Pensacola Helene Jefferson's Blog, page 11

REPENT AND RETURN TO THE JOY OF YOUR SALVATIONPSALM 51...

 

REPENT AND RETURN TO THE JOY OF YOUR SALVATION

PSALM 51

“…You have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God’s GRACE…” (Galatians 5:4 NLT).“... IN LATTER TIMES “SOME” SHALL [CHOOSE OR DECIDE TO] ...DEPART FROM the [CHRISTIAN] ... FAITH !!!!...” (1 Timothy 4:1-3 KJV). “...Take heed, BRETHREN, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God...” (Hebrews 3:12 KJV). “...If ye continue in the faith ... and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel ...” (Colossians 1:22-23 KJV).

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 “... When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought [spiritual] ... death, so [spiritual] ... death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned (is born without the indwelling Holy Spirit) ... But there is a great difference between Adam’s sin and God’s gracious gift. For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought [spiritual] death to many. But EVEN GREATER is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ. And the result of God’s gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man’s sin. For Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God (being restored, reunited with the Holy Spirit again), even though we are guilty of many sins. For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused ... [SPIRITUAL] ... death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ...” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT). “… my righteous servant (Jesus) ... [made]... it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT).  

All lost and imprisoned SOULS, upon earth, can be RESTORED and REUNITED to God, the HOLY SPIRIT, by receiving his PLAN of SALVATION through JESUS CHRIST. “…[He sent the ] …one … who can reconcileGod and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT). “…Jesus Christ maketh thee whole (SAVES, RESTORES , AND MAKES YOU WHOLE YOU AGAIN)…” (Acts 9:34 KJV). “…[Choosing to]… receive the wordimplanted,which is able to SAVE YOUR SOULS….” (James 1:21 NASB).

By the POWER of the Word of GOD, The Holy SPIRIT AND the soul CAN REUNITE. “… [The] Good News about Christ (GOD, the WORD)… It is the power of God at work, saving  everyone who believes (WHO DEPENDS UPON HIS WORD)…” (Romans 1:16 NLT). “…[JESUS, THE WORD,  IS THE] …one… who can reconcileGod and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).“…Jesus Christ maketh thee whole (AGAIN)…” (Acts 9:34 KJV).

When the SOUL is reunited with the Holy SPIRIT, through the POWERFUL Word of GOD, it is MADE WHOLE. “…Jesus Christ maketh thee whole (AGAIN)…” (Acts 9:34 KJV).

When the SOUL is made WHOLE it is because it has been REUNITED with the Holy SPIRIT again. It is like a marriage, but GREATER, because instead of becoming “one flesh” the SOUL has become ONE SPIRIT” with God, the Holy Spirit, again.   “…He [or she]… that is joined unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT….” (1 Corinthians 6:17).

The SOUL and body (sinful nature) could ONLY experience NATURAL LIFE, but REUNITING with the SPIRIT (God, the Holy Spirit) empowers the SOUL to experience spiritual LIFE too!  “…the Holy Spirit gives birth to (or restores) SPIRITUAL LIFE…” (John 3:6 NLT).  God is a “…restorer of thy life…” (Ruth 4:15 KJV). “…He restoreth my SOUL…” (Psalm 23 KJV). “…The law of the LORD (the WORD of God) is perfect, restoring the SOUL…” (Psalm 19 NASB). “….He (the WORD OF GOD) restoreth my soul….” (PSALM 23:1-3 NLT). “…I (God, the holy spirit) will restore…” (Jeremiah 30:17 KJV).  “….Jesus Christ (the WORD of GOD) maketh thee WHOLE (AGAIN)…” (Acts 9:34 KJV). “... and man became a living soul …” (Genesis 2:7 KJV).

The SOUL reunited with the Holy SPIRIT empowers the covenant relationship and the SOUL develops a renewed AFFINITY, DESIRE, and INTIMACY toward and with God, the Holy Spirit. “... You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly; My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You...” (Psalms 63:1 NLT).

The SOUL is NO LONGER left to itself, because it is UNITED with the Holy SPIRIT. The SOUL has BEEN liberated from the prison of the SINFUL nature. The SOUL is FREED from sin and FREE to live in the uniquely intimate covenant relationship with God, the Holy Spirit, again.   “….Jesus Christ (the WORD of GOD) maketh thee WHOLE (AGAIN)…” (Acts 9:34 KJV). “... and man became a living soul…” (Genesis 2:7 KJV). “... [You have been] made free from sin….” (Romans 6:18 KJV). “If the Son therefore shall make you free, you SHALL be free indeed” (John 8:36 KJV). “…where the Spirit (Holy Spirit) of the Lord is, there is liberty (freedom)...” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV).

THE COVENANT BLISS BETWEEN GOD, the Holy Spirit, AND THE REDEEMED SOUL CAN BE “fully” ENJOYED!“…his divine power hath given unto [THEM]...ALL THINGS that pertain unto life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV).

“…BLESSED be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who HATH blessed [THE REDEEMED SOUL]... with all spiritual blessings … in heavenly places in Christ…” (Ephesians 1:3 KJV).

“... Every good GIFT and every perfect GIFT is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights…” (James 1:17 KJV). “…A man (woman) can receive nothing, except it BE GIVEN him from heaven…” (John 3:27 KJV). “… “…The LORD SHALL GIVE that which is good [to his REDEEMED]…” (Psalms 85:12 KJV). “…What do[es the REDEEMED] ... have that God hasn’t given ...[them]? (1 Corinthians 4:7 NLT). The REDEEMED are “…those[who have been given GIFTS from heaven, and] ...have [also]... experienced the good things of heaven …” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT).

“... Every good GIFT and every perfect GIFT is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights…” (James 1:17 KJV). “…Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable GIFT(S)…” (2 Corinthians  9:16 KJV).

“…[People will]… know (witness) that everything [the REDEEMED SOUL has]… IS A GIFT “FROM” [God]…” (John 17:6-9 NLT). “…by the GRACE of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV). 

When God, the Holy Spirit SHARES his spiritual life with the REDEEMED SOUL: he REVEALS himself to them, he CONFIRMS his Word to them, and he ESTABLISHES himself as the Lord their God! “…so [they]... will know that [HE “IS”] the Lord…” (Exodus 10:1-2 NLT). “…Then [their]... will know that [he is] the Lord your God…’” (Exodus 16:12 NLT).

God is WONDERFULLY good and gracious to his REDEEMED PEOPLE. He is an AWESOME God to them in multiple ways.  “…[God, the Holy Spirit, is]…[their] rock and [their]fortress, [their] deliverer, [their] GOD, [their] rock, in whom [the redeemed can] … take refuge; [their] shield and the horn of [their] salvation, [their]stronghold.…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB).

“…God is...[their unconditional and everlasting]... LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “… [Nothing]…will be able to separate ...[the REDEEMED]... from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord…” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB).

“...[God, the Holy Spirit, says: I AM]... GOOD…there is none good but one, that is, God[, THE HOLY SPIRIT]...” (Nahum 1:7 & Mark 10:18 KJV).

“…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “...[GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT]...careth for [his redeemed people]...” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “...God is faithful [to his REDEEMED PEOPLE]...” (1 Corinthians 1:9 KJV). “… he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT).

 God HEALS the REDEEMED. “…  I ...am your healer…” (Exodus 15:26). GOD HELPS THE REDEEMED. “…He helps me …” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). GOD IS A COMFORTER to the REDEEMED. “…they shall be comforted. ….” (Matthew 5:3-11 KJV).

“…God is the one who provides (for the REDEEMED)…” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV). “… God will supply all [the needs of the REDEEMED]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB).

“… [God] … will keep in perfect peace all (the redeemed) who trust in … [him] … all (the redeemed) whose thoughts are fixed on … [him!]...” (Isaiah 26:3 NLT). “…The Lord is “my” shepherd  (the shepherd of the redeemed)...” (PSALM 23:1-3 NLT). “… “Never will I leave you (the redeemed); never will I forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV).

“… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  “Jesus Christ (god’s word) is the sameyesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV).

“… I the LORD am...[the]...Saviour ...[of the REDEEMED]…” (Isaiah 60:16 KJV). “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).

Nonetheless, “... [there will “still” be] ... those who have ... shared in [the covenant relationship with God,]... the Holy Spirit  … and ... then...[willfully choose]... turn away from God...” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT).

“... IN LATTER TIMES “SOME” SHALL [CHOOSE OR DECIDE TO] ...DEPART FROM the FAITH !!!!...” (1 Timothy 4:1-3 KJV). “…  and whothen ...[CHOSE TO] ... turn away from God …” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT). “...Take heed, BRETHREN (the redeemed (male & female), lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God...” (Hebrews 3:12 KJV). “...If ye ...[CHOOSE TO] .... continue in the faith (OR continue TO DEPEND upon god) ... and be not moved away  (BE NOT DEPARTED) from the hope of the gospel ...” (Colossians 1:22-23 KJV).

CHOOSING to continue to PRACTICE SIN, especially after being MADE FREE, will “STILL” separate YOU from God, the Holy Spirit. “…I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). “…It’s YOUR SINS that … [will] ...cut you offfrom God…” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT). . “…Your INIQUITIES …[have]... separated … you and your God…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV).

“…what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? (FELLOWSHIP IS HINDERED) And what communion hath light with darkness? (COMMUNICATION STOPS) And what concord hath Christ (the Word of TRUTH) with Belial (the DEVIL or Father of LIES)? (HARMONY IS IMPOSSIBLE) Or what part hath he that believeth (depends upon God) with an infidel (one who doesn’t depend upon God)? (THERE IS NO LONGER COMMON GROUND BETWEEN YOU)…” (2 Corinthians 6:14-15 KJV).

Separation from God, the Holy Spirit, is a CHOICE. Those who have DEPARTED, SEPARATED, ABANDONED, OR FORSAKEN God, the Holy Spirit, will NO LONGER be known by their spiritual FRUIT, but by the deeds of their sinful nature.  “... Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality,  idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God...” (Galatians 5:19-21 NASB).

“…[They]... have been cut off from Christ! [They]... have fallen away from God’s GRACE…” (Galatians 5:4 NLT). “…Your INIQUITIES … separated … you and your God…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV).  

“... EVERYONE (NO EXCEPTIONS) who sins is breaking God’s law, for all sin is contrary to the law of God. And you know that Jesus came to take away our sins, and there is no sin in him. Anyone who continues to live in him (ABIDE WITH HIM) will not sin. But anyone who keeps on sinning does not know him ... [or] ...who he is. Dear children, DON'T LET "ANYONE" DECEIVE YOU ABOUT THIS...”. (1 John 3:7-10 NLT).

“...When people do what is right, it shows that they are righteous, even as Christ is righteous. But when people keep on sinning, it shows that they belong to the devil, who has been sinning since the beginning. But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil....” (1 John 3:7-10 NLT).

“...Those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, because God’s [SPIRITUAL] ... LIFE is in them. So they can’t keep on sinning, because they are children of God. So now we can tell who are children of God and who are children of the devil. Anyone (NO EXCEPTIONS) who does not live righteously and does not love other believers DOES "NOT' BELONG TO GOD...” (1 John 3:7-10 NLT).

“...I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God...” (Galatians 5:19-21 NASB).

The SOUL separated, distant, departed, or divided asunder through abandonment, apostasy, or simply because they have forsaken the Holy SPIRIT is, once more, left TO ITSELF. The SOUL left to itself again has NO OTHER WAY TO BE SAVED from the bondage, slavery, and imprisonment of the sinful flesh. However, by being RESTORED and REUNITING TO THE Holy SPIRIT, THROUGH JESUS CHRIST, they can AGAIN be RECONCILED with God. “... Jesus saith…I am the way…” (John 14:6 KJV). “…SALVATION is found in no one else,for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved…” (Acts 4:12 NIV). “…And there is SALVATION in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved…” (Acts 4:12 NASB).

God doesn’t want ANYBODY to perish in their SINS, especially HIS PEOPLE. God “….is ... NOT WILLING that any should perish, but that ALL should come to repentance…” (2 Peter 3:9 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit, does everything to KEEP HIS REDEEMED PEOPLE from falling and to KEEP them from the entanglements of the WORLD. He wants them to ENDURE to the END. He purposely PROVIDES everything they need and DOES everything to care for them. However, his REDEEMED PEOPLE have a HUMAN WILL and are FREE to CHOOSE to STAY (abide) with HIM or “NOT!”

Out of RESPECT, for the HUMAN WILL he created them to have, God, the Holy Spirit, leaves the DECISION of abiding in the covenant relationship, with HIM, up to each of them.  “... This is the will (CHOICE, DESIRE, HEART) of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I (CHOOSE, DON’T WANT TO) lose nothing, but (want to, desire to) raise it (the redeemed) up on the last day. For this is the will (CHOICE, DESIRE, HEART) of My Father, that everyone who beholds (sees) the Son and believes in Him (continually trust and depends upon HIM) will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him (her) up on the last day...” (John 6:39-40 NASB).

 “... Now unto HIM (Jesus Christ) that is “ABLE” to KEEP you from falling(away), and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy...” (Jude 1:24 KJV). For those who CHOOSE to trust and depend upon God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus, he is MORE than “ABLE” to keep them; not FORCE them from falling away. 

Thus “… [THE REDEEMED CHOOSES]... this day …[and every day]…whom [they] will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “…He (she) that believeth on him is not condemned: but HE (SHE) THAT BELIEVETH NOT IS CONDEMNED ALREADY, because HE (SHE) HATH NOT BELIEVED in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And THIS IS THE CONDEMNATION, that light is come into the world, and MEN (WOMEN) LOVED DARKNESS RATHER THAN LIGHT, because THEIR DEEDS WERE EVIL. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his (her) deeds should be reproved…” (John 3:18-20 KJV). “... The judgment ... [will be]... based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil...” (John 3:19 NLT).  “... everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his (her) deeds will be exposed...” (John 3:20 NASB).

HIS REDEEMED people always HAVE A CHOICE. “… [YOU CHOOSE]... this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “…[You choose to] ... abide in me, and I in you...” (John 15:4 KJV).

God’s PROMISES to HIS REDEEMED are absolutely SOLID. “…If a man (woman) abide NOT [or chooseS not to abide] ... in me, ‘he (she) is cast forth as a branch, and is withered…” (John 15:6 KJV). “…The branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me... apart from Me you can do nothing…” (John 15:4-6 NASB).

BECOMING SAVED IS A ONE-TIME DECISIONTO ACCEPT JESUS INTO YOUR HEART. “…[Choose to]… receive the word implanted,which is able to SAVE YOUR SOULS….” (James 1:21 NASB).

REMAINING SAVED IS A LIFE-LONG DECISIONTO ABIDE AND ENDURE WITH JESUS THROUGHOUT THE EARTHY PROCESS. “...HE (SHE) THAT “SHALL” ENDURE (CONTINUE, BEAR UP, ETC.) UNTO THE END SHALL BE SAVED...” (Matthew 24:13 KJV).

In human marriages, we accept each other’s hand in marriage once, but we promise to stay together until “death do us part.”

JESUS freed the SOUL from the bondage of SIN. When the SOUL and Holy SPIRIT are UNITED, the soul is FREED, indeed. But if the SOUL is divided asunder from the Holy SPIRIT once more, it will and can become entangled again with the YOKE of BONDAGE through the practice of sin. The SOUL, therefore, that goes BACK to practicing sin, again, goes BACK as a VOLUNTEER and NOT as a SLAVE. “... It was for FREEDOM that Christ set us FREE; therefore keep standing firm (enduring) and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery...” (Galatians 5:1 NASB).  “... Stand fast (keep enduring) therefore in the libertywherewith Christ hath made us FREE, and be not entangled againwith the yoke of bondage..” (Galatians 5:1 KJV).

“...HE THAT “SHALL” (WILL) ENDURE (NOT GET ENTANGLED IN THE PRACTICE OF SIN AGAIN, BUT THOSE WHO ENDURE) UNTO THE END SHALL (WILL) BE SAVED...” (Matthew 24:13 KJV).  

“...For if, after they (THOSE FREED FROM SIN) have escaped... they (THOSE FREED FROM SIN) are AGAIN entangled in them (their former sinful lifestyles practices) ... it would be better for them (THOSE FREED FROM SIN) not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment ... It has happened to them (THOSE FREED FROM SIN) according to the true proverb, “A DOG RETURNS TO ITS OWN VOMIT,” and, “A sow, after washing, returns to wallowing in the mire...” (2 Peter 2:20-23 NASB).  “... EVERYONE (NO EXCEPTIONS) who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness ... the one who practicessin is of the devil ... No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of GOD...” (1 John 3:7-10 NASB).

“…what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? (FELLOWSHIP WILL BE HINDERED) And what communion hath light with darkness? (COMMUNICATION HINDERED) And what concord hath Christ (the Word of TRUTH) with Belial (the DEVIL or Father of LIES)? (HARMONMY HINDERED) Or what part hath he that believeth (depends upon God) with an infidel (one who doesn’t depend upon God)? (COMMON GROUND HINDERED)” (2 Corinthians 6:14-15 KJV).

Remember, the SOUL, left to itself, “HAD” NO AFFINITY, for God or righteousness. That why it is important not to be YOKED together with unbelievers, they can and will HINDER your WALK with God.  “…Be ye NOT unequally yoked together with unbelievers...” (2 Corinthians 6:14-15 KJV).

The SOUL left to itself, after abandoning or forsaking a previously loyalty, covenant relationship with God (called apostasy), will eventually face judgement and punishment like the unconverted sinner.  “... You have been unfaithful to your God ... The time of Israel’s punishment has come; the day of payment is here....” (Hosea 9:1, 7-9 NLT).

“... ONCE AGAIN we have ABANDONEDyour commands!” (Ezra 9:10 NLT).

READ THIS EXCERPT FROM HOSEA’s ACCOUNT of ISRAEL’S APOSTASIES:  “... She (GOD’S PEOPLE) is not my wife (covenant companion, anymore), and I am not her husband ... let her put away her harlotry ... And her adultery  (HER SINFUL PRACTICES or APOSTASIES)... Or I will strip her naked And expose her as on the day when she was born. I will also make her like a wilderness, Make her like desert land And slay her with thirst (HIS PEOPLE ARE WILLFULLY RETURNING TO a LIFE WITHOUT HIS Holy SPIRIT AND THEY WILL REAP the EXPERIENCE THEY SOWED through THEIR OWN WILLFUL CHOICE) ... she (HIS REDEEMED PEOPLE) said, ‘I will go after my lovers (THEY WILL GO AFTER THEIR FORMER SINS), Who give me my bread and my water, My wool and my flax, my oil and my drink. ’ (THERE WILL BE ALL KINDS OF DISTRESS, UNHAPPINESS, DARKNESS, AND HINDERANCES, BECAUSE THE BLESSINGS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IS GONE) “Therefore, behold, I will hedge up her way with thorns, And I will build a wall against her so that she cannot find her paths. “She will pursue her lovers, but she will not overtake them; And she will seek them, but will not find them (GOD WILL DO WHATEVER HE CAN TO “BRING” HIS REDEEMED PEOPLE BACK TO HIS LOVE). Then she will say, ‘I will go back to my first husband, For it was better for me then than now! (THIS IS GOD’S HOPE)” (Hosea 14:1-14 NLT).

God KNOWS the SOUL that is UNITED with his Holy SPIRIT and will PROTECT THEM, but the SOUL that is reunited again with its FLESH will NOT be PROTECTED by “it” or its evil deeds.  “…It is the SPIRIT who gives “LIFE”; the flesh profits nothing…” (John 6:63 NASB). “…What shall it profit a man (woman), if he (she) shall gain the whole world (returned to serving the world and the flesh), and lose his (her) own soul?” (Mark 8:36 KJV). “…EXCEPT YE (those who have become entangled again) REPENT, ye shall all likewisePERISH…” (Luke 13:3 KJV).

The SOUL, left to itself, has no PROTECTION from the dominion of SIN experienced through their APOSTASY against God, the Holy Spirit.. GOD SAID TO ADULTEROUS ISRAEL: “...For she(HIS REDEEMED PEOPLE) does not know (THEY HAVE BECOME SPIRITUALLY BLIND) that it was I (GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT) who gave her the grain, the new wine and the oil (ALL THEIR BLESSINGS), And [his REDEEMED PEOPLE were blessed, lavishly, with] ... silver and gold, Which they used for Baal (GOD’S REDEEMED PEOPLE TOOK THE SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS OF GOD AND USED THEM FOR THEIR APOSTASIES). “Therefore, I will take back My grain at  harvest time And My new wine in its season. I will also take away My wool and My flax Given to cover her nakedness. (GOD DOES NOT BLESS APOSTASY. HIS REDEEMED PEOPLE, WHO CHOOSE TO DEPART FROM HIM, WILL EXPERIENCE SPIRITUAL PROVERTY AND WRETCHNESS WITHOUT HIM). “And then I will uncover her lewdness In the sight of her lovers, And no one will rescue her out of My hand. (SINFUL PRACTICES BRING RUINOUS CHASTISEMENT UPON THE REDEEMED WHO CHOOSE TO DEPART FROM GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT). “I will also put an end to all her gaiety, Her feasts, her new moons, her Sabbaths And all her festal assemblies. (WHILE PRACTICING SIN, GOD’S REDEEMED PEOPLE, CAN NOT TRULY AND AUTHENTICALLY ENJOY HOLY CELEBRATIONS RESERVED ONLY FOR THOSE WHO REMAIN IN THE COVENANT RELATIONSHIP).“I will destroy her vines and fig trees, Of which she said, ‘These are my wages Which my lovers have given me.’ And I will make them a forest, And the beasts of the field will devour them. “I will punish her for the days of the Baals When she used to offer sacrifices to them And adorn herself with her earrings and jewelry, And follow her lovers, (WITHOUT THE Holy SPIRIT THERE ARE NO TRUE SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS. GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT IS THE GIVER OF TRUE SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS AND IS THE SOURCE, IN WHICH, ALL TRUE SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS FLOW) [IN ADDITION,] ... she forgot Me,” declares the Lord...” (Hosea 2:1-14 NLT).

TO FORGET OR FORSAKE GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT, IS TO DEPART FROM HIM THROUGH ABANDONMENT AND APOSTASY. “… [YOU]… FORGOT all about ME,” says the Lord…” (Hosea 2:13 NLT). “… you became proud and FORGOT ME….” (Hosea 13:6 NLT). “…Does a young woman forget her jewelry, or a bride her wedding dress? Yet for years on end my people have FORGOTten ME…” (Jeremiah 2:32 NLT). “…They ABANDONED ME and did not obey my word….” (JEREMIAH 16:11 NLT). “…They ABANDONED the Lord… they turned their backs on him….” (2 Chronicles 29:6 NLT). “…The Lord replies, “This has happened because my peoplehave ABANDONED MY INSTRUCTIONS; they have refused to obey what I said….” (JEREMIAH 9:13 NLT).

The SOUL, left to itself, after separating or turning away from the Holy Spirit, again will find it EXTREMELY hard and IMPOSSIBLE to REPENT AGAIN. “...When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left. When it arrives, it finds the house swept clean and put in order.Then it goes and takes seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first...” (Luke 11:24-26 NIV). “... For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them...” (2 Peter 5:4 KJV). “… For it is impossible to bring back to repentancethose who were once enlightened—thosewho haveexperienced the good things of heaven and shared in the Holy Spirit,  who have tasted the goodness of the Word of God and the power of the age to come— and whothen turn away from God. It is impossible to bring such peopleback to repentance;by rejecting the Son of God, they themselves are nailing him to the cross once again and holding him up to public shame. …” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT). “... IN LATTER TIMES “SOME” SHALL DEPART FROM the FAITH!!!!...” (1 Timothy 4:1-3 KJV).

The dividing asunder of the SOUL and Holy SPIRIT, once more, is a “serious” PROBLEM, especially when it comes to trying to REPENT again and RETURN to the covenant relationship. “...seven other spirits more wicked ... go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first...” (Luke 11:24-26 NIV). “… For it is impossible to bring back to repentancethose who were once enlightened—those...who ... turn away from God. It is impossible to bring such peopleback to repentance;…” (Luke 18:27 KJV).   “…I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV).

The SOUL, left to itself, again will find it VERY HARD or IMPOSSIBLE to REPENT and RETURN to GOD. Fortunately, NOTHING is IMPOSSIBLE for God and he DOESN’T want anyone to perish. If HIS REDEEMED PEOPLE depart from HIM, but CALL upon HIM for HELP; the bible says he WILL lovingly help them. “….call upon me …and pray unto meand I will [LISTEN] unto you…” (Jeremiah 29:12-13 KJV). “…For WHOSOEVER SHALL CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED…” (Romans 10:13 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit, will lovingly TAKE back HIS REDEEMED PEOPLE. “... Therefore, behold, I will allure her, (GOD DRAWS, his REDEEMED, ALWAYS WITH HIS IMMUTABLE LOVE) Bring her into the wilderness And speak kindly to her. “Then I will give her her vineyards from there, And the valley of Achor as a door of hope. (THE DEFEAT AND DISASTER FROM PRACTICING SIN, CAN BECOME A PLACE OF HOPE FOR THOSE DESIRING TO RETURN TO THE IMMUTABLE LOVE OF GOD) And she (his REDEEMED) will  sing there as in the days of her youth, As in the day when she came up from the land of Egypt. “It will come about in that day,” declares the Lord, “That you will call Me Ishi And will no longer call Me  Baali. (THE HOPE FOUND IN GOD’S IMMUTABE LOVE WILL REMOVE AND ERADICATE THE PAST APOSTASIES AND THE REMNANT WILL ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE LIVING GOD IS AGAIN “THEIR” GOD) “For I will remove the names of the Baals from her mouth, So that they will be   mentioned by their names no more. (GOD HEALS THE APOSTASY OF HIS PEOPLE AND JOYFULLY RESTORES THEIR SALVATION AND THE COVENANT RELATIONSHIP WITH THEM AGAIN) “In that day I will also make a covenant for them With the beasts of the field, The birds of the sky And the creeping things of the ground. And I will abolish the bow, the sword and war from the land, And will make them lie down in safety. “I will betroth you to Me forever; Yes, I will betroth you to Me in righteousness and in justice, In lovingkindness and in compassion. And I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness. (GOD’S IMMUTABLE LOVE AND FORGIVENESS HEALS THE COVENANT RELATIONSHIP BROKEN BY APOSTATES AND RESTORES THE UNION BETWEEN THEIR SOUL AND HIS HOLY SPIRIT) Then you will know the Lord. “...It will come about in that day that I will respond,” declares the Lord. “I will respond to the heavens, and they will respond to the earth, And the earth will respond to the grain, to the new wine and to the oil, And they will respond to Jezreel.  “I will sow her for Myself in the land. I will also have compassion on her who had not obtained compassion, (DESPITE THEIR TERRIBLE APOSTASY, THE “AMAZING” GRACE OF GOD REUNITES THE SPIRIT AND SOUL. AND THE UNION BECOMES BLISSFUL AGAIN) And I will say to those who were not My people, ‘You are My people!’ And they will say, ‘You are my God!’...” (Hosea 2:14-23 NLT).

TURNING AWAY FROM GOD IS TURNING ABOUT FROM “ALL” THE BLESSINGS OF THE COVENANT RELATIONSHIP. THE REDEEMED WILL EVENTUALLY SEE THEIR MISTAKE. “... For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them...” (2 Peter 5:4 KJV). “… For it is impossible to bring back to repentancethose who were once enlightened—thosewho haveexperienced the good things of heaven and shared in the Holy Spirit,  who have tasted the goodness of the Word of God and the power of the age to come— and whothen turn away from God. It is impossible to bring such peopleback to repentance;by rejecting the Son of God, they themselves are nailing him to the cross once again and holding him up to public shame. …” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT). “... IN LATTER TIMES “SOME” SHALL DEPART FROM the FAITH!!!!...” (1 Timothy 4:1-3 KJV).

WHEN IN THE PLACE OF APOSTASY, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR ANY OTHER HUMAN BEING, METHODOLOGY, MINISTRY, IDEOLOGY, PREACHER, EVANGELISTS, OR THEOLOGICAL EXPERT TO HELP THE APOSTATE. THE APOSTATE MUST CHOOSE TO. “ ... Return ... to the Lord ... [THEIR] ... God... [AND GOD] ... will heal [THEIr] ... apostasy ... [AND] ... will love them freely..” (Hosea 14:1-4 NLT). “… the GRACE of God, and the gift by GRACE, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath ABOUNDED unto many…” (Romans 5:15 KJV). 

“…God is able to make all GRACE abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things…” (2 Corinthians 8:9 KJV). “…My GRACE is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness...” (2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV). “..Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of GRACE, that we may obtain mercy, and find GRACE to help in time of need…” (Hebrews 4:16 KJV). “…where sin abounded, GRACE did much more abound…” (Romans 5:20 KJV). “…They which receive abundance of GRACE … shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ…” (Romans 5:17 KJV). “….mercy triumphs over judgement…” (James 2:13 NASB).

God is“... RICH IN MERCY…” (Ephesians 2:1-5 KJV). “…The Lord is ...of great mercy…” (Number 14:18 KJV). “…The LordGod, [IS] merciful …” (Exodus 34:6 KJV). “…Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…” (Micah 7:18 KJV). “…Mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB).  

Therefore, “…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). “…The Lord helps them, rescuing them from the wicked. He saves them, and they find shelter in him…” (Psalms 37:40 NLT). “…Blessed are those who wait for his help…” (Isaiah 30:18 NLT). “…The Lord who made you and helps you says: Do not be afraid …my servant …my chosen one…” (Isaiah 44:2 NLT). “… The Sovereign Lord helps me…” (Isaiah 50:7 NLT).  “… The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT). “…You are my helper and my savior…” (Psalms 40:17 NLT). “..Therefore come boldly unto the throne of GRACE, that [you]… may obtain mercy, and find GRACE to help in time of need…”(Hebrews 4:16 KJV). “….Then you will know that I am the Lord your God…’” (Exodus 16:12 NLT).

GOD IS THE APOSTATE’S “ONLY” SAVING GRACE. THEY MUST GO DIRECTLY TO GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT, AND HIM ALONE! “ ... Return ... to the Lord your God, For you have stumbled because of your iniquity (YOUR SINFUL LIFESTYLE PRACTICES). Take words with you and return to the Lord. Say to Him, “Take away all iniquity And receive us graciously, That we may present the fruit of our lips.“Assyria will not save us, We will not ride on horses; Nor will we say again, ‘Our god,’To the work of our hands; For in You the orphan finds mercy.” [THE LOVING GOD SAYS:] ... I will heal their apostasy, I will love them freely, For My anger has turned away from them...” (Hosea 14:1-4 NLT).

“…you have been cut off from Christ! …” (Galatians 5:4 NLT). “…You have fallen away from God’s GRACE…” (Galatians 5:4 NLT). “… REMEMBER THEREFORE,... [WHO YOU HAVE FALLEN  AWAY FROM AND]…repent and do the first works …” (REVELATION 2:2 KJV). “… an evil heart of unbelief,  in departing from the living God” (Hebrews 3:12 KJV). 

Therefore, “…I HAVE SOMEWHAT AGAINST [MY BRIDE] …[THEY  HAVE]…LEFT [THEI]R… FIRST LOVE (which is God, the Holy Spirit…” (REVELATION 2:4 KJV).

“… [THE REDEEMED WHO COMMITS APOSTASY HAS DEVELOPED] ... an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God...” (Hebrews 3:12 KJV).  HOWEVER, THEY CAN WILLFULLY CHOOSE TO “… repent and DO the first [INTIMATE]…works…” (Revelation 2:5 KJV). "…Therefore REPENT AND RETURN, “SO” that your sins may be wiped away…” (Acts 3:19 NASB).

 

 

confess you acceptable sins too and return to your FIRST LOVE

    
CONFESS YOUR ACCEPTABLE SINS

“…I KNOW THY WORKS, AND THY LABOR, AND THY PATIENCE, AND HOW THOU CANST NOT BEAR THEM WHICH ARE EVIL: AND THOU TRIED THEM WHICH SAY THEY ARE APOSTLES, AND ARE NOT, AND HAS FOUND THEM LAIRS… [however,]… you hath left your first love…” (REVELATION 2:2 KJV).

 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9 KJV). “…“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV).

*

Most believers are excited, passionate, and zealous about FIRST LOVE (God), and they want to tell everybody and will do anything for FIRST LOVE (God).

However, over TIME their perspective of FIRST LOVE (God) changes, even though he NEVER changes. “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV).

I underwent a long-term test thinking I’m being a martyr for Christ. I did the work. I did the labor. I was patiently enduring. I hated evil. I didn’t tolerate hypocrisy. 

However, somewhere along the way I started depending upon my own strength and NOT that of the indwelling Holy Spirit.

God shows us, teaches us, and empowers us to walk in his ways. “…Christ liveth in [you]…” (Galatians 2:20 KJV).“…God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “… The God of peace… that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in [you]… what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).

God’s indwelling Holy Spirit empowers you to walk in his ways of love. God’s indwelling Holy Spirit empowers you to walk in his ways of showing grace and mercy. God’s indwelling Holy Spirit empowers you to walk in his ways of forgiveness. God’s indwelling Holy Spirit empowers you to walk in his ways of being patient and enduring. “….Apart from [the indwelling Holy Spirit], you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV However, “….I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).). “… 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 faithof the Son of God.   …” (Galatians 2:20-21 KJV). “…by the GRACE of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).

When we start to learn God’s ways, we can begin to falsely believe we can DO them without him. “….Apart from [the indwelling Holy Spirit], you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

We allow ourselves to become deceived and will stop depending upon his indwelling Holy Spirit and will start depending on our own self-efforts. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). 

Apart from Jesus’ and his indwelling Holy Spirit, God’s people can DO “NOTHING!” Eventually the FLESH wears out! “….Apart from [Jesus, the indwelling Spirit], you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). “The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don’t really understand myself, for I wantto do what is right (by myself), but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.  And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right (by my own self-effort), but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. …I [am] …a slave to the sin that is … within me. Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin? …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

 In the beginning of my journey, I was more fervent about my purpose, as a life preserver, Christian influencer or encourager, and as a LIGHT. I felt I was dependent upon and empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

However, as time tarried on my enthusiasm faded tremendously. I had come to the conclusion that God wasn’t going to change my situation and maybe he couldn’t change it anyway since it involved human will.

So I adapted to my dutiful obligations by religiously doing the work, doing the labor, and being patiently enduring in my own strength and from the things I had actually learned from God.

I remained faithful and loyal to God, but I had grown weary, given up, lost interest, laid my hope in this area down, and became detached, unknowingly, from FIRST LOVE (God) in regard to this particular test.

My ongoing prayer went from asking God to give me the strength to overcome it - to give me the strength to live through it. We actually need both; the strength to overcome and the strength to get through. However, I was ONLY praying for the strength to get through.

In all honesty, the HOPE for my situation changing was like Mary and Martha's was about Lazarus, DEATH. In addition, “… by this time, [it] stinketh: for [it]…hath been dead for …[years] …” (John 11:39 KJV).

I still had some small tidbit or whisper of hope somewhere inside, but I was no longer listening or cared. Thankfully, God “…dealt to every man (including me) the measure of faith...” (Romans 12:3 KJV).

 In addition, I had the “the indwelling Holy Spirit” (who produces the fruit of faith) to depend upon if I choose to do so. Yet, my flesh had convinced me God wasn’t going to change my situation or it wouldn’t have died out. I related to Martha’s declaration. “… As soon as she heard that Jesus was coming … Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died… ” (John 11:20-22 KJV).

After so many years, I also concluded that God had abandoned me or trapped me into a situation where duty-bound obligations became the norm. I thought I was being “humbly” accepting of my lot in life. “Poor me, the suffering little martyr.”

The truth was that I was no longer depending upon the Holy Spirit to Do the WORK of faith “in” and “through” me. I was simple trying to get through it or survive it in my OWN efforts.  “…In the world ye have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 ASV).  

We overcome by faith or depending upon Jesus, the indwelling Holy Spiritand the word of our testimony. DEPENDING UPON JESUS: “….Apart from [Jesus, the indwelling Spirit], you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). THE WORD OF OUR TESTIMONY: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).  “…they overcamehim by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony…” (Revelation 12:11 KJV).

My situation became a duty-bound, boring, joyless and religious obligation. I, unknowingly, had fallen away from GRACE. I was becoming irrelevant and useless as God’s agent of change in the TASK he called me to endure, overcome, and complete with victory.

Depending upon my own self-effort was changing my perspective of FIRST LOVE (GOD). I began to believe God couldn’t transform this situation either. “…Thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself…“(Psalm 50:19-21 KJV).

I was tired, weak, and depleted of hope, which are the places self-effort takes you. I did my duties, but I had laid down my hope for a resurrection, because I didn’t believe “I”could overcome the problem and neither could God. “…Thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself…“(Psalm 50:19-21 KJV).

“…the thingswhich are impossible with men ARE POSSIBLE WITH GOD…” (Luke 18:27 KJV).  “….I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: IS THERE ANY THING TOO HARD FOR ME?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “… [GOD]… IS ABLE to do exceeding abundantly aboveall that we ask or THINK…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).

When did I start depending upon my OWN self-efforts? When did I start believing in my puny power and not the indwelling powerof the Almighty God?

As duty-bound and religious as I had become I had, in truth, took my eyes off of FIRST LOVE’S (God’s) power and grace. I needed to repent. Job said, “…Now I have seen you with my own eyes.  I take back everything I said [and did], and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance” (Job 42:1-6 NLT). I got it wrong and “…[thought] … that [God]… was altogether such an one as [myself]…“(Psalm 50:19-21 KJV).

It is hard to look at the places you have willfully chosen to exclude God or reduce him to some human perception of mankind. 

We see how some Redeemed Believers exclude God and readily accept and practice certain sins as a way NOT to be so "religious" or HOLY like God instructed them to be: Acceptable sinful behaviors and wrongdoings are: judgmental attitudes, personal pride, gossip, what they think is justifiable unforgiveness, ongoing anger, selfishness, blatantly using cuss words, excessive drinking or partying, conforming to the worldly ways, etc. These are a few ACCEPTABLE sinful behaviors that people tolerate in themselves and other fellow Christians.

Sometimes, during specific trials and tribulations, God is only trying to get your attention, or humble you, develop holiness in all areas, or prepare you for his great, divine purpose.

God knows what it will take to get your attention, prepare you, make you holy, or humble you. “…God is mighty, but he does not despise anyone! He is mighty in both power and understanding. He does not let the wicked live but gives justice to the afflicted.He never takes his eyes off the innocent, but he sets them on thrones with kings and exalts them forever. If they are bound in chains and CAUGHT UP in a web of trouble, HE SHOWS THEM THE REASON. HE SHOWS THEM THEIR SINS OF PRIDE. HE GETS THEIR ATTENTION AND COMMANDS THAT THEY TURN FROM EVIL…” (Job 36:6-10 NLT).“…But by means of their suffering, he rescues those who suffer. For he GETS THEIR ATTENTION through adversity…” (Job 36:15 NLT). Therefore,  “..In the day of prosperity be happy, But in the day of adversity consider-- God has made the one as well as the other…” (Ecclesiastes 7:14  NASB).

Thus,“… Repent and do the first works…”(REVELATION 2:5 KJV).  “… or else I WILL COME QUICKLY, AND WILL REMOVE THY CANDLESTICK…” (REVELATION 2:5 KJV).

You CAN “NOT’ go through TEST without being EMPOWERED by the indwelling Holy Spirit to endure them. Human FLESH or the sinful nature is a deceiver and will puff you up falsely, but God will humble you authentically. It is NOT “what” you know, but “who” you KNOW.

 Thus, during a TEST, choose to avoid thinking more highly of yourself than you should. “… Repent and do the first works…” (REVELATION 2:5 KJV).

What made me think “I”could turn it around, my situation, without continuing to depend upon the indwelling Holy Spirit to DO the WORK? “….Apart from …[God’s indwelling Holy Spirit], [YOU can]… do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).“…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “… [God] work[s] IN [you]… what is pleasing to him…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…It is God which worketh in you…” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).  “… [He doeth the work] according to the POWER that worketh in [you]…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).

God does the WORK of the Hebrews 11:1 faith, the measure of faith or the spirit of faith that works “IN” and “THROUGH” you. “…The … HOLY SPIRIT who is the SOURCE of [it]… all. …it is the same God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of us who are his… THROUGH each of us … … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

Laying down my dependence upon the indwelling Holy Spirit was the same as leaving FIRST LOVE out of the situation and falling away from FIRST LOVE’S GRACE. “…If you are trying … [in your OWN effort] … to make yourselves (or your situation) right with God by keeping the … [commandments dutifully], you have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God’s GRACE…” (Galatians 2:21 NLT). “…a person is made right (or their situation is made right) with God by faith [or depending upon]… Jesus Christ…” (Galatians 2:16 NLT).

Self-effort is a sign of INDEPENDENCE from God, his indwelling power, and it is a false belief in one’s OWN ability; OVER God’s. “Pride [goeth] before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall…” (Proverbs 16:18 KJV). “A man's pride shall bring him low…” (Proverbs 29:23 KJV). “… For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself” (Galatians 6:3 KJV). “…Thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself…“(Psalm 50:19-21 KJV).

I didn’t know that my prideful independence or my dutiful, religious self-effort was an issue, but God did. Thankfully, God, “… [has] searched me … and … know[s] me …[He is]… familiar with all my ways” (Psalm 139:1-3 KJV). “…And those who walk in pride … [God] is able to humble” (Daniel 4 NIV). Like Job, “…I take back everything I said [thought or did), and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance” (Job 42:1-6 NLT).

Removing my candlestick (self-effort) by showing me I couldn't do it without Jesus' help, humbled me and gave me a deeper respect for DEPENDING UPON the power of God’s Holy Spirit. “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “… [God] work[s] IN [you]… what is pleasing to him…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…It is God which worketh in you…” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).  “… [He doeth the work] according to the POWER that worketh in [you]…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).

Only God can empower the WORK of FAITH through his indwelling Holy Spirit. “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).  “…It is God which worketh in you…” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).  “… [He doeth the work] according to the POWER that worketh in [you]…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).

Removing my candlestick or my self-effort was about GOD’S love for me.  “…If you are trying … [in your OWN effort] … to make yourselves (or your situation) right with God by keeping the … [commandments, dutifully], you have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God’s GRACE…” (Galatians 2:21 NLT). “… Repent and do the first works…” (REVELATION 2:5 KJV).  “… or elseI WILL COME QUICKLY, AND WILL REMOVE THY CANDLESTICK…” (REVELATION 2:5 KJV).

There is NO POWER to DO God's work, authentically, without his HELP! You can't be THE LIGHT, THE SALT, the WITNESS, or  the PURPOSE without the INDWELLING "POWER" of God's Holy Spirit.

He created me and each of his redeemed children to become a life preserver, an influencer, a true WITNESS, the SALT, and a LIGHT to the WORLD. “… [You are to]… live bythe faithof the Son of God.   …” (Galatians 2:20 KJV). “… [You] can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth [you]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).  “…Jesus Christ IS IN YOU…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…by the GRACE of God [you are what you are]…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).

FIRST LOVE (God) desires your success and NOT your failure or your fall away from GRACE.

God loved me too much to let me FALL completely away from his GRACE. So FIRST LOVE intervened in my situation. I have a brain bleed, had brain surgery, was in a coma, spent months in the hospital, and had to face a LONG recovery, in which I had to leave the situation in order to get well.

“…there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; And delivered just Lot,vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;) The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, …” (2 Peter 2:1-10 KJV).

I was actually delivered and set apart FROM my old situation, but was set apart TO a new situation where I was able to spent a long honeymoon with FIRST LOVE (God). “… Repent and do the first works…” (REVELATION 2:5 KJV).  

Satan “…intended to harm me, but [FIRST LOVE]…God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” Genesis 50:20 NIV). God cancels Satan’s intended harm, deceits, and overrules it by working “…all things …together for GOOD… ” (Romans 8:28 KJV).

Satan may form destructive situations, falls away from grace, convince you of acceptable sins, and other misguided actions or activities, but they won’t prosper. “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV).

Satan may form his many tricks and deceptions, which impact your strength, your hope, your perspective, and your devotion in a long-term trial or tribulation, but FIRST LOVE (God) will intervene preventing them from prospering. “God is [your] refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalms 46:1 KJV). “…The things which are impossible with men are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV).  “… I can of mine own self do nothing…” John 5:30 KJV).  “…[God]… [will grant them]… to be strengthened with might by his Spirit IN the inner man…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV). God says “…only believe [or keep on depending upon him]…” that, “…[HE]… will supply all your NEED…” (John 12:32 & Philippians 4:19 KJV).

Duty-bound, religious obligation type of works are often a sign of human weariness from self-effort. “… Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up…” (Galatians 6:9 NIV). “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew theirstrength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31 KJV).

God intervenes to remind us that, “…[FIRST LOVE] … will supply all your NEED…” (John 12:32 & Philippians 4:19 KJV).  “…[His] grace is sufficient for you… [and that HIS] power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore [we can]… boast all the more gladly about …[our] weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on [us]…” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV). “…by the GRACE of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).

I AM HELPED. I AM STRENGTHENED. I AM EMPOWERED. I AM ENABLED BY GRACE. I AM LOVED. I AM NOT ALONE. “…by the GRACE of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).

God intervenes to remind you that “….apart from [Christ]…, you can do nothing…”(John 15:5 NIV). However, “…[You] can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth [you]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “…for [HIS]… power is made perfect in weakness…” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV).  “…[His GRACE becomes]…sufficient for [me]…” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV). I AM STRENGTHENED. “…by the GRACE of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).

Praises to “…the incomparable riches of his GRACE, expressed in his kindness in Christ Jesus...” (Ephesians 2:7 NIV). I AM FOREVER TREATED WITH KINDNESS. “…by the GRACE of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).

“…My God will supply all [my need]… according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “…what is the riches of the glory…; …CHRIST IN YOU…” (Colossians 1:25-28 KJV). “…I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). I AM AMBLY SUPPLIED. “…by the GRACE of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).

God intervenes to remind us that we are MEANT to be victorious and overcome “in” Christ Jesus. “…In this [fallen] world [I] shall have tribulation (no matter how LONG): but [I can]…be of good cheer, [God has]… OVERCOME the world…” (John 16:33 KJV). I AM AN OVERCOMER “…by the GRACE of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).

God intervenes to revive you, enable you to repent, to keep you from falling from his GRACE, and to reassure you of an overcoming victory. It is already DONE and WON!! Whatever the situation, or test, or trial, or tribulation, Jesus has already overcome it and his victory is YOURS too. “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace…In this [fallen] world [you] shall have tribulation (no matter how LONG): but [you can]…be of good cheer, [God through Christ (in YOU) has]… OVERCOME the world…” (John 16:33 KJV).

I admittedly grew weak in the LONG situation I was in and my own, lonely, finite, self-effort ran out of steam.

My actions were empowered by duty-bound, boring, routine, tedious, religious obligation. I felt like Jesus did. “…Father,… take this cup from Me; … …" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV).

I had stopped depending upon the indwelling Holy Spirit to do the WORK of Faith. Dependence upon the indwelling Holy Spirit is NOT passive. “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “… [God] work[s] IN [you]… what is pleasing to him…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…It is God which worketh in you…” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).  “… [He doeth the work] according to the POWER that worketh in [you]…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).

Dependence upon the indwelling Holy Spirit is NOT passive. “…Trust in (actively choose to DEPEND UPON HIM) the Lord with ALL thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).

In the story of Lazarus it appears as if Jesus didn’t come to the situation “on time.”  “Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord if thou hadst been there, my brother had not died” (John 11:21 KJV).

Martha obviously blamed Jesus for the DEATH of the situation. “… as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming … Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died… ” (John 11:20-22 KJV).

 However, “…the things which are impossible with men are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV).  “…Jesus said…I am the resurrection and I am the life…..” (John 11:25 KJV). Martha “…[thought] … that [Jesus].. was altogether such an one as [herself]…“(Psalm 50:19-21 KJV).

He will “…never leave nor forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 KJV). “…..Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the gloryof God?” (John 11:40 KJV).

“…Only believe (only DEPEND UPON him)…” (Mark 5:36 KJV). “…For verily I say unto you, If ye have faith (depend) as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you…” (Matthew 17:20 KJV).

God has“…dealt to every man the measure of faith (a measure of empowerment to depend)...” “…Believest thou this?” (John 8:51 KJV).

Look what happened for Mary and Martha with their mustard seed of dependency. They thought Jesus was talking about a later resurrection and not a present one “…..Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?” (John 11:40 KJV). ).  “…I am the resurrection…” (John 11:25 KJV).“… And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go...”(John 11:43-44 KJV). In spite of them, their situation turned VICTORIOUS!!!  “…

“…[Entrust yourself]… to HIM who judges justly…” (1 Peter 2:20-23 NIV). In Mary and Martha’s story, “…Jesus …[was]… the …[right NOW]… resurrection and … the life…..” (John 11:25 KJV).

Jesus planned to take Mary and Martha BACK to the place where they laid down their HOPE in the situation. He asked them: “…where have ye laid him?..’ (John 11:34 KJV).

If Jesus were to ask you that same question; what would be your answer be? Mary and Martha tried to explain to Jesus, the RESURRECTION and the LIFE, that the situation was so DEAD it stunk. “… Lord, by this time, he stinketh: for he hath been dead for four days …” (John 11:39 KJV).

 Jesus reminded them of the POWER of FIRST LOVE (God). “…Jesus saith unto to her, ‘Said I not unto to thee, that, if thou wouldest believe,thou shouldest see the glory of God’…” (John 11:40 KJV).

My brain bleed came to help me grow deeper spiritually, to renew my soul, to restore my hope, to further develop my relationship with God, to strengthen my faith or dependence upon the indwelling Holy Spirit, to humble me, to deepen my awareness of the sovereignty over “ALL” situations in my life, and to remind me of the POWER of FIRST LOVE (God)!  HALLELUJAH!!!!

God loved me too much to allow me to remain limited by my OWN human abilities, complacencies, or human mind sets.

Instead, his love EMPOWERED me with the unlimited power of his indwelling Holy Spirit who does the WORK of faith “IN” and “THROUGH” me. The bible says, “Trust in (DEPEND UPON) the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “…the Father … doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…The … Holy Spirit who is the source of [it]… all … is the same God who does the work in and through all of us who are his … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

When trials and tribulations turn into years and start to make no “human” sense Jesus says, “…you must [continue]… believe (depend upon me) and not doubt….” (James 1:6-8 NIV).

I am glad God loves me. I am glad his love fuels his grace. I am glad he faithfully and graciously considers my devoted work and labor BEFORE I laid DOWN my hope. “…For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name…” (Hebrews 6:10 KJV).

I am glad he remains faithful to me, even when I, knowingly and unknowingly, don’t remain faithful to him. “…If we are faithless, he remains faithful…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NIV).

I am thankful God keeps his word to me, even when I, knowingly or unknowingly, forget them myself! “…So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11 KJV).

Goodness and mercy, because of God, and in spite of me, follows me ALL the days of my life, even when I, knowing or unknowingly, forget. “…Surely goodness, and mercy SHALL follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever…” (Psalms 23:6). 

Praise God who is able “… to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us” (Ephesians 3:20 NASB).

I was again reminded to CHOOSE to, “…believe (depend upon him) and not doubt….” (James 1:6-8 NIV).

Getting you BACK to FIRST LOVE will help you remember HOW you were delivered from SIN in the first place. How LOVE fueled God’s GRACE. “…BY GRACE have ye been saved THROUGH FAITH; and that NOT OF YOURSELVES, IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD; not of works, that no man should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).

You were SET FREE from the domination and limitation of flesh. You are FREE and EMPOWERED to CHOOSE to depend upon the indwelling Holy Spirit. “…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin?” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).“…The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).  “…If the Son therefore shall make you free, you SHALL be free indeed…” (John 8:36 KJV). But, “….Apart from [the indwelling spirit],.. [you]… can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).    

Jesus EMPOWERS you to be relevant, purposeful and “…strengthened with might by his Spirit in … [your] … inner man…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV). “… [He strengthens you]…according to the POWER that worketh IN … [YOU]…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV). “…The things which are impossible with men … [are] …POSSIBLE… [with God] …” (Luke 18:27 KJV).   “…I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “…HE WHICH HATH “BEGUN” A GOOD “WORK” IN [YOU]… “WILL” “PERFORM” IT “UNTIL” the day of Jesus Christ…” (Philippians 1:6 KJV). 

The ongoing practice of SIN (even acceptable ones), of any kind, creates a BARRIER in the relationship between you and the HOLY God. This barrier of sin will ALWAYS cause a SEPARATION.

You choose to exclude God, by choice, from certain areas of your life.“…My people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts. They went backward instead of forward” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT “…If My people which are called by My name shall humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways…then I will heal….” (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV).

God DESIRES to always express his unchanging FIRST LOVE toward you, but you voluntarily and willfully choose to live as you please.  “…The people replied, “Don’t waste your breath. We will continue to live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).SO, “…Do not quench the Spirit…” (1 Thessalonians 5:19 NASB). “… Do not stifle the Holy Spirit...” (1 Thessalonians 5:19 NLT).

God opened and made A WAY (Jesus) to express his FIRST LOVE toward YOU. It is obvious, by all he has done, that God LOVES you sacrificially.

You were NOT even aware you went lost and spiritually dead until he sent his son ito MAKE you become AWARE of his FIRST LOVE for you.

His LOVE for YOU “IS” YOUR “FIRST” love. “…HE FIRST LOVED[YOU]…” (1 John 4:19 ASV). “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…There is no greater LOVE …” (John 15:13 NLT). “…HE FIRST LOVED us…” (1 John 4:19 ASV).   “We love, because HE FIRST LOVED US…” (1 John 4:19 ASV).

From the beginning, when you accepted his invitation to salvation, FIRST LOVE came to permanently DWELL with you. “…God …sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” [Y]OUR HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…God has given [you] HIS Spirit as PROOFthat … he [dwells]…in [you]…” (1 John 4:13 NLT). “…The Spirit of God dwell[s]… in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). (Hebrews 1:9 NASB). “…My Presence will go with you…” (Exodus 33:14 NIV). “…I am with you always, to the very end…"(Matthew 28:20 NIV). God will “…Never leave nor forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 KJV).  “…Behold, I am with … [you] and will keep … [you] whithersoever [you]… goest…I will not leave [you] ..." (Genesis 28:15 ASV).

“…if Christ be in you… [then] …the Lord … [is] … in your presence (and “YOU” are ENGULFED in his presence)…” (Romans 8:10 KJV & Exodus 33:16-23 NIV).  “… [Jesus sets]… me in [god’s] … presence forever…” (Psalms 44:12 NASB).

FIRST LOVE (God) is a permanent and forever BOND and spiritual CONNECTION. “…love, which is the perfect BOND of unity...” (Colossians 3:14 NASB). “… [Nothing]…shall be able to separate [you]… from the love of Godwhich is “in” Christ Jesus our Lord…” (Romans 8:38-39 KJV).  “… the…faithful love of the Lord, never ends...” (Lamentations 3:22-23 NLT).  “…He [or she]… that is joinedunto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT….” (1 Corinthians 6:17).

God’s FIRST LOVE for you has NOT changed one iota, but you have changed. It is YOUR CHOICE to depend upon that POWERFUL LOVE, AGAIN, through the empowerment of the indwelling Holy Spirit.

“…He… [completely] … entrusted himself to him (FIRST LOVE) who judges justly…” (1 Peter 2:19-23 NIV). 

LEAVING FIRST LOVE automatically begins the plunge from GRACE. You will begin to be affected by the FALL away from GRACE where you become a believer who languishes from NO impact. 

You will no longer be an EMPOWERED life preserver, an influencer of holy morality, or a LIGHT. “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matthew 7:21-23 KJV). 

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9 KJV). “…“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV).

FIRST LOVE (God) respects your choice. He desires to be your choice, but will not force his desires upon you. He does, however, express himself to you by saying: “…I have this against you …you have left your first love…” (revelation 2:4 NASB). “… repent and do the first works…” (REVELATION 2:5 KJV).

THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT "IS" GOD'S PRESENCE IN YOUR LIFE

THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT IS GOD'S PRESENCE IN YOUR LIFE

“…Moses said, “…show me your glory.” …The Lord said, “I will cause all my GOODNESS to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence …” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV).

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God’s HOLY GLORY is basically manifested in the MANY expressions, demonstrations, and witnesses of his PRESENCE. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).

One way God expresses, demonstrates, or witnesses his presence is through human vessels. Jesus said, "I and my Father are…ONE…" (John 10:30 KJV).  “…Now the Lord (who also the WORD) is that Spirit (too)…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV). “… the Lord (the word, the spirit…), in your presence …” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV). “… You set me in Your presence forever…” (Psalms 44:12 NASB). “…YOU MAKE HIM (your people) “MOST” BLESSED forever … in YOUR PRESENCE…” (Psalms 21:6 NASB).

Accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior invites God’s SPIRIT into your heart. When the indwelling Holy Spirit comes into your heart it means Jesus Christ, God’s LIVING Word is NOW within YOU.

“…Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…Christ in you, …” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). “…The Spirit of God dwell[s] in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).  “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me…” (Galatians 2:20 KJV). “…if Christ be in you… [then] …the Lord …[is] … in your presence …” (Romans 8:10 KJV & Exodus 33:16-23 NIV).

It also means that your soul and God’s Spirit have united, joined one another, or mixed together to BECOME one ‘UNDIVIDED” Spirit. “…He that is joined unto the LORD is ONE SPIRIT…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).

When the soul is JOINED to God again that SOUL is turned into a NEW CREATION or “LIVING” soul. “…I will put a new spirit (BREATHE OF LIFE) in you. …” (Ezekiel 36:26 NLT). “... and [the]…man (woman) [becomes] a living soul (soul AGAIN)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).  “...This makes it clear that [their] great …[indwelling]… power is from God, not from [them]selves…” (2 Corinthians 4:5-7 NLT). “...Therefore if any man(woman) be in Christ, he(she) is a NEW CREATURE: old things are passed away; behold, ALL THINGS ARE BECOME (MADE) NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

When the soul is changed into a NEW CREATION a covenant relationship of LOVE begins. The redeemed begins to LOVE God, through the intimate connection, LIKE he has expressed, demonstrated, and manifested HIS LOVE FOR THEM. “We love, because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19 ASV).

Thus, God’s HOLY GLORY is the manifestation of HIS PRESENCE, within the hearts of his people, which ALSO includes his HOLY GOODNESSES (Divine nature) and his HOLY POWER. A covenant relationship begins and God’s reveals his spiritual being to the redeemed believer  “… “I will cause all my GOODNESS to pass in front of you …” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV). “… since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made…” (Romans 1:20 NASB). “…. the whole earth is full of [God’s]…glory (manifested goodnesses and power)…” (Isaiah 6:3). “….God saw every thinghe had made……and, [said] … it was VERY GOOD…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).

“…Thou are GOOD and doestGOOD…” (Psalm 119:68 KJV). The bible says, “…for the lord is GOOD…” (Psalm 100:5 KJV). ““…Oh how great is thy GOODNESS…” (Psalm 31:19 KJV). “…for he is GOOD…” (Psalm 107:1 KJV). “..The lord is GOOD…” (Nahum 1:7 KJV). “…GOOD and upright is the Lord…” (Psalm 25:8 KJV). “…For thou, Lord, is GOOD…” (Psalm 86:5 KJV). Thou are GOOD and doest GOOD…” (Psalm 119:68 KJV).

God’s HOLY GOODNESS is expressed, demonstrated, and witnessed through his HOLY nature. “…Thou (God) are GOOD and doest GOOD (his nature or divine trait)…” (Psalm 119:68 KJV). “… Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful (holy) deeds among all the peoples…” (1 Chronicles 16:24 NASB).

Thus, God’s HOLY GLORY embodies his PRESENCE, his GOODNESSES, and his POWER which distinguishes him from ALL other false gods.

As a child you were told not to look directly at the sun.  If you do happen to look at the sun with the naked, human eye, the damage to the retina is irreversible.

God’s HOLY GLORY is more brilliance than that of the sun. “… And the city had no need ofthe sun … for the (holy) glory of God did lighten it …” (Revelation 21:23 KJV).

God’s HOLY GLORY is expressed, demonstrated, and manifested through “ALL” his creations including human vessels.  His HOLY GLORY, alone, is COMPLETELY SET APART from SIN, which makes HIS SPIRIT SO PURE it is like a blinding, GLORIOUS light that is too brilliant for the naked human eye. “… It shone with the GLORY ofGod, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal…” (Revelation 21:11 NIV).

In Exodus, “…Moses said, “…show me your glory.” …The Lord said …“you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.” … When my GLORY passes by, I will …cover you with my hand until I have passed by …” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV).

Looking directly at the sun can damage the human eyes, but looking at God’s HOLY Glory will kill you. “…You cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live …” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV).

God’s HOLY Glory, UNLEASHED, is too RADIANT for human eye. “… When my GLORY passes by, I will …cover you with my hand until I have passed by …” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV). However, God, through Jesus Christ, miraculously, puts his Spirit into earthen vessels. “ …we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us...” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV).

 “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).  “…majestic in holiness…” (Exodus 15:11 KJV). “…[God, the Holy Spirit is]… very GREAT;[God, the Holy Spirit, is] clothed in SPLENDER Covering [HIM]self with LIGHT as with a cloak…”(Psalm 104:1-2 NASB). “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).

 “…His radiance is like the sunlight; He has rays flashing from His hand…” (Habakkuk 3:4.NASB). “… Let Your glory be above all the earth…” (Psalms 57:5, 11 NASB). “… His glory is above earth and heaven…” (Psalms 148:13 NASB).

 “…there is none like unto thee, O LORD; thou art GREAT, and THY NAME is GREAT in might…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV). “…. the whole earth is full of [your]…(HOLY) glory…” (Isaiah 6:3).

There are many explanations and definitions for God’s HOLY GLORY. I will not attempt to explain or define God’s HOLY Glory, but I will discuss three possible expressions, demonstrations, or manifestations of HIS HOLY GLORY: the visible or audible manifestation of his HOLY Glory, the power of his HOLY Glory, and the radiant witness of his HOLY glory.

The visual or audible manifestations of his HOLY GLORY was reported in the bible and often related to his PRESENCE. “… And ye said, Behold, the Lordour God hath SHEWED us his GLORY  (BEING) and his greatness (power), and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire (which represented his presence): we have SEEN this day that God doth talk with man, and he liveth…” (Dueteronomy 5:24 KJV). “…The heavens declare the GLORY of God (being or existence of God)…” (Psalms 19:1 KJV).  “…The heavens are tellingof the glory of God…” (Psalms 19:1 NASB). “…God’s glory is on tour in the skies…” (Psalms 19:1 MSG).

“… The heavens declare His righteousness (reveals God’s DIVINE NATURE is JUST and UPRIGHT), And all the peoples have seen His glory…” (Psalms 97:6 NASB).

“It came even to pass, as … [they] praised the Lord, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud (represented as his presence), even the house of the Lord; So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the GLORY  (his being or existence represented in the cloud) of the Lord had filled the house of God…” (2 Chronicles 5:13-14 KJV).

“…..Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest SEE the GLORYof God?” (John 11:40 KJV).

“….The God of GLORY APPEARED unto our father Abraham…” (Acts 7:2 KJV).

“… the glory of the Lord appeared to all the congregation...” (Numbers 16:19 NASB).

“… He has appeared in His glory…” (Psalms 102:16 NASB).

“…Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and SAW the GLORY of God…” (Acts 7:55 NIV).

“And the temple was filled with smoke from the GLORY of God and from his power … ”(Revelation 15:8 KJV).

“… to the eyes of the sons of Israel the appearance of the glory of the Lord was like a consuming fire on the mountain top…” (Exodus 24:17 NASB).

 “And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the GLORY of God did lighten it…” (Revelation 21:23 KJV).

“And [For 40 years] [God’s glory] went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light (His glory); to go by day and night…Moses could not enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the GLORY of the Lord filled the tabernacle.  So the cloud of the Lord was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the SIGHT of all the Israelites during all their travels…” (Exodus 13:21 KJV; Exodus 40: 35-38 NIV).

“… The heavensdeclare his righteousness, and all the people “SEE” HIS GLORY…” (Psalm 97:6 KJV).

The pillar of cloud, pillar of fire, and the smoke represented God’s presence and were visual manifestations of his GLORY. These objects of God’s GLORY were USED to make God’s presence and POWER visible to the Israelites.  “…Behold, the Lordour God hath SHEWED us his GLORY and his GREATNESS …” (Deuteronomy 5:24-25 KJV).

In the midst of the fire they heard the audible manifestation of his HOLY GLORY “…Behold, the Lordour God hath shewedus his glory and his greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire: …” (Deuteronomy 5:24-25 KJV).

His HOLY GLORY is expressed, demonstrated, and manifested through a representative of HIS presence or a witness of his POWERFUL DEEDS of goodness. “…..This sickness is not unto death, but for the GLORY of God…” (John 11:4 KJV). “…Jesus said to her, "Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will SEE THE GLORY OF GOD?…”(John 10:40 NASB). “…Jesus said…I AM the resurrection and I AM the life…..” (John 11:25 KJV). “And HE THAT WAS DEAD CAME FORTH, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go...” (John 11:43-44 KJV).

“….HE THAT WAS DEAD CAME FORTH...” was the manifestation of his HOLY GLORY. God’s people can SEE, through scripture, the expression, demonstration, or manifestation of his POWER and HOLY DEEDS of GOODNESS. “….I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “…all GLORY to God, who is able, through his mighty power …to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think …” (Ephesians 3:20-21 NLT).

God, the Holy Spirit, MAKES himself KNOWN through is “own” creations, including HUMAN VESSELS.

God, the Holy Spirit, MADE himself KNOWN “THROUGH” Jesus Christ. “…The Son is the radiance of God’s GLORY and the exact representation of his being…” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV).

“And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the GLORY of God the Father” (Philippians 2:11 KJV). Jesus, his LIVING Word, represented and REVEALED God, the Holy Spirit to the world and particularly to his redeemed people.

 “…For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light ofthe knowledge of the GLORY of God in the face of Jesus Christ…” (2 Corinthians 4:6 KJV). Jesus REVEALS God’s BEING (Glory) to his redeemed people.

“…If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength Godprovides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the GLORY and the power for ever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 4:11 NIV).

“And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the GLORY of Goddid lighten it, and the Lamb (Jesus) is the light thereof…” (Revelation 21:23 KJV).

“… His glory is great through Your salvation…” (Psalms 21:5 NASB). “…“Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his GLORY…” (Isaiah 6:3). “…the earth is filled with the LORD's GLORY…” (Number 14:21 NLT).

Remember, Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, said “….everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus [our]… Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ…” (Philippians 3:8 NLT).

 “…Jesus Christ is Lord, to the GLORY of God the Father…” (Philippians 2:11 KJV). “The Son (Jesus) is the radiance of God’s GLORY and the exact representation of his being….”(Hebrews 1:3 KJV). “….everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus [our]… Lord. …” (Philippians 3:8 NLT). “He said to [them].., "You are My Servant, Israel (HIS PEOPLE), In Whom I will show My GLORY…” (Isaiah 49:3 NASB).

God. He WANTS to show his redeemed people His HOLY Glory which he confirms “through” Jesus Christ. “….The Word (Jesus) became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we [can see] His (God’s) GLORY  (BEING – presence, goodnesses, power)…” (John 1:14 NASB). You can see God’s HOLY Glory because, “… The Son (Jesus) is the … EXACT representation of his being….”(Hebrews 1:3 KJV).

God’s HOLY GLORY is the PRESENCE of God himself and ALL the RICHES that COMES with his BEING. What are the “riches” of His HOLY GLORY or BEING? “…The mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make KNOWN what is the RICHES of the GLORY… which is CHRIST (god’s word) IN YOU, the hope of glory:…” (Colossians 1:25-28 KJV). “…I pray that out of the riches of His GLORY, He may strengthen you with POWER through His Spirit in your inner being…” (Ephesians 3:16 NIV).

The expression, demonstration, and  manifestation of his HOLY GLORY is NOW witnessed and experienced through Jesus Christ, who is “…IN YOU…” Let’s change the question FROM: “What is God’s Glory,” TO: “Where is His Glory?”

This truly boggles the mind, but it is nonetheless true, His HOLY Glory is IN YOU!  “…To whom God would make KNOWN [make known what]… the riches of the glory [which is?]….. which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:…” (Colossians 1:25-28 KJV). “ …We (YOU) have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the POWER may be of God, and not of us...”(2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV).

God’s HOLY GLORY is his manifested Being (existence)experienced and witnessed through Christ Jesus. “…Know ye not your own selves …that Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians KJV). “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV). “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” (1 Corinthians 6:19 KJV). “…God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people” (2 Corinthians 6:16 KJV).

“… We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves…” (2 Corinthians 4:7 NLT).

Redeemed believers have RECEIVED the GIFT of God’s BEING through the indwelling Holy Spirit. When you don’t know the value of something, you possess, you will abuse it. Paul knew he had received something priceless and valuable. “….everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus [our]… Lord. …” (Philippians 3:8 NLT).

The “…riches of God’s (Holy) glory….” highly contributes to the welfare, overall health, and healing of ALL mankind. “…I will put a new spirit in you. …” (Ezekiel 36:26 NLT). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…The Spirit of God dwell[s]… in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).  “…May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together—spirit, soul, and body …” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 MSG). “…Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…Jesus Christ maketh thee whole…” (Acts 9:34 KJV). NLT).

God’s HOLY GLORY is his manifested being witnessed through ALL of his creation. His HOLY GLORY expresses, demonstrates, and manifests that God is PRESENCE, along with his GOODNESSES, and his POWER. “ … I will extol You, my God, O King, And I will bless Your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless You, And I will praise Your name forever and ever. Great is the Lord, and highly to be praised, And His greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall praise Your works to another, And shall declare Your mighty acts. On the glorious  splendor of Your majesty And on Your wonderful works, I will meditate.  Men shall speak of the  power of Your awesome acts, And I will tell of Your greatness.  They shall eagerly utter the memory of Your abundant goodness And will shout joyfully of Your righteousness. The Lord is gracious and merciful; Slow to anger and great in lovingkindness. The Lordis good to all, And His mercies are over all His works. All Your works shall give thanks to You, O Lord, And Your godly ones shall bless You. They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom And talk of Your power; To make known to the sons of men Your mighty acts And the glory of the majesty of Your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And Your dominion enduresthroughout all generations. The Lordsustains all who fall
And raises up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all [look to You, And You give them their food in due time. You open Your hand And satisfy the desire of every living thing. The Lord is righteous in all His ways And kind in all His deeds. The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He will also hear their cry and will save them. The Lord keeps all who love Him, But all the wicked He will destroy. My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord, And all flesh will bless His holy name forever and ever…” (Psalms 145 NASB).

When you say “GLORY” you are actually giving PRAISE to God’s presence, goodness, or power WITNESSED through a HOLY SPIRIT healing, a show of his love, a saving of a lost soul, the sound of his voice heard through scripture or preaching, or some other miraculous actions that could ONLY be performed by God and God, alone.“… Praise Him in the heights! Praise Him, all His angels; Praise Him, all His hosts! Praise Him, sun and moon; Praise Him, all stars of light! Praise Him, highest heavens, And the waters that are above the heavens! Let them praise the name of the Lord, For He commanded and they were created. He has also established them forever and ever; He has made a decree which will not pass away.  Praise the Lord from the earth, Sea monsters and all deeps; Fire and hail, snow and clouds; Stormy wind, fulfilling His word; Mountains and all hills; Fruit trees and all cedars; Beasts and all cattle; Creeping things and winged fowl; Kings of the earth and all peoples; Princes and all judges of the earth; Both young men and virgins; Old men and children. Let them praise the name of the Lord, For His name alone is exalted; His glory (manifested PRESENCE) is above earth and heaven. And He has lifted up a horn for His people, Praise for all His godly ones; Even for the sons of Israel, a people near to Him. Praise the Lord!” (Psalms 148 NASB).

Everything that belongs to God, the Holy Spirit, and has been CREATED by HIM will one way or another express, demonstrate, or manifest his HOLY GLORY. Redeemed Believers BELONG to God and “contain” his HOLY GLORY through the indwelling Holy Spirit. “…Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God. But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all)…” (Romans 8:8-11 NLT).

God’s truly, redeemed people and ALL of his creation will exhibit his HOLY GLORY. “…Let every created thing give praise (be a witness of his PRESENCE) to the Lord…” (Psalms 148:5 NLT).

His HOLY GLORY is the expression, demonstration, or manifestation of his BEING witnessed through HIS presence, goodness, or power in CREATION or his NEW CREATIONS in Jesus Christ. “… All Your works shall give thanks to You, O Lord, And Your godly ones shall bless You…” (Psalms 145 NASB).

No matter how God chooses to express, demonstrate, or manifest his PRESENCE, GOODNESSES, or POWER, his HOLY SPIRIT (BEING) is the SOURCE of it ALL!! “[God’s] …Holy Spirit …is the SOURCE [of it ALL]…” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

God’s presence, goodnesses, and power is CLEARLY manifested in the MANY expressions or demonstrations of his holy glory or being. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV). “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” (1 Corinthians 6:19 KJV). “…God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people” (2 Corinthians 6:16 KJV).

“… We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves…” (2 Corinthians 4:7 NLT).

 

 

HE SAID "NEVER WILL I LEAVE YOU!' WHAT A FRIEND!!

The bible says: “…God has said “ Never will I leave you (without my PRESENCE ) ; never will I forsake you …” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV). “… I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS , to the very end …"(Matthew 28:20 NIV).  Truly, “… God with us …” (Matthew 1:23 NASB). “…If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT). It is a TRUTH, “… Not one of all the LORD's good promises … failed; every one was fulfilled”(Joshua 21:45 NIV).

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“… By faith we understand that THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE WAS FORMED at God’s command...” (Hebrews 11 NLT). “….God saw everything he had made……and, behold, it was very good…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit had made a magnificent creation. “….Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters…[In the beginning was the WORD. Therefore,] God said (SPOKE), “Let there be light,” and there was light (the Holy Spirit CREATED)….God said, “Let there be a vault between the waters to separate water from water.” …God madethe vault and separated the water under the vault from the water above it. And it was so. God called the vault “sky.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the second day. God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.” And it was so. God called the dry ground “land,” and the gathered waters he called “seas.” …God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was so. The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. …God said, “Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years, and let them be lights in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth.” And it was so. God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. God set them in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth, to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness.  …God said, “Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the vault of the sky.”  …God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind.  …God said, “Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: the livestock, the creatures that move along the ground, and the wild animals, each according to its kind.” And it was so. …God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds…” (Genesis 1 KJV).

THEN God, the Holy Spirit said: “….let us make man in “our” image, after our likeness…”(Genesis 1:26 KJV).  “…..God created man in his own image…..male and female created he them…”(Genesis 1:27 KJV). “….God formed man of the dust of the ground (BODY), and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life(SPIRIT); and man became a living soul (SOUL)…” (Genesis 2:7 KJV). “…The man gave names to all the cattle, and to the birds of the sky, and to every beast of the field, but for Adam there was not found a helper suitable for him…” (Genesis 2:20 NASB).

 “…It is not good that the man should be alone…” (Genesis 2:18 KJV).  “…I will make …a helpmeet for him”…” (Genesis 2:18 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit, put Adam in “…a deep sleep... [took] one of his ribs...[made him] a [physical] woman, and … [bought] her [to him]” (Genesis 2:21-22 KJV). “…So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then He took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh at that place…” (Genesis 2:21 NASB). “…The LORD God fashioned into a woman the rib which He had taken from the man, and brought her to the man…” (Genesis 2:22 NASB).

 “…my companion and close friend…” (Psalms 55:13 NLT).

God, not Adam said it was NOT GOOD for man to be alone. It was God, not Adam who MADE him a suitable companion. “…Neither was the man created for the woman; but the womanfor the man…” (1 Corinthians 11:9 KJV). “…For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man…” (1 Corinthians 11:8 KJV). “…For Adam was first formed, then Eve…” (1 Timothy 2:13 KJV).

Two REASONS stand out as WHY God created Eve. He said it wasn’t GOOD for Adam to be ALONE and he needed a SUITABLE HELPER. SO, “…the LORD God fashioned into a woman the rib which He had taken from the man, and brought her to the man…” (Genesis 2:22 NASB).

“….God saw everything he had made……and, behold, it was very good…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV). However, God said: “…It is not good that the man should be alone…” (Genesis 2:18 KJV).

In the spiritual realm GOOD is equivalent with God. There is NONE GOOD, but GOD, the Holy Spirit.  “… there is none good but one, that is, God...” (Mark 10:18 KJV). So can we say: “…It is not good (godly) that the man should BE ALONE…” (Genesis 2:18 KJV).

Adam had LIFE and LIVING creatures ALL around him and he was communing with God, the Holy Spirit.

There was NO indication or implication that Adam felt ALONE since God was his companion, but God, the Holy Spiritis omniscient.

Research shows that ALONE can also be translated to mean “separated” or “segregated” from. God KNEW that even though Adam wasn’t alone yet, he would be. “…Your INIQUITIES (sins) … [can separate] … you and your [spiritual companion]... God [the Holy Spirit]…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV).  

Adam and Eve were both originally CREATED WHOLE (body, soul, and God’s Spirit (the breath of life)). “…And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground (body),and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (Holy Spirit); and man became a living soul (soul)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). “….God saw every thing he had made……and, [said] … it was VERY GOOD…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).

Then SIN separated them from God, the HOLY SPIRIT leaving them ALONE without HIM. “...Wherefore, as through one man sin entered into the world, and (spiritual) death (alone, separated from God) through sin, and so (spiritual) death (alone, separated from God) passed to all men, for that all sinned (all are born alone without the HOLY SPIRIT)—“(Romans 5:12 KJV). “...For all have sinnedand fall short of the glory (presence) of God” (Romans 3:23 KJV).

People FEEL physically ALONE when someone dies, leaves, divorces them, or gets a long-term illness, but spiritual ALONENESS is death.“…the body without (apart from) the spirit is dead…” (James 2:26 KJV).

Adam and Eve died, but it was not a physical death where the soul is separated from the body, but it was a spiritual death where the soul is separated from the “Holy Spirit” within the body. They and their descendants were LEFT ALONE without God.

When someone’s physical presence is GONE, we miss them, but keep on living physically. But when God’s spiritual presence is GONE, we usually don’t miss him, but keep living physically while being spiritually dead.

Being LEFT ALONE physically makes the separation extremely HARD to endure, but being LEFT ALONE spiritually is WORST!

“…It is not good that the man should be alone…” (Genesis 2:18 KJV).  “…I will make …a helpmeet for him”…” (Genesis 2:18 KJV).

HOWEVER, the Holy Spirit says: “… I am God, and there is none else… I am God, and there is none like me…" (Isaiah 46:9-10 KJV).  “… there is NONE like unto thee, O LORD; thou artgreat, and thy name isgreat in might.…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV). “… there is none good but one, that is, God” (Mark 10:18 KJV).

“…“God with us…” (Matthew 1:23 NASB). “…God has said “Never will I leave you (without my PRESENCE); never will I forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV). “…I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, to the very end…"(Matthew 28:20 NIV).

People LEAVE us ALONE PHYSICALLY all the time, but if you have God, the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT, you are NEVER alone.

Separation from God, the HOLY SPIRIT is the ultimate state of being LEFT ALONE and LEADS TO DEATH, ETERNALLY

 

 

IF GOD'S 'OWN" PEOPLE WOULD REPENT, IF WOULD MAKE A "BIG" DIFFERENCE

 

IF GOD'S PEOPLE WOULD REPENT; IT WOULD MAKE A "HUGE" DIFFERENCE

“…not by works…” (Ephesians 2:9). “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…every one that loveth …. KNOWETH God. He that loveth NOT KNOWETH NOT God; for God is love..." (1 John 4:4-8 KJV)

"...If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.…” (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV).

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I have been concerned with the integrity of the Christian faith for a while and whether it will maintain its impact or relevancy in the 21stcentury."… [God’s people were meant to become]... the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless …It is no longer good for anything…” (Matthew 5:13 NASB).

So many people have used Christianity inappropriately and have paired it with personal agendas or used it for ill-gotten gains. “…If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person IS A LIAR and is not living in the truth…” (1 John 2:4 NLT).  “…If we “SAY” that we have fellowship with him, and WALK IN DARKNESS (without the show of spiritual fruit), WE LIE, and DO NOT THE TRUTH…” (1 John 1:6 KJV).  “… the deeds of the flesh are evident…” (Galatians 5:20-22  NASB).

Almost every Christian term or service or activity or righteous work have had some kind of scandal or negative behavior tied to it. “…hypocrites ...This people honoureth me with [their] lips, but [their] heart is far from me...” (Mark 7:6 KJV).   “… [THEY] LIE, and DO NOT THE TRUTH…” (1 John 1:6 KJV). “…He (Jesus) knew what was in each person’s heart…” (John 2:24-25 NLT). “...hypocrites! for [God’s people] make clean the outside of the cup (with religious appearance and doings) and of the platter, but within (in their hearts) they are full of extortion and excess...” (Matthew 23:13-33 KJV).

Some Christian leaders would have the world think that politically the greatest commandments for God’s people are merely concerned with homosexuality and abortion whether than the two most important ones regarding loving God and loving others, which dates back to the law of Moses?” “...Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?” Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your Godwith all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments...” (Matthew 22:36-40 NLT). 

“...What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things...” (Matthew 23:23 NLT).

Therefore, God’s people often express, through their actions, a Christian faith that mainly FOCUSES on the laws of the land that impact other people’s behavior whether than the laws of God that were given to FOCUS on THEIR ownbehaviors.  “...Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men...” (Acts 5:29 KJV). “…What shall it profit a man (woman), if he(she) shall gain the whole world (fool other humans with outward hypocrisy), and lose his (her) own soul?...” (Mark 8:36 KJV). “…[God knows] ...what ...[is]... in each person’s heart…” (John 2:24-25 NLT). “…[The] ...Lord (God), which knowest the heartsof all men…” (Acts 1:24 KJV). “… He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth. The Lord examines both the righteous and the wicked…” (Psalm 11:4-5 NLT). “… [their] heartis far from me...” (Mark 7:6 KJV).   

God’s people (his true disciples) are NOT more supportive of adhering to a political agenda, than they are of a righteous one. “…If you love me, you will (not might, maybe, sometimes, when I feel like it, or occasional, etc.) keep my commandments…” (John 14:15). However, “…My people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). “… The people replied, “Don’t waste your breath. We will continue to live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).

“…Ye shall know [God’s people]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “…He(she) who ABIDES in Me (the covenant relationship with God, the Holy Spirit) and I in him (her), he(she) bears much fruit  … ” (John 15:1-11 NASB). "…My Father is glorified (his presence, goodness, and working power is made known) by this, that...[HIS PEOPLE]... bear much fruit, and so PROVE to be My disciples (MY PEOPLE)...” (John 15:8 NIV).

How will the Christian faith transform society if those within the Christian faith are not transformed themselves? “…my people would not listen to me...” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). “…The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and [YOU (God’s people)]… ARE NOT SAVED...” (Jeremiah 8:20 KJV). “…If My people which are called by My name shall humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and TURN FROM their wicked ways…I will heal their...[destinies]...” (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV). “…[However]  …“If the righteous are barely saved, what will happen to godless sinners?...” (1 Peter 4:18 NLT).

How did Jesus, the LIVING word, CHANGE society? Jesus’ righteous works and spiritual fruit drew the LOST, OPPRESSED, and NEEDY to God. “...the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing...” (Luke 9:11 KJV). “...And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed...” (Mark 6:56 KJV). “...Large crowds followed him, and he healed them there...” (Matthew 19:2 KJV). “...the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all...” (Luke 6:19 KJV).

“… God  … work[ed] … in … [Jesus] … what is pleasing to him [God, the Holy Spirit]…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…the Father... [that DWELLS within JESUS]… he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

“...[Jesus] ... went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; (HOW WAS HE ABLE TO DO THOSE THINGS?)... GOD WAS WITH HIM…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).

(WHAT ELSE WAS JESUS, THE LIVING WORD, EMPOWERED, BY THE HOLY SPIRIT, able TO DO?) “…[HE WAS] ... anointed (empowered) to preach the gospel to the poor; ... to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord…” (John 4:16-21 KJV).

The ANOINTED (Holy Spirit empowered) works and displays of spiritual fruit came through Jesus, but were PRODUCED by God, the Holy Spirit. He DOES the WORK. “…Stephen, a man full of God’sgrace and POWER(the indwelling Holy Spirit), performed great wonders and signs among the people…” (Acts 6:8 NIV).

 “…God did extraordinary MIRACLES (by the indwelling Holy Spirit) through Paul…” (Acts 19:11 NIV).

“…I persevered in demonstrating among you the marks of a true apostle, including signs, wonders and MIRACLES (the WORK of the Holy Spirit)…” (2 Corinthians 12:12 NIV). “…the Father that dwelleth in [you], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

“…God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of [those].. who are his. The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s [power and fruit]... THROUGH each of us …… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

Everybody doesn’t experience these works. WHY?  “ ... because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of anger is coming, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. He will judge everyone according to what they have done. He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers. But he will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness. There will be trouble and calamity for everyone who keeps on doing what is evil—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. But there will be glory and honor and peace from God for all who do good ....” (Romans 2:5-13 NLT).

In addition, how will God’s people be transformed if they are more concerned with “doing” Christianity whether than truly “becoming” Christ-like? “... the Jews (or God’s people), who do have God’s law, will be judged by that law when they fail to obey it.  For merely listening to the [HOLY] law doesn’t make us right with God. It is obeying the [HOLY] law that makes us right in his sight...” (Romans 2:5-13 NLT).

Christians have mega churches, mega preachers, mega-colleges, national and international ministry or renown, and yet fail to demonstrate a mega-personal transformation. “…The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and [YOU (God’s people)]… ARE...[“still”]... NOT SAVED...” (Jeremiah 8:20 KJV).

Too many of God’s people think a sign of transformation is a form of human entertainment, religious doings or deeds, or dramatic antics. “... outwardly ... [you] ... appear righteous unto men (women), but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites...” (Matthew 23:13-33 KJV). “... except [the] righteousness [of God’s people] shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees (worldly, fleshly, or carnal righteousness), [Those claiming to be God’s people] shall [not] enter into the kingdom of heaven...” (Matthew 5:10 KJV).

Finding a truly transformed person is like looking for that proverbial needle in a haystack. “…hypocrites ...This people honoureth me with [their] lips, but [their] heart is far from me...” (Mark 7:6 KJV).   “…If [God’s people] “SAY” that [they] have fellowship with him, and WALK IN DARKNESS (hypocrisy, phoniness, etc.), [THEY] LIE, and DO NOT THE TRUTH…” (1 John 1:6 KJV). “...hypocrites! for [God’s people] make clean the outside of the cup (religious appearance) and of the platter, but within (in their hearts) they are full of extortion and excess...” (Matthew 23:13-33 KJV).

“Jesus saith…I am THE WAY…” (John 14:6 KJV). “…"This is the WAY; WALK in it…" Isaiah 30:21 NIV). “…THE WAY is narrow that LEADS TO LIFE, and there are FEW who find it…” (Matthew 7:13-14 NASB).

 Please don’t misunderstand me. I am not talking about you. I am talking about the other ones.

 God says, “… I know all the things you do....You have examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not. You have discovered they are liars...“But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first! Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to meand do the works you did at first. If you don’t repent, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches…” (Revelation 2:2-5 NLT).

“...Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?” Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your Godwith all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments...” (Matthew 22:36-40 NLT). 

Thus, the bible says “... Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ (the LIVING Word, the LIGHT, the indwelling Holy Spirit, etc.,) is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith...” (2 Corinthians 13:5 NLT).

There are many, who claim to be God’s people and can SPEAK with the greatest eloquence among mankind or angels, but without God it’s JUST clatter and noise. “...If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love (God is LOVE), [YOU] have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal...” (1 Corinthians 13:1-5 NASB).

There are many, who claim to be God’s people and have demonstrated great faith to the degree of moving mountains, but without God it means nothing. “...if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love (GOD IS LOVE), [You are]... nothing (apart from his Spirit, you can do nothing)....” (1 Corinthians 13:1-5 NASB). “...apart from [GOD, who is LOVE] nothing came into being that has come into being … (John 1:1-4 NASB). “... APART FROM [God, who is LOVE]... you can do nothing  …” (John 15:1-11 NASB).

There are many, who claim to be God’s people whose gift of prophesy has impacted people’s lives across the globe, but without God, its meaningless. “...If [you] have the gift of prophecy ...but do not have love (GOD IS LOVE), [you are]... nothing.  ...” (1 Corinthians 13:1-5 NASB). “... APART FROM [God, who is LOVE]... you can do nothing  …” (John 15:1-11 NASB).

There are many, who claim to be God’s people whose generosity is a matchless contribution, but without God, it is pointless. “...if [you] give all [your] possessions to feed the poor, and if [you] surrender [your] body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits [you]... nothing...” (1 Corinthians 13:1-5 NASB).“…Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied ...cast out devils... and DONE many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity (gross injustice or wickedness)…” (Matthew 7:22-23 KJV). “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…every one that loveth …. KNOWETH God. He that loveth NOT KNOWETH NOT God; for God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV).

GOD IS LOOKING “DIRECTLY” AT the HEART of HIS people!! “...God seesnot as man (woman) sees, for man (woman) looks at the outward appearance (the DOING), but the LORD looks at the heart (the BEING)…” (1 Samuel 16:7 NASB). God zooms in on the “…hidden man (woman) of the heart…” (1 Peter 3:4 KJV). God knows it is “…from within, out of the heart of man (woman), proceed evil thoughts… wickedness…All these evil things come from within, and defile (taint) a person.” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV).

The heart, without God, the Holy Spirit, and ALL that it contains “…is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked…who can know it [except God?]…” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV).

It is God and God alone that can CREATE, within HIS people, through Jesus, his LIVING Word, a CLEAN heart. “...Create in me a clean heart, O God… Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. …” (Psalms 51:10-19 KJV). “....Now ye (God’s people) are clean through the Word which I have spoken unto you (through Jesus, his LIVING Word)...” (John 15:1-10 KJV). “...[God’s people can stay] .... holy and clean, washed by the cleansing [power]...of God’s Word ...” (Ephesians 5:26 KJV). “…[God’s people]... can do ALL THINGS through Christ (the Word of God)which strengtheneth [them]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “…He (Jesus, god’s word) will keep you strong to the end…” (1 Corinthians 1:8 NLT).

Therefore, even though, some, who claim to be God’s people can actually cast out devils and DO all kinds of wonderful, miraculous DEEDS, there is something missing in the frenzy of all these activities....KNOWING and INCLUDING GOD. “... Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity...” (Matthew 7:21-23 KJV). “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…every one that loveth …. KNOWETH God. He that loveth NOT KNOWETH NOT God; for God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV).

It is very clear that Christian “doings” can BECOME a serious stumbling block. God’s people are to “DO”, but, without God, “DOING” is meaningless, doesn’t profit anything, is self-invented religiosity, and amounts to nothing. “...[If people who claim to be God’s people DO Christian works,]...but do not have love (God is LOVE), [they] have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal...” (1 Corinthians 13:1-5 NASB).“...[If people who claim to be God’s people DO Christian works,]...but do not have love (God is LOVE), [they are actually doing]... nothing [spiritual profitable]....” (1 Corinthians 13:1-5 NASB).“...[If people who claim to be God’s people DO Christian works,]...but do not have love (God is LOVE), it profits [or benefits them] nothing...” (1 Corinthians 13:1-5 NASB).

Anybody can “DO” or imitate Christian works. “...’Master,’ Said John, ‘we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not ONE OF US,’ ‘Do not stop him,’ Jesus said, ‘for whoever is not against you is for you...’” (Luke 9:49-50 NIV).  

People can support the CAUSES and WORKS of Christianity, and not become a Christian.“…Ye shall know [God’s people]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).

Therefore, just because a person “DOES” Christian works similar or the same as God’s people DO, it does not mean THEY are ONE OF God’s people. “...because he (she) is not ONE OF US...’” (Luke 9:49-50 NIV). “...Anyone (NO EXCEPTIONS) who does not live righteously and does not love other believers DOES "NOT' BELONG TO GOD...” (1 John 3:7-10 NLT). “…those who do nothave the [indwelling Holy]... Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.….” (Romans 8:8-11 NLT).

Your Christian works alone do not determine that you are ONE OF God’s people, but, unfortunately, many people think it does. “…Ye shall know [God’s people]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).

Nonetheless, WORKS, alone, does not count as a guarantee, shoe-in to heaven. “... Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not ...done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matthew 7:21-23 KJV).

People, knowingly or unknowingly, THINK, their deeds (DOINGS) will make them worthy, deserving, or help them earn a SPOT in God’s kingdom. SALVATION is a free gift and DOINGS are acts of obedience empowered by the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT. “… It is ...God who does the work IN and THROUGH ...[HIS people] … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “… The [indwelling] HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of [his people] … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).“…the ...Father that dwelleth in [THEM], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

 God makes it KNOWN to his people, the “…the riches of his glory (his presence, his goodness, and his working power) in Christ Jesus (his Word)….” (Philippians 4:19 KJV). , “… [God, through Christ]… freely give [his people] all things…” (Romans 8:32 KJV). “…God will supply all [his people’s need]… according to His riches in glory (in his presence, goodness, and working power) in Christ Jesus (his word that he sent into their hearts)…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB).  “ … [God’s people] have this treasure (Jesus, the LIGHT, his working POWER, the Word, the indwelling Holy Spirit, etc.,) “[with]in” earthen vessels…” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV).

Starting with Jesus, his PLAN of SALVATION, everything God’s people are GIVEN is a FREE GIFT of HIS GRACE. “... God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God ... through this one man, Jesus Christ...” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT). “…, my righteous servant (Jesus) ... [made]... it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT). “…[He sent the ] …one … who can reconcileGod and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT). “…[salvation]… IS THE GIFT OF GOD (the Holy Spirit)…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). “…[God’s people ARE] ... Saved by grace (unmerited favor) through faith (trust in & dependency upon god)… NOT OF [them]SELVES ... not of works (doings OF THE flesh), that no man (woman) should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).

 None of God’s people WORKED for SALVATION or his FREE GIFTS of GRACE, nor do they WORK to keep them. “…He did [all of]...this, not because [mankind]... DESERVED it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time…” (2 Timothy 1:9 NLT). “...to show [mankind]... his GRACE through Christ Jesus...” (2 Timothy 1:9 NLT).“…God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them...” (2 Corinthians 6:16 KJV). “…the Spirit of God dwell in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).  

“... It is God (the indwelling Holy Spirit) which worketh in [HIS people] both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “… the God of peace… that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip [his people] with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in [them, through the indwelling Holy Spirit]… what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).

God’s people were SAVED by God’s GRACE through FAITH (trusting in and depending upon God’s plan of Salvation). “…IT IS (the Plan of Salvation is) THE GIFT OF GOD (the Holy Spirit)…”(Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). “... Every good GIFT and every perfect GIFT is from above, and comethdown from the Father of lights…” (James 1:17 KJV). “…A man (woman) can receive nothing, except it BE GIVEN him (her) from heaven…” (John 3:27 KJV). “…The LORD SHALL GIVE that which is good…” (Psalms 85:12 KJV). “…What do you have that God hasn’t given you?...” (1 Corinthians 4:7 NLT). “... [The WORD, the GOOD seed, the LIGHT, the working POWER, etc.,]... came down from heaven (to dwell within the hearts of God’s people)...” (John 6:42 KJV).39 KJV). God’s people can say: “...By the GRACE of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).God’s people “can” WALK and LIVE by faith (by trusting in and depending upon God’s empowering Holy Spirit). “…[God’s people]... can do ALL THINGS through Christ (the Word of God)which strengtheneth [them]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “…He (Jesus, god’s word) will keep [God’s people]... strong to the end…” (1 Corinthians 1:8 NLT).“…[God’s people are]...equip with everything good for doing his will…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “...[God works “in” and “through” his people]....… what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ (his Word, his LIGHT, his working POWER, etc.,)…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).

None of God’s people EARN or DESERVE the gifts and blessings of God’s GRACE, but THEY FREE through the unconditional love God has for EACH of them. “... Every good GIFT and every perfect GIFT is from above, and comethdown from the Father of lights…” (James 1:17 KJV). “…A man (woman) can receive nothing [spiritual], except it BE GIVEN him (her) from heaven…” (John 3:27 KJV). “… “…The LORD SHALL GIVE that which is [spiritually] good…” (Psalms 85:12 KJV). God’s people can say: “...By the GRACE of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).

Here is how the belief of, merely, DOING could become a deception. “...Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matthew 7:21-23 KJV).

God’s people have read the following scriptures many times, but are continually remiss in keeping the two MOST importance commandments in God’s Word: loving God and loving others.

“...Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?” Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your Godwith all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments...” (Matthew 22:36-40 NLT). 

“…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…every one that loveth …. KNOWETH God. He that loveth NOT KNOWETH NOT God; for God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV).

 THUS, “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.

If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing...” (1 Corinthians 13:1-3 ASV).

God’s love transforms you in THREE important ways: SAVES your soul,  GIFTS you with the indwelling Holy Spirit and MAKES you into a totally NEW CREATION.

 “ ... Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (substitute, intervention) for our sins.” (1 John 4:10 KJV).

“…If you love me, you will (voluntarily and willfully choose to) keep my commandments…” (John 14:15).

 “...I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just asI have loved you, you should love each other...” (John 13:34 NLT).

God does care and appreciate what you are DOING toward Christian works. However, he cares and appreciates MORE about the righteous and holy heart which MOTIVATES you to DO those Christian works. “...God SEES NOT as man (woman) sees, for man (woman) looks at the outward appearance (DOING), but the LORD LOOKS AT THE HEART (BEING)…”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB).

 Who God’s people BECOME, through Jesus, empowers them to DO Christian works for the GLORY of God like Jesus DID. Jesus “IS” the WORD of God. The Word of God CAME DOWN’ to do God’s will. “... he (JESUS) ... came down from heaven...” (John 3:13 KJV Jesus CAME “…to giveHis life a ransom for many...” (Matthew 20:28 KJV). “…Christ ... suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us [back] to God …” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV).

What else did “Jesus” do?  The Holy Spirit empowered and anointed Jesusto go about DOING good and HEALING the oppressed. “…God anointed (empowered) Jesus of Nazareth (HOW?) with the Holy Ghost and WITH POWER:  (WHAT DID JESUS, THE WORD OF GOD, DO?) [HE] ... went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; [HOW WAS HE ABLE TO DO THOSE THINGS?]... GOD WAS WITH HIM…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV). (WHAT ELSE WAS JESUS, THE WORD, ANOINTED TO DO?) “…[HE WAS] ... anointed (empowered) to preach the gospel to the poor; ... to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord…” (John 4:16-21 KJV).

WHO SHOULD GOD’S PEOPLE BECOME LIKE IN THEIR ACTIONS? “…In this world [God’s people] are like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). “...Be … imitatorsof [Jesus, the Word of God]…” (Hebrews 12:14; Ephesians 5:1 ASV). “… growing in every way more and more like Christ (the word of god)…” (Ephesians 4:14-16 NLT).

“…beconformed to the image of his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).“…Ye shall know [those being conformed to his image]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV).

The world’s system says you worked; so you earn by doing, deserve by doing, or are worthy of rewards by doing. “... Every good GIFT and every perfect GIFT is from above, and comethdown from the Father of lights…” (James 1:17 KJV).

“... [If’... you are boasting about your own pretentious plans ... all such boasting is evil...” (James 4:15-16 NLT).

“...God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God ...through this one man, Jesus Christ...” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT). “…, my righteous servant (Jesus) ... [made]... it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT). “…[He sent the ] …one … who can reconcileGod and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).

”…  ye [are]…saved by grace through faith…it is the GIFT of God…” (Ephesians 2:8 KJV).

“… [SALVATION]... IS THE GIFT OF GOD; not of works, that no man (woman) should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).

However, God’s system says SALVATION and the process of BEING SAVED comes through the finished work of Christ on the cross. “… I la[id]... down my life... [FOR YOU] …” (John 10:17-18 KJV). “...[Jesus]... said, It is finished…” (John 19:28-30 KJV). “…[Jesus] ... [made]... it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he...[bore]... all their sins [upon the cross]…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT). “...God’s free gift ...[comes] ...through this one man, Jesus Christ...” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT).

“…His DIVINE POWER hath given unto [HIS people]... ALL THINGS that pertain unto life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV). “…[God]...will supply all [HIS people’s]... NEED…” (John 12:32 KJV). ). “...He careth for [them].,,” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV).“…God is the one who provides...[for his people] …” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV).  “…God will generously PROVIDE all [his people]...need (through his Word)…” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT).

All God’s people NEED is already theirs by faith (by trusting in and depending upon God). “...The just (God’s redeemed people)... shall live by faith (by trusting in and depending upon God)...” (Hebrews 10:38 KJV).

Even the DOING of Christian works is EMPOWERED or ENABLED by the indwelling Holy Spirit, the LIGHT, the Word, the working POWER, etc,. THE BIBLE says: “...‘What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?’ Jesus answered and said unto them, ‘This is the work of God, that ye believe (that you are empowered to trust in and depend) on Him...(the indwelling Holy Spirit, the LIGHT, the Word, the working POWER, etc.,) whom he (God) hath sent.” (John 6:28-29 KJV).

“…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” OUR HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…God has given [his people] his Spirit as PROOF that ...he [dwells]…in [you]…” (1 John 4:13 NLT). “…Jesus Christ(the indwelling Holy Spirit, the LIGHT, the Word, the working POWER, etc.,)  is IN YOU (God’s people)…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV).

The “covenant unity” relationship  with God, the Holy Spirit, will reverse the world system where, merely, DOING Christian works takes a BACKSEAT to actually BECOMING transformed into the IMAGE of Jesus Christ.“… Be transformed by the renewing of your mind...”(Romans 12:2 KJV). “…to the image of his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).

I sometimes CALL the “covenant unity” relationship with God, the Holy Spirita YADA. YADA has many meanings, but I favor the Hebrew definition which says it is to “know” or “enter into covenant with.”

I’m adding that YADA can also describe the spiritual “oneness” that God’s people SHARE, uniquely with the indwelling Holy Spirit. It is the deepest intimacy the soul can ever experience.  “…he (she) that is joined unto the Lord (Jesus) is ONE spirit… [with God again]...” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).

This DEEP intimacy is experienced or happens when God, graciously, JOINS our soul with his Spirit “...his Spirit joins with our [soul]... to affirm that we are God’s children...” (Romans 8:16).

Once joined, Spirit and soul become “one spirit” within a “covenant unity” or YADA relationship. “…he (she) that is joined unto the Lord (Jesus) is ONE spirit… [with God again]...” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).

There is no greater intimacy than this. “…he (she) ...is ONE spirit… [with God again]...” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “…The Spirit of God dwell in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).  .“… [God sent the ] …one… who can [REUNITE] God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus (WHO comes to DWELL WITHIN)…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).“...[God’s people are]... reconciled to God by the death of his Son...” (Romans 5:10 KJV).

The “covenant unity” or YADA relationship with God, the Holy Spirit, begins by faith or by trusting and depending upon God. It also ENDURES by faith.“…the POWER of God unto salvation (the power of God to reunite or become ONE SPIRIT) with)... everyone that believeth (trusts in or depends upon JESUS, his plan of salvation)…” (Romans 1:16 KJV).   “...HE (SHE) THAT “SHALL” (WILL) ENDURE UNTO THE END SHALL (WILL) BE SAVED...” (Matthew 24:13 KJV). “... [God’s people] ... are keptby the (indwelling) POWER of God through faith (through trusting in and depending upon him) unto salvation ...” (1 Peter 1:5 KJV).

God’s people are EMPOWERED to “DO” HIS will and “BECOME” like Jesus by FAITH or by trusting in and depending upon his indwelling Holy Spirit. “… apart from [God, the indwelling Holy Spirit[, you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). “… [God’s people] … can do all things through Christ (the Word, the LIGHT, the working POWER, the indwelling Spirit, etc.,) which strengtheneth … [them]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “…It is God who works in [HIS “own” people]… to willand to act in order to fulfill his good purpose...” (Philippians 2:13 NIV).

What this implies is that God’s people can come to know HIM and experience HIM, personally, through the YADA relationship. “... [jesus, the word, planted as].... a light [within the heart]  to reveal God ...” (Luke 2:32 NLT). “... A Light of revelation...” (LUKE 2:32 NASB). “…He (Jesus, the Word) has revealed God to us…” (John 1:18 NLT). “… For the Lord (Jesus, the Word) ...reveals [God’s]... thoughts to mankind…” (Amos 4:13 NLT).

WHY? “…so [his people]... will know that [HE “IS”] the Lord (the word, the light of truth, the working power, the indwelling spirit, the living water, etc.,)…” (Exodus 10:1-2 NLT). “…Then [his people] will know that [he is] the Lord[their]... God…’” (Exodus 16:12 NLT).

Experiencing a GENUINE Christian lifestyle can transform  your private world and the larger world around you. It, first, requires AUTHENTIC repentance from "mere" WORKS and allows the INDWELLING Holy Spirit, to EMPOWER you to GIVE God GLORY, not SIMPLY because of what you DO, but because of WHO you ARE in Jesus Christ

 

"BE HOLY AS I AM HOLY." “…WHOM THE LORD LOVETH HE CHA...

"BE HOLY AS I AM HOLY."

“…WHOM THE LORD LOVETH HE CHASTENETH (DISCIPLINES)…” (HEBREW 12:6 KJV).

“…be ye holy, for I am holy…” (1 Peter 1:16 KJV).

*

After God chooses you, draws you, loves you, changes your identity, speaks to you, becomes Lord; he focuses on empowering you to WALK in holiness. So, just like healthy parents discipline their children for their good, God disciplines his children too. “...If you are not disciplined – and everyone undergoes discipline – then you are not legitimate, nottrue sons and daughters at all” (Hebrews 12:8 NIV). “….For whom the Lord loveth he CORRECTETH…” (Proverbs 3:12 KJV).   “...He careth for you (his people)...” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV).

God disciplines his people out of love and concern for them. He wants what’s best for them and that is to share in his holiness.  Therefore, God disciplines his children so “…that [they] might be partakers of his holiness….” (Hebrews 12:10 KJV). “…Be holy, because I am holy…” (1 Peter 1:16 KJV). “…KEEP ALL my decrees BY putting them into PRACTICE, for I am the Lordwho makes you holy…” (Leviticus 20:8 NLT).

Therefore, God, the Holy Spirit’s, discipline or correction is not pleasant for the child of God, but it’s beneficial. “… [God allows corrections]…for [their] profit...” (Hebrews 12:10 KJV). “…No chastening (discipline) for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised (trained) thereby...” (Hebrews 12:11 KJV). 

Godly discipline or correction is usually experienced through heartbreak, painful tests, and unpleasant experiences, but, “… afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised (disciplined) thereby...” (Hebrews 12:11 KJV).

TRAINING to be HOLY like God, the Father, who is SPIRIT is the surefire way to know who the ONE TRUE GOD is at the core of his DIVINE being. “…I am holy…” (1 Peter 1:16 KJV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “There is none holy as the Lord…” (1 Samuel 2:2 KJV).“…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV). “…You are veryGREAT…” (Psalm 104:1-2 NASB).

God, the Holy Spirit’s discipline is a discipline that stems from a HOLYlove HE HAS toward his children. “...If you are not disciplined – and everyone undergoes discipline – then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all...” (Hebrews 12:8 NIV).  “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “...He careth for [his people]...” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV).

God loves his children deeply. He “WILL” discipline them for their benefit. “… [God allows corrections]…for [his people’s] profit...” (Hebrews 12:10 KJV).

God’s discipline is not a punishment, even though, at times, it feels harmful, because its challenging and painful, but it is, merely, a correction. “….For whom the Lord loveth he CORRECTETH…” (Proverbs 3:12 KJV).   “...He careth for you (his people)...” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “…[Thus, his people’s]...light affliction …[disciplines or corrections], …which is but for a moment, worketh for [God’s people]... a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory…” (2 Corinthians 4:17 KJV).

The devil “…intend[s] to harm…[God’s people, but]…God intend[s] it for good…” Genesis 50:20 NIV). “…the plans [God has]…for [his people]…. plans to prosper [them] and not to harm [them]...” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).

Everything God does or allows is for his people good and says “…all things work for good to them that love God…..  (Romans 8:28 KJV). “… [God allows corrections]…for [his people’s] profit...” (Hebrews 12:10 KJV).  “...blessed is the man whom God disciplines…” (Job 5:17). 

God’s people are told NOT “…to despise the discipline of the [God]…” (Job 5:17 NIV).

God doesn’t want his people to be condemned along with the rest of the world. Therefore God will correct them through discipline for their HOLY good. “...Nevertheless, when [God’s people]... are judged (corrected) in this way by the Lord, [they] are being disciplined so that [they] will NOT be finally condemned with the world...” (1 Corinthians 11:32).

ORIGINALLY, God’s people were MADE “IN” the image of God, whose image is SPIRIT and is HOLY. Thus, the Holy Spirit. God said: “…in his OWN image…..male and female created he (God, the Holy Spirit) them…” (Genesis 1:27 KJV).  

“…And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground (body),and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (spirit); and man becamea living soul (soul)…”(GENESIS 2:7 KJV).“...and ...[God, the Holy Spirit]....breathed into his(her) nostrils the breath of life (His “own” Holy Spirit)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).

“...and man (woman) became a living soul…”(GENESIS 2:7 KJV). Together, with God, the soul becomes HOLY through God, the HOLY SPIRIT. However, SIN separated the soul and God, who is SPIRIT.

“…[His people’s]... INIQUITIES [will SEPARATEthem from]... God…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV).  And without an atonement, there “WOULD” ALWAYS remain an un-crossable GULF, ABYSS, or CHASM between sinful natured mankind (oil) and HOLY natured God (water) that KEEPS them separated.

“... And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm (GULF, ABYSS) has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us…” (Luke 16:22-25 NASB).

God wanted his people BACK. So he made a plan. “…God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son,,,” (John 3:16 KJV). “…[God, the Holy Spirit]... delivered him  (Jesus, special MADE human atonement) up for us all….?” (Romans 8:32 KJV). “…the just for the unjust, that he might bring us [reconcile mankind back] to [himself] …” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV).

Becoming directed BACK to God through the “covenant unity” relationship, by faith in Jesus, not only reconciles the lost and spiritual dead soul to God, the Father, but restores them to HIS SPIRIT. “...He sent the] …one… who can reconcileGod and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).

“…[God]…sent His Son [Jesus]...” (1 John 4:10 KJV).   “…BY GRACE have [mankind]… been saved THROUGH FAITH [in Jesus]…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). “...God, who hath reconciled [his people]... to himself by Jesus Christ...” (2 Corinthians 5:18 KJV). “…He(she) that is joined (restored) unto the LORD is ONE SPIRIT…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).  

BECOMING reconciled with God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus is TRANSFORMING. First, you become united by love, the “perfect bond of unity.” Second, you become connected by the “...one spirit...” restoration with God through Jesus. Third, you become a “...new creation...” in Christ. Fourth, you become a “...a living soul...” because, finally, you are “...whole” again (body, soul, and Spirit).

“…May God himself, … make you holy and whole, put you together … [again]—spirit,soul, and body…” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 MSG).

The original God IMAGE returns. In Genesis God said: “…in his OWN image…..male and female created he (God, the Holy Spirit) them…”(Genesis 1:27 KJV).  “...and ...[God, the Holy Spirit]....breathed into his(her) nostrils the breath of life (His “own” Spirit)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). “...and man (woman) became a living soul…”(GENESIS 2:7 KJV).

“…the just for the unjust, that he might bring [or reconcile his people back to himself] …” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV).

“…[God]…sent His Son...” (1 John 4:10 KJV).   “… [He sent the] …one … who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT). 

God said: “…I will put (breathe) a new spirit “in” [my people]  …” (Ezekiel 36:26 NLT). SO, “…God … sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” [their] HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “...Therefore if any man(woman) be in Christ, he(she) is a new creature...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “…He (she) that is joined unto the LORD is ONE SPIRIT [with God, the Holy Spirit again]…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).

“…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “…The Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE …” (John 3:6 NLT). “….Apart from [Jesus], [God’s people] can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). “…Jesus Christ maketh the[m] whole…” (Acts 9:34 KJV).

The wonderful thing about being a “WHOLE” again is that God’s people are “…accepted in the beloved…” (Ephesians 1:6 KJV).

 “...Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ (accept Jesus into your heart)… (Romans 13:14 KJV). “...[Because “IN”]... Christ, he(she) is a new creature...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). God said this about Jesus, “…this is my BELOVED Son, inwhom I am well pleased…” Matthew 3:17 KJV).

The scripture says his people are accepted “IN” the beloved (which is Jesus) and not “OUT” of the beloved. God’s people are “…accepted in the beloved (IN Jesus Christ)…” (Ephesians 1:6 KJV).

God’s people have become “NEW CREATIONS” and are now “… in the beloved…” Without Jesus they are lost and spiritually dead souls; unaccepted by God. “….Apart from [Jesus, the lost and spiritually dead soul] can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). However, “…in the beloved…” they are NOW accepted (Ephesians 1:6 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit of LOVE makes lost and spiritually dead souls NEW CREATIONS. “...old things are passed away; behold, ALL THINGS ARE BECOME (MADE) NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit of LOVE sends sent forth his SON, the spiritual seed (Jesus), and the spiritual seed is SOWN into your heart. “… God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son (HIS WORD) into [y]our hearts...” (Galatians 4:6 NASB).  “…The sower (God) SOWETH THE WORD …The (spiritual) seed (Jesus) is [also]... the WORD OF GOD ….. THE WORD …was sown in [THE] HEARTS [of God’s redeemed people]…” (Mark 4:14-15 & Luke 8:11 KJV).

 “… His name (Jesus’ name) is [also] called The Word of God (the spiritual seed)…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “ …[God’s people] have this treasure  (this spiritual seed) “in” earthen (human) vessels…” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV).  They are made holy and pleasing to God, through the spiritual seed (Jesus) (the indwelling Holy Spirit) planted within their hearts. Thus, have become “…accepted in the beloved…”

God’s tells NEW CREATIONS to “…be conformedto the image of his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV). Then God tells NEW CREATIONS HOW to be conformed to the image of his Son. “…Be transformedby the renewing of your mind….” (Romans 12:2 KJV).

To conform means to imitate and obey God’s WORD. Renewing the MIND, with God’s WORD, puts spiritual information within the heart. OUT OF the HEART will come “spiritual thoughts” that will empower transformed behavior that imitates Jesus’ behavior.

Discipline is important for becoming Christ-like. God encourages his people to be zealous, eager, earnest about repenting from wrong behavior. “...Those whom I love, I rebuke and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent...” (Revelation 3:19 NASB). “...Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent...” (Revelations 3:19 NIV).  “...The people I love, I call to account—prod and correct and guide so that they’ll live at their best. Up on your feet,then! About face! Run after God!...” (Revelations 3:19 MSG).

Repentance means God’s people turn from their wicked ways by completely changing directions. The way God’s people change directions is by RENEWING their minds (thought life). They RENEW their minds (thought life) by putting NEW INFORMATION in their HEARTS. “...But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart… For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander...” (Matthew 15:18-19 NIV). “…out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks...” (Luke 6:45 RSV).“...[Therefore,]... be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what isthat good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God...” (Romans 12:2 KJV).

God’s people may NOT like discipline, but God’s MAIN focus is their holiness. God desires for his people to be HOLY or FREE from sin, just like he is HOLY and FREE from ALL SIN.  “…Be holy, because I am holy…” (1 Peter 1:16 KJV). “…KEEP ALL my decrees BY putting them into PRACTICE, for I am the Lordwho makes you holy…” (Leviticus 20:8 NLT).

Lessons through discipline are not easy nor pleasant, but God disciplines every single child without exception. God knows that discipline is a guaranteed road to holiness and obedience. You “…are being made free from sin…. Your fruit (conduct) unto holiness…” (Romans 6:22 KJV).

He also knows that discipline includes some level of personal suffering. Jesus learned obedience through the things he suffered also “..Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things he suffered…” (Hebrews 5:8 KJV).

It is not natural for you to be holy and God knows you need supernatural training in holiness. “...No chastening (discipline) for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable FRUIT of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby...” (Hebrews 12:11 KJV). “…KEEP ALL my decrees BY putting them into PRACTICE, for I am the Lordwho makes you holy…” (Leviticus 20:8 NLT).

God’s way of discipline won’t seem pleasant during the process, but it is always about HIS love for his people and concern for their good. So, “...now no chastening (discipline) for the present seemeth joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised (trained) thereby...” (Hebrews 12:11 KJV).  

Just like a caterpillar may go through a painful metamorphous yet yield the butterfly, so God’s people, too, must experience a similar journey yielding the image of Jesus Christ. “….all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose…”(ROMANS 8:28 KJV). “…be conformed to the image of His Son…” (Romans 8:29 KJV).

You are not a caterpillar, but I am using a caterpillar as a model only. When a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly, it settles to a safe place, called a cocoon.

Many times when God’s people are going through a transformation period it involves some trial or tribulation they may have to settle into, like a cocoon, for a while.

God allows his children to be put into a place similar to a cocoon while transformation occurs. This cocoon, for God’s people, always includes the additional safety of being “in” Christ. During transformation the caterpillar dies to his or her old self and changes into a butterfly.

During God’s transformation periods God’s people will also die to the old self, renew their minds, and transform through the enablement of the Holy Spirt, into the “...new creature...” (2 Corinthians 2:17KJV).

The caterpillar only goes through the transformation process once, but God’s children experience ongoing transformation processes until Christ is FORMED in them. “…GROW to maturity…” (2 Corinthians 13:11 NLT). “...[God’s people are]... all … changedinto the same image [of Christ] from glory to glory …” (2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV). “…until Christ be formed in you…” (Galatians 4:19 KJV).

In order for the caterpillar to shed its old self, most of the old body must die, completely, through a process called histolysis.  

Histolysis eradicates most of the caterpillar’s old self, leaving a “wee remnant,” and that “wee remnant” is used to build the new body.

For God’s people, histolysis is discipline for this book. Discipline intends to eradicate all of the old sinful nature (like the shell of a seed), leaving the NEW CREATION; alive and FREE to choose to live HOLY and righteous.

God uses the spiritual seed or indwelling Holy Spiritwithin the heart, to renew the mind and enable the NEW CREATION to live HOLY and righteous.

When God plants the “spiritual seed,” within the HEARTS of his people and they water it with the LIVING WATER (his WORD) it produces spiritual fruit. Spiritual fruit gives the NEW CREATION an opportunity to GROW, DEVELOP, and TRANSFORM into the IMAGE of Jesus Christ (the spiritual seed that was planted within their heart).  

This is how God, the Holy Spirit enables his people to actually become what you already are; a new creation in Christ Jesus.

Transformation is a very vulnerable time for the caterpillar and God’s people. Therefore, the cocoon (trials and tribulations for God’s people) guarantees one kind of safety or security, but not from the caterpillar’s own internal will or issues or sicknesses.

Even in the cocoon, the caterpillar could die in the process or abort the process. God’s people can also choose with their human will “life or death” during the transformation process. “… I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…Choose LIFE…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…Jesus said… I am the LIFE…..” (John 11:25 KJV). “…Choose youthis day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

“...Is there anyone here who, planning to build a new house, doesn’t first sit down and figure the cost so you’ll know if you can complete it? ...” (Luke 14:25-35 MSG). “…The faithful followers of the Lord … keep their promises (to God) even when it hurts…” (Psalm 15:4 NLT).  “…‘[I’ve]… given up everything to follow you…” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT).

Transformation is a very vulnerable time for God’s people too.. “...Anyone who won’t [choose to] ... shoulder his (her) own cross and follow behind me can’t be my disciple...” (Luke 14:25-35 MSG).  “...though he slay me, yet will I trust in him…” (Job 13:15 KJV).

God’s people are guaranteed to be safe “in” Christ. However, their  own personal issues can cause them, on their own volition, to,“….[fall] away…” “…sin willfully…” “…again [become] entangled [with the world]…” “…[fall] away from grace…” or commit a “…sin unto death….” (Hebrews 6:4-8, Hebrews 10:25-31, 2 Peter 2:20, Galatians 5:4, 1 John 5:16-1 KJV).

God does his part to keep you safe “in” Christ and remains faithful to his people no matter whether they DO or NOT. “... For in the day of trouble he will keep [his people]... safe in his dwelling; he will hide [them]... in the shelter of his sacred tent and set [them]... high upon a rock...” (Psalm 27:5 NIV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “… he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT).

 

Yet, his people can CHOOSE to do his will or follow their human will own at any time. Jesus said, “...Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.  Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity...” (Matthew 7:21-23KJV).

God’s people can voluntarily or willfully CHOOSE to stray. “...Brethren, if any of you do err (stray) from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins...:(James 5:19-20 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit, has NEVER left or forsaken his people, but they have OFTEN forgotten about and abandoned him. “…God has said “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV).

 

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IS JESUS YOUR LORD OR DO YOU JUST "SAY" HE IS?

 

IS JESUS YOUR LORD?

 “...For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord…”(2 Corinthians 4:5 KJV).

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After God chooses you, draws you, gives you a measure of faith, loves you, changes your identity, speaks to you; he becomes Lord. Lordship means Jesus rightfully has sovereignty over your life.

God gave Jesus sovereignty over his people’s life’s when he assigned him the role as LORD. Therefore, in the “covenant unity” relationship with God, the Holy Spirit, “…Jesus, whom ye crucified...[is]... both Lord and Christ… (Acts 2:36 KJV).

Jesus is designated as LORD of lords.“… His name (Jesus Christ) is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “… Jesus (the WORD of GOD) …came and SPAKE ...saying, “All POWER is given unto me IN heaven and earth…” (Matthew 28:18 KJV). “...Jesus Christ (the LIVING WORD of God), who is ... the RULER of the kings of the earth...” (Revelation 1:5 NIV). “...the Lamb (Jesus, the LIVING WORD) will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings... (Revelations 17:14 NIV).

“...On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: king of kings and lord of lords...” (Revelation 19:16 NIV). “...God, the blessed and ONLY RULER, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen...” (1 Timothy 3:13-16 NIV).

“...May all kings bow down to him and all nations serve him...” (Psalms 72:11 NIV). “...Give thanks to the Lord of lords...” (Psalms 136:3 NIV). “...Thank God! He deserves your thanks. His love never quits. Thank the God of all gods, His love never quits. Thank the Lord of all lords. His love never quits...” (Psalms 136:1-3 MSG).

God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus, his WORD, GOVERNS the hearts of his people. “...the Lamb (Jesus, the LIVING WORD) ...is Lord of lords... (Revelations 17:14 NIV). “...Jesus Christ (the LIVING WORD of God), who is [also] ... the RULER...” (Revelation 1:5 NIV).

Jesus, first and foremost, submitted, himself, to God, the Holy Spirit, as Lord, King, and ultimate RULER. "...And being found in fashion as a [hu]man, he (God, the Holy Spirit through Jesus) humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him (his Word), and given him a name (Jesus) which is above every name (the WORD of God): That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father...” (Philippians 2:8-11 KJV). “… His name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB).

Lordship is another important component of the “covenant unity” relationship between God and his people. God, the Holy Spirit is the caregiver and his people are his dependents. As caregiver, God, through his WORD takes the role of Lord and his dependents take the role of subjects. A “covenant unity” of loving reciprocity is forged, between soul and SPIRIT.

In Ancient Near East, however, a human covenant relationship was usually unbreakable, accept in the case of physical death. The “covenant unity” with God, the Holy Spirit,is unbreakable too, accept in the case of spiritual death. “…the body without (apart or separated from) the spirit is dead…” (James 2:26 KJV).  

The “covenant unity” relationship with God, the Holy Spirit, is meant to be unbreakable too, accept in the case of APOSTASY or spiritual death.  God says“... I hate divorce!”says the Lord, the God of Israel. “…” (Malachi 2:16 NLT).

God’s people, through the POWER of human will, can FREELY CHOOSE to depart, separate, and ultimately DIVORCE God, the Holy Spirit, too.

The bible or God’s WORD SAYS, the SOUL and the SPIRIT can be divided asunder (SEPARATE). “...the word of God [says it]...isquick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit,....” (Hebrews 4:12 NASB).

WHEN the SPIRIT is divided asunder from the SOUL; man’s soul is left is to itself. “…the body without (apart or separated from) the spirit is dead…” (James 2:26 KJV).

When the SOUL is left to itself because the Holy SPIRIT separates from it; it is usually because SIN separates or divides them asunder. “…Your INIQUITIES … separated … you and your God …” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

When the SOUL and SPIRIT is divided asunder it is experienced like a separation or divorce.  “... You “WERE”SEALED ...WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT OF PROMISE.…” (Ephesians 1 NLT).  “... the word of God [says it]...is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit (even if it was SEALED)...”(Hebrews 4:12 NASB). “…I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?...” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “…you have been cut off from Christ! …” (Galatians 5:4 NLT).

The SOUL is left to its INDIVIDUAL self and the SPIRIT, which provided spiritual LIFE to the SOUL has separated, naturally, like oil does from water.  “…It is the SPIRIT who gives “LIFE”; the flesh profits nothing…” (John 6:63 NASB). “….apart from … [God’s HOLY Spirit], [you can]… do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). “.. the word of God ... piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit,....” (Hebrews 4:12 NASB).

The SOUL left to itself has NO affinity toward the Holy SPIRIT any more. It is the Holy SPIRIT that GIVES the SOUL an affinity towards God and righteous living. “...The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.  And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. …I [am] …a slave to the sin that is … within me. Who will free mefrom this life that is dominated by sin?…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

Apart from the Holy SPIRIT, not only does the SOUL have no affinity toward God, but it has NO relationship with HIM either. “….apart from … [God’s HOLY Spirit], [you can]… do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).“…the body without (apart from) the spirit is dead…” (James 2:26 KJV).

Yet, the bible says:  “…God has said “Never will I leave [my people]; never will I forsake [them]…” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV). “…I AM WITH [my people]... ALWAYS, to the very end…"(Matthew 28:20 NIV).

God KEEPS his promises. In the instant of human divorces either both parties want the divorce, or one party wants the divorce and the other concedes to the other parties WILLFUL CHOICE.

A DIVORCE is the dissolution of a marriage, the breaking of original vows made, and it requires a LEGAL PROCESS to END it.

A DIVORCE from God the Holy Spirit is the dissolution of the “covenant unity” where God’s people DEPART, by choice, and ENDS the “covenant unity” relationship. “…thosewho haveexperienced the good things of heaven and shared in the Holy Spirit,  who have tasted the goodness of the Word of God and the power of the age to come— and whothen turn away from God …” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT). “... IN LATTER TIMES “SOME” SHALL [CHOOSE OR DECIDE TO] ...DEPART FROM the [CHRISTIAN] ... FAITH !!!!...” (1 Timothy 4:1-3 KJV).

“...Take heed, BRETHREN (SISTERS or THE REDEEMED, etc.) , lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. ..” (Hebrews 3:12 KJV).

“... If ye ..[choose or willfully decide to] ...continue in the faith ... be not moved away from the hope of the gospel ...” (Colossians 1:22-23 KJV).

Struggling to OVERCOME sin and willfully PRACTICING sin is two different things. Within the “covenant unity” relationship with God, the Holy Spirit, God’s people make mistakes, they stumble and fall, they are imperfect, they are weak, and they fail, but they DON’T LEAVE God, the Holy Spirit.

To DEPART or LEAVE is to walk away, vacate, move on, divorce, separate, or break completely from the vows or promises made to another person, your marital partner, or God, the Holy Spirit.

When APOSTASY (SEPARATION or DIVORCE from God) happens it usually means the “covenant unity” relationship with HIM has been terminated by the WILLFUL decision of the one who chooses to depart. “... You “WERE” SEALED ...WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT OF PROMISE.…” (Ephesians 1 NLT).

However, “... Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness ...” (1 John 3:7-10 NASB).

“...God SEES NOT as man (woman) sees, for man (woman) looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD LOOKS AT THE HEART…”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB). “…No one needed… to tell him (God, the Holy Spirit) about human nature, for he knew what was in each person’s heart…” (John 2:24-25 NLT). “…[The] ...Lord (God), which knowest the hearts of all men…” (Acts 1:24 KJV). “… He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth. The Lord examines both the righteous and the wicked…” (Psalm 11:4-5 NLT).

Therefore, “... Stand fast (brothers, sisters, God’s redeemed people, etc.) ... in the liberty (freedom FROM sin) wherewith Christ hath made ...[YOU]... free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage..” (Galatians 5:1 KJV).

“...For if, after ...[God’s people]... have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ... [and THEY]... are again entangled in them...” (2 Peter 2:20-23 NASB). “…It’s [THEI]R [practice of]...SINS that...[will] … cut [them]... offfrom God…” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT). “…[God’s people’s]... INIQUITIES...[will] … [separate them from] … God…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). “…[They]... have been cut off from Christ! [They]... have fallen away from God’s GRACE…” (Galatians 5:4 NLT). “...HE(she) THAT “SHALL” (WILLfully choose to) ENDURE UNTO THE END SHALL BE SAVED...” (Matthew 24:13 KJV).

“...it would be better for them...[that willfully choose to depart from God]... not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away (by choice) from the holy commandment ...” (2 Peter 2:20-23 NASB).

“… Jesus opened a new and life-giving way  ... into the Most Holy Place…” (Hebrews 10:19-20 NLT). “...Jesus saith…I amthe way…” (John 14:6 KJV). “…"This is the way; WALK in it…" Isaiah 30:21 NIV).

WHAT HAPPENS to those who have KNOWN the WAY and TURN AWAY from it? “...It has happened to them according to the true proverb, “...A dog returns to its own vomit,” and, “A sow, after washing, returns to wallowing in the mire...” (2 Peter 2:20-23 NASB).

AND THE WORD SAYS: “…It’s YOUR [continual and willful PRACTICE of]...SINS that ...[will]... cut you off from God. …” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT). God says, “…I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

“…MY WORD …that goeth forth out of my mouth: it SHALL NOT return unto me void, but it SHALL ACCOMPLISH that which I please, and it SHALL PROSPER in the thing whereto I sent it…” (Isaiah 55:11 KJV).

HIS WORD SAYS:“... Everyone (NO EXCEPTIONS) who practices sin also practiceslawlessness; and sin is lawlessness...” (1 John 3:7-10 NASB).

 “…It’s YOUR SINS that ...[WILL]... cut you off from God. …” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT).

God says, I “…am WATCHING over my word to PERFORM it…” (Jeremiah 1:12 NASB). Therefore, “... the word of God [SAYS it] ...isquick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, [AND IS ABLE TO PERFORM THE].... piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit,....” (Hebrews 4:12 NASB).

BECAUSE THE WORD SAYS “SIN” SEPARATES SOUL and SPIRIT: “... the word of God [ that is QUICK and POWERFUL] ...piercing ...to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit,....” (Hebrews 4:12 NASB).“…you have been cut offfrom Christ! …” (Galatians 5:4 NLT).

BECAUSE “…If you love [god, the holy spirit), you will  keep ...[his holy]...commandments…” (John 14:15).

Nonetheless, today and in the past,  “…[God’s]... people ...[would]... not listen to ...[HIM... They ...[keep]... doing whatever they [want]…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). “… The people replied, “Don’t waste your breath. We will continueto live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT). “…Thus saith the Lord; ‘Cursed be the MAN (or woman) ... whose HEART departeth from the Lord…” (Jeremiah 17:5 KJV)

Further, “…[MY PEOPLE]... broke [THEIR] ... covenant [WITH ME], though I [love]...them as a..[righteous]... husband loves his wife,” says the Lord…” (Jeremiah 31:32 NASB).

“... I forewarn you ... that those who ...[choose to continue to]...practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God...” (Galatians 5:19-21 NASB).

“... Now the deeds of the flesh, [practiced by those proclaiming to be God’s people, will be]... evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality,  idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God...” (Galatians 5:19-21 NASB).

“... Everyone (no exceptions) who practices sin ...[on any level]... also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness ...” (1 John 3:7-10 NASB).

To PRACTICE sin means to do it repeatedly, habitually, and SO regularly that one’s proficiency, in doing this particularly sin, is improved and maintained. A little bit of SIN, it “STILL” “some” sin.

“... For the person who keeps all of the [Holy] ... laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God’s [Holy] ...laws. For the same God who said, “You must not commit adultery,” also said, “You must not murder.”So if you murder someone but do not commit adultery, you have still broken the law...” (James 2:10-15 NLT).

APOSTASY (SEPARATION or DIVORCE from God) means that one of God’s OWN people are choosing to forget HIM or abandon HIM. “… [YOU (my people)]… FORGOT all about ME,” says the Lord…” (Hosea 2:13 NLT). “…They ABANDONED the Lord… they turned their backs on him….” (2 Chronicles 29:6 NLT). “...people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching....” (2 Timothy 4:3-4 NLT).“...They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear...” (2 Timothy 4:3-4 NLT). “...They will reject the truth and chase after myths...” (2 Timothy 4:3-4 NLT).

“...some will turn away from the true faith;...” (Hebrews 4:1-2 NLT).

“...they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons...” (Hebrews 4:1-2 NLT).

“...These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead...” (Hebrews 4:1-2 NLT).

 “…[They say in their hearts,]...we will continue to live as WE WANT TO, stubbornly following our own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).

 “…My people would not listen to me. They KEPT DOING WHATEVER THEY WANTED, following the stubborn desires of their [OWN] evil hearts…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).

There is a way, established by God, to sustain the “covenant unity” relationship with God and that is through obedience. True obedience is the WITNESS of the LORDSHIP (the RULE of God, the Holy Spirit through), which is the WORD of God that GOVERNS his people’s conduct! "...And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross...” (Philippians 2:8-11 KJV).

Submitting to the Lordship (Rule of God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus) is a WITNESS that God’s people love HIM and willingly or voluntarily CHOOSE to “KEEP” his COMMANDMENTS. .“…If you love me, you will (CHOOSE TO) keep my commandments…” (John 14:15). “... ‘You must love the Lord your Godwith all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments...” (Matthew 22:36-40 NLT). 

Obedience to God, the Holy Spirit, is a HUMAN CHOICE. God’s people are NOT “ever” forced to obey God. For example, Adam and Eve were the first, living souls, to be given a CHOICE to obey or not to obey. God, the Holy Spirit, GAVE them one HOLY instruction:  “…of every tree of the garden THOU MAYEST FREELY EAT: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou  SHALT NOT EAT of it; for in THE DAY THAT THOU EATEST thereof THOU SHALT SURELY DIE…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV).

BUT“…The woman [became] ... convinced [to eat from the tree, anyway]... She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she [willingly]... took some of the fruit and ate it...” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).

“….She [CHOOSE to take] ... some of the fruit and [eat] ... IT. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and HE ATE IT, too …” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).

Not only is obedience to God a willful CHOICE, but it requires humility to submit to HIS LORDSHIP.

Obedience is an act of the human will, which means God’s people choose, on their own volition, to keep HIS commandments. Jesus said: “…not My will, but Yours (Father, who is SPIRIT) be done..." (Luke 22:42-43 NIV).

 “…If the Lord (God, the father, who is spirit) will, [I also] ...shall live, and do this, or that...” (James 4:16 KJV).

When God’s people, humbly, SUBMIT to God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus, they are willfully and voluntarily choosing to YIELD themselves to HIS divine will. “…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...” (Romans 6:16 KJV).

Yielding in willful obedience, to God, the Holy Spirit, witnesses that God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus is LORD and RULER over your life.  “…to whom ye ...[CHOOSE TO]...yield yourselves servants to obey, his(her) servants [you become]... to whom ye...[CHOOSE TO]... obey...” (Romans 6:16 KJV).

Not only is obedience to God, the Holy Spirit, a loving CHOICE and a WILLFUL ACT of humility; it is also a demonstration of respect for his RULE. “...why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?...” (Luke 6:46 KJV).“...If you love me, you will keep (choose to obey) my commandments (the things I say to you through my word)…” (John 14:15).

Obedience is NOT about, dutifully, following a bunch of religious rules and regulations. Obedience “IS” about being lovingly devoted to God and KEEPING his HOLY commandments by choice.  “...This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me...” (Mark 7:6 KJV).  “…for thy heart is not right in the sight of God…” (Acts 8:21 KJV).

Many through dutiful self-effort, follow or adhere to the list of religious rules, religious regulations, biblical instructions, or commandments greater than others, and often, consider themselves MORE holy or righteous.“… Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their ownrighteousness and scorned everyone else: “Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector.The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector!  I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’  I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted…” (Luke 18:9-14 NLT).

Dutiful self-effort where individuals follow God’s Holy instructions, through the flesh, is NOT obedience, but becomes self-invented or self-made piousness. “...the flesh (sinful nature) profits nothing…” (John 6:63 NASB).  “…The sinful nature is always hostile to God …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “...[The SINFUL NATURE]... never did obeyGod’s (HOLY) laws, and it never will…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).“…The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants ...so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. ……” (Galatians 5 NLT). “….“…I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

“… [ALL have become]…..unclean and [their so-called] righteousnesses (efforts to do right through the flesh is) as filthy rags….” (Isaiah 64:6 KJV).  “... APART FROM [Christ]... [they]... can do nothing  …” (John 15:1-11 NASB). “…[jesus “is”] ...the GIFT of righteousness (right living, holy living, genuine living, devout living, spiritually fruitful living, etc.,)…” (Romans 5:17 KJV)."....The [indwelling] ...Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [y]our lives...[and not the flesh] …” (Galatians 5 NLT).

The SOURCE of RIGHTEOUS living or righteous conduct is EMPOWERED by the indwelling Holy Spirit and “NOT” the FLESH. “...the flesh (sinful nature) profits nothing…” (John 6:63 NASB). “...[The SINFUL NATURE]... never did obeyGod’s (HOLY) laws, and it never will…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).

TRYING TO BE OBEDIENCE, ON YOUR OWN EFFORTS, AND WITHOUT THE HELP OF THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT IS DISOBEDIENCE IN ITSELF. “... APART FROM [Christ]... [YOU]... can do nothing  …” (John 15:1-11 NASB).“… [ALL have become]…..unclean and [their so-called] righteousnesses (efforts to do right through the flesh is) as filthy rags….” (Isaiah 64:6 KJV).  

The FLESH will “NOT” obey God nor HELP you obey God. “...the flesh (sinful nature) profits nothing…” (John 6:63 NASB).  “…The sinful natureis always hostile to God …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).

The FLESH is what ASSISTS the devil with getting YOU into BONDAGE with SIN in the first place. “…The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants ...so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. ……” (Galatians 5 NLT).

Trying to be holy or live righteous APART from the indwelling Holy Spirit is NOT possible. “...[The SINFUL NATURE]... never did obeyGod’s (HOLY) laws, and it never will…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).

If you couldn’t be holy or live righteous, in the flesh, before CHRIST, you won’t be able to do it WITHOUT CHRIST. “... For it is God who worketh in you, both to will (to desire to keep his commandments) and to do (to actually keep it) of His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).  “….“…I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). However, “…[God’s people]... can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth [them]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

The SOURCE of it ALL is God, the Holy Spirit. He is the indwelling spiritual strengththat EMPOWERS his people to live righteous, be holy, produce spiritual fruit, and  experience true freedom from sin. “…GOD “IS” SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). God EXISTS as Spirit. “…God is not human “…God is Spirit  …” (Numbers 23:19 NIV & John 4:24 KJV). “… “I AM” WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). “….Apart from [the indwelling Holy Spirit], [God’s people]... can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

“…He (she) that is joined unto the LORD is ONE SPIRIT (is restored to God’s Holy Spirit again)…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).“…Your body [becomes]... the temple of the Holy ...[Spirit]... which is in you…” (1 Corinthians 6:19 KJV).

“…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).“ …The Spirit of God dwelleth in you…” (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV).

“…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).“…God hath said, I will dwell in them…” (2 Corinthians 6:16 KJV).

“…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…He (she) that is joined unto the LORD is ONE SPIRIT [with God, again[…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “…There ... [is] … …one … who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT). “… [The person who]… is joined (RECONCILED) unto ...[Christ Jesus]... is ONE spirit… [again with God, the Holy Spirit]” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).

“…Therefore if any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a NEW creature …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “… All things are … [MADE] … NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).  “…I will put a new spirit (BREATHE OF LIFE) in you. …” (Ezekiel 36:26 NLT). “... and man (woman) became a living soul (soul AGAIN)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). 

“…By the GRACE of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).

GOD'S HIGHEST EXPRESSION AND OFFERING OF FAVOR IS SALVATION THROUGH JESUS

GOD’S HIGHEST EXPRESSION AND OFFERING OF FAVOR IS SALVATION  THROUGH JESUS

...”IS” HIS GRACE OR HIS UNDESERVED KINDNESSES

“…Since it is through God’s kindness …[and] not by [your] good works. For in that case, God’s GRACE (FAVOR) would not be what it really is—free and undeserved…” (Romans 11:5 NLT). “…For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we DESERVED it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his GRACE (FAVOR) through Christ Jesus…” (2 Timothy 1:9 NLT). “…A few of the people of Israel have remained faithful because of God’s GRACE (FAVOR)—his UNDESERVED kindness in choosing them…” (Romans 11:4 NLT).

 

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         God’s FAVOR is also his GRACE, which EXPRESSES and REVEALS his undeserved kindnesses toward mankind in general and “his people” in particular.

God’s FAVOR is his gestures or actions of GOOD WILL and KINDNESSESS toward mankind in general and his people in particular spurred by his immutable LOVE and DIVINE choice.

God, the Holy Spirit’s, immutable LOVE and DIVINE choice activates GRACE or FAVOR. His GRACE or FAVOR is “NEVER” activated by how “good” or “deserving” you or anyone else may think they are.

However, being empowered by faith, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, to depend upon his powerful WORD will enable you to become a ready, willful, cooperating, and GREATER recipient of his GIFTS, BLESSINGS, and FAVOR.

Becoming a GREATER recipient of God’s FAVOR means you have CHOOSEN to live by “his” faith, depend upon his Word, and cooperate with his indwelling Holy Spirit. FDC – Faith, Dependencyand Cooperation.

FDC: “...The life which I now live in the flesh I live by ...[HIS]... faith [which DEPENDS upon] ... the Son of God (the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT) …” (Galatians 2:20-21 KJV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).  “…The Spirit of God dwell[s]… in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…Jesus Christ is IN YOU…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…[You] CAN DO all things THROUGH Christ which strengtheneth [you]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).“…The …HOLY SPIRIT …is the SOURCE of [all God’s FAVOR]. …it is …God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of us who are his. The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us (who Cooperate) … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

His SOVEREIGN FAVOR is GRANTED to the unearned, undeserving, and the unworthy recipients who willfully CHOOSE to receive his endless kindnesses. “…Since it is through God’s kindness …[and] not by [your] good works. For in that case, God’s GRACE (FAVOR) would not be what it really is—free and undeserved…” (Romans 11:5 NLT)

God’s FAVOR is granted, because of his desire to freely bestow GOOD WILL and KINDNESS upon all mankind, in general, and upon “his people” in particular. “…He did this, not because we DESERVED it, but because that was his planfrom before the beginning of time…” (2 Timothy 1:9 NLT).

God’s FAVOR is NOT simply to be a SANTA CLAUS or GENIE to mankind’s every beck and call or personal desires.  God WANTS “...to show us his GRACE (FAVOR) through Christ Jesus

God’s FAVOR is meant to bring enjoyment to mankind, in general, and “his people” in particular. “…He causes His sun to rise on theevil and the good, and sends rain on therighteous and the unrighteous…” (Matthew 5:45 NASB).  However, “…You  (God, the Holy Spirit, particularly) surround [your people] WITH FAVOR as with a shield…” (Psalms 5:12 NASB).

In addition, his FAVOR toward “his people,” particularly, is to extend and spread his blessings to others and bring GLORY to his PRESENCE upon earth. God does this by displaying his MANY acts of GRACE, which are witnessed in and through his people. “…God will supply all [your need (FAVOR]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “…my cup runneth over (FAVOR)…” (Psalms 23:5 KJV). “…God will generously PROVIDE (give FAVOR to) all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to “SHARE” WITH OTHERS…” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT).

“…Let your light so shine before men, that they may seeyour good works(FAVOR) and glorify your Father which is in heaven…” (Matthew 5:16 KJV).

It gives God pleasure to grant his FAVOR. God’s FAVOR is “his” to GIVE and “not” yours to EARN. “…This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure…” (Ephesians 1 NLT). God “…does whatever pleases him” (Psalms 115:3 NIV). “… [God]… does as he pleases…” (Daniel 4 NLT).“…Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish…” (Isaiah 46: 9-10 NLT).

His FAVOR is his to GIVE to whom “HE” chooses and “not” yours or anyone else to DEMAND whom he gives it to. “... God said to Moses, “I will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to anyone I choose...” (Romans 9:15 NLT).

Even though God’s FAVOR is his to GIVE and CHOOSE recipients as he pleases he is GENEROUSLY to ALL. “The Lord is ...of great mercy…” (Number 14:18 KJV). “… because HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…” (Micah 7:18 KJV). “…Mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB).

For instance, JESUS CHRIST, is an example of GOD’S FAVOR to all of mankind, in general. “…God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, SHOULD NOT PERISH, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV).

JESUS CHRIST is a FREE GIFT of GRACE (FAVOR) that comes through FAITH (FDC).“…BY GRACE (FAVOR) have ye been saved THROUGH FAITH; and that NOT OF YOURSELVES, IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD; not of WORKS, that no man should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).

NO ONE demanded God’s FAVOR through Jesus Christ. NO ONE forced God’s FAVOR through Jesus Christ. NO ONE can claim they earned it, deserved it, or were worthy of God’s FAVOR through Jesus Christ. “... I will have mercy on whom I will (whom I choose to) have mercy...” (Romans 9:15 KJV). “…IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD ... that no man should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).

However, ANY ONE can ask for God’s FAVOR through Jesus Christ, which he FREELY gives by GRACE through FAITH. “…Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies BLOT OUT “MY” TRANSGRESSIONS (sin). WASH ME THROUGHLY FROM “MINE” INIQUITY (sin), and CLEANSE ME FROM “MY SIN.” For I acknowledge my TRANSGRESSIONS (sins): and “MY SIN” is ever before me. AGAINST THEE (God), THEE ONLY, HAVE “I SINNED” AND DONE THIS EVIL IN THY SIGHT…” (Psalms 51:1-4 KJV).“... He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ …” (Luke 18:9-14 NIV). “... [God] ... DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…” (Micah 7:18 KJV). “…REPENT ye therefore, and BE CONVERTED, that your sins may be blotted out…” (Acts 3:19 KJV).

God’s FAVOR “begins” with Jesus Christ, because the BLESSINGS, GIFTS, and RICHES of his GRACE comes with the spiritual life restored to the SOUL by the INDWELLING Holy Spirit. “…whosoever believeth in him, SHOULD NOT PERISH, but have everlasting life...” (John 3:16 KJV). “...god will supply (blessings, gifts, and favor)... according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB).  

God’s FAVOR is “not” MERELY or is LEAST about having an abundance of material blessings, circumstantial blessings, or having lots of money, or about fame and fortune. “…[SALVATION] ...  IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). “...God has given [his people] ... [SPIRITUAL] ...riches and wealth, ...this is the gift of God…” (Ecclesiastes 5:19 NASB).

God’s FAVOR FOCUSES “HIGHLY” upon his SOVEREIGN KINDNESS in offering JESUS CHRIST as an atoning SACRIFICE for your SINS. “….The exceeding [SPIRITUAL] ...RICHES of his GRACE(HOW?) ... in his kindnesstoward us through Christ Jesus…” (Ephesians 2:7 KJV). “…the riches of his glory (his presence, his goodness, and his power) (WHERE?) in Christ Jesus….” (Philippians 4:19 KJV).

Jesus Christ became God’s FAVOR to  mankind as the GREAT atoning SACRIFICE. “...He is the atoning sacrifice (PAYMENT) for our sins…” (1 John 2:2 NIV).  “… which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29 KJV).

The NEED for an atoning SACRIFICE, for mankind’s sin,  was and has been a SIGNIFICANT concern all throughout biblical history. “...For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the bloodthat maketh an atonement for the soul...” (Leviticus 17:11 KJV).

An biblical atoning SACRIFICE is when one LIFE is offered up to God as a payment or as an exchange for the guilty offenses of another life. “... the life of the body is in its blood. I have given you the blood on the altar to purify you, making you right with the Lord.  It is the blood, given in exchange for a life, that makes purification possible...” (Leviticus 17:11 NLT).

God has “ALWAYS” given and provided mankind with the atoning sacrifices needed. He created the animals and gave each one to his people, for the purpose, of being their atoning sacrifice.“...  I have given you the blood on the altar to purify you, making you right with the Lord....” (Leviticus 17:11 NLT).

The actually atonement was not in the EXISTENCE (LIFE, BREATH) of the sacrifice, it was the “in” the BLOOD. “... the life of the body is in its blood ... It is the blood ... that makes purification possible...” (Leviticus 17:11 NLT).

Most people can’t get beyond the physical rituals of the blood sacrifice system and therefore have reduced it to being similar to the practices of pagan deities. However, God is SPIRIT and makes his decisions from a spiritual perspective. “… [My]… thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways…..as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts…” (Isaiah 55:8-9 ASV).

Therefore, God’s thoughts about ATONING SACRIFICES are higher than yours and anybody else’s.“…my ways [ARE] ... higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts…” (Isaiah 55:8-9 ASV).

The BLOOD “covered” the sinful offenses mankind MADE against God, the Holy Spirit. “... the life ... is in its blood. I have given you the blood on the altar to purify you, making you right with the Lord...” (Leviticus 17:11 NLT).

The BLOOD covered OVER the sinful offenses of mankind, which also temporarily cleansed them and released them from the consequences of their sins.“... the life of the body is in its blood ... It is the blood ... that makes purification possible...” (Leviticus 17:11 NLT).

“... the life of the body is in its blood. I have given you the blood on the altar to purify you, making you right with the Lord.  It is the blood, given in exchange for a life, that makes purification possible...” (Leviticus 17:11 NLT).

The BLOOD makes the ATONEMENT, and it ALWAYS required the lost of one LIFE in exchange for the survival of another. Often an innocent life was offered so the life of the OFFENDER could go FREE.

From a biblical perspective, the BLOOD symbolizes (represents) the LIFE (spiritual life) that is necessary to ATONE for SIN. “... the life of the body is in its blood ....” (Leviticus 17:11 NLT).“... the life of the body is in its blood....” (Leviticus 17:11 NLT).

“... It is the blood, given in exchange for a life, that makes purification possible...” (Leviticus 17:11 KJV).“.... It is the blood ... that makes purification possible...” (Leviticus 17:11 NLT).

“... the life of the body is in its blood ....” (Leviticus 17:11 NLT). “…the body without (blood  is dead like the soul without) the spirit is dead …” (James 2:26 KJV).

“... It is the blood, given in exchange for a life, that makes purification possible...” (Leviticus 17:11 KJV).“…Jesus said…I am the life…..” (John 11:25 KJV).

Meditate on this: The life of the body is “in” the blood. The life of the soul is “in” the Spirit. The human body without blood is dead. The human soul without the Spirit is dead also.

The body represents natural life. The soul represents metaphysical life. The body is temporal. The soul is eternal.

The blood sustains human life. The Spirit sustains spiritual life. If the blood is GONE so is human life. If the Spirit is GONE so is spiritual life.

The human life is DEAD without blood and the soul is also DEAD without Spirit. If the blood is restored to the dead human life it can live again. If the spirit is restored to the dead soul it can live again.

However, the dead human life or the dead soul can do NOTHING to save its “own” life, but if someone CHOOSES to show them FAVOR by willfully offering up or donating their life for the dead life; the dead life can LIVE AGAIN!

If someone else dies and gives their blood to you; you could be physically alive again. If Jesus Christ dies (and HE DID) and gives his life to you; you will be SPIRITUALLY alive.

After someone dies for you, offers up their blood, and it restores you to life again, remember it is their BLOOD that saved your life and NOT your own. That’s exactly what Jesus did!

To exchange one life in order to save another’s life is an example of atonement. Jesus Christ exchanged his life for yours.

The soul was spiritually dead because of SIN and the spiritually dead soul could do NOTHING to restore itself to spiritual life again. God is the “…restorer of thy life…” (Ruth 4:15 KJV). “…He restoreth my SOUL…” (Psalm 23 KJV). “…The law of the LORD (the WORD of God) is perfect, restoring the SOUL…” (Psalm 19 NASB). “….He (the WORD OF GOD) restoreth my soul….” (PSALM 23:1-3 NLT). “…the Holy Spirit gives birth to (or restores) SPIRITUAL LIFE…” (John 3:6 NLT). “….Jesus Christ (the WORD of GOD) maketh thee WHOLE (AGAIN)…” (Acts 9:34 KJV). “... and man became a living soul (AGAIN)…” (Genesis 2:7 KJV).

 Thus, UNLESS someone (qualified) willfully CHOOSES to FAVOR mankind, by offering up their life, mankind would remain spiritually dead FOREVER. “... God SHOWED HIS GREAT LOVE FOR US  (FAVOR) (HOW?) by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners (DEAD SOULS)…” (Romans 5:7-9 NLT). “ ... he gave  (favor) his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). “Herein is love, (favor) not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent His Son...” (1 John 4:10 KJV).

God, through his FAVOR CHOOSE to ATONE for the SINS of the soul, by exchanging Jesus’ sinless LIFE for your sinful one. “…[God] … SPARED NOT his own Son, but DELIVEREDhim up FOR US ALL…” (Romans 8:32 KJV). “… the just for the unjust, that he might BRING US to God…” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV). 

Jesus willfully and voluntarily GAVE his life, as a ransom, so you could be spiritually ALIVE again and GO LIVE FREE from SIN!  “… I lay down my life... No one takes it from me (favor), but I lay it down of my own accord. …” (John 10:17-18 KJV).

He willfully  “…[gave]... his lifeas a ransom for many (favor)…” (Matthew 20:28 ASV). “…without [the] ... shedding of  [Jesus’] ...blood[there] ... [would be no] ... remission [of mankind’s sins]...” (Hebrews 9:22 KJV).

The soul would REMAIN a DEAD soul for all eternity. “….He restorethmy soul (restored my spiritual life)….” (PSALM 23:1-3 NLT).

The BLOOD of Jesus made the ATONEMENT for the soul, even though it cost his LIFE. “…Christ diedfor [your] SINS according to the scriptures...” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4 KJV). “For Christ ...died for sins ONCE for all,the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God...” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB).

 “... One of the soldiers, however, pierced his (Jesus’) side with a spear, and immediately blood (LIFE) and water (HEALING, CLEANSING SPIRIT) flowed out...” (John 19:34 NLT).

The BLOOD of Jesus symbolizes (or represents) the LIFE (spiritual life) that is necessary to ATONE for “your” SIN “once” and for ALL.“... the life of the body is in its blood ....” (Leviticus 17:11 NLT).“... the life of the body is in its blood....” (Leviticus 17:11 NLT). “For Christ ...died for sins ONCE for all...” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB).

The life of the soul, is “in” the BLOOD of Jesus Christ too. “For Christ ...died for sins ONCE for all,the just for the unjust,.” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB). “... one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood (life) and water (cleansing Spirit). …” (John 19:31-37 KJV).

Water is used figuratively to represent the Holy Spirit and its cleansing power. “... Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit...” (John 3:5 NLT). “... ye have purified  (cleansed from sin) your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit...” (1 Peter 1:22 KJV).

The water represents, the cleansing power of the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ. Jesus had another name. “… His name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “…THE WORDS ... they ARE SPIRIT,…”(John 6:63 KJV). “...[Jesus] ... gave up his life for  [mankind, to make them] ... holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s Word (the Spirit)...” (Ephesians 5:26 KJV).

“... one of the soldiers with a spear pierced [Jesus’]... side, and forthwith came there out blood(life) and water (cleansing Spirit). …” (John 19:31-37 KJV).

Out of Jesus’ side came the cleansing power of God’s Holy Spirit and the ATONEMENT!!! God’s FAVOR!!!

 “... It is the blood , given in exchange for a life (Jesus’ life) , that makes purification possible...” (Leviticus 17:11 KJV).

It is the shed blood of Jesus, given in exchange for HIS life (death upon the cross), that restores spiritual life to your soul and purifies you from ALL sin. “... [Out of Jesus’]... side ...came ... blood(life) and water (cleansing Spirit). …” (John 19:31-37 KJV). “.... It is the blood ... that makes purification possible...” (Leviticus 17:11 NLT).

“... the life of the body is in its blood ....” (Leviticus 17:11 NLT). “…the body without (blood  is dead like the soul without) the spirit is dead …” (James 2:26 KJV).

The LIFE of the soul is “in” the shed blood of Jesus, upon the cross. The SOUL without the spirit is DEAD. “…YOU (YOUR SOUL was)… DEAD in your transgressions and sins…” (Ephesians 2:1 NIV). “...Christ ...died for sins...” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB). “…Jesus said…I am the life…..” (John 11:25 KJV). “... the life ... is in its blood ....” (Leviticus 17:11 NLT).  “…It is the SPIRIT (Jesus) who gives LIFE…” (John 6:63 NASB). “…Apart from Me (Jesus) you can do nothing…” (John 15:4-6 NASB). “…I am the life…..” (John 11:25 KJV).

God’s PRECIOUS FAVOR toward mankind, through the shed BLOOD of Jesus, was activated when “... [jesus] ... said, It is finished…” (John 19:30 KJV).“… my righteous servant (Jesus) ... [made]... it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he [bore] ... all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT).  “…[God sent the ] …one … who can reconcileGod and humanity—the man Christ Jesus (the atoning sacrifice)…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).

Animal sacrifices, of course, have LONG stopped. “For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul…” (Leviticus 17:11 KJV).

During ancient times certain animals died to serve as temporary substitutes for the people’s sin. Because they were temporary, they had to be repeated over and over every year.

The animal sacrifices, therefore, were a small tedious sample of the ultimate and permanent sacrifice necessary and predicted in Jesus Christ

“For the Law, since it has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the very form of things, can never, by the same sacrifices which they offer continually year by year, make perfect those who draw near.  Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, because the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have had consciousness of sins? But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins year by year. For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins…” (Hebrews 10:1-4 NASB).

It took Jesus Christ to became the final and permanent atoning sacrifice in order to restored mankind’s soul BACK to Him. “...Christ also died for sins once for all...” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB). “… [God sent the] …one… who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).

“... it ..[was] ... impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins…” (Hebrews 10:1-4 NASB). “... [They made] ...the same sacrifices ... continually year by year,? But ... it [was] impossible ...to take away sins (permanently)…” (Hebrews 10:1-4 NASB).

The DIFFERENCE between animal sacrifices and Jesus’ sacrifice is animal sacrifices COVERED mankind’s sin (a TREATMENT) and Jesus FREED mankind from sin (a CURE).

Because animal sacrifices ONLY covered mankind’s sin. but didn’t FREE them from the domination of the sinful nature. The sinful nature continued  to influence them to produce sinful actions.

Jesus’ sacrifice FREES mankind from the domination of the sinful nature by restoring spiritual life to them through the indwelling Holy Spirit. They become “new creations” and can now live free from sin. The new nature, when depended upon, can empower them to live free from the domination of the sinful nature and  produce spiritual  fruit.

“…The things which are impossible with men … [are] …POSSIBLE… [with God] …” (Luke 18:27 KJV).   “…I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). Therefore, “...Christ [came and] ... died for sins once for all...” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB).

God’s HIGHEST FAVOR toward mankind was the shed BLOOD of Jesus Christ upon the CROSS for the REMISSION of SINS, which RESTORED the DEAD SOUL to a LIVING SOUL again.“... and man became a living soul (soul)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). 

The BLOOD is the ATONEMENT.

Jesus OFFERED up his LIFE (his life was offered the moment he shed his blood) in exchange for your DEAD SOUL so that you could AGAIN become a “LIVING” soul!

You are spiritually ALIVE again, because Jesus GAVE or exchanged his life for yours! “…the just for the unjust…” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB).  

Who GAVE his life for YOU? Jesus Christ GAVE his life in exchange for yours. The FAVOR in this act of kindness is that Jesus switched places with you. “…he (Jesus) by the grace (FAVOR) of God ... [TASTED] ... death for every man…” (Hebrews 3:9 KJV). “…[This is]... the grace (FAVOR) of our Lord Jesus Christ, that... [Jesus] was [spiritually] ...rich, yet for your sakes he became [spiritually] ...poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich…” (2 Corinthians 8:9 KJV). “…the justfor the unjust…” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB).  

Adam and Eve were once spiritually wealthy, but became spiritual poor when they willfully CHOOSE to receive and follow the LIES of the evil one.

All of their biological children were born spiritually poor too.“,,, [Therefore,] ...through one man sin entered (physically life without the indwelling Holy Spirit entered) into the world, and [spiritual] ...death through sin, and so [spiritual] death passed to all men, for that all sinned (all have been born without the indwelling Holy Spirit]—“(Romans 5:12 KJV). “…All have sinned (all have been born with a sin nature) and fallen short of the glory of God (have been born without the indwelling Holy Spirit)...” (Romans 3:23). “….I was born a sinner (I was born without the indwelling holy spirit)—yes, from the moment my mother conceived me….” (Psalms 51:5 NLT).

Adam and Eve’s children are ALL born with a sin nature, a dead soul, and were ALL spiritually poor.

In order to be SAVED from the condition of spiritual poverty and death, they must do the opposite of their fore-parents, by willfully CHOOSING to receive, repent, and follow the TRUTH found in Jesus Christ.  “…For WHOSOEVER SHALL CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED…” (Romans 10:13 KJV).

“…RECEIVE (obtain, accept, etc.) ... the engrafted WORD, which is able to SAVE your souls…” (James 1:21 KJV).  “…everyone who asks receives (obtains, accepts, etc.)…” (Matthew 7:8 NIV).  “... AS MANY as received (obtained, accepted, etc.)him (the WORD of GOD), to them GAVE HE [the INDWELLING] ... POWER TO BECOME THE SONS OF GOD, even to them that believe (depend upon) ...his name (the WORD of GOD)…” (John 1:12 KJV).

Through Adam and Eve, mankind once had spiritually wealth, but they choose to let it go. “…[They  choose to follow the flesh and became] … separated …[from].. God[, the Holy Spirit]…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV).  

Now mankind DOES NOT have spiritual wealth, unless they choose to receive it again through the atoning sacrifice of Christ. “… I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life…” (Deuteronomy 30:19). Jesus saith…I am... THE LIFE…” (John 14:6 KJV). “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

“... When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought [spiritual] ... death, so [spiritual] ... death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned (is born without the indwelling Holy Spirit) ... But there is a great difference between Adam’s sin and God’s gracious gift. For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought [spiritual] death to many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace  (FAVOR) and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ. And the result of God’s gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man’s sin. For Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God (being restored, reunited with the Holy Spirit again), even though we are guilty of many sins. For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace (favor) and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ...” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT).

“…, my righteous servant (Jesus, the ATONEMENT) ... [made]... it possiblefor many to be counted righteous, for he  [bore] ... all their sins (FREEING them from sin)…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT). “… [God sent the ] …one… who can reconcileGod and humanity—the man Christ Jesus (whose shed blood “is” the atonement)…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).

YOU (soul) were “…[SPIRITUALLY] ...DEADin trespasses and sin...” (Ephesians 2:1 KJV). “…Jesus said…I am the resurrection ( I BRING YOU BACK FROM DEATH) and I am the LIFE (I RESTORE SPIRITUAL LIFE TO  YOU)…..” (John 11:25 KJV). .

“…Jesus Christ maketh thee whole (SPIRITUALLY ALIVE AGAIN)…” (Acts 9:34 KJV).“…Therefore if any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a NEW creature …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “… All things are … [MADE] … NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).  “…I will put a new spirit (BREATHE OF LIFE) in you. …” (Ezekiel 36:26 NLT). “... and man (woman) became a living soul (soul AGAIN)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).  “…By the GRACE of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).

I AM SPIRITUALLY ALIVE AGAIN!!

Jesus’ shed blood is the atonement.

That’s the highest FAVOR of God.

“…He did this, not because we DESERVED it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his GRACE (FAVOR) through Christ Jesus…” (2 Timothy 1:9 NLT).

That’s the highest FAVOR of God.

WALKING CLOSE TO GOD, THROUGH JESUS, WILL "TRANSFORM" YOU FOR THE BETTER

WALKING CLOSE TO GOD, THROUGH JESUS, HIS WORD, WILL TRANSFORM YOU!

"…ONE SPIRIT...?" (John 5:6 MSG).

*

I would like to include some food for thought in this post. If you are reading this blog I assume you desire to experience a closer walk with God or a deeper intimacy with HIM. What is REAL intimacy? Let’s get sex out of the way.

Sex is not the intimacy that lasts or matters most. It is an act of intimacy; that was meant to express the intercourse that has already taken place; between two hearts. True love allows intimacy to develop in the heart first and is why real lovers wait for the proper time to engage in sex. 

When intimacy is developed in the heart, first, love will be easier to maintain in the long run of the relationship. The bible doesn’t have you sustain from sexual pleasure, pre-marriage, as a punishment, but so you don’t miss out on what truly matters in the area of intimacy; two hearts becoming one, not simple two physical bodies.

If you shape your experience of intimacy around the act; you will find intimacy limited to that act. However, if you shape your intimacy around the intercourse of two hearts, it will outlast the act, which will eventually alter with age anyway.

No matter who you are, no matter how good you are sexually, no matter how liberal you are in engaging in the sexual act – you will come looking for real intimacy one day.  

So let the “one spirit’ attachment to God teach you and train you in regard to what REAL intimacy is while the spring still blossoms in May “…He(she) that is joined unto the LORD is ONE SPIRIT…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). 

For when the winter comes and it will; the heart may be too tattered or hardened by the “act” to know real heartfelt intimacy. The human heart may not be able to find heart-to-heart intimacy, or even recognize it staring right in one’s face.    

So let's LOOK at the ULTIMATE intimacy that God FORGES between the soul and his Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ. If you are “one spirit” with God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus, you are already intimate with Him through reconciliation, but you may not be experiencing the depth of that intimacy.

         Let me give you a quick analogy. If God wanted to make a cake, he would mix flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and so forth together. Once those items are mixed or joined together; they cannot be unmixed or un-joined. They are NOW ONE undivided WHOLE.

         Those ingredients are forever JOINED and, as a result of their intimate connection, have become something altogether different; like a cake. Those who are joined with God through the Lord Jesus are forever attached to Him and thus have become altogether different “in” Christ’ a NEW CREATION.

The powerful WORD OF GOD is the ONLY  thing that can cut asunder the soul and SPIRIT. “…the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow (body)…” (HEBREWS 4:12 KJV).  “…I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “…The things which are impossible with men are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV).

          Those who are joined to God, the Holy Spirit, through the Lord are “one spirit” with Him demonstrating that intimacy with God literally transforms an individual's life completely “…He (she) that is joined unto the LORD is ONE SPIRIT…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).“…Therefore if any man(woman) be in Christ (one spirit), he (she) is a NEW creature: …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). INTIMACY WITH GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT, CHANGES YOU FOR THE "BETTER."

 “…God’s (Holy) Spiritdwells inyou?...” (1 Corinthians 3:16 NASB). God says:  “… I AM HOLY..” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). “...Therefore if any man(woman) be in Christ, he(she) is a new creature...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “...old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

“…And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground (body),and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (spirit); and man becamea living soul (soul)…”(GENESIS 2:7 KJV).

God said: “…in his OWN image…..male and female created he (God, the Holy Spirit) them…”(Genesis 1:27 KJV).  “...and ...[God, the Holy Spirit]....breathed into his(her) nostrils the breath of life (His “own” Spirit)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).

 “...and man (woman) became a living soul…”(GENESIS 2:7 KJV). Being attached to God is a HOLY covenant, form of intimacy, that BINDS, together, the soul and SPIRIT.

In addition, intimacy with God is SO TRANSFORMING you become someone COMPLETELY different, yet BETTER. You become “...one spirit...” with God, the Holy Spirit again, through reconciliation. You become RESTORE to his Holy Spirit. You are MADE WHOLE through Jesus. Thus, YOU become a “...new creation...” in Christ, altogether. You also become a “...a living soul...” AGAIN (body, soul, and God's Spirit).

“…May God himself, … make you holy and whole, put you together … [again]—[his holy]...spirit,soul, and body…” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 MSG).

The original God IMAGE returns. In Genesis God said: “…in his OWN image…..male and female created he (God, the Holy Spirit) them…” (Genesis 1:27 KJV).  “...and ...[God, the Holy Spirit]....breathed into his(her) nostrils the breath of life (His “own” Spirit)…”(GENESIS 2:7 KJV). “...and man (woman) became a living soul…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).

In the New Testament: “…[God]…sent His Son...” (1 John 4:10 KJV).   “… [He sent the] …one … who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).  God said: “…I will put a new spirit “in” you  …” (Ezekiel 36:26 NLT).

 SO, “…God … sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” OUR HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “...Therefore if any man(woman) be in Christ, he(she) is a new creature...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

“…He (she) that is joined unto the LORD is ONE SPIRIT…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).

“…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “…The Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE …” (John 3:6 NLT). “….Apart from Me, you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). “…Jesus Christ maketh thee whole…” (Acts 9:34 KJV).

Intimacy with God is not simply about his knowledge of you or your knowledge of him. He KNOWS “everything” about you and you may know a lot about him.

“... O Lord, You have searched me and known me.You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar. You scrutinize my path and my lying down, And are intimately acquainted with all my ways. Even before there is a word on my tongue. Behold, O Lord, You know it all. You have enclosed me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is toohigh, I cannot attain to it. Where can I go from Your Spirit?Or where can I flee from Your presence?  If I ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the dawn, If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, Even there Your hand will lead me, And Your right hand will lay hold of me.If I say, “Surely the darkness will overwhelm me, And the light around me will be night,” Even the darkness is not dark to You, And the night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are alike to You. For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth; Your eyes have seen my unformed substance;And in Your book were all written The days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was not one of them. How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand. When I awake, I am still with You ... Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts;And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way...” (Psalm 139 NASB).

INTIMACY WITH GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT IS "KNOWING" HIM THROUGH THE SPIRITUAL CONNECTION OF SOUL AND HIS SPIRIT.

 Accepting salvation in Christ is similar to accepting a person’s marriage proposal. God chose you to be “IN” a holy covenant (intimate) relationship with him, personally. If you accepted his invitation, spiritual intimacy begins.

In the Old Testament: “...[God, the Holy Spirit]....breathed into his(her) nostrils the breath of life (His “own” Spirit)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). “...and man (woman) became a living soul…”(GENESIS 2:7 KJV).

In the New Testament: “…[God]…sent His Son...” (1 John 4:10 KJV).   “… [He sent the] …one … who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).  “…God … sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” OUR HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “...[And, he(she) became] ...a new creature...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

Knowledge helps you know ABOUT something or someone. Becoming INTIMATE with them helps you “KNOW” something or someone on a much deeper level. Knowledge is information, intimacy is experience. 

 “…God … sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” OUR HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). God has put himself in the place (your heart) where intimacy, with him, can begin. “…He that is joined unto the LORD is ONE SPIRIT (with God)…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “…God’s Spiritdwells inyou?...” (1 Corinthians 3:16 NASB). INTIMACY BEGINS IN THE HEART. IT IS HEART TO HEART. YOU DWELL IN GOD'S HEART AND HE COMES TO DWELL IN YOURS.

God’s indwelling Holy Spirit is proof that you are already ATTACHED to God. “…Jesus Christ IS IN YOU…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…God has given [you] HIS [holy] Spirit as PROOF that … he [dwells]…in [you].” (1 John 4:13 NLT).

So the question to you is “Do you want to be intimate with Him?” If the answer is yes, then it is time to move beyond, simply, knowing about God to experiencing God through becoming AWARE of his presence, his goodness, and his power already WITHIN YOU. God wants you to KNOW him intimately too.  “...And this is life eternal, that they might know [be intimate with] thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent...” (John 17:3 KJV). 

JESUS, GOD'S WORD, OPENS THE WAY INTO A DEEPER INTIMACY WITH GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT. "...This is the fresh, new, life-giving way that Christ has opened up for us by tearing the curtain—his human body—to let us into the holy presence of God..." (Hebrews 10:20 NLT)

By getting to “know” God, through real-life experience - talking to him in prayer and listening to him talk to you through his word -  you will begin to SEE, for yourself, his glory (which is his presence, goodness, and power) working in and through your OWN life.

 

FORGIVENESS THAT HEALS

                                           
FORGIVENESS THAT HEALS   

“….without the shedding of blood THERE IS NO FORGIVENESS. …” (Hebrews 9:22 NIV).

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GRACE and MERCY would never have been extended to SINNERS if Jesus Christ had not died on the cross. Jesus is the slain, Lamb of God, that was killed in your place. Don’t get caught up with words (slain, atoning sacrifice, etc.) and titles, Jesus became the SUBSTITUTE for your SINS. “…Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29 KJV). He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins…” (1 John 2:2 NIV).

“…Christ …died for sins ONCE for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB). Jesus actually purchased God’s FORGIVENESS for YOU. For instance, if you owed $50,000 or $1,000,000 dollars’ worth of SIN DEBT, Jesus satisfactorily paid God for it through his sacrificial death.

“…Christ …died for sins ONCE for all (your sin), the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB).  “….We have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace…” (Ephesians 1:7 KJV).

God’s act of GRACE influenced his act of MERCY which ultimately paid for your FORGIVENESS. God “…spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all….?” (Romans 8:32 KJV). “…God so loved the world that HE GAVE his only begotten Son…” (John 3:16 KJV). “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and SENT His SON to be the propitiation (substitute, intervention) for our sins.” (1 John 4:10 KJV).

“…Blessed is he WHOSE TRANSGRESSION IS FORGIVEN, WHOSE SIN IS COVERED. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord IMPUTETH NOT INIQUITY, and in whose spirit there is no guile…” (Psalm 32:12 KJV). “…even I, am he that BLOTTETH OUT THY TRANSGRESSION for mine own sake, and WILL NOT REMEMBER THY SINS….” (Isaiah 42:35 KJV).   “…As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he REMOVED OUR TRANSGRESSIONS FROM US…” (Psalm 104:12 KJV).

Once Jesus paid for your debt of SIN there is no longer a record of them. “…He [totally and completely]… REMOVED [YOUR]… TRANSGRESSIONS FROM [YOU]…” (Psalm 104:12 KJV).

Here is how to receive that forgiveness: “…Peter said to them, "REPENT, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the FORGIVENESS of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit….” (Acts 2:38 NASB). “…EXCEPT YE REPENT, ye shall all likewise PERISH…” (Luke 13:3 KJV). “…Blessed is he WHOSE TRANSGRESSION IS FORGIVEN…” (Psalm 32:12 KJV).

Complete and total forgiveness of sin requires “…REPENTANCE TOWARD GOD, and FAITH TOWARD our Lord Jesus Christ. …” (Acts 20:21 KJV).

“…To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH IN “SHALL” RECEIVE REMISSION OF SIN…” (Colossians 1:14 KJV). Jesus paid the DEBT of SIN for whoever BELIEVES.  “…REPENTANCE TOWARD GOD, and FAITH TOWARD our Lord Jesus Christ. …” (Acts 20:21 KJV). “….IN WHOM we have redemption through his blood, even THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS…” (Acts 10:43 KJV).

Does that mean you can continue to Sin all you want? NO.  “... [You have been] made free from sin….” (Romans 6:18 KJV). “If the Son therefore shall make you free, you SHALL be free indeed” (John 8:36 KJV). “…where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (freedom)” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV).

Don’t get it twisted. Freedom from sin, through complete and total forgiveness, means you are no longer under the control or power of sin. You are now free to live holy. More importantly your WILL is free to choose holiness. Therefore, God freed you FROM sin, not TO sin, but to LIVE holy. Why would you want to continue to sin? Why would you if even think, forgiveness, freed you to sin instead of freeing to finally LIVE RIGHT?

A true believer and new creation, BY FAITH, is FREE from SIN. “Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.” (1 John 3:6-9 KJV).

God, through complete and total forgiveness, freed you FROM sin, not TOsin, but to LIVE holy. Will you live a perfect, sinless life while on earth? NO. However, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness…” (1 John 1:9 KJV). “…For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more…" (Hebrews 8:12 NIV). His “…love covereth a multitude of sins…” (Proverbs 10:12, 1 Peter 4:8 ASV).

You are completely and totally forgiven and God will remember your sins NO more. You are FREE to live righteous before God, not PERFECT. “…if we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us…” (1 John 1:8 KJV). You are a totally new creation.“… [Yet]… if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, ALL THINGS are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). You have the indwelling Holy Spirit and can now bear God’s fruit. “…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, GOODNESS, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).

You will live a life of true repentance, not perfection. It is a progressively, transforming lifestyle. “…If we “SAY” that we have fellowship with him, and WALK IN DARKNESS (unrepentant), WE LIE, and DO NOT THE TRUTH…” (1 John 1:6 KJV). “…Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of REPENTANCE …What shall we do then? He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none…” (Luke 3:8-11 KJV). “…REPENT…” (Acts 17:30 KJV).

You are totally and completely forgiven. “…the will of God, [is]…your SANCTIFICATION (ongoing cleansing from sin)…” (1 Thessalonians 4:3 NASB). “…Be transformed (progressively) by the renewing of your mind….” (Romans 12:2 KJV). “…be conformed (progressively) to the image of his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).

 “… [Therefore]… we all … are [being]… changed into the same image [of Christ] from glory to glory …” (2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV). “…be holy, because I am holy…” (1 Peter 1:16 KJV).

“…by the grace of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).

Believers can live a life totally and completely forgiven of their DEBT of SIN by walking in the newness of life. “… if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, ALL THINGS are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). A forgiven believer can live a fruitful life. "My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV).

“…behold, ALL THINGS are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). Whatever you were in the past is OVER and it is ONLY what you USED to be. “…OLD THINGS ARE PASSED AWAY…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “…Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And SUCH “WERE” SOME OF YOU: but ye are WASHED, but ye are SANCTIFIED, ye are JUSTIFIEDin the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the SPIRIT of our GOD…” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11 KJV).

“…Peter said to them, "REPENT, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the FORGIVENESS of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit….” (Acts 2:38 NASB). “…EXCEPT YE REPENT, ye shall all likewise PERISH…” (Luke 13:3 KJV). “…Blessed is he WHOSE TRANSGRESSION IS FORGIVEN…” (Psalm 32:12 KJV).

If you are Believer, but you have never repented or if you are not a believer but you want to believe and repent: think on these things and be TRULY SAVED.

Are you a sinner? “…For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:23 KJV). “…the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23 KJV).

Do you have everlasting life? “…God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

Where is salvation found in the Christian faith? “…SALVATION is found in no one else,for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved…” (Acts 4:12 NIV). “…And there is SALVATION in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved…” (Acts 4:12 NASB).“…There is SALVATION IN NO ONE ELSE…” (Acts 4:12a NLT).

 Did Christ die for your sins? Was he buried and did he rose again? “… Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And ...he was buried, and …he rose again the third day according to the scriptures…” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4 KJV).

Have you confess Jesus Christ with your mouth and believe in your heart? “…confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and … believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (ROMANS 10:9 KJV). “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house…” (ACTS 16:31 KJV).  “…Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believethat Jesus Christ is the Son of God…” (ACTS 8:37 KJV).

Are you sorry for your sins? Do you recognize your sin and are you ready to change from them? “…REPENT YE, AND BELIEVE the gospel…” (Mark 1:15 KJV). “…REPENT ye therefore, and BE CONVERTED, that your sins may be blotted out …” (Acts 3:19 KJV).

“…REPENTANCE TOWARD GOD, and FAITH TOWARD our Lord Jesus Christ. …” (Acts 20:21 KJV).

Have you been baptized yet? “…Peter said to them, "REPENT, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit….” (Acts 2:38 NASB).

"…Therefore REPENT AND RETURN, “SO” that your sins may be wiped away…” (Acts 3:19 NASB). “…EXCEPT YE REPENT, ye shall all likewise PERISH…” (Luke 13:3 KJV).

“…Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God OVER ONE SINNER THAT REPENTETH…” (Luke 15:10 KJV).

Are you SAVED? “…I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God…” (ACTS 8:37 KJV).

 “….God …now commandeth all men every where to REPENT…” (Acts 17:30 KJV). If you have truly believed, repented, and accepted him as you Lord and Savior; you are SAVED. That’s all there is to it.

If you are a new convert, you need to find a church home that teaches the bible basics. Start studying the Holy Bible for yourself. Pray for God to help you live a new repentant lifestyle. If you are a longtime believer, but have never truly repented you need to pray and trust God to work IN and THROUGH you to life an authentic Christian lifestyle.

BECAUSE OF GOD’S AMAZING GRACE, MERCY, and FORGIVENESS “…I am what I am…” AND I AM HEALED THROUGH GOD'S COMPLETE AND TOTAL FORGIVENESS IN CHRIST JESUS, MY SAVIOR AND ATONING SACRIFICE!!!!! (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).