Steps Toward Holiness

[Book of Jeremiah]

In this message Connie Giardano gives us 18 steps to Holiness. They are by no means complete but are meant to give us clear instruction based upon the Written Word of God in the Holy Bible as to how to be holy. .......without holiness no one will see the Lord.

Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
Luke 21:36


18 Steps To Holiness


"I find nothing in the Bible but holiness, and nothing in the world but worldliness. Therefore, if I live in the world, I will become worldly; on the other hand, if I live in the Bible, I will become holy."
- Smith Wigglesworth

The Apostle Peter admonished the Body of Christ in 1 Peter 1:14-16 in this manner - "As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."

Is it possible nowadays for people, in the midst of this "adulterous and sinful generation," to actually"be..holy" in their behavior, ways, or manner of life?

What about all the teachings in the Church at this present hour that say that we cannot help but sin in thought, word, or deed? Surely, these "Teachers" and "Preachers" don't agree with Peter's inspired words here. They actually do not believe that it is possible for anyone to live "holy." After all, they openly and boldly emphasize that we are still "sinners" saved by grace.

We may have been "sinners" at one time, but does the Bible still called the "Redeemed of the Lord""sinners"? Or does it now refer to us as "saints" - sanctified ones - "vessels of honor for God" - holy, separate, and set apart from this world for His use?

Would God be so oppressive and ironhanded as to command us to be "holy" and not give us the means to be so?

What Father would bid his children to do a task that is beyond their capability - without giving them the tools in order to get the job done?

If we, "being evil, know how to give good gifts," unto our children, how much more shall our Father in Heaven give us the means to obey His command to "be holy"?(Matthew 7:11)

In Psalm 119:9, the Psalmist asked a very relevant question - one that many are asking even in our day and time - "Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way?"

In other words, where can I go to get help in leading a pure and holy life?
Where can I find the power to resist temptation or to put to death the affections and lusts of my flesh?

The Word of God has the answer. In fact, the Word of God is the answer.

In this message, we will examine 18 Steps To Holiness. They are in no way exhaustive, but they will surely help to set and keep you on the right track.

They are as follows:

1. Make The Word Of God Your Rule

Psalm 119:9 - "Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to Thy word."

The #1 way to holiness is to make God's Word your rule for your life and conduct, govern yourself accordingly, and resolve to conform to it in every measure.

2. Seek God With Your Whole Heart

Psalm 119:10 - "With my whole heart have I sought Thee..."

With every affection of your heart - reserving none for any possible idols - follow hard after God. Continuously cry out to Him for more wisdom, strength, and a tender spirit.

3. Realize Your Weaknesses

Psalm 119:10 - "...O let me not wander from Thy commandments."
Psalm 119:25 - "My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken Thou me according to Thy word."

In order to stay in the path of duty, you have to realize your constant need for self-denial and restraint. You are prone to wander and err except for the Lord's intervention.

Your life is generally glued to or adheres firmly to that which is of this world - "dust." Earthly things and desires are unfailingly contesting to pull you away from your allegiance to Jesus.

It takes God's Word to strengthen and empower you to break away from these evil and worldly propensities.

4. Hide God's Word In Your Heart

Psalm 119:11 - "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee."

Like a secret power in operation at all times, the Word of God is constituted to act as a deterrent against all evil in your life. In order to do so, however, it must be layed up, treasured, or hoarded in your heart so that - at a moment's notice - it is available to respond to life's situation.

5. Magnify God As Your Source Of Strength

Psalm 119:12 - "Blessed art Thou, O LORD..."

God is to be praised as your One and Only Preserver from evil. Through His Word, He keeps you from falling.

6. Cry Out For Instruction

Psalm 119:12 - "...teach me Thy statutes."
Psalm 119:26 - "...teach me Thy statues."
Psalm 119:27 - "Make me to understand the way of Thy precepts..."
Psalm 119:19 - "...hide not Thy commandments from me."

Become more and more acquainted with Jesus' ways so that you can walk accordingly.

7. Tell Others What You Have Learned

Psalm 119:13 - "With my lips have I declared all the judgments of Thy mouth."
Psalm 119:27 - "...so shall I talk of Thy wondrous works."

Once you learn a principle, you are then responsible to share it with others so that they - in turn - will be able to walk uprightly. This practice will reinforce the teaching in your own heart.

18 Steps To Holiness
(continue reading the rest of the list and message at link above)

 

[HaShev]

Quote first line in:
"Connie Giardano gives us 18 steps to Holiness. They are by no means complete"

You admited none of this is "Shalem" (complete). So since you are seemingly polar opposite what is right and true, then common sense means steps to holiness=Shalem (the focus in the Holy City name for a reason).
Shalem=stability,completeness,wholeness
thus holds the name of the Holy one who is named in the Holy city.

One single word holds your answer yet you c0nfuse and make complicated with a large post of jibberish and subjective opinions.

 

[waltky]

Mebbe dat's why Uncle Ferd's g/f always sayin' 'Oh God!, oh God!' when dey havin' sex...

Having sex more often linked to increased spirituality, belief in God
Sep 29, 2016 - When supplied with a hormone released during sex called oxytocin, human males tend to become more spiritual and inclined towards God.

Many couples confess that sex provides relaxation and helps improve bonding between the partners. This is primarily because of release of a hormone called oxytocin during sex, which has now been linked to an increased spirituality and belief in God as well. A new study published in the journal Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience claims that middle-aged men tend to have more religious beliefs and increases spirituality when they are exposed to oxytocin, which is also known as "birthing" hormone as it helps induce contractions during delivery.

During the study, a team of scientists from the Duke University in North Carolina elevated the levels of oxytocin in middle-aged men. A large percentage of such males self-reported increased spirituality in measures specified by the team. In addition, the researchers noted that the effect of the hormone remained significant even after a week. The study also involved a control group that did not receive oxytocin. This group of subjects did not report higher levels of spirituality or an increased belief in God. On the other hand, the group of make subjects that received oxytocin reported feeling overly "positive" during meditation sessions.

While previous research has showed that meditation and spirituality have a positive impact on well-being and overall health of an individual, this is the first time that the researchers have tries to establish a connection between a biological factor and enhanced spirituality. The oxytocin recipients were more likely to be upfront in confessing that their life has a meaning and that they were now more spiritually-inclined than ever before. Their answers remained unchanged and true even when they were asked whether they belong to an organized religious group or not, according to The Independent.

In addition, the makes who received oxytocin were reported to have a flow of positive emotions, including inspiration, gratitude, hope, serenity, love and awe. The team thus found the first evidence that oxytocin may play a role in supporting spirituality.

Having sex more often linked to increased spirituality, belief in God