Every one of us who have come to the truth have a permanent decision to make, for we enter into a permanent covenant with God. Many who receive the Holy Ghost do so not knowing the fullness of what is about to happen, just as the120 who prayed and sought the gift of God until it descended upon them Acts 2:1 - 4. They were empowered. They did not know what they were about to receive until the moment it came, but when it did, it changed their life forever. It awakened them from slumber and brought them out of the grave Romans 6:4.

Satan attempts to discourage, manipulate, and deceive people in order to push them toward betrayal and rejection of God and His truth John 10:10. One of the greatest deceptions the Church could ever accept is the idea that a person can live like the world and still be saved 1 Peter 1:15 - 16. We live in a society that is deeply dark, and Jesus warns us that if our light becomes darkness, then how great that darkness truly is Matthew 6:23.

We cannot afford to believe a lie. We must remain in the truth, and that truth will set us free John 8:32. The truth of God is this: we are to love God with our whole heart, soul, strength, and mind, for this is the greatest commandment of all Matthew 22:37.

If we are determined to please God, then we must also be determined to live a steady life that glorifies Him in everything we do and say Colossians 3:17. Jesus gave us the example by showing us that the Church must wait upon Him and remain unblemished from this world Ephesians 5:27.

We have been warned. Yes, we have the grace of God, and we thank God for it. When we fall short, as all have fallen short of the glory of God Romans 3:23, He is faithful and just to forgive us when we truly repent 1 John 1:9. Let us be so in tune with the will of God and filled with His Spirit that His light abides in us so strongly that no darkness can enter John 1:5.

Let us be so filled and enriched with the Holy Ghost that we walk with God in authority over all our enemies Luke 10:19. We need victory in our lives today—victory over sin, victory over darkness, and victory declared in every area of our lives 1 Corinthians 15:57.

Jesus is still sanctifying us. He still brings us out of our old ways. He still calls, “Come unto me,” for He alone gives rest Matthew 11:28. We must come to Him wholeheartedly and remain by His side at all times John 15:4.

Amen.