We can’t continue to live as the unsaved! Wandering around in ditches, holes, and condemned houses- Literally! God lives in us, for those who are saved, and since our body is His dwelling place, we can no longer be slaves to sin. In other words, our sinful nature is still not yet free from suffering and pain that keeps us in bondage, even in our thoughts, words, and deeds - if we do revert back.
Ephesians 4:17 AMPC
So this I say and solemnly testify in [the name of] the Lord [as in His presence], that you must no longer live as the heathen (the Gentiles) do in their perverseness [in the folly, vanity, and emptiness of their souls and the futility] of their minds.
He took on His own body what we all accept in today's society, as a way of life! Think about, He took everything we suffer today, and gives us all the good He has, and we want the former more than that latter. Many of us do want it, but our words do not coincide with our actions. So be firm in your convictions and follow through with them, no matter what you have to give up to obtain good! It could be a wayward friend, eating fast food everyday, or even not getting enough rest.
I Peter2:24 AMPC
“He personally bore our sins in His [own] body on the tree [as on an altar and offered Himself on it], that we might die (cease to exist) to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds you have been healed.”
None of us are born righteous, but to be born again (Baptized) we are given a free gift many of us have not yet fully received. We throw it in a dumpster and pretty much our lifestyle is in that dumpster too. This should NOT be when God wants to do so much good in you and in your lives! All He wants you to do in Trust and Believe in Him!
Romans 3:9-11
“Well then, are we [Jews] superior and better off than they? No, not at all. We have already charged that all men, both Jews and Greeks (Gentiles), are under sin [held down by and subject to its power and control].
10 As it is written, None is righteous, just and truthful and upright and conscientious, no, not one.
11 No one understands [no one intelligently discerns or comprehends]; no one seeks out God.”
I believe there are many who have committed themselves to God and do live a righteous life; but more have become aloof and complacent in their quiet time with Him, which does not keep their minds and hearts at rest. Over time, they become agitated, fearful, doubtful and many other negative emotions that can overtake them. It's imperative to daily be in God's Word; as well as communicating with Him in prayer.
"To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing"
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Hosea 4:1-11 AMPC
Hear the word of the Lord, you children of Israel, for the Lord has a controversy (a pleading contention) with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no faithfulness, love, pity and mercy, or knowledge of God [from personal experience with Him] in the land.
2 There is nothing but [false] swearing and breaking faith and killing and stealing and committing adultery; they break out [into violence], one [deed of] bloodshed following close on another.
3 Therefore shall the land [continually] mourn, and all who dwell in it shall languish, together with the wild beasts of the open country and the birds of the heavens; yes, the fishes of the sea also shall [perish because of the drought] be collected and taken away.
4 Yet let no man strive, neither let any man reprove [another—do not waste your time in mutual recriminations], for with you is My contention, O priest.
5 And you shall stumble in the daytime, and the [false] prophet also shall stumble with you in the night; and I will destroy your mother [the priestly nation].
6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you [the priestly nation] have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you that you shall be no priest to Me; seeing you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children.
7 The more they increased and multiplied [in prosperity and power], the more they sinned against Me; I will change their glory into shame.
8 They feed on the sin of My people and set their heart on their iniquity.
9 And it shall be: Like people, like priest; I will punish them for their ways and repay them for their doings.
10 For they shall eat and not have enough; they shall play the harlot and beget no increase, because they have forsaken the Lord for harlotry;
11 Harlotry and wine and new wine take away the heart and the mind and the spiritual understanding.
How determined are you to obey and serve God?
It does a heart Merry!
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