This week we welcomed Dr. Fount Shults to Reach Out Church, and he shared about the importance of abiding in the secret place with our Heavenly Father.

“The word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” Spoken words have power and words have influence, and how much more when our words are guided by God’s Holy Spirit. When we speak in agreement with God, we agree with the one who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did.

When God spoke in Genesis, it was always good. And when we speak by the power of His Holy Spirit, it is always good. Although it may be for correction or conviction at times, it is never for condemnation. It is always for the well-being and for blessings toward one another and ourselves.

The presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives is an invaluable gift, as it opens the door for us to bless others and to be blessed our selves. The Holy Spirit gives us gifts, power, remembrance, guidance, wisdom, comfort, and peace; and with these gifts, Christ's body of believers can edify one another in His love.

In God's triune nature, he made it possible for us to receive the Holy Spirit. God gave the world Jesus, and by the blood of Jesus, we can receive the Holy Spirit. And the Holy Spirit gives gifts! And with His gifts, we can not only be hearers of God's word, but demonstrate His love in fullness and

Our Heavenly Father is generous towards His children. Although our salvation by Jesus's sacrifice is the greatest gift we have received, through His incredible work we have received many gifts by the power of the Holy Spirit, and we must believe that God can use His gifts through us.

As believers in Christ, we must be able to distinguish tradition from eternal truth. While tradition has its place, it must never supplant the truth and breathing life of God's Word. Listen to Pastor Vic's sermon on the history of the church in Corinth, their practices, and how the purpose of traditions like communion are for remembrance and thankfulness of what Jesus did for us.

Before we were born again, we would try to do good things and keep traditions to please God. But in Christ, we are redeemed and justified by His works alone. While there is a place to have our own personal traditions in respect to God, it must never become obligation for ourselves or others, lest we compromise the freedom Christ has purchased for us. Listen to Pastor Carl's sermon on the spirit of the law!

If you know who your savior is, you don't have to be afraid of what the enemy can do. God has established our authority in Christ, and our minds can be transformed and renewed not by our actions alone, but by His Holy Spirit working through us.

We as believers always need to be steadfast, so that when the enemy is pushing against us, we can push back harder. But not in our strength, but in Christ's strength. Listen to Pastor Carl's sermon on following our good shepherd, Jesus Christ — that we may face the spiritual difficulties we encounter.