27 August The Lord Is My Light Psalm 27:1 (AMP) “The Lord is my light and my salvation—Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the refuge and fortress of my life—Whom shall I dread?” Fear has a way of making our problems look bigger than they really are. When uncertainty surrounds us, we can easily focus on what might go wrong instead of remembering Who is with us. David begins this psalm with a powerful declaration: “The Lord is my light and my salvation.” Light means that God brings clarity when we cannot see the way forward. He guides us when the path seems uncertain and gives us hope when everything feels dark. Salvation reminds us that we do not have to rescue ourselves. God is our deliverer, our protector, and our source of strength. Then David asks, “Whom shall I fear?” This isn't saying that frightening situations will never come. It means that fear does not have to control us because God is greater than whatever stands before us. The Lord is also described as the “refuge and fortress” of our lives. A fortress is a place of safety and protection. When life feels overwhelming, we can run to God—not because we have all the answers, but because we know that He is faithful. Today, don't allow fear to have the final word. Let faith speak louder. Whatever you are facing, remember: The Lord is your light. The Lord is your salvation. The Lord is your refuge. The Lord is your fortress. If God is for you, you don't have to live intimidated by what is against you. Prayer Father, thank You for being my light when I cannot see the way, my salvation when I need deliverance, and my fortress when I feel weak. Help me to surrender every fear to You. Give me courage to face today with faith, knowing that You are with me and that I am safe in Your hands. Let Your presence be greater in my heart than every fear around me. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Today’s Declaration “The Lord is my light and my salvation. I will not live in fear. The Lord is my refuge and my fortress, and I will trust Him with everything I face today.”

Devotion: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 “My grace is all you need, for my power is greatest when you are weak.’ I am most happy, then, to be proud of my weaknesses, in order to feel the protection of Christ’s power over me. I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” We are nothing compared to Christ. It would do us well to remember that we are, after all, God’s creations, and while He made us in a perfect way, we live in an imperfect and sinful world, a world that we often find seductively attractive and even drawn to. God made us perfect, but we, because of our human nature tend to tread a wider road than the one He intends for us. We always want the ‘easy’ way out. This ‘easy’ way often involves atrocious acts, things that we never thought we’d be capable of. This is our weakness, our human nature, but luckily for us, we serve a powerful God. * God is infinitely more powerful than weak man – Daniel 4:35: “He looks on the people of the earth as nothing; angels in heaven and people on earth are under his control. No one can oppose his will or question what he does.” * Man was born weak – Job 14:1-2: “We are all born weak and helpless. Alle lead the same, short, troubled life. We grow and wither as quickly as flowers; we disappear like shadows.” * God is all powerful – Jeremiah 32:27: “I am the LORD, the God of the whole human race. Nothing is too difficult for me.” * God holds our lives in His hands – Job 12:10: “It is God who directs the lives of his creatures; everyone’s life is in his power.” * God will show mercy to all so that His Name can be glorified – Acts 10:35: “Those who worship him and do what is right are acceptable to him, no matter what race they belong to.” * In our weakness we have received redemption, sowe owe our life to God – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20: “You do not belong to yourselves but to God; he bought you for a price. So use your bodies for God’s glory.” Do you understand that your weakness is proof of God’s glory? Do you know your trials and troubles are proof of His patience and mercy? They are not punishment for a worldly life, they are tests that each Christian must endure to prove his worth. Are you prepared to take up your cross, carry your burden, and show the world that you can thrive in the Name of the Father? More reading: Isaiah 40:15-22; Psalm 103:14; Matthew 19:26 #2Corinthians12 #Ourweakness #GodsPower #Faith

TODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS: SERMON TOPIC: THE REAL REASON BARABBAS WAS SET FREE AND NOT JESUS. Main Text: Matthew 27:15–26; Mark 15:6–15; Luke 23:13–25; John 18:38–40 There are moments in Scripture that make us stop and ask, “How could this happen?” Jesus was innocent. Barabbas was guilty. Jesus healed the sick. Barabbas was a criminal. Jesus preached love, forgiveness, and the Kingdom of God. Barabbas was associated with rebellion and violence. Yet the crowd shouted: “Release Barabbas!” And concerning Jesus: “Crucify Him!” It looks like injustice won. But here is the deeper truth: Barabbas was not simply released because Jesus lost the argument. Barabbas was released because Jesus was going to take his place. The story of Barabbas is actually a picture of the Gospel. Barabbas represents the guilty sinner. Jesus represents the innocent Savior. Barabbas walked away free because Jesus walked toward the cross. And that is the mystery of grace: The guilty goes free because the innocent One takes his place. 1. BARABBAS WAS GUILTY, BUT JESUS WAS INNOCENT Pilate examined Jesus and repeatedly found no sufficient reason to condemn Him. Luke 23:22 says: «“I have found no reason for death in Him.”» Jesus was innocent. But Barabbas had committed serious crimes. Mark 15:7 tells us that Barabbas had been involved in rebellion and murder. So, humanly speaking, the choice should have been obvious. But the crowd chose Barabbas. Why? Because the cross was not an accident. Jesus had already declared that He came to give His life for others. Mark 10:45 says: «“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”» Jesus knew why He came. He came to become the substitute. Spiritual Insight Sometimes we ask, “Why did Jesus have to die?” The answer is partly found in Barabbas. Someone had to bear the consequence of sin. And Jesus willingly took that place. 2. BARABBAS RECEIVED WHAT JESUS DESERVED This is the shocking part of the story. Barabbas deserved punishment. Jesus deserved no punishment. Yet Barabbas walked out of prison. Jesus walked toward Golgotha. Barabbas went free. Jesus was condemned. Barabbas was released. Jesus was crucified. This is substitution. The guilty person goes free because the innocent person takes his place. Isaiah 53:5 declares: «“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities.”» Notice the language: Our transgressions. Our iniquities. Our punishment. The cross was personal. Jesus was not dying because He had sinned. He was dying because we had sinned. Think About This Barabbas probably did not understand everything that was happening. He may have walked out of that prison wondering how he escaped death. But we know something he may not have understood: Another Man died in his place. And spiritually, that is our story. We were guilty. Christ took our place. 3. THE RELEASE OF BARABBAS REVEALS THE DEPTH OF GOD'S GRACE Grace is not God pretending that sin does not matter. Grace is God dealing with sin through the sacrifice of Christ. Romans 5:8 says: «“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”» That means Jesus did not wait for us to become perfect before He loved us. He loved us while we were still sinners. Barabbas did not earn his freedom. He did not negotiate his release. He did not pay the governor. He simply received an unexpected release. That is grace. Grace is receiving what you could never earn because someone else paid the price. You cannot boast about salvation. You cannot say, “I saved myself.” No. Jesus saved you. 4. THE CROWD CHOSE BARABBAS, BUT GOD WAS WORKING THROUGH THE CROSS The crowd thought they were making the final decision. But heaven had already established a redemptive purpose. Acts 2:23 says that Jesus was delivered according to the “determined purpose and foreknowledge of God.” This does not mean the people were innocent. Their choices were still sinful. But God was able to accomplish His redemptive plan through what sinful people intended for evil. This is one of the mysteries of God's sovereignty. People thought: “We are getting rid of Jesus.” God was accomplishing: “I am providing salvation for humanity.” The cross looked like defeat. But it became victory. The grave looked like the end. But resurrection was coming. Never Judge God's Work Too Early There may be seasons in your life when everything looks like it is going in the wrong direction. But remember Calvary. Friday looked like defeat. Sunday revealed the victory. Do not conclude the story while God is still writing it. 5. BARABBAS IS A PICTURE OF EVERY SINNER WHO RECEIVES SALVATION We often read the story and say: “Why did they release Barabbas?” But there is another question: “What if I were Barabbas?” What if you were the one sitting in that prison? What if you knew punishment was coming? What if you knew you were guilty? Then suddenly, the story becomes personal. Barabbas walked out because Jesus took his place. And every person who comes to Christ in genuine faith can say: “I deserved judgment, but Christ took my place.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 says: «“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”» That is the Gospel. Jesus took our place so that we could receive His righteousness. BIBLICAL CASE STUDY: THE CROSS Look at the sequence. Barabbas: Guilty. Jesus: Innocent. Barabbas: Imprisoned. Jesus: Free. Barabbas: Released. Jesus: Condemned. Barabbas: Walked away. Jesus: Walked toward the cross. Barabbas: Lived because another died. Believers: Receive eternal life because Christ died and rose again. The cross is therefore more than a religious symbol. It is the place where justice and mercy met. Justice says sin must be dealt with. Mercy says sinners can be saved. At the cross, Jesus bore the judgment so that mercy could reach us. PRACTICAL LESSONS FOR CHRISTIANS. 1. Never take salvation for granted. You were not saved because you were better than someone else. You were saved by grace. Therefore, remain humble. 2. Stop trying to earn God's love You cannot work your way into salvation. Serve God because you love Him, not because you are trying to purchase His acceptance. 3. Forgive others If Christ has forgiven you, you must learn to extend forgiveness to others. 4. Live like someone who has been set free Barabbas walked out of prison. The believer has also been delivered from the dominion of sin. Do not keep living like a prisoner when Christ has made you free. 5. Tell someone about Jesus Your testimony may be simple: “I was guilty, but Jesus took my place.” That is powerful enough. QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION 1. Have I truly understood what Jesus accomplished for me on the cross? 2. Am I trying to earn God's acceptance instead of receiving His grace? 3. Do I live like someone who has been set free? 4. Have I truly repented of my sins? 5. Who can I tell about the saving grace of Jesus Christ? 6. Do I extend to others the same mercy I have received from Christ? POWERFUL PRAYER POINTS 1. Prayer of Thanksgiving Father, thank You for sending Jesus Christ to take my place. Thank You for Your mercy and grace. I will never take my salvation for granted. In Jesus' name, Amen. 2. Prayer of Repentance Lord Jesus, forgive me for every sin, disobedience, pride, and rebellion in my life. Cleanse me and help me walk faithfully with You. Amen. 3. Prayer for Freedom Every chain of sin, addiction, fear, and spiritual bondage in my life, break in the name of Jesus. I declare that whom the Son sets free is free indeed. Amen. 4. Prayer for Grace Father, help me to understand the depth of Your grace and to live every day with gratitude for what Christ has done for me. Amen. 5. Prayer for Others Lord, use my life to bring other Barabbases to Jesus—people who feel condemned, rejected, broken, and far from You. Let my testimony point them to the cross. Amen. DEEP SPIRITUAL TRUTH Here is the heart of the message: Barabbas was released, not because he was innocent, but because another took his place. And that is the Gospel. We are not saved because we are perfect. We are saved because Jesus is perfect. We are not accepted because we deserve it. We are accepted because Christ paid the price. We are not standing before God because of our righteousness. We stand because of His righteousness. The cross says: “Your sin is serious, but God's grace is greater.” CALL TO ACTION Today, do not simply admire the story of Barabbas. See yourself in it. You were guilty. Christ took your place. You were condemned. Christ bore the condemnation. You were far from God. Christ opened the way back to the Father. The question is not merely: “Why was Barabbas released?” The deeper question is: “What will I do with the Jesus who took my place?” Will you continue living for yourself? Or will you surrender your life completely to Him? Will you keep returning to the prison of sin? Or will you walk in the freedom Christ purchased for you? Jesus took your place. Now give Him your life. «“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” — John 8:36» You are not free because you were innocent. You are free because Jesus became your substitute. THE CROSS WAS HIS PLACE. THE FREEDOM WAS YOURS. THE SACRIFICE WAS HIS. THE GRACE IS YOURS. Come to Jesus. Remain in Jesus. Live for Jesus. And tell the world about Jesus. Amen. Give your life to Jesus by joining a Bible believing Church near you. You can get inspirational ebooks from my selar/amazon shops below https:/selar.com/m/umoh-edem1 https://selar.com/m/umoedem https://www.amazon.com/author/umohedembooks CONTACT - WhatsApp +2349024173027, +2349055447540 Email pastor.umoedem@gmail.com https://afrikdp.com/author/umohedem-9128 https://www.facebook.com/share/14futvERWUD/

Verse for Thursday, August 27 Zechariah 2:11 11 “Many nations will be joined with the LORD in that day and will become my people. I will live among you and you will know that the LORD Almighty has sent me to you.

IF YOU HAVE JESUS, YOU HAVE LIFE ”And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son (1 John 5:11).” Christianity is the unveiling of a present reality: Christ in you; His life, glory, righteousness, wisdom, dominion and grace unveiled and revealed in and through you. This is real. Christianity isn’t a religion. It’s the very life and nature of God imparted to you in Christ and lived through the power of the Holy Spirit. This life isn’t something you’re going to get when you get to heaven. The Apostle John states it as a present truth in our opening scripture: “...God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” Then he continues in the 12th verse, “He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” This is absolute. You can’t have eternal life any other way. If you have Jesus, you have it. Read His words in John 17:3 “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” He had said earlier in John 5:24, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” Then He made a most profound declaration in the 26th verse, “For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself.” This helps to understand why Jesus is, Himself, eternal life and the only One who can give it: _*“…we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life” (1 John 5:20). Remember His words in John 14:6, _*“…I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Being born again, you’ve come to the Father through Jesus Christ and have received His life. Therefore, be ever conscious of His divine life in you (1 John 5:13). Let it go beyond doctrine to consciousness and experience. Eternal life is what makes you superior to Satan and the limitations of this world. It’s why you have the capacity to live above sin, sickness and death, and live from God instead of trying to reach Him. FURTHER STUDY: 1 John 5:11-13 (KJV) ”And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” Colossians 1:26-27 (NIV) ”the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” 1 John 5:20 (NIV) ”We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.”

👣 Live a life that points others to Christ. 📲 Share this with someone who needs encouragement to walk as a godly example. #Philippians317 #FollowChrist #BeAnExample #GodlyLiving #WalkInFaith #ChristLikeCharacter #FaithInAction #ChristianLiving #FaithInChrist #Lordsbook

Across the miles, the serpent king sat straight up, alarm going through him. But as it was information heavily guarded by heaven, all he knew was, someone, somewhere, had made a kingdom decision, and it meant people would be freed. His anger burned within him. It was time to up the game… The Serpent King wasn’t about to let that happen. Even as the bible study was wrapping up, he instructed his army to utilize every human wound, fear, and need, to find the tiniest crack in any of their armor. He’d long known the weak points in men and women, and those who served the creator were no exception. They never changed. Every man needed to feed his appetites, and with the right persuasion, or situation, he could reach them all. He knew too, that if you toppled the leaders, it took out the army. When men lost faith in the ones they followed, they almost always came straight to him. He laughed in glee, as he began to stoke the fan of Jake’s pain, desire, and long suppressed needs. He now had a chance to reach Maggie and several others, as years of determination to live for the one every fallen one hated, were wiped away by the devastation she’d endured the last few days. Her love for Jake, and his for her—within the confines of their pain—while given by the creator, was his area of attack. It gave him utmost pleasure to use the gifts of the Most-High to damage and turn His sons and daughters against Him. The battle had begun as the serpent king declared war on the children of the book… but the children were filled with His spirit… and His love… The guardians watched, concerned. Father had shown them what must be done… and Jake was about to be put in the crucible in a way he never had been. It would start tonight, when he’d have to face something he’d long repressed. They already knew the enemy would use it to the fullest, but Father had decreed the time was now, and his guardian had been given strict orders to see that it happened—while the rest of them had been instructed to make sure the enemy couldn’t stop it. They knew it was only the start of stripping him, and several others, down to the bone, so they could be strengthened and honed for the coming battle… a battle that wouldn’t stop until the end… Prepare For The End A saga of human resilience, and determination to fulfill their God-given tasks, and push back the powers of darkness to the very end. And the darkness’ desire to destroy them all. Find out what it’s all about today:

THURSDAY 27TH AUGUST 2026 IGNITE YOUTH DEVOTIONAL Topic: Don't Spend Money Just to Look Rich Bible Reference One who has no sense shakes hands in pledge and puts up security for a neighbour. Proverbs 17:18 (NIV) A Short Story Michael had recently started working, and for the first time in his life, he had a regular income. He was excited because he could finally afford some things he had wanted for a long time. However, he soon became more interested in looking successful than in becoming financially stable. Whenever he saw his friends buying expensive phones, clothes, shoes, and watches, he felt uncomfortable using the things he already had. He wanted people to see that he was also doing well. One weekend, he spent almost half of his salary on a new phone because he wanted to take better pictures and appear more successful on social media. A few weeks later, his friends invited him to an expensive outing. Michael did not have enough money, but he did not want to admit it. He borrowed money from someone and joined them. After that, he borrowed again to buy clothes for another event. Before long, a large part of his monthly income was going into things he did not really need. One evening, Michael needed money for an important personal expense, but his account was almost empty. He looked around his room and realised that he had many expensive things but very little savings. His phone was new, his clothes were impressive, and his pictures looked good online, but financially, he was struggling. That experience made him realise something important. He had been spending money to convince other people that he was doing well instead of actually building a stable life. Michael decided to change. He began budgeting his income, reducing unnecessary spending, saving regularly, and buying things because he needed them rather than because he wanted people to notice him. It took time, but he eventually became more financially responsible. Today's Message Money is an important part of life. Whether you are a student, employee, business owner, apprentice, minister, or young professional, you will have to make decisions about money. How you handle money today can affect your future. One of the biggest financial mistakes young people make is spending money to impress other people. You buy clothes you cannot afford because you want people to notice you. You buy an expensive phone because you do not want anyone to think you are struggling. You spend heavily at parties because you want your friends to see you as generous. You take loans for things you do not need simply because you want to maintain a certain lifestyle. There is nothing wrong with looking good or enjoying the good things you can genuinely afford. The problem begins when appearance becomes more important than wisdom. You do not have to look rich to be successful. Some people have expensive phones but no savings. Some drive good cars but are deeply in debt. Some wear expensive clothes but cannot handle an unexpected financial problem. Social media can make people feel pressured to look successful even when they are struggling privately. Do not build your life around people's opinions. Proverbs 21:20 says, The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down. Wisdom includes knowing how to keep some of what you earn instead of spending everything immediately. If you earn money, learn to budget. Know what comes in and what goes out. Separate your needs from your wants. Save something, even if it is small. Learn a skill that can increase your income. Avoid unnecessary debt. Be careful about borrowing money simply to maintain an appearance. You also need to understand that your value does not come from what you own. Your phone does not determine your worth. Your clothes do not determine your importance. The car you drive does not determine your future. The number of people who like your pictures does not determine your success. You are valuable because God created you and gave your life purpose. There is nothing shameful about starting small. If you cannot afford something, you do not need to pretend that you can. If you are still building your career, be honest about your season. If your business is still growing, do not spend all your profit trying to look successful. Build quietly. Learn. Save. Invest in yourself. Grow your income. Support your family wisely. Give to God faithfully. Prepare for the future. One day, you may be able to afford the things you desire without destroying your financial stability to get them. Remember that financial maturity is not simply about earning more money. It is also about knowing what to do with the money you already have. Do not let pressure from friends, social media, relationships, or society push you into financial decisions you will regret later. It is better to live within your means today and build a stronger future than to impress people today and struggle tomorrow. What To Do Today 1. Look at your spending from the past week and identify one unnecessary expense you can reduce. 2. Create a simple budget for the money you currently receive. 3. Start saving something regularly, even if the amount is small. 4. Before buying something expensive, ask yourself whether you need it, can afford it, and whether it will help your future. Prayer Lord, give me wisdom to handle money responsibly. Deliver me from the desire to impress people with things I cannot afford. Teach me discipline, contentment, patience, and good financial habits. Help me to use the resources You give me wisely, to prepare for the future, to help others, and to honour You with my finances. Give me the wisdom to build a stable life instead of living for appearances. In Jesus' name, Amen. Daily Challenge Before spending money today, ask yourself three questions: Do I need it? Can I afford it? Will this decision help or hurt my future? Do not spend to impress people. Build a life that is genuinely strong, not merely one that looks successful. ©️ Anthony Ijere Christian Author and Revivalist

There is a difference between being saved and living as a disciple of Jesus—and understanding that difference can completely change how we approach the Christian life. https://patrickryanlewis.com/2026/08/25/saved-by-grace-called-to-follow-the-difference-between-salvation-and-discipleship/ Salvation is a gift. We are saved by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not because we have worked hard enough, behaved well enough, or earned God's acceptance. But salvation is not the end of the journey. Jesus calls those He saves to follow Him. “If anyone will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” — Luke 9:23 MEV Discipleship is the daily decision to surrender our plans, habits, relationships, priorities, attitudes, and desires to Jesus. We don't obey Christ to earn salvation. We obey because we belong to the One who saved us. Salvation changes our standing before God. Discipleship changes the way we live. Salvation rests on what Christ has done. Discipleship responds to what Christ has said. The question isn't only, “Am I saved?” We should also be asking: “Am I actually following Jesus?” Read the new blog: Saved by Grace, Called to Follow: The Difference Between Salvation and Discipleship #Salvation #Discipleship #FollowingJesus #SavedByGrace #ChristianLiving #Faith #JesusChrist #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianFaith #BibleTeaching #FollowJesus #GraceThroughFaith

Romans 6: "1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin. 8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: 9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. 10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. 11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. 12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. 15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. 16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? 17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. 19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. 20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. 21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. 22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. 23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."