About me & My best friend

[specs]

Where do I start.
Well in the song words of Jesus Freak by DC talk I've adopted these  words " My best friend was born in a Manger".
To those that have read my testimony will understand why I'm very different from the norm I've been shot at, stabbed,put down a manhole, hit on the head with a hammer, but no matter how hard the devil and those that do his evil work tried I'm still alive today " this is why in my testimony I say all you need is faith, but getting back to me I had tried alcohol,drugs, and much more, and I'm not being arrogant Just that I know that as a christian  I stand by my values : Eph 6:13  Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. , and because I know where I stand in Gods kingdom I have very little time for the uninformed, but lots of love towards them, some might say I'm not practising patience,although I have been told I'm a very patient person,when Jesus died and rose again, Some Christians think he did it only for the Christian,but no He did it for mankind, and that includes Moslems, Hindus,Buduhists, I mention this because these people will never read our bible butr they are watching the Christians unfortunately some Christians act so bad these people cannot see the difference those in the world and Christians.
I am 52 years old now, and I really believe this the younger generation are going to take Chgristianity to another level our genenration could not do , I mention this because here in South Africa @ our church titheing is not an issue anymore the younger ones already know that we are only stewards of Gods blessing towards us so its no issue for them to impart the 10%.

One of your questions is a goal for myself.
personally I have been rich now I'm poor and you know what I've learnt to be content in both cases.
e.g I had 5 properties and 4 vehicles and my own business, now I rent a pad don't have wheels & work for a boss, but all my needs are met : Php 4:19  But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. , but in all this although the hammer blow has left me disabled I know Gods not finished & when thats finished then this scripture will be fulfillted in my life : Joel 2:25  And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you. , but THE MAIN GOAL is not JOs goal its Gods goal To get the whole world saved

Regards
JO

[nChrist]

Amen! - Thank you so much for sharing with us!

Many of our frequent forum users are disabled, including myself. I don't know of any of us who were ever rich by the standards of the world, but the Riches of Christ are far better.

I've met and conversed with quite a few from South Africa over the years, but I've never been there. I understand that South Africa is beautiful, and there are a lot of sweet Christians who live there. I've lived in Southwest Oklahoma just North of Texas all my life. My wife and I don't travel much except to see family in the States, but we don't have the money to travel much anyway.

By your description of yourself, you're still Rich in the things that matter most - the Riches of Christ. I look forward to having fellowship with you.

Love In Christ,
Tom

[specs]

Hi Tom.
Greetings to you & your wife from my self, in beautiful  & sunny South Africa we are now just going into summer(yippee) I dislike winter, and yes the other South African Christians are correct in saying this is a beautiful country Irrespective of what the media portrays(you know they allways focus on the negative.
My Senior Pastor is Ray McCauley maybe you've heard of him,but because he has one of the fastest growing churches in South Africa (and the media again only focused on the 100 MIL the church brought in, but they never mention how much goes out, soup kitchens, feeding 100 000 people a month, unwed mothers safe haven H.O.C. (Hands Of Compassion)where they school and feed many, but still the media focuses on the negative
Anyway Tom enough negative news next month Joel & Victoria Osteen are coming here maybe you could hitch a ride with them.

Tom you right I'm still very Rich because I'm still alive.
Tom I'd like to share something with you.
As you have read I'm 52, when I turned 50 I prayed & thanked God I had made50(exist) without God you just exist, and in my pray I said the next 50(living) I want to live (not exist) with You.

Yours in Christ.
JO

[nChrist]

Hello Jo,

I'm really not familiar with how the media portrays South Africa. From what I know, Christians are just about as safe in South Africa as they are in any other place in the world. I know the same isn't true for many parts of Africa and a growing number of places throughout the world.

I firmly believe that the time is growing near for Christ to Rapture His church Home to glory. Bible Prophecy tells us that things are going to get much worse for Christians and Jews, but Christians are already in the Hands of God. We know that this short life will be like the blink of an eye compared to Eternity with Christ. As Christians, we should give praise and thanks every day that this world isn't our Home - our citizenship is in Heaven. We await the Glorified Body God will give us at His Appointed time, and there will be an end to pain, sorrow, and tears. We also await our Inheritance as Children of the KING OF KINGS.

I feel exactly the way that you do. I can't imagine how bad this short life would be without Christ. I've read Romans 8 several times this week as a reminder of the precious and priceless things we have in Christ. We still have to live in this world a little bit longer, but God is with us every step of the way. Indeed, we are Children of the Light, and that Light is Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit of God also lives in our hearts as a guide and comforter, so we are rich beyond human imagination. I love to think about and study about God's Promises to us, and we know that God keeps all of His Promises perfectly.

I'm reminded of a beautiful portion of Scripture I'd like to share:

Matthew 6:19-21 KJV  Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:  20  But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:  21  For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.


Love In Christ,
Tom

Romans 8:14-18 KJV  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.  15  For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.  16  The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:  17  And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.  18  For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

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One Hundred Things That Are Free To Us By CHRIST!

Part 1 of 5

1.  ACCEPTED ---------- EPHESIANS 1:6  To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

2.  ALIVE WITH CHRIST ---------- COLOSSIANS 2:13  And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

3.  ASCENDED ---------- EPHESIANS 2:6  And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

4.  ADOPTED ---------- GALATIANS 4:5  To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

5.  AMBASSADORS ---------- 2 CORINTHIANS 5:20  Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

6.  ACCESS ---------- EPHESIANS 2:18  For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. & ROMANS 5:2  By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

7.  ALL THINGS ---------- I TIMOTHY 6:17  Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

8.  ANOINTED US ---------- 2 CORINTHIANS 1:21  Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;

9.  APPREHENDED ---------- PHILIPPIANS 3:12  Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

10.  APPOINTED ---------- 1 THESSALONIANS 3:3  That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.

11.  ATONEMENT ---------- ROMANS 5:11  And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

12.  AUTHORITY ---------- TITUS 2:15  These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

13.  ASSURANCE ---------- 1 THESSALONIANS 1:5  For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

14.  ABUNDANCE OF GRACE ---------- ROMANS 5:17  For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)

15.  BAPTIZED ---------- CORINTHIANS 12:13  For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

16.  BLESSED ---------- EPHESIANS 1:3  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

17.  BURIED ---------- COLOSSIANS 2:12  Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead

18.  BELOVED ---------- ROMANS 1:7  To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

19.  BUILDED TOGETHER ---------- EPHESIANS 2:22  In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

20.  CALLED ---------- ROMANS 8:30  Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

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21.  CHOSEN ---------- EPHESIANS 1:4  According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

22.  CIRCUMCISION ---------- COLOSSIANS 2:11  In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:

23.  COMPLETE ---------- COLOSSIANS 2:10  And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

24.  CONFORMED ---------- ROMANS 8:29  For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

25.  CRUCIFIED ---------- GALATIANS 2:20  I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

26.  COVERED ---------- ROMANS 4:7  Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.

27.  CONFIRMED ---------- 1 CORINTHIANS 1:7-8  So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:  8  Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

28.  CLEANSED ---------- EPHESIANS 5:26  That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

29.  CREATED ---------- EPHESIANS 2:10  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

30.  CONQUERORS ---------- ROMANS 8:37  Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

31.  CROWNED ---------- 2 TIMOTHY 4:8  Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

32.  DAUGHTERS ---------- 2 CORINTHIANS 6:18  And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

33.  DECLARED ---------- 2 CORINTHIANS 3:3  Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.

34.  DELIVERED ---------- 2 CORINTHIANS 1: 10  2 Corinthians 1:10  Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;

35.  ELECT OF GOD ---------- COLOSSIANS 3:12  Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering &  TITUS 1:1  Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;

36.  ENRICHED ---------- 1 CORINTHIANS 1: 5  That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;

37.  ESTEEMED ---------- PHILIPPIANS 2:5  Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

38.  ETERNAL ---------- TITUS 1:2  In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

39.  FAMILY ---------- EPHESIANS 3:14-15  For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,  15  Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,

40.  FELLOWHEIRS ---------- EPHESIANS 3:6  That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

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One Hundred Things That Are Free To Us By CHRIST!

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41.  FELLOWCITIZENS ---------- EPHESIANS 2:19  Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

42.  FELLOWLABOURERS ---------- PHILIPPIANS 4:3  And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.

43.  FELLOWSERVANT ---------- COLOSSIANS 4:7  All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:

44.  FELLOWSOLDIERS ---------- PHILIPPIANS 2:25  Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.

45.  FORGIVEN ---------- COLOSSIANS 2:13  And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

46.  FREEMAN ---------- 1 CORINTHIANS 7:22  For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.

47.  FURNISHED ---------- 2 TIMOTHY 3:17  That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

48.  GLORIFIED ---------- ROMANS 8:30  Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

49.  HABITATION ---------- EPHESIANS 2:22  In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

50.  HEIRS ---------- ROMANS 8:17  And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

51.  HOLY ---------- COLOSSIANS 3:12  Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

52.  HUSBANDRY ---------- 1 CORINTHIANS 3:9  For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.

53.  IN CHRIST ---------- ROMANS 8:1  There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

54.  INHERITANCE ---------- EPHESIANS 1:11  In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

55.  INSTRUCTED ---------- PHILIPPIANS  4:12  I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

56.  INTERCESSION ---------- ROMANS  8:26  Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.  ROMANS 8:34  Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

57.  FITLY JOINED TOGETHER ---------- EPHESIANS 4:16  From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

58.  JUSTIFIED ---------- ROMANS 3:24

59.  KNOWN OF GOD ---------- GALATIANS 4:9  But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?

60.  LOVED ---------- EPHESIANS 2:4  But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

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One Hundred Things That Are Free To Us By CHRIST!

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61.  MADE MEET ---------- COLOSSIANS 1:12  Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

62.  MEMBERS ---------- EPHESIANS 4:25  Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.  EPHESIANS 5:30  For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

63.  MESSENGERS ---------- 2 CORINTHIANS 8:23  Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.

64.  MIGHTY ---------- 2 CORINTHIANS 10:4  (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)  COLOSSIANS 1:29  Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

65.  MINISTERS ---------- 2 CORINTHIANS 3:6  Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.  2 CORINTHIANS 6:4  But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,

66.  NEW CREATURES ---------- 2 CORINTHIANS 5:17  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

67.  PARTAKERS ---------- EPHESIANS 3:6  That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:  1 TIMOTHY 6:2  And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.

68.  PEACE ---------- ROMANS 5:1  Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

69.  PLANTED TOGETHER ---------- ROMANS 6:5  For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

70.  POWER WORKING IN US ---------- EPHESIANS 1:19  And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

71.  PREDESTINATED ---------- EPHESIANS 1:5  Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,  &  EPHESIANS 1:11  In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

72.  PREPARED UNTO GLORY ---------- ROMANS 9:23  And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,

73.  PRESERVED ---------- 2 TIMOTHY 4:18  And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

74.  PURCHASED POSSESSION ---------- EPHESIANS 1:14  Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

75.  "QUICKENED ---------- EPHESIANS 2:5  Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;

76.  "RAISED ---------- EPHESIANS 2:6  And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

77.  RECONCILED ---------- ROMANS 5:10  For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

78.  REDEEMED ---------- GALATIANS 3:13  Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

79.  REGENERATION ---------- TITUS 3:5  Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

80.  RENEWED ---------- 2 CORINTHIANS 4:16  For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

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One Hundred Things That Are Free To Us By CHRIST!

Part 5 of 5

81.  RESURRECTED ---------- ROMANS 6:5  For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

82.  RICH ---------- 2 CORINTHIANS 6:10  As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.  2 CORINTHIANS 8:9  For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

83.  RIGHTEOUSNESS OF CHRIST ---------- 1 CORINTHIANS 1:30  But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:  &  2 CORINTHIANS 5:21  For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. & ROMANS 5:19  For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

84.  RISEN ---------- COLOSSIANS 2:12  Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.  & COLOSSIANS 3:1  If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

85.  ROOTED ---------- EPHESIANS 3:17  That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, & COLOSSIANS 2:7  Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

86.  SAINT ---------- ROMANS 1:7  To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.  1 CORINTHIANS 1:2  Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:

87.  SANCTIFIED ---------- I CORINTHIANS 6:11  And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

88.  SAVED ---------- EPHESIANS 2:8  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

89.  SEALED ---------- EPHESIANS 1:13  In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

90.  SEATED ---------- EPHESIANS 2:6  And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

91.  SOLDIERS ---------- 2 TIMOTHY 2:3-4  Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.  4  No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

92.  SONS ---------- ROMANS 8: 14  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

93.  STEWARDS ---------- 1 CORINTHIANS 4:1  Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

94.  TRANSLATED ---------- COLOSSIANS 1:13  Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

95.  TRIUMPH ---------- 2 CORINTHIANS 2:14  Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.

96.  VICTORIOUS ---------- 1 CORINTHIANS 15:57  But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

97.  VOCATION ---------- EPHESIANS 4:1  I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

98.  WASHED ---------- 1 CORINTHIANS 6:11  1 Corinthians 6:11  And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

99.  WISDOM ---------- 1 CORINTHIANS 1:30  But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

100.  WORKMANSHIP ---------- EPHESIANS 2:10  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.