Second Step to Holiness


In the first step I saw that repentance, brought about by the work of the Holy Spirit, made me aware of the magnitude, wickedness and folly of my ways. Then I gladly turned to Christ for forgiveness and He graciously responded with love and irrevocable forgiveness. This is redemption, for He paid the price of my sin by shedding His blood on the cross for me. I am then saved. Hallelujah!


The second step is the submission of my will to God’s will. Paul talks about this in Romans 7

: 16 If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. 17 But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. 19 For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. 20 Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.
21 I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. 22 For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin, which is in my members.

Paul realizes something is wrong, he cannot do what he knows he ought to do and he does what he knows he shouldn’t do, and he cries our as many of us have:24 O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?

His own will is dominant so he does what he wants instead of what he knows he should do. But he knows who has the answer: I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus,[a] who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

So if our will is not surrendered to the will of God we are walking in the flesh and not in the Spirit!

Jesus not only died on the cross to forgive our sins, but, sent the Holy Spirit as my counselor and guide with power to tame my will and let me submit (surrender) to the will of God.


We see this also in chapter 6: 11 Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. 13 And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

We know Sin is death to the sinner, but here he is talking about the Christian who still sins because he has not surrendered his will to God’s will. But we can be made free in Christ. Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus,[a] who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

Hallelujah!

Don’t be deceived, there are those who think this verse means God won’t condemn us if we do sin. They don’t read the rest of the verse. It says “who do not walk according to the flesh!

We Were Bought With a Price !

We were bought with a price, the precious blood of Jesus; therefore I will glorify God in my body and spirit, which are God's.
I will not use any part of me to do my own will but allow God to have his will in all my life.
I not let Satan or sin to possess, barrow or pollute my body, mind or heart, for I am God's.
Jesus is mine; the Holy Spirit is in control of every thought, act and relationship.
God is love. I Know God, He knows me; therefore agape love will be my aim and attitude.
Christ accepted me, and I accepted Him. I'll not allow any division or separation from Him.
This is my commitment to Him, for he gave his life for me, and His Spirit to me. Amen.

What Jesus Said To Me (Part2)

"But Lord, It's hard for us to believe that someone who was executed on an ancient cross has any bearing on our lives today or on our eternal destiny".

" Listen," He said, " If I had not died on that cross and then came back from the dead to prove I was really God's Son, who would have believed? But because I am alive, millions have trusted me with their lives and have received this new life. Many have been heroes and martyrs driven by their love for me to spend their lives ministering to the needy and communicating my love to others. And I continue to add to my following all that turn from their sin and believe on me.

“Lord”, I said, how does that work? Can I be changed like that?

Jesus replied, "Yes you can, this is how it works. My Father and I are of one mind and one spirit and when we planned forgiveness and salvation for you, our most cherished creation; we had to take into account the eternal principles of truth and justice. Satan has lied to you. He has told you that sin is pleasurable and profitable and you believed him. You have chosen to follow his lead and have sinned by disobeying the very laws that were lovingly designed to keep you from evil and harm. We cannot lie and say it didn't happen, nor can we continue to accept that kind of behavior, because we have designed and predestined you for something far better. The death penalty is prescribed for sin. In justice it must be carried out. The Father said to me,” Son, you and I and our Holy Spirit are the source of all goodness. surely we can find a way to have mercy on these loved ones the enemy has damned.” “Yes,", I replied, "I know we can".

"It sounds like an awful dilemma to me. How did you solve it?"

" So we devised a plan". He continued, "Father would commission me and send me to the earth to be born as a man and live with men so that we might know and feel the plight of men. I did that and I experienced many things. Since I was the first man who ever walked on earth without sin. Satan tempted me in every way he had devised to tempt you. Satan was more active against me, for he had much to gain if he could discredit me. Since I had a body like yours I had all the passions and cravings that you have. I knew the tiredness and weariness and frustration you endure. Now I could understand your feelings and problems. I can really sympathize with you. Because I love you so much I determined that I would pay the death penalty for you. It worked out that envy in the hearts of men in the corrupt religious and political systems of that time shortly brought me a death penalty. I had been successful and true to my Father's instructions. Even Pilate said of me 'I find no fault in him.' However now I faced the most difficult part of the plan. Though I dreaded the horrible death on the cross as bad as that was, but it was the, I--can--hardly--say--this, taking on me your awful load of guilt and sin so it could die with me on the cross. As I took it on I could feel the horror of your guilt and the dread and fear of death and hell. I knew that my father loved me, but how could he do this to me! How could He ask me, his Son, to carry this filthy sin and then actually forsake me as I hung on the cross just because he hates sin so much? I asked him if there was any way I could escape it. He didn't answer. I thought, no, if I abandon this plan there would be no way in heaven or on earth to save the ones we love so much. Yes, I could have called ten thousand angels to save me and let you die. But my love wouldn't let me do that. Now I scarcely remember the nails and the spear and the gore. It was wonderful to be able to pay the penalty for your sin. However, the Father didn't leave me there! I came back with victory over sin and death and the grave! I did pay the penalty for your sin! My blood, which flowed from the cross, fully atoned for all your sin. It is my free gift to you. All you need to do is to confess your sin and turn from it and it will all be forgiven and forgotten. The angels will have a party in heaven and rejoice because you have come home".

"Lord," I said, "Please forgive me for not realizing how much you love me and how much it meant to carry my sin to the cross. I guess I didn't realize how bad sin really is. Can you tell me about that?

He said, " Sin means breaking God's law, that is, doing what we know is wrong because we don't love God and others as we should. Since God's law was lovingly designed to protect and enhance your life, you are at risk if you ignore, or disobey it. When you disobey it you show contempt for my love and care, saying, in effect, that you know better than I do what is best for you. It appears, then, that you have no respect for my wisdom or the fact that I have created both you and the world in which you live. Even though I love you dearly, I cannot ignore your hateful attitude.. Fellowship between us therefore is broken. I can no longer comfort you with my presence nor protect you by my power."

"But Lord," I said, " I am not a bad person. I try to do what seems right, but I get confused sometimes and things don't seem to go right."

Jesus said’ "That is because your mind and spirit are disoriented because of the conflict within. Your conscience requires truth and justice but you sometimes balk at these when your personal gain or comfort is at stake. The guilt you carry damages your mind as well as your emotions and your body. You are unable to love, as you ought. You show disregard for your neighbors who are influenced by you and should have a good example from you. The whole fabric of society is poisoned by your lack of strong moral principle. Because I love you so much I am deeply hurt because you push me away and then pretend everything is all right and sometimes even claim you love me."

"Whew!," I spouted, " I had no idea that sin was like that. No wonder you hate it".

"But that isn't all", Jesus continued, "My Father has created you in his own image, the very greatest product of his creative genius, and I, in love, have purchased your salvation by my death on the cross to provide forgiveness for your sin. How do you think I feel when you reject all this so that you can sin as you please? I know, and I want you to know, that a sinful life will bring you neither peace nor joy, only disillusionment and frustration. Satan adds to your trouble and pain by leading you deeper into sin. Then you resent any effort my servants or I make to help you. I am disappointed that your potential as one of my followers is being wasted and your influence is working against me. Sin is a horrible master. It is only by my grace and the prayers of the saints that it has not led you farther

into the depths of wickedness than it has. When sin takes hold you cannot escape without my help. I still love you, long for you. It makes no difference how far you have gone or what you have done. I am ready to help you. Trust me. Let me welcome you home.

" Lord," I said to him, "I appreciate your love for me, but there are many things about my way of life that I like. I'm comfortable and happy with my friends who would think I had become a religious nut. I like the pleasure I get from doing a lot of things that I don't think you would approve of. Besides I don't know if I am capable of becoming the kind of person that you want me to be. It seems you ask a lot of your followers. I feel as though I have lived too shabby a life to ever change that much anyway. So lets just forget about it."

"My dear one." He said, "Nothing is to hard for me. I turned the rogue who was Saul of Tarsus into the Apostle Paul. I have been changing lives by the thousands. You can trust me. I offer you a life with joy and inner peace, with purpose and power and an unlimited future.

I was startled that He called me His "dear one." how did He get that close to me? ------ "L-Lord," I stammered, "I don't understand at all about how people can start a new life, being 'Born Again' as they call it. It just seems impossible that I could ever do that. Wouldn't I have to be a preacher or missionary or do some great and good things in order to earn your love and respect? I'm just no good at such things ".

"It is really quite simple", Jesus said, it is nothing you do. You can't earn it or deserve it. It is something I do for you. It is a free gift. You don't deserve it. You never will deserve it. I am the one who paid the price on the cross for your forgiveness. All you need to do is accept it. I will send the Holy Spirit like an unseen breeze through your soul with cleansing and energizing power, and He will fill you with a kind of love you never had before and a peace and joy you cannot understand. Your conflict with God will be over and your attachment to sin will be broken. For if I make you free you will be totally free! If you believe in me, and what I did on the
cross for you, and promise that you will try your best, with my help, to stop
sinning, I will see to it that you are 'Born Again". You will then be able to live a truly worthy life until I take you home.

"Lord", I said, " You make it sound awfully tempting but I really have to think about it. Maybe I can get some things in my life straightened out. Maybe some things will change so that I can see my way clear to do it. But right now it seems like a to big and too scary a step to take".

"My dear one," He said, "It never will get any better or easier than it is now. It can only get worse. Sin will never let go of you! You can't even begin to change your own life. Trust me now. I will be with you every step of the way. I will never leave you nor forsake you. I want to be your very best friend. You have never been closer to me than you are right now. This is your time.
You and I know that life is uncertain. This may be your only time. Think about it. Trust me to change you and give you a new life. Will you?”

I waited a while but He said no more.

What should I do?

What would you do?

Write to me: Howard Dimmick 38608 Alston Ave. Zephyrhills FL33541 howarddimmick@Juno.com

Controling Your Thoughts

Controlling Your Thoughts

Introduction: Do you have problems controlling your thoughts? Perhaps you struggle with negative thoughts or ones you know are not godly. What you think determines where you end up in life. So, it’s vital that you learn to master your mind.
Scripture: Colossians 3:1-3The Bible is full of truth about the importance of controlling our minds.
• Unbelievers set their minds on what comes naturally to humans—pursuing sensual, selfish or materialistic things (Rom. 8:5-7).• God gives disobedient people over to their depraved minds (Rom. 1:28).• We have to be careful that our minds aren’t led away from pure devotion to Christ (2 Cor. 11:2-3).• Controlling our thoughts is a vital part of spiritual warfare (2 Cor. 10:4-5).
How can our transformation into new creatures affect our thought lives?
• The Holy Spirit enables us to walk out the Christian life. We died to our old life, and were raised to walk in newness of life. Example: a caterpillar turning into a butterfly• We can learn to view ourselves primarily as children of God: born-again and citizens of heaven.• To have the mind of Christ means that we agree with Him about what’s good and evil in this world. We share His values and begin to think like Him (2 Cor. 2:16).• We have to guard our minds from the influence of the world. Example: watching soap operas• We must prepare by being alert to erroneous thinking (1 Peter 1:13). “Sow a thought, reap an action; sow an action, reap a habit; sow a habit, reap a destiny”• Seek first the rule of God in your life, and He will provide for your needs (Matt. 6:33).
If you want to be happy, even in difficult times, you must think rightly. How do you do that?
1. Screen your thoughts.• Let the Word of God be the grid of your mind. Reject thoughts that aren’t compatible with the Bible.
• Ask yourself these questions:
2. 1. What’s the source?
2. Where will it lead me?
3. Is this scripturally sound?
4. Is this thought going to build me up or tear me down?
5. Can I share this thought with someone else?
6. Does this thought make me feel guilty?
7. Does this fit who I am as a follower of Jesus?
2. Reject ungodly thoughts.• If you ask yourself the questions above and realize the thought isn’t godly, choose not to think about it again.
3. Cultivate godly thoughts.• Dwell on things that are good and practice living out those thoughts (Phil. 4:4-9).

Part One

What Jesus Said To Me!

I was only half awake. It was four o'clock in the morning and someone was trying to talk to me.

He said, "Do you think you could put this conversation with me on paper? I need to get to the hearts if some people that I am very concerned about.

"Yes Jesus", I said, as my whirling mind tried to make sense of what I had just heard.

He said, "Do you have questions about me?"

"Yes," I said, "Who are you?"

This is what Jesus said!

"You are the one that I that I love and am concerned about! I want you to know that I am the proof that God loves you. There are some other things you should know about me as well.
" Because my Father so loved the people of the world, I, Jesus, His unique and only Son, was sent to earth so that no one would need to perish because of their sin, but could have a wonderful life now and forever. So I willingly, yes, even gladly, was nailed to the cross in agony and pain, and gave up my life, to make this new life possible for everyone who believes in me. Because of this, they who will believe will be spared the awful penalty of sin, and enjoy eternity with me in Heaven.
In other words, I am the way to Heaven, the ONLY way to Heaven.


"Don't make me laugh", I said, "Heaven is just for dreamers".

"Yes", He said, "Unless you believe in me and that your soul lives on forever, Heaven does not make any sense to you. But one day your life will come to an end and you will wish that you had prepared for the heaven that I know is real for I came from there to offer you safe passage to that beautiful place. There will be no sin, no evil, no deceit allowed to enter there. Only those who have accepted God's love and forgiveness that has been purchased by the blood I shed on the cross will be admitted.

"But Lord, It's hard for us to believe that someone who was executed on an ancient cross has any bearing on our lives today or on our eternal destiny".

Watch for Part Two. See what Jesus had to say about that. Dont forget to bookmark this page.