sins. His love wants us to be reconciled to Him. We must keep in mind that we are incapable of changing our lives. Therefore, we entrust our lives to Christ to take charge of. Let not what is difficult for us to do stop us with our walk in Christ; He is there for us. He knows our weaknesses and wants us to overcome. Just knock, ask and seek and the doors will open to a journey of pure joy and happiness no matter what the storms are that wage around us.
This commitment to Christ should never be taken lightly for we have Paul’s words to the Hebrews 6:4-6; For when men have once been enlighten and have tasted the heavenly gift and become sharers in the Holy Spirit, when they have tasted the good word of God and the power of the age to come, and then have fallen away, it is impossible to make them repent again, since they are crucifying the Son of God for themselves and holding Him up to contempt.
God Bless
Please not only read the verse submitted in this Blog but the whole chapter where they are found.
May the Hearts of Jesus and Mary Bless you.
Copyright 2007 Linda Mary Liotino
