LIVING IN THE SPIRIT

[cimi]

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To experience Jesus' promise of the Holy Spirit (John
14:16-17), we must accept a foundational truth. Those
who are in Christ must submit to the Spirit if they are
going to grow in Christlikeness. Galatians 3:3 asks, "Are
you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now
being made perfect by the flesh?" As the work of the
Holy Spirit is a necessary part of our salvation, his work
is also vital to our christian living.

In this light, will you as a believer give careful thought
to the extent to which you consciously submit to the
control of the spirit and allow Him to guide your life?
will you acknowledge that He is the Holy Spirit, and
allow Him to produce godliness in your life? This is
essential to living the Christian life. And as we experi-
ence this wonderful reality, we can know the joy of
Christ and intimacy of fellowship with Him.

If you don't yet know Jesus Christ as your Savior and
Lord, your need is different. You are still in your sins and
apart from the Spirit of God. But you don't need to stay
there. you can find hope in the simple but profound
truth that christ died for your sins and will bring those
who believe in Him to the Father.

He is the Savior who gave Himself in sacrifice for your
sin. And He gave His Spirit for your comfort and
strength. His cross provides forgiveness; His Spirit offers
His presence. Accept Jesus by faith as your Savior. Allow
the spirit of God to begin His work in you today.

[realtmg]

AMEN!