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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

 

Dear Rev. Graham: I go to a Bible study but live differently from my friends. They treat me like one of them but I’m really not; I just like being around them but I could never be like them. I wish I could change my lifestyle but it’s too hard. – C.L.

 

Dear C.L.: There’s only one way to have victory over sin: be so closely walking with Jesus that sin no longer abounds; it becomes the exception rather than the rule. When a person accepts Christ as Savior, He comes in and cleanses us from sin and sets us on a new pathway. His Spirit lives within us and gives us the strength to say no to sin.

Though Jesus is in Heaven, He sends His Spirit to guide and direct us. It is possible to walk with Him every moment of the day. We can know the thrill of waking up every morning to sense His presence and experience His peace throughout the day.

Walking is a term that often speaks of our conduct. Just as we say certain people “run with the crowd,” (meaning to do as they do), so those who belong to Christ walk with Him, endeavoring to behave in a way that pleases Him.

Because Jesus is Lord, He – by His Holy Spirit – gives us power over sin as we daily walk with Him. Some future day He will take us to be with Him, far from the very presence of sin (see Hebrews 9:28). Only if we have confessed our sins and received Him can He bestow on us the benefits of His forgiveness and the blessed assurance that we’ll walk with Him in eternal life.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)