6 Steps That Led Peter to Deny Christ and May Lead Us Too

We know from the Gospels that Peter was a transparent man. He would ask Jesus the obvious questions, showed his feelings, and even boasted that he would stay with Christ to the end. However, that boasting did not last very long at all: 

...she looked upon him, and said, And thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth. But he denied, saying, I know not...(Mark 14:66-68).

SETTING

Jesus had just been arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane after the Last Supper and taken to the house of the high priest, Caiaphas. 

Peter said earlier in the evening that he was ready to die for Christ, but when Jesus was arrested, the disciples scattered—including Peter. 

Peter followed from a distance and ended up warming himself at a fire before the house of the high priest. 

When a servant girl pointed out Peter as one of Christ's followers, he denied that he knew Christ, just as the Lord had foretold. 

FAITH LESSON 

To deny knowing someone is to refuse to acknowledge a connection with them. In Peter's case, he refused to acknowledge that he was a disciple of Christ. 

Since Christ is no longer physically walking on earth today, Christians can deny knowing him in their attitudes, behaviors, words, actions, and even lifestyles. 

People tend to give steps to the Christian life: steps to a closer walk with God, steps to a more fruitful Christian life, steps to more ministry effectiveness, steps to a better prayer life, etc. 

But how about approaching things from a different angle: steps to denial—steps to denying Christ. 

If Christians follows the steps listed here (1-5) they will likely end up denying Christ in their lives outright (6) as Peter did; they will in essence be telling the world, I do not know Him.

1. Confidence in Self (Mark 14:29, 31)

Peter was sure of himself—that he would fight for Christ to death, but things did not play out the way he imagined. He was confident in his own ability instead of trusting Christ.

Perhaps we too are confident in something such as our own physical strength, our employment, our finances, or our know-how. But, will these things hold out when the time comes? 

Confidence in ourselves will lead to the next step. 

2. Lack of Prayer (Mark 14:37, 40-41) 

Instead of praying with Jesus, Peter was sleeping. He wasn't thinking about how he needed God's help in his life. The Lord warned him to watch and pray so as not to enter into temptation—wise counsel from our God who knows our frame, that we are but dust. 

Confidence in ourselves brings a proud slumber upon us. We neglect the humble reliance upon God that we need from day to day (Give us this day...). 

From a lack of prayer, the next step is even worse. 

3. Not Heeding God's Word (Mark 14:47) 

Peter tried to fight the arresting officers but Jesus' arrest was needful to complete His ministry on earth. He had already indicated that. 

Peter spent nearly three years learning at the feet of Jesus but on this night, as he progressed down the steps to denial, his mind was not on the words that Jesus spoke. 

As Christians, when prayer time suffers, so does time spent in the word. If we rely only on a simple, quickly-read devotional or half-listened-to sermon on Sunday morning, we too are not really paying attention to what the Lord is telling us. 

When we do not heed God's word, the next step is a natural progression. 

4. Hanging with the Wrong Crowd (Mark 14:54) 

Peter was standing with the people outside of the house instead of with the disciples encouraging one another. In his isolation from God's people, he was eventually put on the spot, and verbally denied Christ (Step 6). 

Confidence in self, failure to humbly rely on the Lord, and missing the word of God, will inevitably lead to hanging out with the wrong crowd. Christians not walking as they ought to find more comfort with the world than in church with God's people. 

Are we hanging out where we should not be? Are we spending time with the people of the world instead of the people of God? If so, it would be a good time to examine ourselves in the light of Steps 1-4, to avoid the next plunge to Step 5. 

5. Back to Old Habits (Mark 14:71) 

Peter started cursing. Something he would not likely have been doing in the presence of the Lord. Peter's progress to the next step reminds us that the more spend time with the world, the more the world influences us. Psalm 1:1 paints an excellent picture of this. 

If we have confidence in ourselves, fail to pray, fail to be in the word, are hanging out with the world instead of believers, and going back to old habits, it is quite likely to lead to the sixth and last step of denial. 

6. Outright Denial (Mark 14:71) 

Peter denied the Lord outright, saying clearly, "I don't know Him!" 

Steps 1-5 are subtle denials of Christ, but Step 6 is an direct denial of Him. 

If we continue down the path of the steps of denial, we will eventually come to a point where either our words, our attitudes, our actions, our behaviors, or our lifestyles will directly deny Christ. 

People will look at us and not know we are Christians. In that sense, we deny the Lord who died for us, who should be glorified in us, and proclaimed to the lost by us. We keep His light under a bushel and say that we do not have His light. 

Denying the Lord is a frightful thing. It does not mean one has lost his/her salvation, but it does mean that we have sunken so low that we are no longer doing what the Lord asked us to do: enjoy your relationship with Me and let that lead you to share Me with others. 

Nevertheless, there was hope for Peter. After the Lord's resurrection, prior to His ascension, Jesus restored Peter in love. He asked Peter thrice if he loved Him—the same number of times Peter denied Christ. Peter answered three times, but each time, it became more intense for him, until he finally broke down. 

SELF-EXAMINATION

Follow these six steps and you will head for a great fall, an ineffective testimony, lost rewards, and or shame before the Lord. One way to avoid these griefs is to ask yourself a few questions: 

1. Am I being confident in myself or the Lord? 

2. Am I relying on the Lord or my own power? 

3. Am I spending time discovering what the Lord is teaching me in His Word? 

4. With whom am I spending my time with? 

5. Am I growing in grace or doing the same old things I used to do? 

6. Do people know I am a Christian in attitude, word, behaviors, deeds, lifestyle? 

If you have denied Christ in some way, confess it to Him, forsake it, and move forward with Him, trusting His forgiveness and His love. He is always ready to forgive and is the God of second, third, fourth, ... chances.

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Written by Jerry Smith from an idea based on the the Ryrie KJV Study Bible (1994), notes on Mark 14:72.

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4 Biblical Motivations for Christians to Marry

Marriage is the fundamental social unit for humans in God's creation. The Bible shows us that it is a lifelong commitment that God takes seriously. 

But what are the motivations for a Christian marriage? 

Borrowed from an article written by myself at blogos.org, there are at least four reasons identified in the Bible why Christians should still marry.

1. For companionship (Genesis 2:18, 24). 

God made Eve a companion for Adam—from Adam, saying that it was not good for man to be alone. 

This shows that marriage is the norm for mankind rather than the exception, and that men and women do not feel complete unless they are married. 

Wanting to share your life with someone of the opposite sex is in line with God's plan for marriage and a great way to combat the loneliness of being a Christian in an increasingly God-denying society.

2. To raise godly children (Genesis 1:28; Ephesians 6:4). 

God commanded Adam and Eve to multiply and fill the earth. For some, the motivation to marry may be based simply on a couple's desire to obey God's commands. 

Since God has never commanded that marriages cease producing and raising children, the motivation to simply obey God lines up with God's plan for marriage and an excellent testimony to the value of a child in the face of constant debate about abortion versus childbirth.

3. To avoid sexual impurity (1 Corinthians 7:8-9). 

Paul was saying that to avoid fornication, it is better to marry (1 Corinthians 7:2) where sex is honorable and the bed undefiled (Hebrews 13:4). 

A couple may be motivated to marry to avoid the struggle with sexual urges, lust, and temptation (Colossians 3:5; James 1:15). Wanting to be married to avoid sexual sin and to exercise God-ordained sexual relations within the bounds of marriage is also in line with God's plan for marriage. 

In a culture where premarital sex is celebrated, especially in movies and television series, marriage to avoid it is a testimony against worldly thinking.

4. To emulate and reflect the glory of the relationship between Jesus Christ and His church (Ephesians 5:25, 32). 

Paul writes that marriage reflects the relationship between Jesus Christ and the church. 

Ephesians 5:21-33 presents a wonderful parallel of the relationship between husbands and wives and Christ and the church in terms of submission (Ephesians 5:22), respect (Ephesians 5:33), sacrificial love (Ephesians 5:25), and unity (Ephesians 5:31). 

Reflecting the glory of Jesus Christ and His church through marriage is a testimony to the world that there are two genders, and that these two genders are to dwell together in love and unity.

Whatever the motivations, whether those mentioned here or others, we must remember that there is no command to marry (1 Corinthians 7:6) just as there is no command not to marry. We should not judge anyone for their choices. 

However, these are biblical reasons to marry that can help Christians resist the influence of the worldly culture around them and reflect the glory and beauty of Jesus Christ.

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He Must Increase but I Must Decrease

John the Baptist wore clothing of camel hair, a leather girdle, and ate locusts and wild honey. He was a thundering, odd-looking, prophet at the onset of the New Testament, but what can we learn from him today? 

One important statement he made was a demonstration of his humility. 

"He must increase, but I must decrease" 

(John 3:30, KJV).

Historical Context

John was replying to his disciples's concerns that the disciples of Christ were baptizing more people than John.

This would be a normal concern of any disciple in that day, in that their rabbi, i.e. teacher, was being outdone.

But John was not concerned about that. John understood who Jesus Christ was, and humbled himself saying that his own fame was not as important as Christ's exaltation. 

Faith Lesson

John's example reminds us of how we should view ourselves in light of Christ. 

As Christians, he showed us that what we do is not about us, but about magnifying Jesus Christ in any endeavor. 

Do we seek the glory of the Lord in what we do or do we tend to take the glory for ourselves when praise is given?

How often do we become tempted to glorify ourselves or protect our own images so that people will look upon us with admiration? 

John the Baptist showed us that it is not I but Christ who is more important.

Reflection

What things are you proud of in your life?

What things do you like others to see about you?

What things do you like to receive credit for?

What things do you like to use to impress others—to get them to look at you and say, "wow, you're good"?

Where/when do you fail to magnify the Lord?

Where can you decrease so the Lord may increase? 

Sharing

What are the personal implications of this message for you?

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How can going to church, praying, and helping others help fight depression?

Depression is looking inward at yourself. A person spends their time thinking about how bad things are for themselves. This persists to a point where they are pretty much consumed with their problem(s). Depression can isolate a person from the world and draw them into feelings of despair and hopelessness.

However, God did not create us to be alone but to live with others. So depression is a condition that contradicts God’s best for us. To help fight depression, God has given Christians these activities.

(1) When we look outside of ourselves by way of prayer to God, we naturally move from inward to outward. Praying is an opportunity to share your burden with God. The God of the Bible is the Creator of the universe (Genesis 1:1, Exodus 20:11) who not only cares for us (1 Peter 5:7), but with whom nothing is impossible (Genesis 18:14, Jeremiah 32:27, Luke 18:27). 

(2) When Christians go to church, they are surrounded by fellow believers who also struggle with similar problems. This is why we are called to fellowship with one another (1 John 1:3, Philippians 3:10). Fellowship implies a bond between people. The bond between believers is not only in and through Christ, but a bond of fellowship of sufferings in Christ (John 16:33, 1 Peter 4:12–13). 

When we are together in church, others can encourage us in our hardships (Philippians 2:3-4, 1 Thessalonians 5:11). It is also in church where we can hear the word of God taught and preached which may be used of God to build up our faith, encourage us, strengthen us, refresh us, and or give us the grace to continue on. So God tells us not to forsake church (Hebrews 10:25). 

(3) Finally, when we minister to (serve or help) others, we are naturally looking outside of ourselves at the needs of others. When we look at the needs of others, we are no longer thinking about ourselves. In fact the Lord tells us that when we do good to others we are doing good to ourselves (Proverbs 11:17). 

If you feel however, that your depression has you thinking about harming yourself or others, and you are a Christian, please communicate immediately with your pastor, church clergy, or biblical counselor. If the urge is overwhelmingly strong, contact an emergency hotline for assistance.

Written by Jerry Smith

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What Does the Bible Say About Women Being Pastors?

The Lord tells us in His word how He wants His church governed. Yet there are those who question or outright defy God's will for HIS church. And it is His church, bought with His blood (Acts 20:28). 

As such, He has the right to give instructions about what He wants for the body of Christ (1 Timothy 3:5, 1 Corinthians 14:37). Unfortunately, there are some who wish to impose their opinions, preferences, or political correctness onto the church by rejecting the word of God.

One of the most hotly rejected New Testament mandates is the subject of women not being permitted to be pastors, ministers, or other spiritual leaders of the church. 

Before going into an outline of the biblical bases for women not being permitted to lead churches, the following represent a few of the arguments proponents use for it and brief responses. 

Some people argue from Old Testament examples.

They forget that those were Old Testament examples. They were also exceptions to the norm. But the New Testament has no such traditions. 

Some people focus on the New Testament example of Aquila and Priscilla.

People like to talk about Aquila and Priscilla instructing Apollos (Acts 18:26). However, they forget that it was done privately and Aquila (a man) was also a part of it. 

In addition, there were no female apostles. They were men (e.g. Acts 1:21-23). No apostle was a woman.

Some argue about the culture of the New Testament times. 

Those who reject the word of God say these commands were cultural and that it is different now. However, they forget that these commands were given to the church. 

The commands to the church are extra-cultural. Paul did not qualify his remarks as being cultural. When people say that, they are attempting to twist word of God to suit their personal preferences. 

So is the word of God simply relative for all of us, can we attribute everything we do not like about the New Testament to "the culture of that day"? Can we just pick and choose what we will accept? If so, we make the word of God of no effect.

The word of God clearly states and clarifies with argument that women are subordinate to the authority of the man in the church (1 Timothy 2:11), that women are not to usurp authority of men in the church (1 Timothy 2:12), and that a man is to be a pastor (or bishop; 1 Timothy 3:1-2), i.e. lead the church. Those who teach otherwise are in disagreement with God's plainly revealed will for His church.

Outline

The following is an outline that provides scriptural bases for restricting women from the role of pastors or other spiritual leader of the Christian church. 

The assumption is that one would take the time to read the passages as they are written, clearly and plainly, and consider the point raised. The outline is based on Paul's own arguments for this restriction as written in the epistles. 

The conclusions tie it all together. If one approaches the word of God without preconceived notions, letting the word of God speak for itself, the points are valid as the will of God for the governance of His church. 

The Facts

1. Man and woman made equal in humanity (Genesis 1:26-27, Galatians 3:28).

2. Man and woman were made equal in humanity but not in order (Genesis 2:7; 1 Corinthians 11:8-9, 1 Timothy 2:13).

3. Man was given headship over the woman.

A. God gave the command to Adam (Genesis 2:16-17).

B. Woman made from Adam’s rib (Genesis 2:21-22).

C. Woman was made a help meet for man (Genesis 2:18,20). 

D. Woman was made for the man (1 Corinthians 11:9). 

E. Adam called her woman (i.e. Adam named her, Genesis 2:23; cf. Genesis 2:19).

F. God called for Adam in the Garden not Eve (Genesis 3:9).

G. God held Adam responsible for Eve’s action (Genesis 3:17, Romans 5:12).

i. However, Eve was held personally accountable (Genesis 3:16).

ii. Nevertheless, Adam failed to lead Eve in this matter.

a. A consequence of the fall: man would rule over the woman (cf. rule over, exercise lordship over, exercise authority over, Mark 10:42; Genesis 3:16; these appear to be more decrees or judgments, than curses.) That is, there would be conflict in the now fallen union (Ryrie 1994). But the fallen union can be restored in Christ by observing Ephesians 5:22, 25; cf. Mark 10:43-45).

H. In Christ, the man is the head of the wife (Ephesians 5:23).

4. The woman was deceived, not the man (Genesis 3:1-4, 1 Timothy 2:14).

5. The woman is called the weaker vessel (1 Peter 3:7).

A. Eve was beguiled by the serpent (2 Corinthians 11:3).

B. Why did the serpent go to the woman and not the man (Genesis 3:1-5)?

C. Carried away by teachings (i.e. changeable minds, prone to accept new teaching, swayed by impulses [Ryrie 1994], 2 Timothy 3:6-7).

The Church

1. Women in the church (prescriptive not descriptive, cf. 1 Corinthians 14:37).

A. Commanded to be silent (i.e. hold their peace, 1 Corinthians 14:34; i.e. be still and quiet, 1 Timothy 2:11-12).

i. A possible reference to prophesying or questioning (i.e. challenging) male speakers in 1 Corinthians 14:34, but it is clear in 1 Timothy 2:11-12 that women are to be silent in the church. Paul would not contradict himself.

B. Women are not permitted to speak (i.e. preach, rant, prolonged discourse; 1 Corinthians 14:34).

C. Women are not to teach men (1 Timothy 2:12).

i. Supported by order (Adam first, 1 Timothy 2:13; Ryrie 1994).

ii. Supported by transgression (Eve deceived, 1 Timothy 2:14; Ryrie 1994).

D. Women are not to usurp authority over a man (i.e. take authority from man, 1 Timothy 2:12).

i. Eve usurped Adam’s headship in Genesis 3:6 when she made the choice to eat the fruit instead of yielding to Adam’s authority and bringing it to his attention.

ii. Commanded to yield (submit) to the authority of her husband (1 Peter 3:1; See also: Ephesians 5:22,24; Colossians 3:18, 1 Corinthians 11:8-9, Genesis 2:18).

a. Implies disobedient, less mature, or even unsaved husbands (cf. 1 Peter 3:1).

b. By implication the minister of the word (cf. not to question the teacher, 1 Corinthians 14:34-35).

c. Should also be understood in the context of being obedient and submissive to pastors (cf. Hebrews 13:17, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, 1 Timothy 5:17)

d. Men should practice Ephesians 5:1-21 and 25-33 to avoid ruling over their wives (Genesis 3:16) and ease the burden for the woman.

F. Women may teach younger women (Titus 2:3-5).

i. May include male children up to a certain age (puberty).

ii. May teach men outside of the church (in the presence of her husband, cf. Acts 18:26).

G. Women are commanded to focus on the home and developing one another (Titus 2:3-5, cf. Proverbs 31:27).

Conclusions

1. Men should be encouraged to lead (in the church and at home).

2. Men should be given opportunities to lead (in the church and at home).

3. Men should be trained to lead in all areas (in the church and at home).

4. Men should govern their wives to maintain order in the church (1 Corinthians 14:40).

5. Women in the church are not to teach men, question (publicly challenge) teachers; nor given authority over men.

6. Women ought to encourage the man in his leadership role (cf. Ephesians 5:33).

7. Women should yield opportunities for the man to lead (cf. Ephesians 5:22).

8. Women should learn to submit to the leadership of their own husbands to maintain order in the church (1 Corinthians 14:40).

9. Women are to focus on the home and on developing one another.

Final Thoughts

Women are not second-class citizens in the kingdom of God. To the contrary, God says there is neither male nor female in Christ (Galatians 3:28). But that does not negate the order of creation nor His mandate for the governance of His church. 

Women can counsel others from the Bible, they can teach the Bible, and even speak to men about the truth of God's word, but these things are to be done in the proper context (i.e. informal settings, in homes, in social gatherings, in designated women's or children's classes within the church). 

However, the Bible is clear: when the church gathers, women are not to lead. They are to yield to the will of God, yield to the authority of the man, and humbly encourage men to be the leaders God made them to be. That means they must remain silent at times. 

Written by Jerry Smith

Image source: Photo by Diane Helentjaris on Unsplash

Why Giving Your Testimony When Evangelizing Is Biblical

The term testimony in a legal sense is a statement made under oath—one person, a witness, attesting to firsthand knowledge of that which is in question.

Testimony in the common sense is assertion of what a witness has seen, heard, handled, or experienced firsthand.

The Apostle John, in 1 John 1:1–4, gives readers a testimony to what he witnessed:

That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you...

The Apostle Peter, in 2 Peter 1:16–18, also gives testimony to what he witnessed:

...but were eyewitnesses of his majesty

The Lord, in Acts 1:8, gave a forth-telling of what would happen after He ascended:

...ye shall be witnesses unto me

Paul gave testimony of his encounter with Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus on at least two occasions as we read in the book of Acts (Acts 22:3–16, Acts 26:9–18). The Lord told Paul what He would do with Paul:

For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard” (22:15).

...for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen... (26:16).

It was a life-changing moment for Paul when he personally met the Lord Jesus Christ. And the Lord said that He would use Paul and Paul’s testimony to deliver the Gentiles from their sins (Acts 26:18).

The idea of giving a testimony has its roots in Acts 1:8 and continued with the apostles, and until now, people give their testimonies—their firsthand accounts of what Jesus Christ has done for them; how Jesus Christ saved them from their sins and made them whole.

Apparently, the Lord is pleased to use Christian testimonies in turning people from their sins to faith in Him.

Sadly, many Christians today vehemently focus only on Matthew 28:19–20 and neglect Acts 1:8. They are too busy making (or forcing) disciples, instead of nurturing their own relationships with the Lord. That appears to be part of the idea in Revelation 2:4 when the Lord rebuked the church of Ephesus.

This is why there must be a balance between teaching and sharing. People absolutely need the Word of God (cf. Romans 10:17, 1 Peter 1:23), but they also want to hear what the Lord has done in our lives.

These days, too many Christians talk a good talk but lack the witness of Jesus Christ in their lives—and the world sees it, and the name of God, His Son Jesus Christ, and Christianity are shamed by such contradictions (cf. Romans 2:24).

So, to answer you question more directly, the theological roots for giving one’s testimony are found with the Author and Finisher of our faith—the Lord Jesus Christ who shared His relationship with the Father. In turn, believers today testify of Christ in their lives, in spirit and in truth.

[END]

Written by Jerry Smith

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How You Can Share Your Christian Faith with More Confidence

Humanly speaking, a person can gain confidence through observation and repetition.

One excellent way to build confidence sharing your faith is by partnering with a more experienced Christian. Many churches today have tract distribution ministries, knocking on doors, street preaching, home Bible studies, and other similar activities. You could ask a more experienced believer to allow you to join him in one or more of these activities and mentor you. 

In time, you will gain confidence because you have observed how this person manages different circumstances. Soon, you can try being the lead on such occasions and your mentor can give you feedback.

One day, you will be able to share your faith with more confidence, whether in a group or privately with family, friends, colleagues, neighbors, or even strangers. You will have been trained to share the Gospel through observation and repetition.

Spiritually speaking, a Christian can gain boldness in sharing his faith through a personal relationship with Christ, prayer, filling with the Holy Spirit, and love for his neighbors.

1. A personal relationship with Jesus Christ

In Acts 1:8, the Lord told the disciples that they would be His witnesses throughout the world. One can only be a witness when they have witnessed something. 

If someone has never been saved himself, he cannot share with others his personal testimony. Paul shared his personal encounter with Christ on at least two occasions (Acts 22:3–15 and Acts 26:12–18). 

A believer who has had a personal encounter with Jesus Christ will naturally be a witness and want to tell others (e.g. John 1:40–42, John 4:28–30). 

However, as time goes by, the fire tends to dwindle and we lose our first love (Revelation 2:4), which is why we must continually nurture our relationship with Christ (cf. 2 Peter 3:18). 

2. Prayer

Paul asked that others pray for his boldness so he could make known the Gospel (Ephesians 6:19). The disciples in Acts 4:29–30 prayed for boldness to speak the word of God. 

Prayer for boldness along with open doors (Colossians 4:3) is an important element of sharing the Christian faith. 

3. Filled with the Holy Spirit

In Acts 1:8, the Lord told the disciples that they would receive power after the Holy Spirit came upon them and they would be His witnesses. On the Day of Pentecost, Peter and the other disciples fulfilled that statement when the Holy Spirit descended upon them and they spoke with great power (Acts 2). 

In another instance, the answer to the disciples’ prayer in Acts 4:29 was that they were filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 4:31) and spoke the word of God with great boldness. 

To gain more boldness to speak, seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit. 

4. Love for neighbors

The Lord tells us to love our neighbors as we love ourselves (e.g. Mark 12:31, Galatians 5:14, James 2:8). Sharing the Gospel with someone is an act of love. When you love your neighbor more than yourself, you will speak without fear of what you look like or sound like because the message is urgent. It is a life and death message.

When someone is trapped in a burning house, you do not consider your shyness—you tell him plainly how he can escape the fire. In Acts 19:8, Paul spoke boldly in the synagogues because he had a message to share with his fellow Jews whom he longed for to be saved (cf. Romans 9:3), not because he enjoyed the rejection. 

When we think of ourselves and our shyness, we are exhibiting self-centeredness, but when we look outward at the needs of others, we are no longer thinking of ourselves. You will realize that you have an urgent message people need to hear, and as the Lord opens doors, you will be ready to share it. Paul spoke plainly (2 Corinthians 3:12) because people needed to hear the message.

Conclusion

Humanly speaking, confidence can be developed through observation and repetition—putting yourself repeatedly in faith-sharing situations. 

Spiritually speaking, boldness to witness to others comes from a (close) personal walk with Jesus Christ, prayer, being filled with the Spirit, and loving your neighbors.

[END]

Written by Jerry Smith

Image source: https://www.istockphoto.com/portfolio/ryanjlane