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RECEIVE LIFE AND PEACE
The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:6
There was a great preacher by the name of Charles Finney. He preached holiness, which is the end-product of obedience to the Lord. The Bible says, “Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord” Hebrew 12:14.
This is exactly the message Charles Finney preached. There were groups of so-called Christians who would make effigies of Charles Finney and Father Nash, an old man who used to go ahead of Charles Finney. He would arrive in a town five or ten days before Finney, book a room and pray for that town for revival. When Finney arrived, he preached holiness, people repented, gave their lives to Jesus, and revival broke out. But some people were angry with Charles Finney because the Lord convicted them through his messages. They hung those effigies in trees and burned them to ashes.
Friends I am talking about Christians doing things like this. This is not how we should live. It’s like a thorn tree trying to produce apples. The Lord says the world will know us by the fruit we bear. You cannot say that you are a Christian and then not make every effort to live in peace with all people and be holy. We have to forgive and make peace. By His Spirit the Lord will fill us with His life and HIs peace.
Lord Jesus, I want to be a peacemaker for You here on earth. I want to live holy. It is not always easy, Lord, but by the power You give me I will be able to do all things. I praise Your Name. Amen
Romans 8:6 (ESV) -
6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.
Proverbs 12:20 (ESV) -
20 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil,
but those who plan peace have joy.
Matthew 5:9 (ESV) -
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Luke 23:34 (ESV) -
34 And Jesus said,“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.