Tag: Holy Spirit

MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:

February 12, 2025

Peace: The Third ‘Fruit’ of the Holy Spirit (Part 7) 

WHY ‘THE GOSPEL OF PEACE’ IS CALLED ‘A SWORD’ 

Jesus taught the first Twelve:

    “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.”

Matt. 10:34, see verses 32-42, KJV. 

Now this from the inspired pen (all emphasis and bracketed words mine): 

4SOP 47-48: Persecution In The First Centuries.

    “The early Christians were indeed a PECULIAR people [see 1 Pet. 2:9; Deut. 14:2]. In what way? “Their blameless deportment and unswerving faith were a CONTINUAL REPROOF that disturbed the SINNER’S PEACE. Though FEW in numbers, without wealth, position, of honorary titles, they were a TERROT TO EVIL-DOERS wherever their CHARACTER AND DOCTRINES were known.

    “Therefore they were HATED by the wicked,  EVEN AS Abel was hated by the ungodly Cain [his older brother!]. For the same reason that Cain slew Abel did those who would THROW OFF THE RESTRAINT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, put to death God’s people. 

     “It was for the same reason that the JEWS rejected and crucified the Savior, because the PURITY AND HOLINESS of His character was a constant rebuke to their selfishness and corruption.

    “From the days of Christ UNTIL NOW, His faithful disciples have excited the hatred and opposition of those who love and follow the ways of sin. 

    “HOW, THEN, CAN THE GOSPEL BE CALLED A MESSAGE OF PEACE? When Isaiah [the gospel-prophet] foretold the birth of the Messiah, he ascribed to Him the title, ‘Prince of peace.’ When angels announced to the shepherds that Christ was born, they sung above the plains of Bethlehem, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth PEACE, good will toward men.’ (Luke 2:14). 

     “There is A SEEMING CONTRADICTION between these prophetic and the words of Christ, ‘I CAME NOT TO SEND PEACE, BUT A SWORD.’ Matt. 10:34. But rightly understood, the two are in perfect harmony. 

    “The gospel is a message of peace. Christianity is a SYSTEM,  which, received and obeyed, would spread PEACE, harmony, and happiness throughout the earth. The RELIGION OF CHRIST will unite in close brotherhood all who accept its teachings. It was the mission of Jesus to RECONCILE man to God, and thus to his fellow-man. 

    “But the world-at-large are under the control of Satan, Christ’s bitterest foe. [the central power of the earth is not a nation, a shadowy cabal of  “new world order,” but a demon!]. The gospel presents to them principles of life which are wholly AT VARIANCE with their habits and desires, and they rise IN REBELLION against it. They HATE THE PURITY that reveals and condemns their sins, and they PERSECUTE AND DESTROY those who would urge upon them its JUST and HOLY claims. 

    “It is in this sense—-because the EXALTED TRUTH it brings, occasion hatred and strife—THAT THE GOSPEL IS CALLED A SWORD.” -E.G. White, Vol. 4 Spirit of Prophecy, Review & Herald Publishing, 1884, pp. 47, 48. 

As part of “the whole armor  of God,” the Word is designated as the sole spiritual weapon of offense, called “the sword of the Holy Spirit” (Eph. 6: 17, 10-16), which He “moved the holy men of God to speak and write”  (2 Pet. 1: 21). Christ, mankind’s Savior, Pattern Man, and Example, Himself, “The Word from the beginning” (John 1:1-3), exclusively employed “It is written” to parry and defeat all of Satan’s “fiery darts” of provocations and temptations. 

We cannot do any less the example set before us and expect to “overcome even as Hs overcame.” Furthermore: 

    “For the word of God is quick (living), and powerful, and SHARPER THAN ANY TWO-EDGED SWORD, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do [all will have to stand before the judgement seat of Christ, the Prince of peace and righteous Judge of all the earth].” Heb. 4:12,13, KJV. 

To be continued next MWM, God willing. Bless all, NMF.

MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:

February 6, 2025

Peace: The Third ‘Fruit’ of the Holy Spirit Part 6) 

HOW TO OBTAIN THE PEACE OF THE ‘PRINCE OF PEACE’

     “Unto US a Child is born, unto US a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called WONDERFUL, COUNSELLOR, the MIGHTY GOD, the EVERLASTING FATHER, the PRINCE OF PEACE.” Isa. 9:6, KJV. 

Read and ponder upon this scripture often to absorb and internalize the astounding, many-splendored truths revealing more of who the Prince of Peace really is, as indicated by His other names and titles! This is He who the Father gave to become one with fallen man in His incarnated nature “yet without sin.” 

Compare this with angel Gabriel’s specific instructions to Joseph and Mary (Matt. 1: 21-23), the dramatic words of the the familiar old-fashioned “Christmas carol” anthem sang by the choir of the angelic host over the hills of Bethlehem, and how the Father addresses His only-begotten Son, who is the “outshining of His glory and the express image of His person” in Heb. 1: 1-3, 8-10). 

Quoted below is the Spirit of Prophecy’s magnification of this wonderful truth of Christ’s “peace that passeth understanding.” (All emphasis and bracketed words mine):

      “Christ is the ‘Prince of Peace’ (Isa. 9:6), and it is His mission to RESTORE to earth and heaven the PEACE that SIN has broken. ‘Being justified by faith, we have peace with God THROUGH our Lord Jesus Christ’ (Rom. 3:1).”

Here’s how to partake of Christ’s peace imparted exclusively through the Holy Spirit, and manifested as one of the nine “fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5: 22, 23). 

     “Whosoever consents to RENOUNCE SIN and open his heart to the LOVE OF CHRIST, becomes a partaker of this HEAVENLY PEACE. 

     “There is NO OTHER ground of peace than this. The grace of Christ, received unto the heart [not merely by assent and lip-service], SUBDUES ENMITY; IT ALLAYS STRIFE and fills the soul with love. 

     “HE WHO IS AT PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS FELLOW MEN CANNOT BE MADE MISERABLE.  Envy will not be in his heart; evil surmising will find no room there; hatred [enmity] cannot exist. 

    “The heart that is in harmony with God is A PARTAKER OF THE PEACE OF HEAVEN [verily the peace of the Prince of Peace] and will diffuse its BLESSED INFLUENCE on all around.  

    “The SPIRIT OF PEACE will rest like dew upon hearts weary and troubled with earthly strife. 

    “Christ’s followers are sent to the world with the MESSAGE OF PEACE. Whoever, by the quiet unconscious influence of a HOLY LIFE, shall reveal the love of Christ; whoever, by word or deed, shall lead another to RENOUNCE SIN [the transgression of God’s law] and yields his heart to God, is a PEACEMAKER. [‘Blessed are the peace makers; for they shall be called the children of God.’ Matt. 5: 9]. 

    “The SPIRIT OF PEACE IS EVIDENCE of their connection with heaven. The sweet savor of Christ surrounds them. The fragrance of the LIFE, the loveliness of the CHARACTER, reveal to the world the fact that they are CHILDREN OF GOD. Men take knowledge of them that they have been with Jesus.” -Ellen G. White, Mount of Blessing, pp. 27, 28. 

To be continued next MWM, God willing. Bless all by being a peace maker, not a trouble-maker, NMF.

MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:

January 29, 2025

Peace: The Third ‘Fruit’ of the Holy Spirit (Part 5) 

ONlY CHRIST’S MEEKNESS AND LOWLINESS CAN BRING HIS REST AND PEACE 

    “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden [weary] and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” Matt. 11: 28-30, A.V. 

Regardless of varying causes, degrees, and durations, etc., all fallen, sinful mankind are weary, faint, and sore in body, mind, and spirit. 

Where of who should the fallen world, first and foremost Christians, turn or run to without doubt of hesitation? One may be quick to answer, “to Jesus of course.” That’s correct.

If that is the case, then what should we expect to hear from Him through His written Word? Here’s the inspired word from His servant and messenger (all emphasis and bracketed words mine):

    “In these words,” ‘Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest,’ Christ is speaking to every human being. Whether they know it or not, ALL are weary and heavy laden. All are WEIGHED DOWN with burdens that ONLY CHRIST can remove. THE HEAVIEST BURDEN THAT WE BEAR IS THE  BURDEN OF SIN. If we were left to bear this burden, it would crush us. 

    “But the Sinless One has taken our place. ‘The Lord [the Father] hath laid on Him [His only-begotten Son] the iniquity[sin; transgression] of us all.’ Isa. 53:6. He [who is sinless and guiltless] has borne the BURDEN OF OUR GUILT. He took the LOAD [of sin and its guilt] from our weary shoulders. He will give us REST [from this specific burden]. And the burden of CARE AND SORROW also He will bear. He invites us to [likewise] CAST ALL OUR CARE UPON HIM; for He carries us upon His HEART. 

     “The Elder Brother of our race [when incarnated into our human nature four thousand years after the fall in Eden] is by the eternal throne [in the most high in heaven]. He looks upon every soul [through the Holy Spirit in earth]who is turning his face towards Him as the Savior [‘by faith that works by love’]. 

     “He knows BY EXPERIENCE [Heb. 5:8, 9] what are the WEAKNESSES of humanity, what are our WANTS, and where lies the STRENGTH of our temptations; for ‘He was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.’ 

     “He is watching over you, trembling child of God [not the proud, self-confident Laodicean]. Are you tempted? He will deliver. Are you weak? He will strengthen. Are you ignorant? He will enlighten. Are you wounded [emotionally; spiritually]? He will heal. ‘The Lord telleth the number of the stars;’ and yet ‘Hs healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.’ Ps. 147: 4, 3. 

    “Whatever your ANXIETIES AND TRIALS, spread out your case before the Lord. Your spirit will be braced for ENDURANCE [meaning of ‘patience of the saints.’]. The way will be opened for you to DISENTANGLE yourself from  embarrassment and difficulty. 

     “The weaker and more helpless YOU KNOW YOURSELVES to be, the STRONGER will you become in His strength. [Meanjng of ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me.’]. The HEAVIER your burdens, the more BLESSED THE REST in casting them upon the Burden Bearer. The rest that Christ offers depends upon CONDITIONS, but these conditions are plainly SPECIFIED. They are those which ALL CAN COMPLY. He tells us just HOW His rest [and the peace that comes with it] is to be found.” Ellen G. White, Desire of Ages, 1940, Pacific Press Publishing Asso., pp. 328, 329. 

To be continued next MWM, God willing Bless all, NMF.

MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:

December 25, 2024

The Third Person of the Godhead Series – Part 42

JOY: THE SECOND ‘FRUIT’ OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (Part 4) 

Jesus said: “I say unto you, that likewise JOY SHALL BE in HEAVEN OVER ONE SINNER THAT REPENTETH, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need not repentance.” . . . Likewise, I say unto you, there is JOY IN THE PRESENCE OF THE ANGELS of God over one sinner that repenteth.” Luke 15: 7-10, KJV. There is joy in heaven, and in the presence of the angels on earth as well, when even one sinner sincerely repents. 

Why? See John 16:7-15. Because that repentance was produced by the convicting power of the Holy Spirit alone—not by any finite mortal regardless of his persuasive talents of speech, charisma, demeanor, aura, or theological expertise—upon the  heart and conscience of any sinner, whether condemned criminal, murderer, rapist, terrorist, etc., who has not yet fully grieved away the Holy Spirit thereby closing his own probation. (Matt. 12: 31, 32; Mark 3: 28, 29; Eph. 4:30; 1 John 5:16). 

He may be deemed and officially judged a hopeless case worthy of being eliminated from human society by either/or  or both the state (secular government) and the church (religion) by their own different standards of morality and justice, but God alone in Christ through the HOLY SPIRIT reads the hidden thoughts, motives, and intents of the heart and mind. (See 2 Cor. 2: 10-14; cf. Heb 4: 12, 13; Eph. 6: 17, last part). 

Moreover, his assigned  personal guardian angel from birth recorded his every thought, word, and deed in the heavenly records where there are no false or defective entries. And Jesus alone is the merciful Intercessor and righteous Judge of all the earth. (Rom. 14: 10, 12; Eccl. 12: 13, 14; 2 Cor. 5:10

This repentance that brings spiritual joy is the genuine one, not the counterfeit  “repentance that needs to be repented of.” (See 2 Cor. 7: 8-11). Bitter regret is not synonymous with godly repentance. The former is bereft of all hope, joy, and peace whatsoever, for it is carnal in nature. Two classic yet fearfully-sad examples are  Esau in the OT, and Judas Iscariot in the NT. The latter is spiritual in nature, filled with hope and promises of justification by faith, reconciliation with God, clearing of the conscience, inner peace and joy, and ultimate victory over one’s sins and desertions of loyalty to God. Such were the encouraging and powerful recorded life examples of David, Solomon, Peter, from Saul the persecutor to Paul the venerable apostle to the Gentiles, etc. 

They all experienced, manifested, testified, and witnessed to in word, deed, and in their victorious lives the spiritual JOY of working with and privilege and honor of suffering for the cause of Christ on earth in their respective “calling and election.” They “presented their bodies, a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which was their reasonable service” and turned away from “conforming to the world” and were “transformed by the renewing of their mind” and thereby “proved what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.” (Rom. 12: 1, 2, KJV). 

Here are one of the most precious and sweetest words to ever fall from the mouth of our soon-coming Savior to all His faithful, humble, hard-working disciples and servants on earth, who experienced the joy of the Holy Spirit and joyfully worked the works of Christ! 

    “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou has been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the JOY of thy Lord.” Matt. 25: 21, 23.

To be continued next MWM, God willing.  Bless all, NMF.

MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:

December 18, 2024

The Third Person of the Godhead Series – Part 41

JOY: THE SECOND ‘FRUIT’ OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (Part 3)

Since this joy is a fruit borne of the Holy Spirit, who, unlike the incarnate Creator, “is devoid of the personality of humanity and independent thereof,” it is exclusively divine in nature and power. It cannot be manufactured, “new modeled,” or re-invented by any finite mortal nor duplicated or “cloned” by artificial intelligence. However, it is Satan, the “father of lies” and master deceiver, working through his evil agencies, who has all too successfully counterfeited joy (and all the other “fruits”) in many forms—all pseudo, fleeting, sensual, fleshly, and spiritualistic (the counterfeit of spiritual). 

And since “spiritual things are spiritually discerned”, this joy can only be discerned and experienced with a spiritual mind, not a carnal one for “the carnal mind is at enmity with the law of God,” which is spiritual. 

So, Jesus carefully taught His disciples to not only pray “the Lord’s Prayer” but “with importunity to ask, seek, and knock for the Holy Spirit.”(Luke 11:1-13).

Having first done this with a contrite heart and meek spirit, let us now savor the precious truths contained in the following sampling verses on joy, beginning with Psalms (kJV): 

    “Thou shalt shew me the path of life: in Thy presence is fullness of JOY; at Thy right hand are pleasures forever more.” Ps.16:11, 12. 

      “For His anger endureth for but a moment; in His favor is life: weeping may endure for a night but JOY cometh in the morning.” Ps. 30:5.

      “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence [in the Holy Spirit]; and take not the Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto to me the JOY of Thy salvation [from sin and Satan]; and uphold me with Thy free Spirit Ps. 51: 10-12. 

      “They that sow in tears shall reap in JOY. He that goeth forth and weepers, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with REJOICING, bringing his sheaves with him.” Ps. 126:5, 6; cf. Gal.6: 7-10.

To be continued next MWM, God willing. Bless all, NMF.

MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:

December 11, 2024

The Third Person of the Godhead Series – Part 40

JOY: THE SECOND ‘FRUIT’ OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (Part 2)

    “Joy to the world the Lord is come, let earth receive her king. . . “ 

Christ the Creator incarnate “came” to the earth two thousand years ago and was finally “manifest in the flesh” as the helpless Babe, the very prophesied “seed of a woman” (Gen. 3:15; Gal. 4:4) wrapped in swaddling clothes” with the manger of humble animals as His first crib. Yes, truth matters from eternity past to eternity future. It testifies to as to exactly how the fallen Earth and sinful man “received” and “welcomed” her King! And then mysteriously “celebrates with EARTHLY JOY AND ENJOYMENT His unscriptural birthdate and birthday! 

The mortal “motley crew” that repped the whole earth then, fallen in the darkness of sin and ignorance four thousand years after the first catastrophic experiment with disobedience in Eden, were the eyes of but a very but a small handful. This welcoming party were: 

The earthly parents of Jesus welcomed the universal moment of His birth with indescribable sacredness, fear of awe and wonderment, and yes, JOY heretofore and thereafter unknown. They were so poor and inconsequential to that society and community that there “was no room at the inn” made available somehow, much less prepared in advance, for the first couple” of the New Testament where Adam and Eve were of the Old Testament. The latter had a perfect home and environment to welcome their appearance on earth, originally designed and created to be Adam’s dominion. And then the  actual and precise BIRTHDATE of mankind’s Creator-Redeemer-Savior and supposed King were never given in advance any prophetic announcement. This is in stark contrast to the imminent warning message of John the Baptist immediately before the adult Christ would be publicly introduced as the promised Messiah and Lamb of God!  

The second class of mortal eyes that beheld with utmost reverence, awe, and yes, JOY, were unnamed, hardworking shepherds who had left their precious flocks behind in the fields, the ones they defended with their lives in order to gaze and pay homage to “their King!” Courageous shepherds yet humble worshippers of the true God! 

The third class of mortals who welcome the birth and the birthday Celebrant were several heathen/pagan (non Jewish or Israelites) yet scholarly magi or “wisemen from the east” (Medo-Persians) bringing with them three kinds of gifts officially given to royalty at that time: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. That is the true Scriptural record—three kinds of gifts, not “three wise men,” an invention of man propagated by church tradition along with false doctrines and superstitions. Because they were diligently searching the Holy Scripture and its prophecies of the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit guided and enlightened their minds. As they set out on their fateful journeys without a map, yet on a predetermined general direction, a bevy of angels appearing as a bright star in the heavens led them to the exact location and day where Jesus was to be born. They still had to ask around a bit from the Jewish residents for the precise location, unintentionally alerting the wicked Jewish king Herod as to their real mission and location of “the manger of the Bible.” That stands as one of the starkly grim pillars of the truth “He came to His own and His own received Him not.”

The third class of eyes that witnesses the actual human baby form of the incarnated Creator were not human but angelic, both evil led by Satan, and the heavenly led likely by angel Gabriel who took on the lead role after the fall and banishment of Lucifer-turned “Satan, the serpent and devil,”

the adversary of God and man. 

Satan, the primary “dragon,” bitterly joyless, filled with hatred and malice immediately got to work and enlisted the secondary “dragon” power of pagan Rome through their wretched boot-licking instrument, the cringing apostate Herod, to set about the immediate murder of the infant “King Jesus.” Heaven had to intervene and Egypt was anointed as the temporary place of refuge for the holy family! When Herod realized that the magi had misled him, In satanic fury, Herod had all the firstborn make infants slaughtered. 

But the whole angelic host, gathered in the heavens just above the field of Bethlehem, led by the angelic choir, sang with jubilant SACRED HEAVENLY JOY the first anthem announcing the birth of the Desire of Ages, which glorious strains will be re-echoed with greatest glory and harmony when Christ this time finally comes the second time in all His glory as fully and truly the eternal the King of kings and Lord of lords.” 

Such spiritual joy and joys are only that which the Holy Spirit produces as “fruits” in and whomsoever He abides and dwells as a welcome and much sought-after Guest. It is still our privilege to “ask, seek, and knock” for Him while “He is still near.” But the antitypical Noachian plea and warning is sounding loudly: “Repent ye therefore” for “My Spirit will not always strive with men!” We need to “number our days and apply it unto wisdom.” 

To be continued next MWM, God willing. Bless all, NMF.

MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:

December 4, 2024

The Third Person of the Godhead Series – Part 39

JOY: THE SECOND ‘FRUIT’ OF THE HOLY SPIRIT – Part 12

    “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, JOY, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, (and) temperance: against such [fruits] there is no law.” Gal. 5: 23, 24, KJV (Authorized Version, A.V.)

There is no divine law whatsoever from eternity past to eternity future that can ever be against THE FRUITS produced and manifested in the lives of the true believer. In fact it is the indisputable proof and living evidence of “the word of their testimony” that “the Holy Spirit of truth” is indeed abiding in the “body temple” of the professed believer. (1 Cor. 3:16, 17; 6:19-20).  It is “by their fruits,” not by any “great swelling words of professions, “that ye shall know them.” 

These scripturally identified and defined “fruits of the Spirit” are also the inevitable products of the works of righteousness” (in stark contrast to the “works of the flesh” verses 17-21), produced by genuine “righteousness by faith” patterned after the example perfected by Christ in His incarnated human flesh nature, verily “the second Adam” (see John 1:1-3, 14; Rom. 8:1-8; 1 Cor. 15:45-50; Heb. 5: 8, 9, etc.). It is that of “faith that works by love” (Gal. 5: 6), and “purifies the soul” from all the defilement of sin. 

All that is yet carnal is “earthly,” “fleshly,” and “worldly,” and are “at enmity with the law of God” and “war against” the Spirit, the truth, Christ and His perfect righteousness and sinless purity.

As the month of December traditionally is “the Season to  be JOLLY,” and most still heartily sing “JOY to the world,” etc. we must clear-eyed where truth is concerned: the “joy” of the world fallen in sin, and the “joy of the Lord” are at the opposite ends of the truth spectrum. And Satan, “the father of lies and murderer from the beginning,” and the master deceiver and “central power of the earth and “the prince of the power of the air” has, sadly and fearfully continues successfully to switch or confuse one for the other by his diabolical schemes. 

Thus, I will start this subject of the “joy fruit” of the Holy Spirit from His side, the spiritual side as “spiritual things are only spiritually discerned.” Here is what this joy IS NOT, as determined by “the Spirit of Prophecy which is the Testimony of Jesus” for these last days: 

1. It is not a “jovial disposition” for such in fact has a “leavening” not sanctifying “effect upon the churches.” (Evangelism, 63). 

2.  It is not “jovial talk,” too much of which men and women indulge in. (Vol. 2 Testimonies for the Church, 455; Counsels on Health, 569. 

3. It is not a “jovial mood,” for believers who “run in this as naturally as water flows DOWNHILL.” (Gospel Workers, 130). 

No wonder that Paul admonished the early churches agains indulging in jesting, joking, etc. Jesus never ever left such an example for sanctified believers. Gods’s servant cited this one of the over as dozen ways we are denying Christ! 

To be continued next MWM, God willing. Bless all, NMF.

MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:

November 27, 2024

The Third Person of the Godhead Series – Part 38

LOVE: THE FIRST ‘FRUIT’ OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (Part 11)

Jesus said to His true disciples then and through all time:

     “If you LOVE ME, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father that He shall give you ANOTHER COMFORTER, that He might abide with you forever. 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: 14-17, KJV. 

     “He that hath MY COMMANDMENTS, and keepeth them, he it is that LOVETH ME: and he that loveth Me shall be LOVED OF MY FATHER, and I will LOVE HIM, and will MANIFEST Myself to him.” 

     “Judas (not Iscariot but Jude) said unto Him, Lord, how is it that Thou wilt manifest Thyself unto us, and NOT unto the world? Jesus answered and said unto him (Jude), If a man love Me, he will keep My words: and My Father will love him, and WE (the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit) will come INTO him, and make OUR ABODE with him.” verses 21-23. 

    “Ye have heard how I said unto you, I GO AWAY, AND COME AGAIN TO YOU [through the Holy Spirit!]. If you loved Me, YE WOULD REJOICE, because I said, I go unto the Father: for My Father is greater than I.” verse 28. 

John 15: “Herein is My Father GLORIFIED, that ye bear MUCH FRUIT; so shall ye be My disciples. As the Father hath loved Me, so have I loved you: CONTINUE YE IN MY LOVE. 

    “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. These things have I spoken unto you, that MY JOY MIGHT REMAIN IN YOU, and that YOUR JOY MAY BE FULL. This is My commandment, that ye LOVE ONE ANOTHER, AS I have loved you.” verses 8-12. 

It is only when the Holy Spirit abides in the heart and dwells in the body as His temple will the “fruits of Christ’s love”

be manifested in the true believer and disciple towards God first and then towards his “neighbor” or fellow finite mortals! 

It is this love that “greater than faith or hope” 1 Cor. 13: 13)! For it is that “love that works by love” (Gal. 5:6) and purifies the soul” through the “baptism with fire by the Holy Spirit!”

To be continued next MWM, God willing. Bless all, NMF.