Faith, Part 3

There is a Choice

Before, you had no Choice. You were born in the Flesh. You were born into this Wold. You had a Carnal Mind or an Earthly mind. You did not now that there was any other way. As the World was, so was you. As the Flesh was, so was you. Romans 8:5-8 declares this.

"For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God."

Remeber this little Truth in Hebrews 11:6

"And without faith, it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him."

You were once like everyone else. You were born into a World of Flesh and a World of Sin. However, you NOW know that there is a God, and He is a better way to Live. You now know that Jesus came to Earth and Died, rather, was Risen again on the third Day so that you can accept His sacrifice and Live Eternally.

You now know, that you have a Choice, and you now must, make the Choice. Walk in the Flesh, or, Walk in the Spirit.

God tells us plainly this in Ezekiel 18:21-25

"But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die. All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live.

Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord God: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?

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.

Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal?"

Pretty easy to understand. Is it now? However, think about this. We now have so much more. We are no longer bound by the Law. We now have access to the Spirit of God Himself. Jesus came a fulfilled the law. He summed up the Law this way in Matthew 22:37-40

"Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”"

Simply put, we see over and over again, God says to us, "Walk in the Spirit. Not in the Flesh. Have a Heavenly Mind, not an Earthly Mind. Do the Will of the Father and not worry about the things of this World." Etc.

Let's go back to Romans 8 Starts at verse 1

"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit."

If you are still walking in the flesh, then you are not different than anyone else who is already Condemned. Remember Jesus told us that all you have to do to be Condemned is simply reject Him?

"Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God." {John3:18}

That's it, Folks. Seriously. You do not have to Murder someone. You do not have to be out there Robing Banks, Raping people, or even give yourself over to serve the Devil. Nope, you are Condemned already if you simply reject Jesus Christ.

He is the Key. He is the Door. He is the Way. The only way to God. The only way to Salvation. When you accept Him, you receive the Spirit of Adoption into the Family of God.

"The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory." {Romans 8:15-17}

You now have a Choice. Walk in the Flesh, and receive the fruits of the Flesh, or walk in the Spirit and receive the Fruit of the Spirit. They are VASTLY different. Galatians 5:19-26

"The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other."

You must choose to walk in the Spirit to use your Faith. There is no other way. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. {James 4:8} The end result of this World and all the things of and in it, is death and destruction. only in Faith can you know that you will Live forever with God Himself. Choose the Spirit. Use your Faith. He has already set you free.

Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray..

"Oh Heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." {Romans 10:9} You need to find a Church that God leads you to, and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A new Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." {Colossians 3:10}

If you want to tell me, or comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. {2 Corinthians 13}

Until next time, be Blessed, be a Blessing, and Jesus IS Lord!