TRUTH WITH PROOF
The answers to life, the end, and the struggles in between

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” (Romans 8:14)

Note: The following information is directed to those who have been born again (repented, been baptized by full immersion in water, and received the Holy Spirit anointing). If you have not yet had this experience, by all means read the information below, but do not be discouraged by it, allowing God’s expectations to hinder you from moving forward.

You may ask yourself, “How could I ever give up smoking, or abstain from sexual interaction before I am married?” But, just as an oil lamp will not operate without oil, or a car will not run without fuel, so too you cannot hope to overcome the temptation of the flesh until you are “endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:49). Jesus even said to Peter, before Peter was anointed with the Holy Ghost on the Day of Pentecost, “…and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren,” Luke 22:32.

God indeed asks you to bring forth fruits worthy of repentance (Luke 3:8), and you should start to change your ways as a sign of your desire to be cleansed by His Spirit, but be mindful not to condemn yourself into non-action because of the things that prove to be too difficult. The Lord knows your efforts, and whether they are sincere or not, but God would rather that you focus on seeking Him diligently for His Spirit, with an attitude of repentance, rather than trying to clean up your life before coming to Him.

Be careful to “walk” in the Spirit

It is crucial that, once you have been born again, you continue in obedience to God’s Word; listening to and following after the Spirit versus the flesh. God expects us to “walk” in the Spirit as best we can (empowered by the Holy Ghost), and to grow in our application of the scriptures to our lives, until Christ returns. Our salvation depends on it:

Romans 8:14, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”

Galatians 5:16, “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”

1 Peter 2:2, “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:”

2 Corinthians 9:10 “Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;”

1 Thessalonians 4:10 “…but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;”

However, walking in the Spirit, or being a “doer” of God’s Word and not just a hearer only (James 1:23-25), is where many people fail. Once they initially repent, and are baptized by water and by the Spirit, they later (many quite soon) “wax cold,” as the scripture describes, for any number of reasons. This warning is clear in the parable of the sower and the seed:

Matthew 13:18-23, “Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon” (immediately) “with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth” (endureth) “for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”

Similarly, Matthew 25 cautions us not to allow the oil in our lamps (power of the Holy Spirit) to run out. This parable describes ten virgins (members of the Body of Christ) who wait for their uniting with the bridegroom (Christ). Half of these virgins are not diligent to tend their lamps (ensure that their Spirit in continually built up) and they run out of oil (they end up weak in the Spirit) before the bridegroom arrives. As a result of their slackness, these five virgins miss out on the marriage to the bridegroom; they are left behind.

In Philippians 2:12, the scripture tells us to “…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,” Proverbs 29:18 states, “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” I Corinthians 10:12 also warns us, “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” It is abundantly clear then, that if we want to make it to the end it is solely up to us:

Matthew 10:22, “…but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.”

It is primarily the New Testament epistles which detail the necessities of walking in the Spirit. The scriptures cover a multitude of topics such as:

Respecting our bodies (being the temple of the Holy Spirit) and abstaining from those things which defile it, including physically (e.g. drugs, cigarettes, alcohol, etc.), morally (e.g. sexual interaction before marriage, adultery, etc.), and mentally (what we allow our eyes and ears to partake in e.g. on television, music etc..). 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.”

Praying in tongues as often as possible; seeking the Spirit for comfort, guidance, and strength to overcome the temptation of our flesh and the distractions of this world. Jude 1:20-21, “But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.”

Sharing the truth of the gospel at every opportunity (in fact, using your initiative to create opportunities). 2 Timothy 4:2, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” Romans 10:15, “And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” 1 Corinthians 9:16, “For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!”

Continually studying God’s Word to grow in wisdom, knowledge and understanding of His ways. 2 Timothy 2:15, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

Regularly fellowshipping with brethren who are of one mind and one accord, seeking to encourage one another, and provoke one another unto righteousness. Hebrews 10:24-25, “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together…”

Focusing on the fruits the Spirit (Galatians 5:22): love, joy, peace, longsuffering (patience), gentleness, goodness, meekness, faith, and temperance (self-control); and allowing them to flourish in our daily lives. Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

Keeping our words, thoughts and actions in line with the Word of God. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” 2 Timothy 2:16, “But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.” Psalm 19:14, “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.”

Diligently imparting the Word of God unto our children and raising them according to His ways. This is best instructed in key old testament scriptures, such as: Deuteronomy 6:7, “And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” And, Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

This mandate cannot be properly fulfilled unless we spend as much time as possible with our children, and communicate with them abundantly. Nor can we maximize our success as custodians of our children’s spiritual wellbeing if we allow them to develop bonds with others that are greater than the bond they share with us and their siblings. As parents we must do what it takes to restructure our lives, joyfully making sacrifices where necessary, to ensure that the Lord and His Word is central to every part of our children’s lives.   

Note: For more information on the topic of “Children,” please refer to the “Children” page on this website. 

Serving others; in our own household (our spouse and children), in the fellowship, and in “the world.” Whilst “good works” should be a natural product of living our lives in the Spirit, we must always remember that the best way to serve others is by helping them toward the kingdom of God: to share with them our personal born again experience; to encourage them toward righteous thoughts, words, and deeds; and to monitor our own conduct, disciplining our own selves, so that we are a positive example in their lives. Acts 20:35, “…It is more blessed to give than to receive.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”

Fasting regularly. This may involve short half day fasts, 24 hour fasts, two or three day fasts, or even longer. Fasting is one of the precious tools that God has given us for strength, overcoming, seeking answers to prayer, increasing our faith, and improving our sensitivity to His Word through the power of the Holy Ghost. Luke 5:35, “But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.” Mark 9:29, “And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.”

Unlike the days of Jesus, when people ate a very clean diet relative to today, fasting can be very difficult for some people. However, if you are dedicated to using this tool, then you will do what it takes to train your body to cope well with the process; such as doing a series of short fasts within a brief span of time, building up to longer fasts, as well as “cleaning up” your daily diet to include mostly fresh whole foods.  

Most of the discomfort and unpleasant symptoms experienced by beginner fasters is due to the fact that their bodies have been polluted by years of unhealthy eating, and unhealthy lifestyle habits e.g. minimal exercise. To help detoxify your body and strengthen its ability to fast, start exercising regularly and transition to an alkalizing (versus acidic) diet which focuses on: 1. plenty of uncooked (or lightly cooked) fresh vegetables, especially lots of greens, 2. vegetable fruits (such as avocado, tomato, and cucumber), 3. sprouts of any kind, 4. alkalizing or low acid freshly cooked grains (such as buckwheat groats, millet, spelt, and quinoa) and legumes (such as lentils, soybeans, lima beans, and white beans), 5. fresh fruits (although be careful to limit your intake of fruit sugar; lemon and grapefruit being exceptions), 6. raw nuts and seeds; especially almonds which are the most alkalizing nut, 7. essential fatty acids (flax seed oil, hemp seed oil, extra virgin coconut oil, and extra virgin olive oil are all excellent as long as they are unrefined/cold-pressed; and “Udo’s Choice” oil and Health from the Sun’s “The Total EFA” are examples of oils which contain a great mix of omega 3, 6 & 9 fatty acids), 8. distilled water, with pH (alkalizing) drops if you like, 9. freshly juiced vegetables and fruits (limit the fruits except for lemon and grapefruit), and, 10. herbal teas (non-caffeinated) if you like something hot to drink. (For more information, please email us and we will direct you to some helpful resources).

Traditionally, fasting involves abstaining from food and drinking only water for a certain time period, but you may choose to juice fast [drinking only freshly juiced vegetables and (limited) fruits, water, and perhaps herbal teas] in the beginning “training” stages. The idea of fasting is to turn our attention from something that is normally a major focus in our lives (eating) to the things of the Lord, which has enormous spiritual benefits. For some, food can become an idol which distracts them from walking in the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Have you ever heard of the man-made term, “full of beef and unbelief”? By focusing on pleasing your taste buds as opposed to nourishing your body which is the temple of the Holy Spirit, you can unwittingly dampen your faith and your connection with the Word of God. Fasting regularly is one of the best things you can do to guard against this. By the way, fasting regularly is actually extremely healthy for our bodies, and, for those interested in extended fasts, the hunger pangs that are initially experienced usually abate within two to three days (especially if you use products such as bentonite clay together with psyllium husks to clean and flush the bowels).

Fasting is a deeply personal sacrifice unto the Lord. It is not a matter of how long you fast, but rather your mind-set during the fast. Fasting out of obligation or with a negative attitude will not yield the same effects as a truly voluntary, dedicated fast. Similarly, fasting is actually a time of prayer and fasting, whereby the time you would normally spend preparing food and eating it is replaced with activities directed toward the Lord, such as studying God’s Word and praying. If you make the effort to do this, rather than trying to distract yourself with work or worldly entertainment, you will derive far greater spiritual benefit from the fast.

As with praying and studying God’s Word, fasting is a wonderful way to seek the Lord together as a family. Even if your children have not yet received the Holy Spirit, they can (and should) still join in. It will certainly help to prepare their hearts toward humility and repentance, hopefully leading to their own born again experience. Very young ones may simply begin by skipping snacks in between meals and limiting their meals to plain foods; and they should certainly sacrifice treats and any “extras” for the fasting period.     

Tithing. Proverbs 3:9-10, “Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” Malachi 3:8-10, “Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” Leviticus 27:30&32, “And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD’S: it is holy unto the LORD…And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD.

Tithing can be a delicate subject, given the many abuses of this scriptural directive that go on in the world. But, just as we should not stop praying in tongues because of the many charismatic type groups which abuse the use of this gift, or just as we should not stop fasting because of the many religious groups which have embraced it as a means of “spiritual enlightenment,” nor should we withhold what rightfully belongs to our Father in heaven because of certain others’ greed and malpractice. Of course, we do not give a tenth part of our crop, herd, or flock these days, but the “firstfruits of all thine increase” involves at least one tenth (ten percent) of any type of revenue that we earn.

If you have not found a fellowship which wholeheartedly embraces the scriptures, in terms of the fullness of the Biblical salvation message (versus the majority of "watered down" doctrines), and also in terms of how to walk in the fullness of the Holy Spirit, then determine to remain separate and apart from the compromises until you do. Yet, do not refrain from tithing, but rather tithe into a separate bank account which you have purposed not to touch until you find a fellowship where everyone is of one mind and one accord, and where the truth is preached (and lived) unashamedly.

Certainly, do not fellowship where demands are placed on attendees’ tithing such as completing a “tithing to income” yearly assessment. Tithing should be completely voluntary, and, if you want to reap the full benefits thereof, it should be done wholeheartedly and cheerfully: 2 Corinthians 9:7, “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”

Using the scriptures and Jesus Christ as our only blueprint. Certainly, we should be inspired and motivated by the positive spiritual testimonies in our home and fellowship. As the Apostle Paul said, “Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample,” Philippians 3:17. But when examining ourselves and our life choices, we should use God’s Word as our standard, rather than our brethren.

Everyone’s “walk” in the Spirit is individual; and what may be a struggle for one may not be so for another. Even though a person may be born again, s/he still has “free choice” to follow his/her own will or that of the Lord, and only the Lord knows the hearts of His sheep. Also, we must be careful not to assume that a seemingly “strong” person or even family in the Lord is the standard to which we should aspire; for we all fall short in many ways. God expect us all to grow in the application of His Scripture, continually raising our own “personal bar.”

------------         

The above list is in no way exhaustive. It is our responsibility to read the Word of God and learn what God expects of us in terms of living a holy life; a life that is aimed at pleasing God and not mankind. Of course, we have “life responsibilities” which demand our time and focus, and our activities in this world certainly serve as opportunities to preach and shine our testimony, but God does call us to examine our lives and add or cast off as necessary to ensure that our spiritual walks (and the spiritual walks of our spouse and children) are nurtured. God in no way expects us to live as spiritual recluses, but we must be prepared to make sacrifices where necessary and prioritize our lives so that we “grow” toward the kingdom of God, as a young tree grows toward the light of the sun: 

Psalm 1:1-3, “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”

Note: For more information on “walking” in the Spirit, please refer to the heading, Don’t just “go to church”…Walk in the Spirit!, on the “Truth & Proof” page of this website.