It is good for believers to look back every now and then at what we were before salvation. No matter what age you were when you were saved, the Bible declares that we were all “dead in trespasses and sins” prior to salvation.

You may not have been a big sinner, especially if you were saved as a child, but it must be remembered that it only takes one sin to be a sinner. This brings everyone to need to pay “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).

Once saved, God immediately quickened us. That means He made us alive – now capable of doing righteousness and pleasing Him. Before we were the sons of darkness and of the Devil, but now we have been made the sons of God (John 1:12).

Along with that new quickening and sonship, we also have the power to resist sin and allow the Holy Spirit to work in and through us. In fact, that old sin nature is to be considered dead, and we can live in the new life He gave us.

If and when we sin, we also have an Advocate with the Father – “Jesus Christ the righteous” (I John 2:1). He helps us to get forgiven and cleansed when we ask Him. It enables us to go on and shows that He loves us still.

Are you walking in the quickening power of the Holy Spirit, or according to the works of the flesh?

Remember that serving Jesus alone brings victory over sin, real joy, and blessing.

Jesus had promised His disciples that the Father would send the Holy Ghost after He leaves. He will not leave His disciples on their own. Before He could come, Christ must ascend to Heaven.

The very Name of the Holy Ghost, or Holy Spirit, reveals a large part of His ministry. His presence within the heart of the believer will provide assurance of salvation and give access to God in prayer. He will also provide comfort in the heart of believers, even when facing difficulties – if they will bring their cares and concerns to God in prayer with faith.  

The Spirit of God can give calm when others are panicking, as well as clarity of mind in those times. It will be so noticeable to others that they will wonder how you can be calm when…

God desires that Christians maintain a state of prayer throughout the day (“men ought always to pray, and not to faint” Luke 18:1). In prayer, needs can be brought to Him, as well as concerns. When doing His will, He provides peace beyond our understanding (Philippians 4:6,7).

The above verse also mentions another ministry of the Holy Spirit. He will teach you His Word and help you remember it when needed.

Some current movies address this issue. Several TV shows have built their story lines around the existence of advanced civilizations – as well as more primitive ones. The number of such shows and movies is rapidly increasing. These ideas are all based on the “theory” of evolution, which assumes that what we have on earth has also occurred elsewhere. Of course, this theory completely leaves out God and the Bible.

Despite what the media says, it is important to understand what the Bible says about these things. To answer the question briefly: Yes, there are aliens here – beings that did not originate on this planet.

The Bible calls them demons and fallen angels. They are created beings that once lived in Heaven, and they were perfect. Rebellion against God caused them to be removed from Heaven and placed on earth.

The Bible reveals that their continued rebellion against God thrives on this planet, being led by a powerful being called Satan. They learned that they cannot hurt God, so they aim to destroy what matters to God here. God wants people to be saved from sin and live forever. Satan and his forces work hard to deceive people so that as many as possible will go to Hell – with him.

To accomplish this task, his primary tool is deceit. Revelation 12:9 says: “And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.”

To combat his lies, God has given us His Bible. All truth from God is found in Jesus Christ and the Bible (John 14:6). It exposes the lies of the “alien” forces bent on opposing God. One of the Devil’s lies is that people think they are alright with God just because they have a Bible and go to church. Unfortunately, it is not true.

Learn more about what God requires by going to: “The Door to God.”

There is a lot of talk about peace these days, but much of it is just talk. The primary problem with the peace this world offers is that it is only external. In spite of the talk, wars and fighting continue. Of course, peace between nations and neighbors is highly desirable.

Even with external peace, the soul is often in a condition of unrest – because of sin and doubtfulness about the eternal future. When the Lord Jesus gives peace, it eliminates the fear of eternal judgment, because He promises and gives eternal life. It also eliminates the feeling of guilt of past sin, because He takes it away – never to be seen by God again.

Some religions offer some type of peace – but it is a deception. What good is it if your mind is at a temporal peace but you still go to Hell because your sins are not forgiven? That kind of peace may offer a temporary salve of the conscience – but sin is not erased. Consider this verse: “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out” (Acts. 3:19). This verse promises that if you will turn from sin in your heart to God and ask Him to save and forgive you because of what Jesus did for you on the Cross, He will blot out (erase) your sins. This can give you peace with God.

Once the sin issue has been taken care of, then the promise of the above verse in John can apply to you. You will be able to have peace beyond anything this world offers – even being calm in difficult situations. This kind of peace is the peace of God.

Do you have this kind of peace today?

Once saved, every believer has direct access to the Father. Jesus has promised that He is willing to answer our prayers – for the purpose of being glorified. Things prayed for that are not for this purpose are apt to go unanswered. If you will give God the glory for answers to specific prayer, He will be glad to fulfill it.

Even though this is like being given a blank check, it is a shame how few Christians develop a strong prayer life. As we draw nigh to God in daily and serious prayer, you will find more to pray about, and prayer will become easy and as natural as breathing – and so will getting answers to prayer.

Along with a growing and strong prayer life, you will also be able to enjoy the peace of God and bring forth fruit to God. Knowing that you can call on Him and get answers from the Creator of the universe is worth its weight in gold. Victory will also come much easier.

Other Scriptures mention that if you are serious about getting answers to prayer, then we must also have sin confessed, and be ready to do His will. Thank God that by a simple prayer of confession to Him, He will instantly forgive and cleanse (I John 1:9).

Will you take the time to draw nigh to God – and is it worth it to you to develop a strong prayer life? Will you start today?

There are many today claiming to be or have the way to God. Because of spiritual darkness in the world, most people are confused and uncertain about their future – but there is no need for it.

You see, there is only One Who came down from Heaven to save mankind. His claim was verified by His powerful miracles, His words, and by those who were closest to Him.

The Bible prophesied His coming centuries before and declared that He would fulfill many detailed prophecies. They were so detailed that it would be impossible to predict them or even to deliberately fulfill them.

All religions teach that man must earn his way to Heaven. Because Jesus came to die for our sins, and He could only do this if He had no sin. He even invited others to point out His sins if they could – and there were no takers – not even from the religious leaders who hated Him! (John 8:46 “Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?”)

Because His life backed up His words, and so did His miracles, He proved that He was indeed “the way, the truth, and the life.” This was not just a declaration of a wish – it is the truth – that all must heed if they want to see Heaven (“No man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”)

What does He require for salvation? He wants you to turn from sin and, in faith, ask Jesus to be your only Savior. He said: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Have you asked Him to be your Savior? If not, why not do it today?

In the verses previous to this one, Jesus had just told His disciples that He would be leaving them soon. They were disheartened and did not understand it.

To comfort them, Jesus gave them the above verses, telling them that they did not need to be troubled over it. The powerful statements in these three verses are enough to help comfort any believer still on earth. Here they are in summary form:

1. There are many mansions in Heaven
2. Jesus is leaving to prepare a place for us
3. Jesus will come back for us
4. Jesus will take us to be with Him forever.

Jesus prefaced these statements with “let not your heart be troubled.” We are often troubled and lose our peace because we are so focused on the present and its difficulties that we forget that there is a much better future planned for each of God’s children.

God wants us to endure for a little while down here. Learn to get victory through Christ – He is more than able to give it. Remember, too, that He is coming back soon for His own. Continue to believe His words and go on living for Him. You will be glad you did when you hear those words: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

Here are some things that Jesus told His disciples as they listened to Him:

I. Disciples Continue in the Word

Jesus is delighted with and takes note of those who seek to know the Bible and strive to follow it. He looks for those who whole-heartedly will follow Him. By His statement, Jesus reveals those whom He considers to be real believers and those who are not.

II. Discipleship Is Necessary to Know the Truth

Although the Bible is readily available to many people, a large number of those with a Bible really do not understand its teachings. They also miss the spiritual meanings because they either are not saved or are not in tune with the Holy Spirit.

These verses plainly show that obeying God’s truth is necessary to correctly understand the Bible. Jesus said this to those who had believed on Him, so He is not talking about how to be saved. Grasping the real meaning of the Bible requires more than just a grammatical and historical interpretation – although that helps.

III. Knowing the Truth Brings Spiritual Freedom

Spiritual freedom comes from understanding the truth of the Word. Freedom comes when you:

1. Understand that it is not necessary to follow the Law for salvation, because Jesus paid for all your sin.

2. Know that the Bible guarantees Heaven for believing what Jesus did for you on the Cross – and no more (John 3:16,17).

3. Take advantage of the access to the Father (prayer) that Jesus purchased for you (Hebrews 10:19).

4. Get victory over sin (day-by-day) because the Holy Spirit now lives in you (Ephesians 1:13,14).

5. Study the Bible and use the many promises in it to enable you to live for God.

6. Salvation removes the guilt of past sin

7. And much more.

Are you daily learning more of God’s truth that sets you free?

God has always wanted to bless His people. He loves to see His people happy and enjoying their relationship with Him.

The world will never understand what a blessing it is to have your sins forgiven, your name written down in the Book of Life, and be sure that Heaven will be your Home when you die. You can also enjoy fellowship with Him and have your prayers answered. While on earth, there will be some trouble, but God can help deliver you out of them.

The Lord never makes anyone a robot. He leaves every believer with the power to choose. If you walk according to His Word and by His Spirit, you can have the blessing He wants to give you.

On the other hand, if you choose to stay in your sin (check up on your salvation: God makes true believers “new creatures” who enjoy doing the will of God – not perfect, but growing), and know that God will not bless you. Your blessings will dry up, and God will work against you (the curse).

Someone may say: That is the Old Testament and God does not work that way anymore. The truth is He does not change. Yes, we are under grace and forgiveness can be quickly obtained. Still, there is such a thing as chastisement (see Hebrews 12 – New Testament).

In conclusion, like the verse says: “Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse; A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you this day.”

Which way will you choose – to obey carefully or not?

David found that his love for the Lord grew because he saw that God, over and over, answered his prayers. When believers get answers to prayer, they want to pray more.

Prayer should be the natural expression of the soul in response to our Lord Who loves us more than we can ever express. Not only do they want to pray more, but they also find more things to pray about. God cares for the big things in our lives, and the things that we often forget to bring to Him because they seem so small. He cares about them all and wants to help you with all things.

The more you pray, you will discover that God will enlarge your heart and help you see more things to pray about. You will begin to see some of the things He sees – and how you can have a part in their solution – through prayer. He wants you to partner with Him in achieving His work in lives and missions through the means of prayer – and sometimes putting feet to your prayers.

II Thessalonians 3:1 “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you.”