Although it may seem overly dramatic to show the world destroyed and on fire, the fact is, in a spiritual sense, it is, and in a physical sense, it will be.

 

Everything we read in the Scriptures tells us we are living in a broken, ruined, sin-filled, and evil world. Even though our foremost enemy is invisible to us, the damage he and his legions have caused to mankind and the world we live in is incalculable. 

 

Wars and death and crime and human atrocities have permeated our history, and while it may look like things are improving, we’re told they will only get worse. More wars, more earthquakes, more floods, more lust, more families destroyed; the list goes on. Are these losses spiritual or physical? Both. And why? Two reasons really: first, because long ago, humankind disobeyed the Creator of a perfect and beautiful world, allowing sin to enter in, resulting in separation from God, degradation and death. Secondly, over thousands of years, sin and iniquity have multiplied exponentially, resulting in man’s abuse and destruction of resources, and God’s recurring judgement on mankind’s rebellion. Is there any hope? Yes there is.

 

In God’s infinite mercy and unconditional love, Jesus Christ came into this world to seek and to save that which was lost. He lived a perfect life, completely sinless, and willingly laid down His life, sacrificially making the payment for all sin, and to heal the brokenness between God and humankind. This is the hope for all of us: Jesus Christ, the Redeemer, the Messiah, the Promised One, the Savior of judgment-bound humanity. 

 

Of course, one would think that once this sacrifice has been made and God’s judgement has been satisfied, all would be well. It would be, except people are still human, each with a free will. Even though some have turned to Christ and given up their own will to be followers of Jesus, many have not. The ratio of unbelievers to believers is incredibly high, thus continuing the trend of rebellion, evil and destruction started long ago. But what about believers? Are they making an impact on the lost? Do they exercise the Power given to them at salvation? Have they learned how to live life as God has intended them to live?

 

That’s exactly what this book is all about:

 

To help believers enjoy the Freedom to Live the Abundant Christian Life. Why? So they can worship & glorify God in spirit and in truth & serve Him fully. How? By confessing and forsaking all sin, by breaking all addictions, by restoring surrendered ground, by ensuring salvation and walking daily with Christ, and by being filled with the Spirit.

 

To help believers Experience Full Forgiveness for themselves and all offenders. Why? Unforgiveness results in an inability to love; and includes bitterness, torments, bondage and illness. How? By understanding the relationship between true love and forgiveness, by learning of the mercy of God, by solving all bitterness, by learning the connection between unforgiveness and tormentors, and by experiencing the grace of God.

 

To help believers Have Complete Emotional Freedom. Why? Emotions impact every area of our lives and can prevent us from living healthy, happy, and productive lives. How? By solving all fears and rejection; by solving all jealousy and envy, by forsaking all iniquity, and by ending all rebellion and disobedience. 

 

To help believers Gain & Apply Wisdom to Everyday Living. Why? Wisdom helps us see life from God’s viewpoint; gives us discernment, allows us to make good decisions and choices. How? By learning about the Ways of God, by understanding the Fear of the Lord, by knowing the Word of God, and by comprehending the Law of God.

 

To help believers Search for Scriptural Answers to any Problem. Why? God’s Word is complete and contains the answers to all of life’s troubles and questions. How? By searching out and studying the testimonies of Scripture, by making prayer a priority, and by learning to meditate on God’s Word. 

 

To help believers create and Enjoy Meaningful Relationships. Why? To live with purpose (love and fellowship with God and others) and enjoy a clear conscience. How? By seeking first the Kingdom of God, by building new friendships, by practicing the 59 “One Another” commands; and by fellowshipping with other believers.

 

To help believers Become more Christ-Like. Why? The only “Christ” the lost will ever see in this world is the Christ they see in us. How? By becoming a follower (disciple) of Christ, by learning the 49 commandments of Christ, by defining and learning about righteousness and holiness, by learning more about the life of Christ, by growing in grace by following the Scriptural plan.

 

To help believers Become a Skilled Spiritual Warrior. Why? To have victory over the world, the flesh, and the devil. How? By learning the arenas of battle, by understanding the weapons of warfare, and by applying the steps to triumph.

 

While the book has eight chapters and numerous sub-chapters, the chapters aren’t sequential, therefore the reader can start anywhere their interest may lie, or start at the beginning and read straight through. 

 

I wrote this book for two reasons: first, over the past fifty years, I have personally experienced and witnessed far too many believers struggle to live a Christian life. I have personally witnessed far too many believers fall into sin and live in defeat. And I have personally witnessed far too many people who were serving in the ministry as pastors or evangelists just up and quit. This is both heartbreaking, as well as unacceptable.

 

Second, over five years ago God inspired me to write out the table of contents and some brief notes for this book, but then I got distracted with other things and put it on the backburner. I should have known this is a good way for the Lord to remove one’s distractions, until one can focus again on what God wants to accomplish. Therefore, I don’t recommend putting other projects or pleasures or travels or whatever ahead of the Lord. If the Lord leads you to do something, it’s probably best to make it your priority and do it.

 

My prayer is that God will use this book and these words to encourage you to live the life Jesus described in the Scriptures. That you will take advantage of and use the Power you already have to impact the world around you. That people will see a significant difference in you and in how you live; in your joy, in your rejection of sin and worldly choices and rebellion; and they will ask you about it. And that you will build and maintain an amazing relationship with your Creator, both now, and in preparation for the world to come. 

 

May Jesus Christ be praised and honored and glorified by all that we say, all that we think, and all that we do.

 

H.K. Holevinsky