Date: June 24, 2024

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, power, and dominion forever and ever, and to the Holy Ghost, who still abides in us. This week’s message emphasizes “That the Highway to Holiness is a Bitter Warfare.”

Remember this: Every step of the way will be easy as you walk on the highway of Holiness. The world, flesh, and the devil will oppose you at every turn. You may wonder why temptation and trouble are coming your way while you are on the highway to Holiness. These things come to try us and to purify us so that we may have eternal life. During the process of sanctification, sin will kill you spiritually and naturally. But we must be determined to continue walking on the Holiness highway. James 1:14-16 says, “Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.” You can overcome individual temptations, but you must be vigilant against sin patterns for the rest of your life. Anyone who thinks they are standing firm should be careful not to fall. Although individual fiery temptations can be extinguished, it won’t be easy.

We should anticipate facing challenges from the world, our own desires, and evil forces. This means we must put in the effort to lead a holy life. We can’t simply go with the flow; we must work hard. While our actions and deeds are essential for our growth, they are not the basis for our salvation. We do not progress in salvation; we are either saved or not. However, once we have been justified, we can make progress by relying on the power of the Holy Spirit to empower our efforts.

In conclusion, God brings us to the foot of the Cross to shatter our wills and reveal true brokenness. We witness His wounded Hands and Feet, His Face of Love crowned with thorns, and behold the complete brokenness of the One who declared, “Not my will, but Thine be done” (Luke 22:42) as He drank the bitter cup of our sin to its dregs. According to 1 Peter 2:9, we are a selected race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a people that God has chosen for himself. Our purpose is to declare the virtues of the one who has called us out of darkness and into his marvelous light.

We are called to work out our salvation with reverence and awe, knowing that “…with God, all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).

In His Service,

Bishop Dr. Calvin Worthem

General Chief Overseer/Senior Bishop