What it is to be a Christian
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service (this is your spiritual act of worship) … And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (Romans 12:1-2).”
We enter the Kingdom of God by being “born again.” With this experience we become Christians. We become “new creatures in Christ.”
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become (becoming) new.
John 1:13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
John 3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
1 Peter1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AND SPEAKING IN OTHER TONGUES
The Baptism of the Holy, which includes the gift of speaking deeply in tongues, will help us to be conformed to the image of Christ and to walk in greater authority and power. We all need it.
“And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high (Luke 24:49).”
“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place ... And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. ... And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. ... And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance (Acts 2:1-4).”
St. Paul considered speaking in tongues so important that he said, "I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all . . . (1 Corinthians 14:18).” Jesus said, ". . . and these signs shall follow them that believe (That's you and me)… they shall speak with new tongues … they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover (Mark 16:17).” Jesus, referring to the Holy Spirit and speaking in other tongues, said, “He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water (John 7:38)”
(This includes trusting and being obedient to God and looking to Him as the Source of everything—including our finances. It means being a doer of His Word)
Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him (Hebrews 10:38, Hebrews 11:6).” “. . . Faith [also wisdom, love, joy and peace] cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17).
The bible shows us that faith, wisdom, knowledge, healing, protection, and prosperity in every area comes from meditating on the Word of God, the Bible. We need to be “rooted and grounded” in His Word.
John 8:31 Then said Jesus . . . If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Colossians 3:16 “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom . . .”
Psalms 119:105 Thy word is a lamp [our daily walk] unto my feet, and a light unto my path [He guides us into our future].
Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind [Through His Word], that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Joshua 1:8 This book of the law (of the Covenant) shall not depart out of thy mouth (we must confess it as a way of life); but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
“My son, attend to my words; incline thy ear to my sayings. Let them not depart from thy eyes; keep them in the midst of thy heart. For they are life to those that find them, and health to all their flesh. Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it (flow the springs of life) are the issues of life … Put away from thee a froward (dishonesty) mouth, and perverse (deceptive) lips put far from thee (Proverbs 4:20-24).”
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2Titus 2:15).
BEING ROOTED AND GROUNDED IN HIS LOVE—KNOWING YOU ARE LOVED
What is love? Is it a feeling? Does it involve actions? Do you have to like a person to “love” them? Is it selfish to love yourself? Let’s see what the bible says!
Ephesians 3:14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Ephesians 3:15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
Ephesians 3:16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
Ephesians 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
Ephesians 3:18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
Ephesians 3:19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. . . . [God is love and He is a loving God, even unto His death on the cross. Is this the type of love He expects of us? Let’s keep searching the scriptures and find out]
Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, [He can fill us with all the fullness of God’s love!]
Ephesians 3:21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
LOVING ONE ANOTHER AND GOD
Matthew 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind [How? By total surrender, by obeying all of His commandments, particularly that of loving others, by putting Him first in our lives, and by meditating day and night on the Word].
Matthew 22:38 This is the first and great commandment.
Matthew 22:39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself [This includes forgiving and loving them, ourselves and our enemies! Jesus laid down his life for his enemies. He commands us to do likewise!]
Matthew 22:40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
1 John 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
1 John 3:17 But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? . . . [Does this mean we give to everyone who has a need? Or does it perhaps mean that we need to be perpetually open to the leading of the Holy Spirit in meeting other’s needs.]
1 John 3:18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
1 John 4:12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.
1 John 4:13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.
1 John 4:14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
1 John 4:15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
1 John 4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
1 John 4:17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
1 John 4:20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
1 John 4:21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.
John 15:10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
John 15:12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another (in the same degree), as I have loved you (He died for us!).
John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends (Husbands, that includes our wives!).
John 15:17 These things I command you that ye love one another.
LOVE YOUR WIFE (OR HUSBAND)—Notice these are not “suggestions” but commandments!
Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; . . . [Over and over the scriptures establishes the standard for our love to be “laying down our lives for others … our pride, our control, our time, our finances, and will, ---not as victims but as Spirit-led “givers.”]
Ephesians 5:28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
Ephesians 5:33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.
Titus 2:4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children.
1 Peter 3:7 … Husbands … giving honor (appreciation, respect, admiration, provision, quality time, and service) unto the wife that your prayers be not hindered.
Ephesians 5:2 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands as unto the Lord.
Luke 10:30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
Luke 10:31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
Luke 10:32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.
Luke 10:33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,
Luke 10:34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
Luke 10:35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.
Luke 10:36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?
Luke 10:37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
Luke 6:27 But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, [Love involves action. It includes forgiving them and interceding for them. We don’t have to like the person]
Luke 6:28 Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.
Luke 6:29 And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also.
Luke 6:30 Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. [This involves having a “giving” mindset. And being continually open to the Holy Spirit’s guidance on how to properly steward our finances.]
Luke 6:31 And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.
Luke 6:32 For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. [Most of us fail to trust God. We are afraid to allow Him to control our finances—and our giving and spending]
Luke 6:33 And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? For sinners also do even the same.
Luke 6:34 And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.
Luke 6:35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
Luke 6:36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
Isaiah 58:6 Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?
Mark: 2:20 But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.
Matthew 17:21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.
Acts 13:2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
Act 13:3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
2Colossians 6:5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;
2Colossians 11:27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
Matthew 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
Matthew 6:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
Matthew 6:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Matthew 6:22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.
Matthew 6:23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!
Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and Mammon.
GIVE AND EXPECT TO RECEIVE (Sowing and reaping etc)
Heb 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of out faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. [Jesus set the example. He gave His life. He endured the cross for the joy of receiving millions of sons and daughters. He gave to receive!].
Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
2 Corinthians 9:6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
Gal 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
Gal 6:8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
Gal 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
TAKE NO (NEGATIVE) THOUGHT [**Seed]. SEEK [*Sow into] YE FIRST THE KINDGOM OF GOD AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS AND ALL THESE THINGS SHALL BE ADDED UNTO YOU
Matthew 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take (nor permit any) no (negative) thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? [2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations (negative thoughts), and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;]
Matthew 6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
Matthew 6:27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
Matthew 6:28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
Matthew 6:29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
Matthew 6:30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
Matthew 6:31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
Matthew 6:32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness (Right standing or being rightly positioned); and all these things shall be added unto you.
Matthew 6:34 Take therefore no (negative) thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
JUDGE NOT, CRITICIZE NOT, CONDEMN NOT (negative sees)
Matthew 7:2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
Matthew 7:3 And why beholdest thou the mote (speck) that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam (the log) that is in thine own eye?
Matthew 7:4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam (log) is in thine own eye?
Matthew 7:5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote (speck) out of thy brother's eye.
Luke 6:37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:
THE HOLY SPIRIT IS A FREE GIFT—RECEIVE HIM WITH EVER INCREASING ANOINTINGS!
Luke 11:11 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?
Luke 11:12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?
Luke 11:13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
John 16:23 And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.
John 16:24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.
Matthew 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and [*You shall reap] it shall be opened unto you:
Matthew 7:8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
Matthew 7:9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?
Matthew 7:10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?
Matthew 7:11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more (through others) shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
Matthew 7:12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. … “For whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap (Galatians 6:7).”
THE NARROW WAY (A Way of Holiness and Abundant Life) [Avoid the ditch on either side]
Matthew 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait (narrow) gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
Matthew 7:14 Because strait (narrow) is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. [This applies to our spiritual life, our marriage, our emotional and physical health, and our finances. Let’s you and me be the small remnant, the “few,” who choose the “narrow way” of total commitment, obedience and holiness unto God that He may “give us “Life and that more abundantly!”]
WHEN WE DO HIS WILL, HE WILL SAY, “I KNOW YOU. ENTER IN.” And that is what I want to hear! How about you?
Matthew 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
Matthew 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
ARE WE WISE OR FOOLISH? WILL WE WITHSTAND THE STORMS OF LIFE? Is our ‘house” built on a rock or on sand? Are we doers of His Word?
Matthew 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
Matthew 7:25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
Matthew 7:26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
Matthew 7:27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
“And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine … For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes (Matthew 7:28-29).” … Jesus exclaims, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth . . . He then chooses to delegate it to us! “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. ... And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. ... If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it ... (Matthew 28:18, John 14:12-14).”
Isn’t that awesome? That promise, that destiny is for you and me.
Ephesians 4:22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation (lifestyle) the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
Ephesians 4:23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
Ephesians 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness (right standing with God) and true holiness.
Ephesians 4:25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
Ephesians 4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: [Let the offence go. Give it to God. Forgive the person and set them and you free!]
Ephesians 4:27 Neither give place to the devil.
Ephesians 4:28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
Ephesians 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
Ephesians 4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
Ephesians 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Ephesians 5:1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; [Does this mean living a sin-free life?]
1 Peter 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
1 Peter 2:22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: [We are commanded to follow His example and live a sin free life! It is also the key to divine healing.]
1 Peter 2:23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
1 Peter 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
Ephesians 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
Ephesians 5:3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; [Can we be guilty of fornication in our thought life … “Matthew 5:28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.]
Ephesians 5:4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
Ephesians 5:5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Ephesians 5:6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. “I choose obedience, and Holiness, and I believe that you do also!”
Ephesians 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
Ephesians 5:9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)
THE VINE AND THE FRUIT
John 15:1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
John 15:2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. [Are we producing fruit for the Lord?]
John 15:3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
John 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
John 15:6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
John 15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
WE ARE KNOWN BY OUR FRUITS. Are we a good or a bad tree? What kind of fruit are we producing? Good fruit or evil fruit or perhaps both?
John 15:8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Matthew 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
Matthew 7:17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
Matthew 7:18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
Matthew 7:19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Galatians 5:24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
Galatians 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Galatians 5:26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
John 15:9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
John 15:10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
John 15:11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
John 15:15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.
John 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
John 15:17 These things I command you, that ye love one another. [see John 15:12-13 above]
John 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
John 15:20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.
John 15:21 But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.
John 15:22 If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin.
John 15:24 If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father.
CAST YOUR CARE ON HIM AND IN JESUS NAME RESIST THE DEVIL
1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. [This means no grumbling or complaining and by faith praising God for victory in every area of our lives.]
1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
1 Peter 5:9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
1 Peter 5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
1 Peter 5:11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. . . . [This includes our living a lifestyle of praise and thanksgiving and being free of grumbling and complaining. We will then be always content (even in the midst of great trials) and the fruits of peace and joy will be part of our lives. The key to be able to do this is meditation day and night on the Word (Joshua 1:8, Psalms 1:1-3).]
Philippians 4:12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
BY FAITH THROUGH HIS GRACE (FAVOR) AND NOT BY THE LAW *[Dead seed!]
Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Galatians 2:21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
Romans 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become (becoming) new.
John 1:13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
John 3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
1Peter1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
CHANGING SINNERS FROM BEING ENEMIES OF GOD TO FRIENDS—THE MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION
2 Corinthians 5:18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
2 Corinthians 5:19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
2 Corinthians 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness (a person in right standing with God) of God in him.
Ephesians 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
Ephesians 5:20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
1 Thessalonians 5:18 In Everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Phi 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Colossians 2:7 Rooted [*Planted as seed in Him] and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
1 Titus 4:4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:
Revelations 7:12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.
Revelations 11:17 Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.
Ephesians 5:9 For the fruit [*fruit comes from seed] of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth.
Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise,
John 14:17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
John 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
John 15:27 And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.
John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.