Pensacola Helene Jefferson's Blog, page 13

WHAT WAS JESUS' OTHER NAME? THE WORD OF GOD.

 

THE WORD OF GOD

“… He (Jesus) had a name written, that no man knew … his name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB).

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 “…The heavens are telling the glory of God; they are a marvelous display of his craftsmanship.  ….” (Psalms 19:1 NLT). Some of the visual manifestations of God are the heavens and they SPEAK.  All of creation, in fact, speak about God; his presence, his goodness, his wisdom, and his power.

King David, the psalmist, says the heavens SPEAK and TELL of God’s glory through the WORKS of creation. The heavens TELL, without a single written or human word, that God is infinitely GREAT, presence, good, and powerful. The heavens SPEAK through the spacious sky, the sparkling stars or vast astronomy, the various planets, the sun, and the moon. “…The heavens are … a marvelous display of his craftsmanship.  ….” (Psalms 19:1 NLT).

The heavenly displays are DECLARING , PREACHING, TELLING that God exists. “…The heavens are telling the glory of God.  ….” (Psalms 19:1 NLT).

Creation is a LANGUAGE that speaks to all nations and tongues. “…The heavens are telling …[and]… are a marvelous display of his craftsmanship.  ….” (Psalms 19:1 NLT). “… Day unto day [they] uttereth speech, and …  sheweth knowledge…” (Psalms 19:2-3 KJV).

The CREATION is a LANGUAGE written by the WORKS of the Holy Spirit and it SPEAKS knowledge, nonstop, without a single human word. “… Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge…” (Psalms 19:2-3 KJV).

It can be read and understood without skills in any particular spoken or written language by humans. “…There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard…” (Psalms 19:2-3 KJV).

The Creation language is always speaking through its glorious heaven, its magnificent earth, its perpetual fruitfulness, its nourishing vegetation, its common and rare animals, its manifold benefits, and its sustaining operations.

“…The sun lives in the heavens where God placed it and moves out across the skies as radiant as a bridegroom going to his wedding, or as joyous as an athlete looking forward to a race!  The sun crosses the heavens from end to end, and nothing can hide from its heat…” (Psalms 19:4-6 NLT).

The author of the creation language is God and he SPEAKS through every WORK that can be SEEN by what has been MADE. “…Since the CREATION of the world God’s INVISIBLEQUALITIES … have been “CLEARLY SEEN”, being UNDERSTOOD FROM WHAT HAS BEEN MADE…” (Romans 1:20 NIV). “…Then God SAID, “Let there be light”; AND THERE WAS LIGHT…” (Genesis 1:3 NASB).

As CREATOR, God is discovered through the revelation knowledge of a LANGUAGE spoken by his creative WORKS.

This creative language is ALSO called the WORD OF GOD.  “…BY THE WORD of the Lord the heavens were made, And by the breath of His mouth all their host…” (Psalms 33:6 NASB).

The WORD of GOD is PROOF that creation did not happen by chance or a big bang, but was MADE or came into existence by a UNIQUE POWER; God himself!! “…In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth …” (Genesis 1:1, 31 KJV).

“… BY FAITH (by depending upon God) we understand that THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE WAS FORMED at God’s command (WORD), that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen…” (Hebrews 11 NLT).

      The CREATION is a LANGUAGE spoken by the WORKS of the Holy Spirit. The CREATION language SPEAKS knowledge. However, the WORKS of the Holy Spirit came into existence, FIRST, through the WORD OF GOD, which is the knowledge. “…In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him,and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being … (John 1:1-4 NASB). “…BY THE WORD of the Lord the heavens were made…” (Psalms 33:6 NASB).

The CREATION is a LANGUAGE spoken by the WORKS of the Holy Spirit and it SPEAKS knowledge.

God’s WORKS speak, which means what God does or his actions speak for him. When God’s WORKS speak it REVEALS who he is.

Thus, God’s “HOLY” NATURE is also revealed through HIS “GLORIOUS” WORKS. “…God’s … DIVINE NATURE …[is]…“CLEARLY SEEN” … FROM WHAT HAS BEEN MADE…” (Romans 1:20 NIV).

God’s glorious WORKS speak of his glorious NATURE.  “… “I AM WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). “…The invisible [GOD]…from the creation of the world is …clearly seen, being understood by the things that are MADE …” (Romans 1:20 KJV). “ ... All things came into being (was created) through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being (was created)that has come into being…” (John 1:3 NASB).  “… I amHe...'" (Isaiah 41:4 NASB). “… I am the firstand I am the last…” (Isaiah 44:6 NASB). "… I am the Alpha and the Omega," …" (Revelation 1:8 NASB).

God’s glorious NATURE is “clearly” revealed throughout creation because it is filled with his glorious WORKS.  “…the earth is filled with the LORD's GLORY (his divine nature; his powerful works)…” (Number 14:21 NLT). “… “I AM WHO I AM… who is … who was and who is to come, the Almighty (the holy presence, the holy goodness, the hol nature; the holy power)…" (Exodus 3:14-15 & Revelation 1:8 NASB).

God’s glorious nature and works, in the world, is HOW GOD makes himself KNOWN to mankind. “…the whole earth is full of his GLORY (holy presence, holy goodness, holy works)…” (Isaiah 6:3). “…the earth is filled with the LORD's GLORY (holy presence, holy goodness; holy works)…” (Number 14:21 NLT).

God’s powerful works say “I exist” or I am real.  His HOLY PRESENCE and GOODNESS is realized through the CREATION language. “…Since the CREATION of the world God’s INVISIBLE QUALITIES—… HIS DIVINE NATURE—have been “CLEARLY SEEN”…” (Romans 1:20 NIV).

“…HIS DIVINE NATURE—have been “CLEARLY SEEN”, being UNDERSTOOD FROM WHAT HAS BEEN MADE…” (Romans 1:20 NIV). “…God who created all things…” (Ephesians 3:3-4, 9 NASB). “… there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things …” (1 Corinthians 8:6 NASB).“..Worthy art Thou, our Lord and God … for Thou didst create all things…” (Revelation 4:11 NASB).

God is love. Love introduces himself through the language of CREATION.  CREATION says God is PRESENT, POWERFUL, MAJESTIC, GOOD, LOVING, SOVEREIGN, a PROVIDER, A GUIDE, and is DEPENDABLE. . “…the whole earth is full of his GLORY (holy presence, holy goodness, holy works)…” (Isaiah 6:3). “…the earth is filled with the LORD's GLORY (holy presence, holy goodness; holy works)…” (Number 14:21 NLT).

From the very beginning the CREATION language was the WORD of God speaking through the WORK of the Holy Spirit. “…In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him,and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being … (John 1:1-4 NASB).

The CREATION language or the Word of God is a HOLY, SPIRITUAL, and LIVING message, which reveals God’s nature, presence, goodness, and power.

For example look at his nature, presence, and goodness, and power in the CREATION language: “….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).

“…the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are CLEARLY SEEN…” (Romans 1:20 KJV).

“… HE Himself GIVES to all people LIFE and BREATH and all things…” (Acts 17:25 NASB). 
“…In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth …” (Genesis 1:1, 31 KJV).

“…BY THE WORD of the Lord the heavens were made, And by the breath of His mouth all their host…” (Psalms 33:6 NASB).

The CREATION language continues to SPEAK through the WORKS of the Holy Spirit. AND the Holy Spirit continues to DO whatever the Word of God instructs by bringing THINGS into existence or creation.

“…BY THE WORD of the Lord … All things came into being … and apart from [the WORD] nothing came into being that has come into being … ” (Psalms 33:6 NASB & John 1:1-4 NASB).

THE WORD OF GOD IS THE SOURCE OF IT ALL!

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INCONVENIENCE WILL EITHER MAKE YOU SURRENDER IT ALL TO GOD OR NOT!

INCONVENIENCE: WILL YOU SURRENDER IT ALL TO GOD OR NOT?

“…How can you know me, if you don’t share in my suffering?...”

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As a young woman, I sat in the congregation, with my legs crossed and listened as the preacher talked about “suffering.” I remember thinking, “I ain’t suffering for nobody.” However, I have since swallowed those words, seemingly, a thousand times. I have suffered in my lifetime.

I asked God why did he give me certain situations and circumstances to suffer through and he said, “How can you know me unless you share in my suffering?” He also said, “Pensacola, you are my heart and the mouthpiece for my heart.”

Two important things here: I was called to be the mouthpiece for God’s heart and it involved getting to know him. Part of getting to know him meant I had to share in the fellowship of his suffering. “I want to know Christ--yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death…”(Philippians 3:10 NIV). “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death…”(Philippians 3:10 KJV).

I was not thrilled with the calling on my life and I certainly wasn’t thrilled to discover I would have to suffer as a result of the calling. Nobody likes to suffer. The word “suffer” gives me the chills, because suffering brings up so many unpleasant situations or memories.

I can’t even believe God wanted me, of all people, to write this book on “suffering.” To be honest I didn’t want to and I didn’t see the purpose. However God explained it.  My book TRANSFORMING LOVE was about the reality of God’s love; my book TRANSFORMING INTIMACY was about the PROOF of God’s love; and this book, TRANSFORMING SUFFERING is about the PROOF of your love for God.

TRANSFORMING LOVE, the reality of God’s love is this: “For 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).

TRANSFORMING INTIMACY, the proof of God’s love is this: “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).

TRANSFORMING SUFFERING, the proof of your love: “…that ye believe on himwhom he hath sent.” (John 6:29KJV).

You prove your love for God every time you TRUST Him or “keep his commandments.” “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). 

Once I was telling my young teenage son to do something and he looked at me and said, “Mom, I’m not scared of you. I’m only doing it because I love you.” I didn’t realize how profound that was until years later.

There is a wide range of topics on suffering, but I will be talking about suffering as it relates to the covenant relationship with God. No where can we experience or share in the sufferings of Christ more than in our relationships.

Jesus suffered to bring us into the relationship with God we are privy to today and it was costly as well as sacrificial. “For 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).“… 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).

Christ’s death was PROOF of God’s love for you. Again, “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent His Son...” (1 John 4:10 KJV). 

However, what is the PROOF of your love for God? “If you love me, you will keep (TRUST them) my commandments” (John 14:15). “…Abraham believed God… his faith and his actions were working together…” (James 2:18-24 NIV).

The devil asked God in the book of Job: “Does Job fear God for nothing?” Satan replied.“Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land.” (Job 1:7-12 NIV).

As long as life is honkey dory, we serve and praise God with everything we have, but that is not proof you love God. God knows whether you love him or not, but you, yourself, often don’t know it until you are challenged or tested.

Therefore, God allowsyou or even chooses you; to suffer, in order “…to prove [to you]…what [is in your own]…heart, whether [you]… wouldest keep his commandments, or no.” (Deuteronomy 8:2 KJV). Would I choose to SURRENDER it all to God's will and God's way?

When I fell in love, the initial reality of that love was like a fairytale to me and his love for me was enough proof to accept his hand in marriage. However, as time went on and the fairytale diminished I was challenged and tested in my love for him.

When Prince Charming becomes Prince Not-so-Charming you have to ask a similar question like Job. “…Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” (Job 2:10 NIV). I could ask this question in another way: "...Shall we accept convenience from God, and not inconvenience?..."

In my fairytale relationship will I simply accept the convenient parts and not the inconvenient parts? The inconvenient parts of relationships are broad, varied, and often painful; and no one would actually volunteer to experience them either. In marriage vows, the couple traditionally said, “...for better or for worst…” Who really imagines what “...for worst…” may entail?

We live in a fallen world and trouble or inconvenience is everywhere, especially in our relationships. There are no perfect people, not you or me, and that fact alone should tell you “inconvenience” will be a part of the relational experience. How many times have you hurt someone, whether intentional or unintentional?

In relationships, some people suffer through the inconvenience of infidelity, sickness, death, dysfunction, insecurity, emotional lack, disrespect, abuse, mental illness, low-esteem, jealousy, bad attitudes, drama kings and queens, attention hogs, selfishness, secrets, and a host of other things.

Without a doubt, inconvenience in relationships will, “…prove [to you]…what [is in your own]…heart, whether [you]…wouldest keep his commandments, or no.” (Deuteronomy 8:2 KJV).

In your role as husband, wife, mother, daughter, son, co-worker, aunt, uncle, grandparent, friend, or believer; inconvenience will proof your authentic heart.

When inconvenience comes and it will come: Will you keep your marriage vows? Will you continue your parental duties? Will you remain a reliable aunt or uncle? Will you endure the friendship? Will you keep God’s commandments?

I have learned being “inconvenience” is not necessarily a negative condition, but may, in fact, be a positive opportunity. If nothing else, “inconvenience” will lead to the road of authentic-ness, because it will force you to evaluate your OWN heart.

If the heart is deceitful above all things, then “inconvenience” will reveal it and allow it to be purged out! “If someone has a stubborn and rebellious son who does not obeyhis father and mother and will not listen to them when they discipline him …You must purge the evil from among you.” (Deuteronomy 21:18-21 NIV).

The reason LIFE is full of conveniences - some of them are good - is to prevent people from going certain difficulties or discomfort. However, without a balance of convenient and inconvenient a person can lean too much on one side and not the other. Too much convenience can make you lazy and too much inconvenient can make you a worn-out workaholic.

God loves his people and he has proved his love for them. Even during experiences of inconvenience, God is proving his love by giving his people the opportunity to prove their love for Him. The opportunity to prove their love for him is about “keeping his commandment” (John 14:15 KJV). WHY? Because, “Keeping his commandments” ultimately results in multiple blessings for his people!

God often provides the opportunity for his people to prove their love for him through trials, tribulations, or inconveniences. God wants them to become an authentic, loving participant in their relationship with Him through Christ.

Suffering through inconveniences gets to the heart of the matter. Therefore, it’s really not simply the trouble you face or the details of that trouble, but it’s your heart “in” the trouble. Who are you when trouble or inconveniences come into your life? Who are you when you suffer through difficulties, hardships, or things that make life uncomfortable?

“...God seesnot as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart…”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB).

I’m sorry for whatever you are going through or for what you’ve been through. Suffering or life's inconveniences are NOT pleasant experiences and the process, whatever it may entail, is NOT or is NEVER easy or comfortable, and usually, afterwards, you will FOREVER be changed in one way or another. 

Yet, if God has ALLOWED you this experience choose to trust and depend upon HIM as you go through the SUFFERING or INCONVENIENCE. 

Though what you went through or are going through may NOT feel or be good, God does promise it will WORK TOGETHER for good. TRUST HIM. DEPEND upon HIM. You will findyour greatest LOSS was your flesh or sinful nature and your GAIN was your authentic new creation self! 

“…He (she) that loseth his (her) life for my sake shall find it…” (Matthew 10:39 KJV).

 

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HAVE YOU EVER WITNESSED GOD'S GLORY? EXPLAIN?

 

HAVE YOU EVER WITNESSED HIS GLORY? HOW?

“…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 of his invisible PRESENCE. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). Jesus (his WORD) said, "…I and my Father are…ONE…" (John 10:30 KJV).  “…Now the Lord (Jesus, God’s WORD) is that Spirit…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV). “…The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. WE HAVE “SEEN” HIS GLORY, the glory of the one and only Son (Jesus, his WORD), who came from the Father (his bosom or heart and his Word was), full of grace and truth…” (John 1:14 KJV). “…Jesus saith unto him, Have I (God, the Holy Spirit, through the WORD of GOD) been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath SEEN ME (Jesus, the WORD of GOD displaying righteous works, spiritual fruit, or God’s GOODNESS) HATH SEEN the Father (who is actually doing the WORKS of displaying his GOODNESSES THROUGH him); and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?” (John 14:9 KJV).

“… the Lord (god, through Jesus is), in your presence …” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV). “… [God’s people are]… set me in [god, the Holy Spirit’s,]… presence forever…” (Psalms 44:12 NASB). “…[God, the Holy Spirit]… MAKE[S THEM]… “MOST” BLESSED forever … in [his]… PRESENCE…” (Psalms 21:6 NASB).

HOW? “…Jesus Christ (God’s WORD) is in [God’s people through the indwelling Holy Spirit)…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…Christ in [God’s people] …” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). “…The Spirit of God dwell[s] in [God’s people]…” (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 [God’s people]… [then] …the Lord …[is] … in [their] presence …” (Romans 8:10 KJV & Exodus 33:16-23 NIV).

Thus, God’s GLORY is the manifestation of his invisible Holy presence, or his HOLY GOODNESSES witnessed in his righteous, unique, non-duplicable conduct and immutable character, or his HOLY eternal power “clearly SEEN’ by the things God MAKES.

Thus God’s GOODNESS is expressed and demonstrated through his righteous, immutable actions which are ALWAYS aligned with his NATURE or character. At ALL times God, the Holy Spirit is righteous, HOLY, and true. he cannot nor will not CONTRADICT or DENY who he “IS.” Thus, God, the Holy Spirit WILL NEVER doing anything unrighteous, unholy, and untrue. God’s STANDARD is HOLY GOODNESS.

“… “I will cause all my GOODNESS  ( or WHO God, the Holy Spirit is) 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). WHO GOD IS can be “clearly” witnessed through his POWERFUL actions demonstrated throughout the WHOLE earth. “…. the whole earth is full of [God’s]…glory (manifested presence, goodness, 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 (God, the Holy Spirit) 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).

“…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).

God, the Holy Spirit’s, GOODNESS is NOT LIMITED to simply what HE DOES. God, the Holy Spirit is GOOD by NATURE which makes what he DOES UNLIMITED, because of WHO HE IS!! HE “IS” GOOD!!

God’s HOLY GOODNESS is witnessed, expressed, and demonstrated THROUGH the things he MAKES, his MANY benevolent actions, and his immutable, DIVINE NATURE.

God’s HOLY GLORY(his presence, goodness, and power) is also manifested in the proclamation of his HOLY NAME. Therefore, there IS “… Glory in His holy name …” (1 Chronicles 16:10 NASB).  “…I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence …” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV). “…THY NAME is GREAT in might…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).

The various forms of the God’s name(s) carries with them DIVINE meaning, DIVINE purpose, DIVINE sovereignty, DIVINE POWER, and HIGHLY distinguishes him from any other false gods.

Regardless of God, the Holy Spirit’s, many names there is ONLY “one” God, who CREATED all things. “…God (the Holy Spirit) who created all things…” (Ephesians 3:3-4, 9 NASB). “… there is but ONE GOD, the Father (and Holy Spirit), from whom are all things and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him…” (1 Corinthians 8:6 NASB).

The standard name is “God” or “Lord.”“… The Lord is His name…” (Exodus 15:3 NASB).  For the Israelites and NOW for the Christian there is ONLY one true God. “…There is ONE … God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all….” (Ephesians 4:4-5 KJV). “… There is but one God…” (1 Corinthians 8:6 KJV). “…The LORD is our GOD, the LORD is ONE…” (Deuteronomy 6:4 KJV). “…There is no God, but ONE…” (1 Corinthians 8:4 KJV).

Throughout the bible God’s names were often descriptions of his righteous ACTIONS within particular circumstances. “… I appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as God Almighty, but by My name,  Lord, I did not make Myself known to them…” (Exodus 6:3 NASB). “… I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob as El-Shaddai—‘God Almighty’—but I did not reveal my name, Yahweh, to them…” (Exodus 6:3 NLT).

A NAME is, often, given to God as a way to acknowledge his PRESENCE, his GOODNESS, or his POWER. “… God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM”; and He said … ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.’ This is My name forever, and this is My memorial-name]to all generations…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). “ … God replied to Moses, “I am who i am.Say this to the people of Israel: I am has sent me to you.” God also said to Moses, “Say this to the people of Israel: Yahweh, the God of your ancestors—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you. This is my eternal name, my name to remember for all generations…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NLT).

Other NAMES of God, such as “EL” are given as a WAY to EXALT, WORSHIP, HONOR, or give the HIGHEST possible PRAISE to the ONE, TRUE God. “…THY NAME is GREAT in might…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).

In addition, the NAME “EL,” when attached to an attribute, distinguishes him from false gods and gives him SUPREME advantage and authority above ALL others. Thus, “…There is no God, but ONE…” (1 Corinthians 8:4 KJV).

The MANY names given to God is NOT as important as recognizing his HOLY, distinct, DIVINE nature and the “SPECIAL” covenant relationship he is willing to have with HIS people.

God’s distinct NAMES “clearly” reveal his invisible PRESENCE, his POWER,  and the qualities of his DIVINE nature. “…The invisible [Presence]…from the creation of the world is … [his] eternal power… [and]…divine nature… …clearly seen, being understood by the things that are MADE …” (Romans 1:20 KJV).

For instance, the name El Erekh means the God of PATIENCE. “…the God of patience … grant you to be likeminded…” (Romans 15:5 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is … patience … The Lord is that Spirit … It is the SPIRIT who gives [PATIENCE]…” (Galatians 5:22-23 NLT & 2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV &John 6:63 NASB).

His PRESENCE and ROLE, in the lives, of his covenant people is REVEALED through his NAMES. For instance, the name Jehovah Jireh means the God of provision. “…God is the one who provides…” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV). “… God will supply all [your need]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB).

God’s NAMES are often linked to special circumstance and how God personally benefitted his PEOPLE at different times. For instance, the name El Shaddai is linked to Genesis 17:1 when God appeared to Abram. “… When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am El-Shaddai—‘God Almighty.’ Serve me faithfully and live a blameless life…” (Genesis 17:1 NLT).

The name, El Shaddai refers to him as, “…the Almighty God…”  (Genesis 17:1 KJV).

God’s NAMES are meant to inspire AWE, RESPECT, HONOR, REVERENCE, and WITNESS of his GLORY (presence, goodness, and power).  “…I will praise his holy name…” (Psalms 103:1 NLT). “…give thanks to His holy name…” (Psalms 30:4 NASB). “… all flesh will bless His holy name forever and ever…” (Psalms 145:21 NASB).

God’s NAMES give his people and others a hint of his HOLY nature, his divine conduct, and his benevolent actions, immutably, extended to HIS covenant PEOPLE. For instance: ADONAI or YAHWEH or JEHOVAH or JEHOVAH ELOHIM or EL ELYON or JEHOVAH ELOHIM which means: “LORD” "LORD God" “Most High" "LORD God."

ELOHIMor EL SHADDAI or EL-GIBHOR which means: God “Creator, Mighty and Strong” “God Almighty” “Mighty God.”

JEHOVAH –JIREH means: "The Lord Will Provide."

JEHOVAH –RAPHA means: "The Lord Who Heals."

JEHOVAH –NISSI means: "The Lord Our Banner.”

JEHOVAH -M'KADDESH means: "The Lord Who Sanctifies, Makes Holy." 

JEHOVAH –SHALOM means: "The Lord Our Peace.

JEHOVAH H-TSIDKENU means: "The Lord Our Righteousness.”

JEHOVAH –ROHI means: "The Lord Our Shepherd.

JEHOVAH –SHAMMAH means: "The Lord Is There.

JEHOVAH –SABAOTH means: "The Lord of Hosts."

EL ROI means: "God of Seeing."

EL-OLAM means: "Everlasting God."

“…there is nonelike unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV). “… The Lord is His name…” (Exodus 15:3 NASB). “…There is ONE … God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all….” (Ephesians 4:4-5 KJV). “… There is but one God…” (1 Corinthians 8:6 KJV). “…The LORD is our GOD, the LORD is ONE…” (Deuteronomy 6:4 KJV). “…There is no God, but ONE…” (1 Corinthians 8:4 KJV).

“…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).

God’s HOLY GLORY embodies ALL the manifestations of his presence, his GOODNESS, and his POWER that distinguishes him from ALL other false gods. “…Thou (God) are GOOD and doestGOOD (holy goodness)…” (Psalm 119:68 KJV). “… Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful (holy) deeds among all the peoples…” (1 Chronicles 16:24 NASB). “… Glory in His holy name …” (1 Chronicles 16:10 NASB).  

As a child many were told not to look directly at the sun.  If they did happen to look at the sun with the naked, human eye, the damage to the retina could be 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 manifested through his creations.  His HOLY GLORY alone is so SET APART from SIN and SO PURE it is like a blinding, transparent 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 damages the eyes, 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 embodies ALL the manifestations of his presence, his HOLY GOODNESS, and his POWER. “…Thou (God) are GOOD and doest GOOD…” (Psalm 119:68 KJV). “… Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples…” (1 Chronicles 16:24 NASB). “… Glory in His holy name …” (1 Chronicles 16:10 NASB).

God’s HOLY Glory, UNLEASHED, is too RADIANT on the human eye and he has to put it in earthen vessels. “… When my GLORY passes by, I will …cover you with my handuntil I have passed by …” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV). “ …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).

God’s HOLY Glory distinguishes HIM from all other false gods “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).

His HOLY Glory marks him with supreme and superior magnificence MATCHED by NO other deity or human.  “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV). “…majestic in holiness…” (Exodus 15:11 KJV).

God’s HOLY glory establishes him in a category all by himself, “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV). “…You are veryGREAT;You are clothed in SPLENDER Covering Yourself with LIGHT as with a cloak…”(Psalm 104:1-2 NASB). “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).

His HOLY Glory places Him HIGH above all other worldly riches, above earth, or heaven. “…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).

God’s HOLY Glory is flawless and “…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 opportunities to actually, in real time,  WITNESS God’s HOLY GLORY while upon earth.  I will only discuss three: the visible or audible manifestation of his HOLY Glory, the powerful actions of his HOLY Glory, and the radiant representative of his HOLY glory.

The visual or audible manifestations of his HOLY GLORY was often reported in the bible “..And ye said, Behold, the Lord our God hath SHEWED us his GLORY and his greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire: 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…” (Psalms 19:1 KJV).  “…The heavens are telling of 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, 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, even the house of the Lord; So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the GLORY 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 considered visual manifestations of his GLORY. These objects of God’s GLORY were visible to the Israelites.  “…Behold, the Lord our 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).

The POWER of his HOLY GLORY is manifested through his actionS. “….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 through the witness of his ACTIONS. “…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).

The REPRESENTATIVE of his HOLY GLORY is Jesus Christ who was the EXACT manifestation of God, the Holy Spirit. “…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).

 “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).

“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).

When you know what his HOLY GLORY is, like the angels, you can personally recognize his presence, his goodness, or his power when you SEE it, HEAR it, or WITNESS it “in” his people. The angels cried out:  “…“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).

As his redeemed child, God wants his people to see his HOLY GLORY. God wants his people to, personally, experience his presence, his goodnesses, and his power. “He said to [them]… "You are My Servant, Israel (HIS PEOPLE), In Whom I WILL show My GLORY…” (Isaiah 49:3 NASB).

God’s people are also willful servants of God. He WANTS to show them His HOLY Glory which he PROVES “through” his REPRESENTRATIVE, Jesus Christ. “…The Word (Jesus) became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we [can see] His (God’s) GLORY  (presence, goodness, and power)…” (John 1:14 NASB). Because of Jesus, God’s people can see God’s HOLY Glory. “… The Son (Jesus) is the radiance of God’s GLORY and the EXACT representation of his being….”(Hebrews 1:3 KJV).

God’s HOLY GLORY is the PRESENCE of God himself. When he SENDS the indwelling Holy Spirit into the hearts of his people; ALL God’s GOOD RICHES and POWER COMES too. “…God has sent forth the Spiritof His Son “INTO” OUR HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…Christ [the Word of God, is]…in you…” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). “…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 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 manifestation of his presence, his goodness, and his power (HOLY GLORY) is “Christ in HIS PEOPLE.” Let’s change the question FROM: “What is God’s Glory,” TO: “Whereis His Glory?”

His HOLY Glory is IN HIS redeemed PEOPLE! This is a POWERFUL truth!!  “…To whom God would make KNOWN [where]… the riches of the glory [is]... which is Christ in [his people]… [and Christ, within his people, is] …the hope of glory (of witnessing God’s presence, goodness, and power)…” (Colossians 1:25-28 KJV). “ …We (God’s people) have this treasure in earthen vessels,that the excellency of the POWER may be of God, and not of [themselves]...” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV).

God’s HOLY GLORY manifested through Christ Jesus gave mankind HOPE that God, the Holy Spirit’s presence, goodnesses, and power was UPON earth. “…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 the indwelling HOLY GLORY (God’s presence, goodnesses, and power) to continue to GIVE mankind HOPE, especially for reconciliation with God, the Holy Spirit. “…be conformed to the image of His Son…” (Romans 8:29 KJV).  “…In this world we are LIKE JESUS…” (1 John 4:17 NIV).

God’s people become a PART of God’s redemption plan upon earth. Many don’t KNOW the VALUE of having the indwelling Holy Spirit within them. Someone once said, when you don’t know the value of something 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 PRESENCE, goodness, and powerwitnessed throughout his creation, his grace, his mercy, his salvation in Jesus Christ, his love, his indwelling Holy Spirit, the way he sustains and upholds the world, through his magnificent promises, though his many benevolent, kindnesses, and good, righteous actions, through the air we breathe, through sunshine and rain, through his refuge and strength, through his many comforts, and the list could go on and on. “ … 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 God’s people say “GLORY” they are giving PRAISE to the manifested of his PRESENCE, GOODNESS, or POWER witnessed in God’s healing, through Godly love, for the magnificence of his creation, anointed music, anointed people that “contain” his glory, spirit-filled sermons that draw lost souls, Godly actions, conversions, the birth of a baby, a flower, the stars, a bird, etc. “… 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, through his Spirit, will manifest his HOLY GLORY. Redeemed Believers BELONG to God and “contain” his indwelling HOLY GLORY. “…Jesus Christ is in [the redeemed…” (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 redeemed people and ALL of his creation will exhibit or display 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 his manifested PRESENCE, GOODNESSES, and his POWER witnessed through his creation works and through God’s people, who BELONG to him. “… All Your works shall give thanksto You, O Lord, And Your godly onesshall bless You…” (Psalms 145 NASB).

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

God’s HOLY GLORY is CLEARLY manifested in the MANY expressions of his PRESENCE, goodness, and power. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “… the Lord is that Spirit…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV). “… the Lord, in your presence …” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV). “… [God makes YOU] ... “MOST” BLESSED forever … in … [his] … PRESENCE…” (Psalms 21:6 NASB).

GLORY!!!

 

IF GOD IS YOUR FIRST LOVE, REMEMBER YOUR OBEDIENCE GIVES HIM GLORY!

                                                                  REMOVING YOUR CANDLESTICK

“…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,]…  I WILL COME QUICKLY, AND WILL REMOVE THY CANDLESTICK out of his place, except thou repent…” (REVELATION 2:2, 5 KJV).

*

Removing your candlestick is not a threat, or a warning really, but it is God RESPONDING to the choices the church of Ephesus has made to rely on their OWN duty-bound, self-efforts of religious obligations. “… I WILL COME QUICKLY, AND WILL REMOVE THY CANDLESTICK out of his place…” (REVELATION 2:2, 5 KJV).

The candlestick represents the church of Ephesus and the candle, which was inside it; represents Jesus. The church of Ephesus, together with Jesus, once ILLUMINATED with the LIGHT of TRUTH. “… You see, we don’t go around preaching about ourselves. We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. 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 4:5-7 NLT).

When the church of Ephesus was devoted to FIRST LOVE (God), they were totally different. “… our great power is from God, not from ourselves…” (2 Corinthians 4:5-7 NLT). The church and the city of Ephesus played an important role in early Christianity.

God blessed the WHOLE city of Ephesus JUST because HIS people were there. Remember how God was with Joseph when he became a servant in Potiphar’s house and he BLESSED the WHOLE house just because of him. “…The Lord was with Joseph, and he was a successful man; and he was in the houseof his master the Egyptian.  And his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made all he did to prosper in his hand. So Joseph found favor in his sight, and served him. Then he made him overseer of his house, and all that he had he put under his authority. So it was, from the time that he had made him overseer of his house and all that he had, that the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; andthe blessing of the Lord was on all that he had in the house and in the field. Thus he left all that he had in Joseph’s hand, and he did not know what he had except for the bread which he ate…” (Genesis 39:2-6 NLT).

The presence of the church of Ephesus blessed the WHOLE city of Ephesus. “…the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; andthe blessing of the Lord was on all that he had in the house and in the field. …” (Genesis 39:2-6 NLT).

Many were converted in Ephesus, they sent out missionaries from there, Apostle Paul, John, Timothy, and possibly the mother of Jesus lived in or around Ephesus, they had a robust Jewish synagogue, they planted other churches, men received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, some of Apostle Paul’s letters were written in or to the Ephesians, the gospel of John may have been written there too, and the church of Ephesus was initially passionate and zealous for Christ.

“…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…” (REVELATION 2:2, 5 KJV).

Somewhere along the way the church of Ephesus fell away from the original zeal and passionate they had for God. “… remember, therefore from whence thou art fallen…” (REVELATION 2:2, 5 KJV).

They had FELL away from FIRST LOVE (God). “… Thou hast left thou first love…” (REVELATION 2:2, 5 KJV).

The fall away from FIRST LOVE (God) is always a “fall away” from GRACE. “…If you are trying … [in your OWN effort] … to make yourselves right with God (or gain favor) by keeping the … [commandments], you have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God’s GRACE…” (Galatians 2:21 NLT).

Their WORKS did not make them right with God; GRACE did. “…a person is made right with God by faith [or depending upon]… Jesus Christ…” (Galatians 2:16 NLT). “…Grow in the grace (underserved and the unearned favor) …” (2 Peter 3:18). 

If you are doing duty-bound works to make yourself right with God or to earn his favor; it is ALL in vain. “… We are made right with God by placing our faith (our dependence upon) in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are…” (Romans 3:22 NLT). “… No one is justified by the Law (self-effort) before God is evident; for, "THE RIGHTEOUS MAN SHALL LIVE BY FAITH (dependence upon God)…" (Romans 3:11 NASB).

Even if your WORKS appear to be the same WORKS as those who are depending upon God; those works WON’T make you right with God or EARN you special favors or blessings. “…I want to dowhat is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t….I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by SIN? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).  “…Apart from Me (Jesus, the indwelling Holy Spirit), you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).   “…by the GRACE of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).  

  “…a person is made right with God by faith [or depending upon]… Jesus Christ…” (Galatians 2:16 NLT).

 “I do not treat the grace (unearned and undeserved favor) of Godas meaningless. …” (Galatians 2:21 NLT). “…BY GRACE have ye been saved…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). “…We … [receive]… the GRACE of the LordJesus Christ [and]… we shall be SAVED…” (Acts 15:11 KJV). “…The grace of our Lord was poured out (transferred) on me abundantly, ALONG WITH FAITH (the indwelling power to depend upon God)and love that are in Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 1:13-14 NIV).

If you received his GRACE to be SAVED; that same GRACE will sustain you throughout your ENTIRE Christian journey and it will NEVER lose its sufficient POWER. “…My grace is sufficient for you…”(2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV).  “…NOT that we are sufficient OF OURSELVES to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God…” (2 Corinthians 3:5 KJV). “…I will supply all your NEED…” (John 12:32 KJV). “… [The God of LOVE and GRACE]… is … sustaining ALL THINGS by his powerful WORD…” (Hebrews 1:3 NIV). “…In him (the God of LOVE and GRACE) ALL THINGS hold together…” (Colossians 1:7 NIV). “…HE (the God of love and grace) “WILL” KEEP YOU STRONG to the end…” (1 Corinthians 1:8 NLT). “… [I am]… strengthened with might by his Spirit in [my]… inner man…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV). “…It is God which worketh in [me]… both to will and to do..” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “… [I]..can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth [me]….” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).“…Iknow whom I have believed (depended upon), and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day...” (2 Timothy 1:12 KJV). “…That great Shepherd of the sheep …may he work in [me]… what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).

“… repent and do the first works…” (REVELATION 2:2, 5 KJV).

. “… [go back to Choosing to depending upon] the Lord with all thine heart …” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “… [go back to choosing “not” to lean] unto thine own understanding…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).  “ … [Go back to choosing to acknowledge him in all your ways], and he shall direct thy paths…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). Go back to depending upon God to direct your steps. “…The steps of a good man are ordered (directed) by the Lord: …” (Psalms 37:23 KJV).

“… or else I WILL COME QUICKLY, AND WILL REMOVE THY CANDLESTICK…” (REVELATION 2:2, 5 KJV).

The candle indwells or fits into the candlestick, which enables it, when LIT or SET on FIRE, to GIVE LIGHT to the surrounding area. “…The Lightwhich … enlightens every man…” (John 1:19 NASB).

However, if the candlestick (the church), which is the vessel that displays the LIT CANDLE and is meant to GIVE LIGHT (Jesus) - to the surrounding area - is extinguished; it loses its significance.

"… You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men…” (Matthew 5:13 NASB).

Without the LIT candleLIGHT, the candlestick is NO “…longer good for anything, except to be thrown out...” (Matthew 5:13 NASB). It is no longer relevant. It serves NO purpose in the service of God.

“… repent and do the first works…” (REVELATION 2:2, 5 KJV).

 “… or elseI WILL COME QUICKLY, AND WILL REMOVE THY CANDLESTICK…” (REVELATION 2:2, 5 KJV).

Salt does two things, it preserves and it flavors. "… You are the salt of the earth…” (Matthew 5:13 NASB). It preserves by keeping things from rot and decay. It flavors by changing the taste of things. Salt is relevant and it has a purpose. "… You are the saltof the earth…” (Matthew 5:13 NASB).

Salt in Matthew 5:13 is also talking about God’s people, the church body. The church has a purpose. It serves the purpose of reconciling the world to God and changing the flavor of human morality to holy morality upon the earth. “…God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation (salt and light). …” (2 Corinthians 5:18 NIV). "… You are the saltof the earth…” (Matthew 5:13 NASB). “…ye shall be holy  (not just moral) unto me: for I the Lord am holy…” (Leviticus 20:26 KJV).

When the church does NOT serve its purpose it loses its ability to reconcile men to God or influence holy morality. "… You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless…” (Matthew 5:13 NASB).

The church, therefore, is a LIGHT of TRUTH to the world, but if that LIGHT can’t be SEEN it can’t preserve anyone from corruption nor can it influence holy morality. . “…The Light which … enlightens every man…” (John 1:19 NASB).“…. 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 4:5-7 NLT).

If the church LOSES its distinctive qualities of preservation, holy morality, or light; it has LOST its relevancy and its purpose. "… You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless …It is no longer good for anything…” (Matthew 5:13 NASB).

The church LOSES its distinctive qualities when it begins to MIX with the wrong elements, become independent of the indwelling Holy Spirit, or allows itself to be EXPOSED to impurities. “… “Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate,” says the Lord. “ And do not touch what is unclean…” (2 Corinthians 6:13-17 NASB).

This LOSS of distinction produces religious practices and behaviors that further extinguishes the church’s ability to preserve, influence holy morality, or uphold the LIGHT of TRUTH. “…He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me” (Mark 7:6 KJV).  

When the church begins to practice Christianity according to their own self-effort; their behavior is no longer EMPOWERED by what makes them uniquely relevant, or purposeful. “… [The irrelevant]… are such [that]… serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly…” (Romans 16:18 KJV).

The church becomes USELESS for the purposes of God. The body without the Spirit is dead. “…the body without (apart from) the spirit is dead…” (James 2:26 KJV). “….Apart from Me, you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

The church body without dependence upon the indwelling Holy Spirit is also dead and useless. Apart from depending upon the indwelling Holy Spirit, the church can do nothing. “…The God of peace… that great Shepherd of the sheep …work in us (empowering) what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).“…Apart from Me (Jesus, the indwelling Holy Spirit), [YOU can] do nothing [spiritually relevant]…” (John 15:5 NIV).

Without depending upon the indwelling Holy Spiritto do the work “IN” and “THROUGH” them the church becomes impure from depending upon self-effort which relies on sinful flesh. “ … It is the same 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 … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “….Apart from Me, you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

The sinful flesh profits NOTHING, especially NOTHING that glories God. The flesh is USELESS and UNPROFITABLE. “…The flesh profiteth nothing…” (John 6:63 KJV). “…Human effort (the flesh) accomplishes nothing….” (John 6:63 NLT). “…If I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but have not love (God is LOVE), IT PROFITETH ME NOTHING…” (1 Corinthians 13:2-3 ASV)."… if the salt has become tasteless … It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out…” (Matthew 5:13 NASB).

If the church LOSES its distinctive quality, which IS the indwelling Holy Spirit, how will it be able to preserve others from the corruption of sin or, influence holy morality, or be a LIGHT of TRUTH? “….Don't put your confidence in … people [or your OWN flesh]… there is NO HELP for you there….” (Psalms 146: 3 NLT). “…It is impossible to please God without (the indwelling Holy Spirit of) FAITH…” (Hebrews 11:6 NLT). "…That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit…” (John 3:6 KJV). “….Apart from Me (the indwelling Holy Spirit), you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

What would the Christian church be good for without the indwelling Holy Spirit? “….Apart from Me, you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). What would make the Christian church distinctive from any other religion? “…It is God who works in [them]…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV).

If the Christian church does not set a tone for HOLY morality; how will their human moral practices be any different from others.  “…There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of DEATH...” (Proverbs  14:20 KJV). “…There is a way that seemeth rightunto a man, but the end thereof arethe ways DEATH ….” (Proverbs 16:25 KJV). “…and sin,when it is finished, BRINGETH FORTH DEATH…” (James 1:13-15 NLT).

Trying to do Christianity through duty-bound religious obligations gleaned from self-effort REDUCES the distinctive qualities of God’s church to USELESSNESS and being “good for nothing.” (Matthew 5:13 NASB).

Without the indwelling WORK of the Holy Spiritwhat distinctive quality does the Christian church have from any other church? Thus, it is good for nothing in regard to the purposes of the HOLY God (Matthew 5:13).

In the 21st century are people being SAVED; are they being preserved from the corruption of sin; are they being influenced by Holy morality; and are they SEEING the LIGHT of TRUTH?“…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 (unChristian), WE LIE, and DO NOT THE TRUTH…” (1 John 1:6 KJV).  “ … the deeds of the flesh are evident…” (Galatians 5:20-22  NASB).

Is the American Christian church NO longer a relevant life preserver? Is the American Christian church no longer a relevant influencer of Holy morality? Is the American Christian church no longer a relevant LIGHT of TRUTH? "…Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven…” (Matthew 5:16 NASB).

If the American Christian church has LOST their distinctive qualities HOW will the lost people find the ANSWERS? Is the American Christian church GOOD for NOTHING? “…How shall they believe in him of whom they have not HEARD? And how shall they HEAR without a preacher (one who speaks not only in words, but in deeds)?” (Romans 10:14 KJV).

The American church can RETURN to usefulness by returning to FIRST LOVE (God) and remembering FIRST LOVE’S (God’s) GRACE. “… repent and do the first works…” (REVELATION 2:2, 5 KJV).

The Christian church will be a useful vessel ONLY for the purposes in which they were called. The church DOES these things BY FAITH (depending upon the Holy Spirit). “….Without [the Spirit of] faith (the empowering ability to depend upon God) it is impossible to please God…” (Hebrews 11:6 KJV).  “…the Father that dwelleth in [YOU], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

The indwelling Spirit of Faith empowers believers to depend upon God to enable them to do what PLEASES God.  “…God … worketh in you, both to will and to do of His good pleasure…” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “…NOW UNTO HIM THAT IS “ABLE” to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the POWER (the indwelling Holy Spirit) that worketh in [you]…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).

“… The God of peace … that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip[s] you with everything good for doing his will, and …work[s] in [you]… what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).

The indwelling Holy Spirit DOES the WORK of FAITH “IN” and “THROUGH” the church. “ … It is the same 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 … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “… The God of peace … that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip[s] you with everything good for doing his will … …” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).“… The God of peace … that great Shepherd of the sheep…work[s] in [you]… what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).

The Father, who is Spirit, and dwells within them, “HE” DOES the WORK. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…the Spirit of God dwell in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…Christ in you, …” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). “…The Lord (Jesus Christ) is that Spirit…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV). . “I and the father are one” (John 10:30 KJV).  “…the Father that dwelleth in [YOU], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

The church chooses to willfully TRUST or DEPEND UPON his indwelling Holy Spirit to DO the WORK. “…Trust in the Lord with all thine heart …” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “… lean not unto thine own understanding…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).  “ … In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “…the Father that dwelleth in [YOU], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

First of ALL the Holy Spirit dwells within them. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…the Spirit of God dwell in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…Christ in you …” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). “…The Lord (Jesus Christ) is that Spirit…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV). . “I and the father are one” (John 10:30 KJV). 

Second the Holy Spirit WORKS in and through them.“ … It is the same 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 … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

Third the church chooses to willfully depend upon the indwelling Holy Spirit to do the WORK of FAITH which empowers them to hope for and expect from God the things promised in his WORD. Thus, God DOES the empowering WORK of faith, within the believer, enabling them to depend upon him. “…The WORK of God: [is] that ye believe (depend upon) on him whom he hath sent.” (John 6:29 KJV). “…It is God who WORKS IN YOU…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…That great Shepherd of the sheep, EQUIP (empower) you with everything good for doing his will…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…That great Shepherd of the sheep …may he work in us what is pleasing to him through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).

God’s Holy Spirit DOES the WORK of faith “IN” and “THROUGH” his people, the church. “ … It is the same God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of us … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

He’s given EVERY child the Spirit of his indwelling POWER.  “….ye shall receive the GIFT of the Holy Ghost (Spirit)…” (Acts 2:38 KJV). . “…God has …given us a spirit…of power…” (1 Timothy 1:7 NLT).

They are to choose to DEPEND UPON his indwelling POWER, which is the Holy Spirit. “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth (empowers) me…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

The church can DEPEND UPON the indwelling POWER to work in and through them to be a life preservers, influencers, and lights of truth. “ … It is the same God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of us who are his… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). God “…grant[s]… [those who depend upon him]… to be strengthened with might by hisSpirit in the inner man…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV).

The REAL church of God knows and understands it is by GRACE they are preservers, influencers, and lights of truth. “…BY THE GRACE of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).

Apart from the distinctive, indwelling Holy Spirit, the church knows they would NOT be able to do anything to preserve others from the corruption of sin, or influence others toward holy morality, or be lights of truth. “….Apart from Me, you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). “…the Father that dwelleth in [YOU], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

Without depending upon this distinctive quality, the indwelling Holy Spirit, the church of God, serves no greater purpose those others who are in the DARK. “….Apart from Me, you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).  

They have FALLEN away from the LIGHT and have become USELESS as vessels for the LIGHT of TRUTH. If the church LOSES its distinctive qualities of preservation, holy morality, or light; it has LOST its relevancy and its purpose. "… You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless …It is no longer good for anything…” (Matthew 5:13 NASB).

FALLING away is a choice. The church is choosing to serve God in and through their OWN self-efforts. “…. 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 4:5-7 NLT).

Self-effort is willfully and voluntarily forfeiting YOUR dependence upon the indwelling Holy Spirit. Self-effort demonstrates the church has forgotten salvation is by GRACE. “…The Light which … enlightens every man…” (John 1:19 NASB “…We … [receieve]… the GRACEof the Lord Jesus Christ [and]… we shall be SAVED…” (Acts 15:11 KJV). “…BY GRACE … [you are] …saved …not of WORKS, that no man should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).

To forget salvation by GRACE is to forgot FIRST LOVE (God). FIRST LOVE  (God) FUELS the many acts of GRACE that offers salvation and perpetual favors to the undeserving, the unworthy, and those who could never earn it. “…The graceof our Lordwas poured out (transferred) on me abundantly, ALONG WITH FAITH (the indwelling power to depend upon God)and love that are in Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 1:13-14 NIV).

To remember GRACE is to remember FIRST LOVE (God) and how his act of GRACE saved you from corruption, influenced your holy morality, and transformed you into a light of truth. “…BY GRACEhave ye been saved…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).

To remember GRACE is to remember that FIRST LOVE (God), through the riches of his GRACE, will sustain you, hold you up through his indwelling Holy Spirit, and be sufficient for you forever. “… [God is]… sustaining ALL THINGS by his powerful word…” (Hebrews 1:3 NIV). “…in him  ALL THINGS hold together…” (Colossians 1:7 NIV). “…My GRACE is sufficient for you….” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV).

FIRST LOVE (God) FUELS his acts of GRACE by NEVER changing! “…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).

FIRST LOVE (God) FUELS his acts of GRACE, because he NEVER leaves his church. “…God has said “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV). “…I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, to the very end…"(Matthew 28:20 NIV).  “…Behold, I AM WITH… [YOU] and  … I WILL NOT LEAVE [YOU] …." (Genesis 28:15 ASV “…Behold, I am with … [you] and will keep … [you] whithersoever [you]… goest…I will not leave [you] ..." (Genesis 28:15 ASV).

FIRST LOVE (God) FUELS his acts of GRACE by strengthening you when you are weak! “…when I am weak, then am I strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10 KJV). “…my strength is made perfect in weakness...” (2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV). “…I can do ALL THINGS through Christ which strengtheneth me…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

FIRST LOVE (God) FUELS his acts of GRACE by doing the WORK of faith “IN” and “THROUGH” his church. “ … It is the same God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of us who are his… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

FIRST LOVE (God) FUELS his acts of GRACE by meeting the churches EVERY need. “…My God will supply ALL [YOUR need]… according to His riches  [which are] … in glory in Christ Jesus…”  (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “...He careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV).“…The LORD (the indwelling Spirit) “WILL” accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [you]…” (John 14:31 NASB).“…God is the one who provides …” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV).  “…God will generously PROVIDE all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to “SHARE” WITH OTHERS…” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT)

FIRST LOVE (God) FUELS his acts of GRACE by giving, his church, EVERYTHING that pertains to LIFE and GODLINESS. “…His divine power hath given unto us ALL THINGS that pertainunto life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV). “…Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable GIFT(S)…”(2 Corinthians  9:16 KJV).

When the church loses its ability to preserve, influence, or uphold the light of truth it is usually because they have willfully and voluntarily chosen to forget or abandon God. “…They ABANDONED the Lord… they turned their backs on him….” (2 Chronicles 29:6 NLT). “… [YOU]… FORGOTall about ME,” says the Lord…” (Hosea 2:13 NLT). “…For years on end my people have FORGOTten ME…” (Jeremiah 2:32 NLT).

God is NOT removing their candlestick because he CHANGED, but because they have changed and have chosen to follow Christianity in their OWN way. “…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).

“But 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).

If the candlestick, which is a vessel, does not have candle LIGHT it is useless for its intended purposes. “…MEN 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 deeds should be reproved…” (John 3:18-20 KJV).

The candlestick, which represents the church, in Revelation 2:5, can be restored to its usefulness by repenting and remembering its first usefulness, which was simple to receive the candle and depend upon the candle do the WORK of giving LIGHT to the surrounding area. “… repent and do the first works…” (REVELATION 2:2, 5 KJV).

Apart from the candle, the candlestick can do nothing. The candle is the LIGHT; not the candlestick. The church is the candlestick and Jesus is the LIGHT. Apart from Jesus, the church can do nothing. “….Apart from Me, you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).  “…This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves…” (2 Corinthians 4:5-7 NLT).

The candle empowers the candlestick to become a useful vessel that GIVES LIGHT. Jesus said if I be lifted I will draw all men unto me. “…God is Spirit…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…It is God which worketh IN YOU both to will and to do…” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).

The candlestick (the church) LIFTS up the candlelight (Jesus) so men can SEE how to be preserved from the corruption of sin, or to influence them through holy moral behavior, or to enlighten them with God’s truth. “..If I (Jesus, the LIGHT) be lifted up from the earth, WILL DRAW all men unto me…” (John 12:32 KJV).

The difference between the candlestick and the church is the church has a choice to be a useful vessel. They have a choice to depend upon the indwelling Holy Spirit, which projects the LIGHT of TRUTH “IN” and “THROUGH” the church. “…That great Shepherd of the sheep, EQUIP (empower) you with everything good [the LIGHT]… for doing his will, and may he work in us (through his LIGHT) what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).

The candlestick, as a vessel for the LIGHT, serves, and becomes a part of the SAME purpose as the candle. “ … We have this treasure [LIGHT] “in” earthen vessels…” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV).“… I am the light of the world..." (John 9:5, 8:12 KJV). “… You are the light of the world..." (Matthew 5:14 KJV).

The candlestick and the candle work together to be the LIGHT of the WORLD. “…God which worketh IN YOU …” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).

The candlestick, however, must choose to remember the SOURCE of the LIGHT. “… In Him was life (Jesus), and the life was the Light of men…” (John 1:14 NASB)."…I (Jesus) have come as Light into the world...” (John 12:46 NASB). “…This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves…” (2 Corinthians 4:5-7 NLT).

Without the SOURCE, the church loses its relevancy, its purpose, and its secret, indwelling strength to be a LIGHT to the world. “….Apart from Me, you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).  “…our great power is from God…” (2 Corinthians 4:5-7 NLT).

The candle NOT the candlestick is what provides the LIGHT.“…our great power is from God, notfrom ourselves…” (2 Corinthians 4:5-7 NLT).

 John was a candlestick and admitted he was NOT the light, but was a vessel for the LIGHT. “…There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a WITNESS, to bear witness (be a vessel) of the LIGHT, that all men THROUGH him might believe (depend upon). He was NOT the LIGHT, but was SENT to BEAR WITNESS (be a vessel) of that LIGHT… the WORD (Jesus)…was the true LIGHT….” (John 1-10 KJV).

God so loved the world that he GAVE his son, the true light. “…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). “…The Lightwhich … enlightens every man…” (John 1:19 NASB).

His purpose is to demonstrate and express that love to sinful mankind. Willing vessels work together with him to do the same thing IF they voluntarily choose to serve him as a candlestick that gives LIGHT to the WORLD. “…The Light which … enlightens every man…” (John 1:19 NASB). “… I am thelight of the world..." (John 9:5, 8:12 KJV). “…Choose youthis day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

Removing the candlestick is God’s RESPONSE to a decision the church of Ephesus’ made by trying to be the LIGHT of the WORLD without depending upon the actually LIGHT to do it! “… I am thelight of the world..." (John 9:5, 8:12 KJV). “….Apart from Me, you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).  “…our great power is from God…” (2 Corinthians 4:5-7 NLT).

Without the TRUE LIGHT the Christian church will become irrelevant and useless. “….Apart from Me, you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).  The church of Ephesus, once a metropolis of Christianity, is said to have less than 1% of Christians in that city to this day.

Some say there is a total of only 3 Christians, period, in the whole city of Ephesus now. I don’t know for sure, but it is definitely NOT the LIGHT it once was. “…I WILL COME QUICKLY, AND WILL REMOVE THY CANDLESTICK…” (REVELATION 2:2, 5 KJV).

Are the Christian churches in American becoming like the church of Ephesus? Are American churches preserving their fellow citizens from the corruption of sin? Are they influencing holy morality? Are they STILL a light of truth?

OR is the American Christian churches BARELY maintaining their OWN salvation? “…The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and [YOU]… 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…” (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV). “… And  …“If the righteous are barely saved, what will happen to godless sinners?” (1 Peter 4:18 NLT).

God’s judgement will begin with the household of believers. “… The time has come for judgment, and it must begin with God’s household. And if judgment begins with us, what terrible fate awaits those who have never obeyed God’s Good News?” (1 Peter 4:16 NLT).

After all, the American Christian churches are the ones who claim to have the LIGHT of TRUTH. “…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 (depending upon SELF-effort), WE LIE, and DO NOT THE TRUTH…” (1 John 1:6 KJV).

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

A removal of your candlestick is a RESPONSE to your OWN choice to DO Christianity in your OWN way, which WILL “NOT” and can “NOT” preserve people from the various corruptions of sin or, influence holy morality, or impart truth. “….Apart from Me, you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).  

God is responding to those churches who have LOST their relevancy and usefulness for his purposes. “...the Lord said, My Spirit shall not always strive with man…” (Genesis 6:3 KJV). “…They DID NOT like to retain God in theirknowledge…” (Romans 1:28 KJV). “… I WILL COME QUICKLY, AND WILL REMOVE THY CANDLESTICK…” (REVELATION 2:2, 5 KJV)

God is responding to those churches who are NOW depending upon the limitation of human effort. “…If I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but have not love, IT PROFITETH ME NOTHING…” (1 Corinthians 13:2-3 ASV). “…the flesh profits nothing…” (John 6:63 NASB).   “….Apart from Me, you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).  

God is responding to those churches who no longer DEPEND UPON his POWERFUL indwelling Holy Spirit to do the WORK “in” and “through” them. “…The …HOLY SPIRIT … is the SOURCE of them all. …it is the same God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of us who are his…” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

 “… repent and do the first works…” (REVELATION 2:2, 5 KJV).

 “… or elseI WILL COME QUICKLY, AND WILL REMOVE THY CANDLESTICK…” (REVELATION 2:2, 5 KJV).

You must ask yourself these questions: Am I, personally, depending upon the indwelling Holy Spirit? Are people in my family, or among my friends, or in my community being preserved from the corruption of sin? Are people in my family, or among my friends, or in my community being influenced by holy morality? Are the people in my family, or among my friends, or in my community being enlightened with God’s truth? Am I or is my church body depending upon the indwelling Holy Spirit to empower us to be a LIGHT to our families, or among our friends, or in the community? “… repent and do the first works…” (REVELATION 2:5 KJV).  “… or elseI WILL COME QUICKLY, AND WILL REMOVE THY CANDLESTICK…” (REVELATION 2:5 KJV).

God is in control, but he is NOT controlling. God has WORK to do upon the earth. If you CHOOSE not to be a willing vessel for his purposes he will respect your choice and he is demonstrating that respect when he removes your candlestick. “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “…  I … WILL REMOVE THY CANDLESTICK…” (REVELATION 2:2, 5 KJV).

However, God’s WORK of preserving people from the corruption of sin, influencing holy morality, and being a light to the world will continue; with or without you. “…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).

Christianity is STILL relevant and serving its purpose in other parts of the WORLD. “Herein is LOVE, not that we loved God, but that HE LOVED USand sent His Son...” (1 John 4:10 KJV).

The GREAT LIGHT of truth has shifted and imparted its relevancy and purpose to willing vessels in countries such as African, Latin America, and Asia. “…There is no greater LOVE than to lay down one’s life…” (John 15:13 NLT). “…God SO LOVED the world…” (John 3:16 KJV).

China KNOWN for its atheism is GROWING a Christian community that can no longer be ignored. Experts predict that by 2025 China will become the largest Christian country.

If you think your candlestick has been put on the list for removal; it is time to repent. “… repent and do the first works…”(REVELATION 2:5 KJV).  

God has been removed from American schools, from monuments, people don’t attend bible study like they used to, Sunday night services are unheard of, parents no longer “MAKE” their children attend church, people complain about long sermons or long church services, people grumble about an Easter or Christmas service which center around Christ over staying home to enjoy the holiday instead,  communion, which used to be a special and separate service is now incorporated into morning service to make it convenient for the people.

Christians, themselves, are compromising their OWN relevancy and purpose by throwing away biblical orthodoxy practices. Thus, many Christian churches have had NO new converts in weeks, months, or even years. They have LOST their purpose and relevancy.

The WORLD tells, the Christian church, that LESS Jesus would make them more purposeful and relevancy, but the bible says it will take MORE JESUS. “… I am thelight of the world..." (John 9:5, 8:12 KJV). “….Apart from Me, you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).  “…our great power is from God…” (2 Corinthians 4:5-7 NLT).

It is the churches CHOICE to become a church which is relevant and purposeful through the POWER of the indwelling Holy Spirit or become a church who languishes from the impact of self-effort and religious obligation, which EXCLUDES God.

God respects your choice. However, you have time to “… repent and do the first works…” (REVELATION 2:5 KJV).  “… or elseI WILL COME QUICKLY, AND WILL REMOVE THY CANDLESTICK…” (REVELATION 2:5 KJV).

God’s church is ALIVE, RELEVANT, and PURPOSEFUL. Your church can AGAIN become a part of the WORLDWIDE community of believers that are LIGHTING the WORLD with God’s TRUTH.

No matter how DEAD you think your church has become; God is “NOT” dead and his candlesticks - in other parts of the worldwide community - is preserving people from the corruption of sin, influencing holy morality, and enlightening people with the truth.

There are still some America churches who are choosing to be willing vessels by proclaiming the Gospel and by being the LIGHT. They are allowing the indwelling Holy Spirit to use them in changing lives, changing families, changing congregants, changing communities, changing societies, and changing countries.

However, we need MORE. We need an American REVIVAL!!

No matter what you SEE or how DEAD you think your Christian church or Christian life has become JESUS is “STILL” LIGHTING the WORLD through willing vessel!!

DO THIS” “… repent and do the first works…” (REVELATION 2:5 KJV).  “… or elseI WILL COME QUICKLY, AND WILL REMOVE THY CANDLESTICK…” (REVELATION 2:5 KJV).

 

 

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ARE YOU "STILL" IN THE CLOSET OR ARE YOU "OPENLY CHRISTIAN?"

EVERYONE ELSE IS BOLDLY COMING OUT OF THE CLOSET; WHY DON’T YOU?  BE “OPENLY” CHRISTIAN!

********************

What is PREVENTING God’s people from being “OPENLY CHRISTIAN?” Has the WORLD made them SO AFRAID to share their FAITH that the BODY of CHRIST has become MOSTLY SILENCED? Some of the MAIN reasons, many Christians say they don’t SHARE their FAITH is because they are AFRAID. “…For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind…” (2 Timothy 1:7 KJV). “…Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid…” (John 14:27 KJV). “…For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father…” (Romans 8:15 KJV).

AFRAID of losing valuable relationships, afraid of being rejected, afraid of being called a “holy roller,” afraid they are not equipped, afraid of an argument, or afraid of being uncomfortable. There are MANY other fears. “..And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell…” (Matthew 10:28 KJV). “…But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him…” (Luke 12:5 KJV). “…It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God…” (Hebrews 10:31 KJV).Yet, NO ONE is AFRAID of displeasing God. “…Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age…” (Matthew 28:19-20 NIV). No one is afraid of being disobedient to his instructions to GO make disciples, or that his word says “…the harvest is plentiful, but the WORKERS are few…”

The WORLD does evil right in front of God’s people, redeemed folk, or Christians and they are NOT afraid of losing YOUR friendships or that you will say anything. They are FREE to be as EVIL as they want, but they have SILENCED God’s people with FEAR of losing THEM. If they are of THE WORLD what fellowship would God’s people HAVE with them anyway? “…What fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?” (2 Corinthians 6:14-15 KJV). “…[God, himself,]… can not look on wickedness (EVIL) with favor…” (Habakukk 1:13 NASB). “… [God’s, who is WITHIN his people,]…eyes are too pure to approve evil…”(Habakukk 1:13 NASB).

The WORLD rejects the GOSPEL, God’s WORD and his people BOLDLY and they are not AFRAID of doing it right in front of a Christian’s FACE, because they are NOT going to say or do anything anyway. They are FREE to REJECT God’s TRUTH ALL they want, but they SILENCED God’s people with FEAR so they WON’T even defend it. What does God’s WORD say? “…One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent…” (Acts 18:9 NIV). “…The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, "Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome…" (Acts 23:11 NIV). “…You will be his witness to all people of what you have seen and heard…” (Acts 22:15 NIV). “…Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of me…” (Acts 26:16 NIV). “…For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city…" (Acts 18:10 NIV).

The WORLD will talk about a CHRISTIAN who loves God and JESUS CHRIST or chooses to live a righteous lifestyle as being a “holy roller,” while they are OPENLY “evil rollers” talking evil, doing evil, being evil, speaking evil, thinking evil thoughts, or living an evil lifestyle. They are FREE to do EVIL, because they have SILENCED God’s people. Evil people don’t have to WORRY about so-called Christians being holy or righteous in ways that would convict them and lead them to Christ. “…To him (her) therefore that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin…” (James 4:17 KJV). “…And a servant who knows what the master wants, but isn’t prepared and doesn’t carry out those instructions, will be severely punished…” (Luke 12:47 NLT). “…If you were blind, you wouldn’t be guilty,” Jesus replied. “But you remain guilty because you claim you can see…” (Luke 9:41 NLT).  “…It would be better if they had never known the way to righteousness than to know it and then reject the command they were given to live a holy life…” (2 Peter 2:21 NLT).

“…If we “SAY” that we have fellowship with him, and WALK IN DARKNESS (compromising the truth), WE LIE, and DO NOT THE TRUTH…” (1 John 1:6 KJV). “…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). 

They WORLD will debate any topic with a Christian person and the Christian person may not have ALL the answers, but they will engage with them anyway. However, they FEAR debating about their FAITH and THINK they have to KNOW every answer BEFORE saying anything, so evil people CONTROL what can or can not be debated or argued about. God’s people are not CONTROLLED by the sinful nature anymore: theirs or anyone else’s. “…The sinful natureis always hostile to God (therefore, the old mindset, affected by the sinful nature, is also hostile to God). It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature (through the old mindset) 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…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “…Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do (through the dictates of your old mindset) what your sinful nature urges you to do …For all who are led by the Spirit of God (the indwelling Holy Spirit) are children of God…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by (the old mindset which is affected and polluted by) SIN?…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).  “… The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord (the indwelling Holy Spirit too)…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).  “…If the Son (the word) therefore shall make you free, you SHALL be free indeed (without a doubt!!)…” (John 8:36 KJV).

They WORLD is comfortable doing EVIL now. NO ONE is BOLD enough to stand against them. Instead of STANDING out as EXAMPLES, God’s people have CONFORMED to the WORLD and have become MORE comfortable being SILENT than “OPENLY” STANDING for their righteousness or holiness. God’s people can’t be comfortable FRIENDS with the WORLD and comfortable FRIENDS with God, the Holy Spirit, they have to CHOOSE one over the other.  “..Do not conform to the pattern of this world…” (Romans 12:2 NIV). “…Now honor the LORD, the God of your ancestors, and do his will. Separate yourselves from the peoples around you and from your foreign wives…" (Ezra 10:11 NIV).  “…As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance…” (1 Peter 1:14 NIV). “…Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them…” (1 John 2:15 NIV).  “../You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God…” (James 4:4 NIV).

Ask yourself WHY you don’t STAND UP and OPENLY be a CHRISTIAN. If the WORLD is going to HELL, is God’s OWN people contributing to it by being SILENT in their SPEECH and CONDUCT. Do they just ACT Christian on SUNDAY? Do they just TALK Christian among other Christians? Both John and Jesus preached REPENTANCE all the time. “…And [John]…saying, REPENT YE: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand…” (Matthew 3:2 KJV).“….From that time JESUS began to preach, and to say, REPENT: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand…” (Matthew 4:17 KJV). “…It is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: AND THAT “REPENTANCE” AND REMISSION OF SINS “SHOULD” BE PREACHED in his name AMONG ALL NATIONS, beginning at Jerusalem…” (Luke 24:46-47 KJV).

Jesus was identified by what he SAID and DID.“…The Spirit of the Lord is upon me (Jesus), because he hath anointed me to PREACH the gospel to the poor; he hath SENT ME 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). “…God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and WITH POWER: who went about DOING GOOD, and HEALING ALL that were oppressed of the devil; for GOD WAS WITH HIM. And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).

Do Christians feel MORE comfortable “fitting” in with the WORLD than DISPLEASING God, who told them to “GO” make disciples or that “WINNING” souls is WISE?  “…For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, “I will dwell in them and walk among them; And I will be their God, and they shall be My people. “Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate,” says the Lord. “ And do not touch what is unclean…” (2 Corinthians 6:13-17 NASB). “…God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation (salt and light). …” (2 Corinthians 5:18 NIV).

Outside of the CHURCH does your SPEECH and LIFESTYLE become WITNESSES for God’s GLORY? "… You are the saltof the earth…” (Matthew 5:13 NASB).  "… if the salt has become tasteless…” (Matthew 5:13 NASB). "…It is no longer good for anything…” (Matthew 5:13 NASB).

“… (because of the indwelling holy spirit, God’s people are also) the light of the world..." (John 9:5, 8:12 KJV). “... [god’s people are].... a light to reveal God to the nations...” (Luke 2:32 NLT). “... A Light of revelation...” (LUKE 2:32 NASB). “…He said to them, “Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don’t you put it on its stand?…”(Mark 4:21-15 NIV). “…The Light (is given to God’s people and has the power to)… [enlighten] every man (woman)…” (John 1:19 NASB).“…. [God’s people]… now have this light shining in [their]… hearts, but [they them]selves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that [their]… great power is from God, not from [them]selves…” (2 Corinthians 4:5-7 NLT).

 

Christians JUDGE and CONDEMN other people for BOLDLY coming out and living the LIFESTYLES they choose to live.  "…Do not judge, or you too will be judged…” (Matthew 7:1 NIV).  "…Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven…” (Luke 6:37 NIV).  “…Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?..” Luke 6:41 NASB). “…When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her…" (John 8:7 NIV).  “…You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things…” (Romans 2:1 NIV).

Yet they REMAIN CLOSETED and SILENT about their OWN proclaimed lifestyles. “…To him (her) therefore that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin…” (James 4:17 KJV). “…And a servant who knows what the master wants, but isn’t prepared and doesn’t carry out those instructions, will be severely punished…” (Luke 12:47 NLT).

Christians THINK changing HUMANS laws will CHANGE people’s EVIL choices, when THEY themselves are DOING some of the same things. “…God, who …gave us the ministry of reconciliation  …” (2 Corinthians 5:18 NIV). “… [He sent the ] …one… who can reconcileGod and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).“…There is SALVATION IN NO ONE ELSE…” (Acts 4:12a 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).

“..How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?...” (Romans 10:14 NIV).

A Christian’s WITNESS is MUCH GREATER than a HUMAN LAW, because they are NEON LIGHTS for the SPIRITUAL LAW of GOD that can TRULY bring CHANGE and TRANSFORMATION TO people’s lives by DRAWING them to the TRUTH. The WORLD does as it PLEASES, but God’s people, who possess the POWERFUL, indwelling Holy Spirit, STAY silent, out of their many fears, and WATCH! “... [god’s people are].... a light to reveal God to the nations...” (Luke 2:32 NLT). “... A Light of revelation...” (LUKE 2:32 NASB). “…He said to them, “Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don’t you put it on its stand?…”(Mark 4:21-15 NIV). “…The Light (is given to God’s people and has the power to)… [enlighten] every man (woman)…” (John 1:19 NASB).

“..If I (Jesus, the WORD) be lifted up from the earth, WILL DRAW all men unto me…” (John 12:32 KJV). “… [The WORD)… is the power of God at work,  (MIRACULOUSLY) saving everyone who believes (or everyone who depends upon his powerful Word to save them)…” (Romans 1:16 NLT).

“…[salvation]… IS THE GIFT OF GOD (the Holy Spirit)…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). “…[YOU ARE] ... Saved by grace through faith… NOT OF YOURSELVES ... not of works (OF THE flesh), that no man should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).

The WORLD is BOLD about EVIL, which WITNESSES how much RESPECT or HONOR they have for Christian people or Christianity. This WORLD’s TREATMENTS, PERCEPTIONS, or ATTITUDES exist, because God’s proclaimed people have allowed themselves to be MUTED and SILENCED or have TOLD to go SIT in a CORNER while EVIL does it THING!!

God’s people have been GIVEN the ULTIMATE FREEDOM in Christ Jesus and yet the WORLD has BULLIED them out of their God-given WITNESS through speech, example, and conduct!

 If CHRISTIANITY is to EVER shape or influence culture AGAIN, God’s people have to become OPENLY CHRISTIAN and become WITNESSES of a FAITH that is TRUSTWORTHY, LOVING, and full of SAVING grace and mercy!

If God’s OWN people don’t STAND BOLDLY in their OWN faith and BELIEFS by what they SAY and DO why would anyone else be INTERESTED in God, the Holy Spirit, who followers won’t EVEN LIVE “openly” righteous and holy for HIM?

God’s people CAN’T make the WORLD accept God, the Holy Spirit, or JESUS, but they CAN willfully and voluntarily CHOOSE to become HIS WITNESSES through their BOLD and OPENLY righteous conduct, attitudes, and words as REPRESENTATIVES and AMBASSADORS, upon earth, of God’s LOVE, his JUSTICE, and his SALVATION in Christ!

This is a CALL to God’s REAL people, who have BEEN SILENCED and MUTED while WATCHING and ALLOWING “FAKE” Christians to turn their FAITH system into a POLITICAL, MARKETED, and CARNAL version of ITSELF!

God’s PEOPLE need to WAKE UP and stop being the SLEEPING GIANT. It is TIME to evangelize the WORLD, again.  IF GOD IS FOR “HIS “REAL” PEOPLE” THEN IT DOESN’T MATTER WHO IS AGAINST THEM!!! WAKE UP “BODY OF CHRIST” and be NOT overcome with evil, but overcome evil with God’s HOLY GOOD!

If God’s people want to SEE or WITNESS a REVIVAL of true CHRISTIANITY if “WILL,” first and foremost START with THEM!!

 

 

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WHATEVER YOU KNEW BEFORE; ONLY GOD "IS" REAL LOVE!!

“REAL” LOVE

 “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…God is [REAL]… LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV).

 *

The truth “IS” “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…God is [REAL]… LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV).

God is the ORIGIN of REAL LOVE. Any other TYPE of LOVE is only a derivative, or imitation, or made-up version of REAL LOVE.

No human experiences “REAL” love until it has been GIVEN to them THROUGH the indwelling Holy Spirit. “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…God is [REAL]… LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…God’s …[REAL] … lovehas been poured out INto …[your]… hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us…” (Romans 5:5 NIV).  

REAL LOVE (God) is mankind’s FIRST LOVE because he loves them WAY BEFORE they ever love him back. “…Herein is ...[REAL]…love, not that we loved God, but that HE [first] LOVED US...” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “We love, because [REAL LOVE]… “FIRST” LOVED US…” (1 John 4:19 ASV). “….God SHOWED HIS GREAT [and real] LOVE FOR US by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners…” (Romans 5:7-9 NLT). “… [Nothing]…will be able to separate us from the [real] love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord…” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). He has “….loved [you]...with an everlasting  … [real] love….” (Jeremiah 31:3 KJV). “…God is … [real] love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…There is no greater  … [real] LOVE …” (John 15:13 NLT).

Therefore, “…This is REAL LOVE…” (1 John 4:10 NLT). “…This is REAL LOVE—NOT that we loved God…” (1 John 4:10 NLT). “…THIS IS LOVE: NOTthat we loved God, but that he… [really]… loved us …”(1 John 4:10 NIV). “…THIS IS LOVE: NOTthat we loved God, butthat he …[really] … loved us and sent his Sonas an atoning sacrifice for our sins…”(1 John 4:10 NIV).

God’s REAL LOVE DROVEhim to do something in order to communicate and demonstrate his LOVE to mankind: He sent his son. “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…God is [REAL]… LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…God SO LOVED the world that he gave (SENT) his only begotten Son…” (John 3:16 KJV). “…He loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins…”(1 John 4:10 NIV).

You were a full-time sinner and had NO WAY of knowing REAL LOVE (God). “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…God is [REAL]… LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…God demonstrates his …[REAL] … love for us in this: While we were STILL sinners, Christ died for us…” (Romans 5:8 KJV). “…God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were STILL sinners...” (Romans 5:8 NLT).

God wholeheartedly LOVES mankind FIRST. He “IS” their FIRST “REAL” love. “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…Herein is ...[REAL]…love, not that we loved God, but that HE [first] LOVED US...” (1 John 4:10 KJV).

God loves FIRST. God knows and intends for mankind to BENEFIT from his REAL LOVE for them. “…God SHOWED HIS …[REAL] … LOVE FOR US by “SENDING” Christ to die for us WHILE we were still sinners…” (Romans 5:7-9 NLT). “… the just for the unjust, that he might BRING US to God…” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV).  Obviously, God’s REAL LOVE is “NOT” “…self-seeking…” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV).

Humans attempt to love their children unselfishly, especially when they are newborns. However, in other human relationships the love has to, at least, appear equitable.

God’s REAL LOVE is unconditional. Mankind does NOT and can NOT do ANYTHING to deserve his love, to be worthy of it, or earn it. His REAL LOVE is full of GRACE (undeserved and unearned favor)! “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…God is [REAL]… LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…He is “SO” RICH in … GRACE …” (Ephesians 1:7 NLT). “….The exceeding RICHES of his GRACE …” (Ephesians 2:7 KJV). “… [The] incomparable RICHES of [God’s]… GRACE...” (Ephesians 2:7 NIV).

REAL LOVE is TOTALLY saturated with his GRACE. His GRACE is FUELED by his REAL LOVE which is WHAT makes it unconditional. “…Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were STILL sinners…”(Romans 5:6-8 NLT).

“What kind of “POWERFUL” LOVE is this?” It is a REAL LOVE that is NOT based on who you are, what you have done, what you can do, where you’ve been, where you are going, how you look, your worthiness, your unworthiness, or ANYTHING you think you deserve.

REAL LOVE expresses and demonstrates itself simply BECAUSE God chooses and desires to LOVE mankind unconditionally.indw“…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…God is [FIRST]… LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “… “I AM” WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). “…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “…God is [the HOLY Spirit of]… LOVE…” (John 4:24 KJV).

REAL LOVE is both HOLY and SPIRIT. REAL LOVE FUELS “EVERYTHING” God SAYS and DOES. What God says and does is ALWAYS saturated with his GRACE.

REAL LOVE (God) is WHO God truly is and his REAL LOVE is MOST GLORIOUS!!! “… “I AM” WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV). indw“…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…God is [REAL]… LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…There is no greater  … [real] LOVE …” (John 15:13 NLT). “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV). “…majestic in holiness (and holy love)…” (Exodus 15:11 KJV). “…You are veryGREAT;You are clothed in SPLENDER Covering Yourself with LIGHT as with a cloak…”(Psalm 104:1-2 NASB).“…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 isGREAT in might…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV). “…There is no greater  … [real] LOVE …” (John 15:13 NLT).

God’s REAL LOVE is pure, untainted, unadulterated, without wrong motive, unwavering, everlasting, and GREAT. It is also unconditional. “…This is real love—NOT that we loved God, but that he loved us …” (1 John 4:10 NLT). “… HE “FIRST” LOVED US…” (1 John 4:19 ASV).

Whatever you knew or know, or have known of love it is “nothing” compared to God’s REAL LOVE. “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…God is [REAL]… LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…This is real love…” (1 John 4:10 NLT).

REAL LOVE expresses and communicates love ONLY with the intention of BONDING faithfully (through the BOND of love) to YOU … FOREVER.indw“…Love … is the perfect BOND of unity...” (Colossians 3:14 NASB). “…He… remains faithful [to his REAL love for you]… [He can’t “ever” DENY who he is]...” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT). “… “I AM” WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV).   

Real love’s only agenda is love.

This is what I have personally learned about God’s REAL love FOR ME: God’s love covers over a lot of offenses. His love is fully forgiving and doesn’t keep a record of my wrongs towards him. His love is enduring. His love suffers long over me sometimes, which gives me sufficient chances to get it right with him. God’s love is faithful. God’s love is loyal. God’s love involved a sacrifice and therefore it was costly for him to love me. His love continues for me, even when I don’t fairly and equitably love him in return. God’s love does not come with a wage attachment, where I have to earn it. God’s love does not come with a partiality tag, where I have to be worthy of it. God’s love does not come with a merit tag, where I have to be deserving of it. God’s love is free and unconditional towards me always and has never demanded anything in return. God’s love won’t ever change for me, even if I change, walk away, reject it, follow after another, am unfaithful, offend him, or totally forget about Him. “…There is no greater love …” (John 15:13 NLT).

“…This is real love…” (1 John 4:10 NLT). What is “real” love? “…God is [REAL]… LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV).

God’s “real” LOVE “…is patient … is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. [God’s]…love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres, [God’s]…love never fails…” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV).  

Nothing will ever separate YOU from God’s “real” love. “….neither death, nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate [you]… from the [REAL]… love of God which is “in” Christ Jesus our Lord…” (Romans 8:38-39 KJV).

“Real” love is God. “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “… “I AM” WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “…God is [REAL]… LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV).

God’s “REAL” love DROVE him to ACTIONS saturated with GRACE. “…God SO LOVED he GAVE…” (John 3:16 KJV).

The reason God GAVE his Son is because SIN created a barrier or chasm between God and mankind (the objects of is GREAT love). “…ALL wicked actions ARE SIN…” (1 John 5:17 NLT).

God couldn’t LOVE man like he SO desired with the barrier of wickedness between them. “… [God]… can not look on wickedness with favor…” (Habakukk 1:13 NASB). “… O God, you take no pleasure in wickedness; you cannot tolerate (mix, yoke together with, abide with, etc.) the sins of the wicked…” (Psalms 5:4 NLT).

 On the other hand, human eyes are too sinful to even look upon his glorious, pure HOLINESS. “…Moses said, “…show me your glory… [God said,] …When my GLORY passes by, I will …cover you with my hand until I have passed by …” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV). “…You (mankind, humanity, sinful flesh) cannot see my face, for no one may see [my glorious, pure holiness]… and live …” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV).

The barrier between God and SINFUL mankind EXISTS because HOLINESS can NOT and will NOT “EVER” MIX with SIN. SIN and HOLINESS naturally SEPARATE; just like oil and water. “…Your INIQUITIES (sin) have separatedbetween you and your God (holy) …” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). “…It’s YOUR SINS that have cut you off from God (who is HOLY)…” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT). Oil (sin) and Water (holy) DON’T’ and CAN’T mix together, without HELP.

Thus, God’s REAL LOVE for you DROVE him to GIVE Jesus, his begotten (specially created) Son, who is like an EMULSIFIER that enables the mixture or emulsion of two unlikely substances. “…He that is joined (MIXED) unto the Lord (Jesus Christ, God’s SON) is ONE Spirit… [united with the God, the HOLY SPIRIT]” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).

If an emulsifier is added to oil and water it will miraculously enable them to MIX together. “…He that is joined (MIXED together) unto the Lord (Jesus Christ, God’s SON) is ONE Spirit… [miraculouslyenabling sinful man to unite with the Holy God]” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).“…. Old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

Jesus miraculously enables the HOLY God and SINFUL mankind to MIX or UNITE together and become ONE [unbreakable] BOND through the HOLY SPIRIT of REAL LOVE. “…What therefore God has joined (mixed) together, let no man separate…” (Mark 10:9 NASB). “… [REAL]… Love … is the perfect BOND of unity...”(Colossians 3:14 NASB). “…He that is JOINEDunto the Lord is ONE Spirit…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “…Let no one split apart what God has joined (mixed) together…” (Mark 10:9 NLT).  

God’s REAL LOVE for sinful man was FULLY communicated and expressed when he SENT his son. “…He [REALLY]… loved us and sent his Son …”(1 John 4:10 NIV).

SENDING his SON was an action of GRACE DRIVEN by his REAL LOVE. This action of GRACE enabled SINFUL mankind to be reconciled into a LOVING, covenant relationship with God again. “…[He sent the ] …one … who can reconcileGod and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).

The barrier of SIN is a BLOCKAGE from God’s REAL LOVE!!!  God desires to LOVE mankind, but SIN PREVENTS God’s HOLY LOVE from being FULLY expressed, experienced, accessed, or reached. “… [Only]…one … can reconcileGod and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT). “….Apart from [the man Christ Jesus], you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

There is the world of OIL and there is the world of WATER. These two worlds would NEVER MIX without an emulsifier. NEITHER would the Holy world of God or the sinful world of man without Jesus Christ.

God personally and specially MADE a way for mankind to experience his REAL LOVE through SALVATION. “… [God was] …not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9 KJV). “… AS MANY as received him, to them GAVE HE POWER TO BECOME THE SONS OF GOD, evento them that believe on his name…” (John 1:12 KJV). “…WHOSOEVER shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved...” (Romans 10:13 KJV). “…YE ARE “ALL” CHILDREN OF GOD BY FAITH “IN” (or dependence upon) CHRIST JESUS. …There is NEITHER Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for YE ARE ALL ONE IN CHRIST JESUS…” (Galatians 3:26-28 KJV). “…God SHOWS NO FAVORITISM.  In every nation HE ACCEPTS those who fear him and do what is right. This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel—that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all…” (Acts 10:34-36 NLT). “…Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no RESPECTER OF PERSONS: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)…” (Acts 10:34-36 KJV).

  Removing the barrier of sin OPENS the WAY for God’s REAL LOVE to BOND with you and connect you to his Holy Spirit. “…By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way …into the Most Holy Place…” (Hebrews 10:19-20 NLT). “Jesus saith…I am the way…” (John 14:6 KJV). “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…God is [REAL]… LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “… Love[is]… the perfect BOND of UNITY...” (Colossians 3:14 NASB).“…He [or she]… that is joined unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT….” (1 Corinthians 6:17).

THE WAY (Jesus) was an ACT of GRACE and an expression of REAL LOVE. His act of GRACE allowed him to look upon mankind with the FAVOR. “…[He could]… not look on wickedness with favor…” (Habakukk 1:13 NASB).  “…YOUR SINS … hid his face from you … he [could]… not hear… [you] …” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). “… [SO He sent- through an act of GRACE - the] …one … who [could]… reconcileGod and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).

The BARRIER of sin separates the natural realm from the supernatural realm and it creates an impenetrable chasm.

This impenetrable chasm separates mankind from God, cuts him off, and silences his voice so God can’t hear him. REAL LOVE’S (God) holiness WON’T allow him to penetrate the chasm nor show favor with wickedness.  “…Because of YOUR SINS, he … turned away and can… not listen anymore…” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT). “…[God CAN]… not look on wickedness with favor…” (Habakukk 1:13 NASB).  “…YOUR SINS … hid his face from you … he [CAN]… not hear… [you] …” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV).

God desires to LOVE you, but HOLINESS simply can NOT MIX, or become yoked together with SIN or SINNERS. “…Be ye NOT unequally yoked together with unbelievers…” (2 Corinthians 6:14-15 KJV).

The HOLY God desired to be yoked together with mankind, but the BARRIER of SIN created an impenetrable chasm. Thus, “… what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? … what communion hath light with darkness? … what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?” (2 Corinthians 6:14-15 KJV).

For example, the biblical story of the poor man and the rich man reveals that chasm? “…The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s bosom; and the rich man also died and was buried. In Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried out and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus so that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue, for I am in agony in this flame.’ But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your life you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus bad things; but now he is being comforted here, and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm(barrier) 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).

Without Jesus, there “WILL” ALWAYS remain an impenetrable BARRIER of SIN or CHASM between mankind (SIN/oil) and God (HOLY/water). “… And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm(barrier) 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).

However, because of REAL LOVE’S (God’s) act of GRACE, through Jesus Christ, the BARRIER of SIN can be removed: “…There is … one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT). “…The grace of our Lord was poured out (transferred) on [mankind]… abundantly, along with faith and love that are in Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 1:13-14 NIV). “…BY GRACE have [mankind]… been saved THROUGH FAITH; and that NOT OF … [them]SELVES, IT IS THE GIFT OF [FIRST LOVE]…GOD…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).

Jesus Christ - God’s GREAT act of GRACE - OPENED the way for REAL LOVE (God) to express and communicate his love to mankind! “Jesus saith…I am the way…” (John 14:6 KJV).  “…By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way … into the Most Holy Place…” (Hebrews 10:19-20 NLT). “… [There is] … one… who can reconcileGod and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).

“Jesus saith…I am the way, the truth, and the life…” (John 14:6 KJV). “… Apart from Me, you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).“… [You] … can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth … [you]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “…It is God who works in [you]… to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13 NIV).

REAL LOVE’S (God’s) act of GRACE, through Jesus Christ, atoned for mankind’s sins by removing the barrier between them. “…He (Jesus Christ) is the atoning sacrifice for our sins…” (1 John 2:2 NIV). “…Behold the Lamb of God (Jesus Christ), which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29 KJV). .“…God so loved the world, that HE GAVE his only begotten (specially created) Son (Jesus Christ) …” (John 3:16 KJV). “...Whosoever believeth in him (Jesus Christ) (depend upon him) should not perish, but have everlasting life…” (John 3:16 KJV).

Therefore, “… [There is] … one… who can reconcileGod and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT). “…This is real love…” (1 John 4:10 NLT). “…God is [REAL]… LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…There is no greater love …” (John 15:13 NLT).

This act of GRACE, offered through Jesus Christ - when chosen and received - REVEALS God “AS” REAL LOVE. “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…God is [REAL]… LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…he loved us and SENT HIS SON to be the propitiation for our sins.” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…God SHOWED HIS GREAT LOVE FOR US by “SENDING” Christ to die for us WHILE we were still sinners…” (Romans 5:7-9 NLT). “… the just for the unjust, that he might BRING US to God…” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV).  “…There is no greater love …” (John 15:13 NLT). “…There is no GREATER LOVE than to lay down one’s life…” (John 15:13 NLT).

God created THE WAY to bring mankind to REAL LOVE again. “… Jesus saith…I am the way…” (John 14:6 KJV). “…Christ …suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to [REAL LOVE] …” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV). “…God is [REAL]…LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV).

REAL LOVE chooses to love you. REAL LOVE chooses to show GRACE to you. REAL LOVE chooses to remove the BARRIER of sin. REAL LOVE chooses to bring you into a relationship with him. “…I chose YOU....” (John 15:16 ASV).  “…You are a chosen people…” (1 Peter 2:9 NIV). “…As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on(depend upon) his name…” (John 1:12).

There is “… [No]….greater love … than [REAL LOVE]…” (John 15:13 KJV). “… God is (REAL) LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “REAL” LOVE “…is [recognized by its]… patient … [and it]… is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. [REAL]…love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres, [REAL]…love never fails…” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV).  

Therefore, “… Love [is]… the perfectBOND of UNITY...” (Colossians 3:14 NASB). “…He [or she]… that is joined unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT [with the god of real love]….” (1 Corinthians 6:17).

 HOW? “…The Lord is … Spirit…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV). “…God [sends]… forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” [YOUR]… HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…Jesus Christ is … [NOW] … in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…if Christ be in you… [then] …[YOU are] … ONE SPIRIT … [with the god of real love]….” (Romans 8:10 KJV & 1 Corinthians 6:17).  “… [Jesus sets you]… in [god’s] … presence forever…” (Psalms 44:12 NASB).

 REAL LOVE is a Holy LOVE, a GRACE-filled LOVE, and a GREAT LOVE. “… [There is NO]….greater love…than this…”(John 15:13 KJV). “…God SO LOVED he GAVE…” (John 3:16 KJV).  “… By GRACE (unearned, undeserved, and unworthy favor) [you are] … SAVED (the barrier of sin is removed) through faith (by depending upon Jesus Christ’s work upon the cross); and that not of [your]selves: it is the gift of (REAL LOVE) God: Not of works, lest any man should boast…” (EPHESIANS 2:8-9 KJV).

 “… [REAL LOVE, through Christ]… freely [gives] … us all things?...” (Romans 8:32 KJV). “…For all things are [NOW] …your's [through Christ, which dwells IN YOU]…” (1 Corinthians 3 KJV).

 REAL LOVE loves FIRST. “…He first loved us…” (1 John 4:19 ASV). “….not that we loved God, but that he loved us…” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…For God so loved the world…” (John 3:16).

REAL LOVE chooses the objects of his LOVE. "You did not choose … [him]… but [He]… chose you…” (John 15:16 ASV). 

REAL LOVE fuels God’s GRACE (free, unearned FAVOR) toward the objects of his love. “…By GRACE [you are]… saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the [FREE]…gift of God…” (EPHESIANS 2:8-9 KJV).  

REAL LOVE OFFERS many, many unending ACTS of GRACE. All his promises are yes and amen to those who BELONG to him NOW through Christ Jesus. “…As many as are the promises of God, in Him (Jesus Christ) they are yes …also … Amen …” (2 Corinthians 1:2 NASB).

“… God is (REAL) LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). REAL LOVE is trustworthy and KEEPS every one of his promises and he NEVER changes his loving ways. “…He has granted to [you]… His precious and magnificent promises…” (2 Peter 1:4 NASB). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  “Jesus Christ is the sameyesterday and today and forever…” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV).

God is REAL LOVE and DESIRES to EXPRESS his HOLY LOVE to YOU.

Through an ACT of GRACE he POURS his indwelling Holy Spirit into your heart as a WAY to demonstrate his love “IN” and “THROUGH” you.“…The …HOLY SPIRIT …is the SOURCE of [love] …it is …God who does the work …[of love]… IN and THROUGH all of us who are his. … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…God’s lovehas been poured out INto our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us…” (Romans 5:5 NIV). “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…The Spirit of God dwell[s]… in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV “…[REAL]… Love[is]… the perfect BOND of UNITY...” (Colossians 3:14 NASB).

REAL LOVE “BONDS” with you through the indwelling Holy Spirit. “ Love[is]… the perfect BOND of UNITY...” (Colossians 3:14 NASB). “…God’s lovehas been poured out INto our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us…” (Romans 5:5 NIV).

God’s Real love is “IN” you, “…I … [am] … “IN” YOU (the god of “real” love)…” (John 15:4 KJV). REAL love, the indwelling Holy Spirit, is “IN” you forever. “… God is (REAL) LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…I AM (real love) “WITH” YOU ALWAYS, to the very end…"(Matthew 28:20 NIV).

REAL LOVE is forever faithful to you. “…If … [you] … are unfaithful, he remains faithful…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT).

The POWERFUL, faithful Holy Spirit of REAL LOVE is “IN” your earthen vessel. “ … [You] … have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the [indwelling]…POWER may be of God, and not of us...”(2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV). “…Know ye not your own selves …that Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians KJV). “Know ye not that ye arethe temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV). “What? know ye not that your bodyis 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).

God said: “…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 (or MIX) you together [soul and body with]— [his indwelling Holy]…spirit …” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 MSG). “…Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…Jesus Christ maketh thee whole ( and HOLY)…” (Acts 9:34 KJV). NLT).

 “…Ye shall be holy unto me: for I the Lord am holy…” (Leviticus 20:26 KJV). “…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 nothave the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.)….” (Romans 8:8-11 NLT).

“…by the Grace of God … [you are what you are] …” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).

“…It is Godwho works IN YOU to willand TO ACT…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “….Apart from [Jesus]…YOU CAN DO NOTHING…” (John 15:5 NIV). “…God hath said, I will dwell in them…” (2 Corinthians 6:16 KJV). “…May … God … WORK IN [YOU]… what is pleasing to him, THROUGH Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).

 “…God will supply all [your need through his indwelling Holy Spirit]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “…God will generously PROVIDE all you need (through his indwelling Holy Spirit)…” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT).

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want [for “real” love]…” (Psalms 23:1 KJV). “… You will always have everything (all the “REAL” LOVE) you need  …” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT).

HOW DO YOUR RECOGNIZE “REAL” LOVE? “… God is (REAL) LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “REAL” LOVE “…is [recognized by its]… patien[ce] … [and it]… is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. [REAL]…love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres, [REAL]…love never fails…” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV).

God’s REAL LOVE is RECOGNIZED by the SPIRIT “NOT” your emotions, your flesh, or carnal senses. “…The person WITHOUT the Spirit DOES NOT accept the things that come from the Spirit of God (REAL love comes from God, the Holy Spirit) but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned (recognized) only through the Spirit. …” (2 Corinthians 2:12-15 KJV).

 

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GOD IS SPIRIT AND THERE IS "NONE" LIKE HIM

 

GOD IS SPIRIT

“…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…The Lord is that Spirit…” too (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV).  “…The Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE…” (John 3:6 NLT). “…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son (the WORD) “INTO” [YOUR HEART]…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…Jesus Christ (the WORD) is IN YOU…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…the Spiritof God dwell[s]… in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).

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GOD IS SPIRIT. Knowing you are in a relationship with God is being AWARE that God’s BOND-of-LOVE AND UNION with you is strictly spiritual. “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…[SPIRITUAL] love …is the perfect BOND of unity...”(Colossians 3:14 NASB). “… He that is joined (UNITED in a covenant relationship) unto the LORD “is” ONE SPIRIT (with him)…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).

AWARENESS of this relationship as a SPIRITUAL “ONE” is HAVING a knowledge, consciousness, understanding, or realization of God and that awareness comes BY FAITH. “… BY FAITH we UNDERSTAND (become AWARE of)…that what we now see (the affects of the relationship with God, who is SPIRIT) did not come from anything that can be seen…” (Hebrews 11 NLT). .“…The person WITHOUT the Spirit DOES NOT accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them (or become AWARE of them) because they are discerned only through the [HOLY, invisible] Spirit. …” (2 Corinthians 2:12-15 KJV).  

“…a right (through God’s SPIRITUAL love and union) relationship with God … comes by faith (by dependency upon his word)…” (Romans 4:13 NASB). “…a person is made right with God by faith in  (or dependency upon) Jesus Christ (the word of god)…” (Galatians 2:16 NLT).

BY FAITH or dependency upon his WORD, which is also SPIRIT, you become AWARE of God’s love and God’s union WITH YOU.“…THE WORDS …they ARE SPIRIT…” (John 6:63 KJV). “…Faith cometh by hearing, and hearingby the word of God…” (Roman 10:17 KJV).“…[The] Good News about Christ (the WORD)…” is” the power of God at work, saving everyone who BELIEVES (in or depends upon God’s WORD, which tells of his love and desire to be united to them)…” (Romans 1:16 NLT).

GOD BONDS himself TO YOU with LOVE through “HIS” INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT!  “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “… [God’s SPIRITUAL] love…is the perfect BOND of unity...”(Colossians 3:14 NASB). “…Love ispatient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres, Love never fails…” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV).  “…NOT that [you]… loved God, but that HE LOVED … [you]...” (1 John 4:10 KJV).“….HE FIRST LOVED [you]…” (1 John 4:19 ASV). “… [Nothing] … shall be able to separate [you]… from the love of Godwhich is “in”Christ Jesus our Lord (also the WORD)…” (Romans 8:38-39 KJV).  “….the…faithful love of the Lord, never ends...” (Lamentations 3:22-23 NLT). “…God SO LOVED the world (YOU)…” (John 3:16 KJV). “…There is no greater love …” (John 15:13 NLT).

GOD UNITES himself TO YOU through “HIS” INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT! “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…The Lord is that Spirit…” too (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV).  “…The Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE…” (John 3:6 NLT).“…It is the SPIRIT who gives LIFE…” (John 6:63 NASB). “Jesus (the WORD) saith…I am …THE LIFE…” (John 14:6 KJV). “…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son (the WORD, which is Spirit) “INTO” [YOUR HEART]…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…THE WORDS THAT I (Jesus) SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT, and they ARE LIFE…” (John 6:63 KJV). “…Jesus Christ (the WORD) is IN YOU…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…Christ (the WORD) be “IN” YOU… (Romans 8:10 KJV). “…the Spiritof God dwell[s]… in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).

GOD BONDS and UNITES himself TO YOU through “HIS” INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT just like he did with Jesus, the WORD! "I and my Father are [not simply close, but]…ONE." (John 10:30 KJV).

Jesus DID NOT say he and his Father were close, but he said they were “ONE.” Close implies a nearness to, but “one” implies a single unity or an undivided whole.

 In Hebrew, the definition of oneness (echadh) is “unity.” This unity is, first and foremost,  HOLY and unique to God and Jesus (Deuteronomy 6:4). JESUS is The WORD of GOD. “… He (Jesus) had a name written, that no man knew … his name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). The WORD of God is SPIRIT. “…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT…” (John 6:63 KJV).

Thus, Jesus (THE WORD) is also SPIRIT. “…The Lord is that Spirit…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV).

 God is Spirit. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).  Jesus (the word) is SPIRIT. “…The Lord is that Spirit [too!]…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV).

God is Spirit and Jesus, the Word is Spirit. “… I and my Father are ONE…” (John 10:30 KJV).

Believers, now have the privilege of saying, “… I and my Father are one…,” TOO.

However ONLY “through” Christ, the WORD can you be bonded and united to God, the Holy Spirit (John 10:30). “…God … reconciled us to himself through Christ (the WORD) …” (2 Corinthians 5:18 NIV). “… [God sent the] …one … who can reconcileGod and humanity—the man Christ Jesus (the word of God)…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT). “…For Christ  (the Word & atoning sacrifice)… died for sins ONCE for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us [home again] to God…” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB). “… I will bring them home again,” says the Lord (the word of God….” (HOSEA 11 NLT).

The Holy Spirit is non-physical and man’s SOUL is non-physical. Jesus, the WORD of God has the POWER to BOND and JOIN the Spirit and SOUL together again like he did when he FIRST created the male and female.  “….LET US MAKE man … after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV). “…in his OWN image…..male and female created he 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 (Holy Spirit); and man became a living soul (soul)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). “….God saw every thing he had made……and, behold, it was very good…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).

God shares his unique “oneness” with believers AGAIN, through their faith in or dependency upon Christ, the WORD, at SALVATION. “…Faith cometh by hearing … THE WORD of God” (Roman 10:17 KJV). "…I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances…” (Ezekiel 36:27 NASB). “…The grace of our Lord was poured out on me (or transferred to me) abundantly, ALONG WITH FAITH (the power to depend upon God) … that are “IN” Christ Jesus (the WORD)…” (1 Timothy 1:13-14 NIV). “… God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into [your]… hearts...” (Galatians 4:6 NASB).

HE BONDED and UNITED YOU WITH HIS HOLY SPIRIT SO… “…that [YOU] may all be ONE;even as You, Father, are in Me (the WORD, which is SPIRIT) and I in You (God, the Holy Spirit), that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me (YOUR WORD)…” (John 17:21-23 NASB).

This holy “ONENESS” is the joining of man’s soul and God’s Holy Spirit through Jesus, the WORD. GOD RESTORES MANKIND “BACK” TO THE ORIGINAL CREATED “IMAGE.” 

What can MAKE mankind spiritually WHOLE again, spiritually ALIVE, and RESTORE them BACK to God original image? The answer: the Holy Spirit; the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT? “…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “…The Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE …” (John 3:6 NLT). “….Apart from [the HOLY SPIRIT], you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

Only the “breath of life” or “the HOLY SPIRIT” can return mankind BACK to God’s original, created “image” and “likeness” that was ONCE so VERY good? “….LET US MAKE man … after our likeness…”(Genesis 1:26 KJV). “…in his OWN image…..male and female created he 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 (Holy Spirit); and man became a living soul (soul)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). “….God saw every thing he had made……and, behold, it was very good…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).

HOWEVER, when mankind chose to follow after their flesh instead of God’s Holy Spirit they became a DEAD SOUL. The STORY changed. “…And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground (body),and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (Holy Spirit); [but they follow after the FLESH] and man became a [dead] soul (soul)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).

. “…[Their] INIQUITIES (sin) … separated … [them] and [their] God (Holy) …” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). “…It’s YOUR SINS that have cut you off from God (who is HOLY)…” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT).

SIN created a BARRIER between sinful man and the HOLY God. “… And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm (barrier) 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).

This barrier will ALWAYS cause a SEPARATION, because HOLINESS can NOT and will NOT “EVER” MIX with SIN. SIN and HOLINESS SEPARATES; just like oil and water. “… And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm(barrier) has been set in place…” (Luke 16:22-25 NASB).

Therefore, ONLY “…Jesus Christ maketh thee whole [again]…” (Acts 9:34 KJV). “…If any man be in Christ, he is a NEW creature …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “… [because] … all things are … [MADE] … NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “… I will put a “new” spirit in you. …” (Ezekiel 36:26 NLT).

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

God “SO” loved you and WANTED “YOU” back in UNION with him (the HOLY SPIRIT). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “… I am [also] holy…” (1 Peter 1:16 KJV).

 “…There ... [is] … …one … who can reconcile God and humanity—[EXCEPT] the man Christ Jesus (The Word of God)…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT). Thus, “... God so loved the world, that HE GAVE his only begotten (specially created) Son, that whosoever believeth in him (depends upon him) should not perish, but have everlasting life…” (John 3:16 KJV).

GOD MADE A HUMAN VESSEL AND CAME DOWN TO EARTH TO PERSONALLY SPEAK TO YOU AND BECOME YOUR ATONING SACRIFICE!! “…Though he (JESUS, THE WORD, THE HUMAN VESSEL) was God…” (Philippians 2:6-7 NLT). He was“…born as a human being…” (Philippians 2:6-7 NLT). “… Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God…” (John 1:13 KJV).“…The Holy Spiritshall come upon you (Mary, mother of Jesus), and the power of God shall overshadow you; so the baby born to you will be utterly holy—the Son (THE WORD) of God…” (Luke 1:35 NLT).

GOD expressed his LOVE through JESUS. “…God SO LOVED the world, that he GAVE…” (John 3:16 KJV). “…God ….GAVE his only begotten (specially created) Son…” (John 3:16 KJV).   “…NOT that we loved God, but that HE LOVED US...” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “….HE FIRST LOVED US…” (1 John 4:19 ASV).

GOD expressed his LOVE through the Holy Spirit’s actions. “… he … SENT HIS SON  (action) to be the propitiation for our sins.” (1 John 4:10 KJV). GOD “…SPARED NOT his own Son, but DELIVERED(action) him up FOR US ALL…” (Romans 8:32 KJV). “…God SHOWED HIS GREAT LOVE FOR US by “SENDING” (action) Christ to die (action) for us WHILE we were still sinners…” (Romans 5:7-9 NLT). “…There is no GREATER LOVE than to lay down  (action) one’s life…” (John 15:13 NLT).

God’s DEMONSTRATION OF LOVE, THROUGH JESUS CHRIST, (HIS LIVING WORD), MIRACULOUSLY COVERED over ALL that separates YOU from him. “…Love COVERETH a multitude of sins…” (Proverbs 10:12, 1 Peter 4:8 ASV).

Thus, Jesus told the world he was bonded and united with the Father. He told us they were ONE SPIRIT working together to CONFIRM and REVEAL God’s DIVINE nature and DIVINE power. “… I and my Father are ONE…” (John 10:30).

Becoming AWARE of your UNION with Christ, the WORD of God, means you have become familiar, acquainted, mindful, attentive, or enlightened by God’s SPIRITUAL bond and union with YOU. “…Love … is the perfect BOND of unity...” (Colossians 3:14 NASB).  “… He that is joined (UNITED) unto the LORD “is” ONE SPIRIT…[with HIM]…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).

The UNION between Christ, the WORD, and the believer resembles the union between the BRANCH and the VINE in the John 15 parable. “…I AM THE VINE, AND MY FATHER IS THE HUSBANDMAN (Ultimate CAREGIVER and SOVEREIGN Head)…I AM THE VINE AND YE ARE THE BRANCHES…” (JOHN 15:1, 5 NIV).

The BRANCH represents the believers and the VINE represents Christ, the WORD. “…I AM THE VINE AND YE ARE THE BRANCHES…” (JOHN 15:1, 5 NIV).

The VINE diffuses sap to the BRANCHES from the root (the SOURCE of its survival) to supply the necessary nourishment. “…The branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine…” (John 15:4 KJV).

Christ, the WORD, imparts the indwelling Holy Spiritto believers in order to supply spiritual nourishment from the root or SOURCE. “…The … HOLY SPIRIT … is the source of …[IT]…all. …” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).  “…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son (the WORD, which is Spirit) “INTO” [YOUR HEART]…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…Christ (the WORD) be “IN” YOU… (Romans 8:10 KJV).

“…God shall supply ALL YOUR NEEDaccording to his riches in glory [through the indwelling Spirit of] Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 4:19 KJV). “…Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…God will generously PROVIDE all … [the supplies] … you need…” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT).

“…The … HOLY SPIRIT … is the source of …[IT]…all. …” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).  

The husbandman represents, God, the Father (the HOLY SPIRIT) and like a gardener, he takes care of the VINEYARD to ensure its fruitfulness. “…I AM THE VINE, AND MY FATHER IS THE HUSBANDMAN…” (JOHN 15:1, 5 NIV).

From the grape VINE you look for grapes, but from the redeemed BELIEVER you look for the fruit of the Spirit. “…He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit…” (John 15:5 KJV). “…The branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me…” (John 15:4 KJV).

To produce FRUIT or MORE fruit the BRANCHES must be pruned by the husbandman every now and then. “…Every branch that beareth fruit he purgeth it…” (John 15:2 KJV).

Natural pruning is equivalent to spiritual pruning, which is sanctification for the believer and enables them to produce fruit or MORE fruit. “…Every branch that beareth fruit he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit…” (John 15:2 KJV).

A gardener uses special tools to prune the branches such as pruners, loppers, saws, or hedge shears. God uses the WORD. “…ye are CLEAN (pruned) through the WORD which I have spoken unto you…” (John 15:3 KJV).

Pruning is done for the sole purpose of encouraging healthy growth, more flowering, attractiveness, or more fruit. “…every good tree bringeth forth good fruit...” (Matthew 7:16-22 KJV).

The right TIME and the right SEASON is important for pruning also. “….To every [thing there is] a season, and A TIME to every purpose under the heaven…” (Ecclesiastes 3:1 KJV).  “…For the vision [is] yet FOR AN APPOINTED TIME….” (Habakkuk 2:3 KJV).

The Father, the husbandman for the believer, uses the WORD to prune believers. “…ye are CLEAN (pruned) through the WORD  (Jesus Christ, the atoning sacrifice for the remission (forgiveness) of sins)…” (John 15:3 KJV).

Pruning is done for the sole purpose of encouraging holiness and fruit bearing. “…Your fruit [will result] unto holiness (in being set apart and living free from sin)…” (Romans 6:22 KJV).

“…Before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himselfthrough Jesus Christ (his Word).This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious GRACE he has poured out on uswho belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and GRACE that he purchasedour freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. God has now revealed to us his mysterious will regarding Christ—which is to fulfill his own good plan. And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth. Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan. God’s purpose was that we Jews who were the first to trust in Christ would bring praise and glory to God. And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago.  The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify him (acknowledge his presence)…” (Ephesians 1:3-8 NLT).

HALLELUJAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

God chose you to be HOLY (set apart, free and totally separated from sin) and without fault in his eyes. “…ye shall be holy  (set apart, free from sin) unto me: for I the Lord (the word) am HOLY (set apart and free from sin) …” (Leviticus 20:26 KJV). “…he hath made us accepted in the beloved…” (Ephesians 1:6 KJV).

Pruning, for the believer, is equivalent to sanctification which is wroth by the cleansing power of the WORD of God. “…. “…SANCTIFY them in the truth; Your WORD is truth…” (JOHN 17:17 NASB).  “…God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation (a right relationship with God) through SANCTIFICATION  (cleansing of sin) by the [indwelling Holy] Spirit and faith in (dependency upon) the truth (God’s WORD)…” (2 Thessalonians 2:13 NASB).

BRANCHES produce fruit or MORE fruit by virtue of the UNION with the VINE and believers by UNION with CHRIST, the WORD. “…The branch cannot bear fruitof itselfunlessit abides in the vine…” (John 15:4-6 NASB).

The UNION between the VINE and BRANCHES or between CHRIST, the WORD, and the BELIEVER is one of dependence. “…Apart from Me, (Jesus, the Word) you can do nothing…” (John 15:4-6 NASB).

To break-up, disconnect, or separate from the UNION with CHRIST, the WORD, believers, by their OWN volition, move away from their SOURCE (ROOT) of spiritual nourishment. “…The branch cannot bearfruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me…” (John 15:4-6 NASB).

True believers, through Christian experience, learn that any interruption in the UNION with CHRIST, the WORD, will result in the decline of holiness (being set apart & free from sin) and fruitfulness. “…If a man abide NOT in me, he is cast forth … and is withered…” (John 15:6 KJV). “…Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness…” (Ephesians 5:11 KJV).

"… You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men…” (Matthew 5:13 NASB).

Any interruption in the UNION with Christ, the WORD, will eventually lead to a state of uselessness and futility. “…he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered…” (John 15:6 KJV). "… You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless …It is no longer good for anything…” (Matthew 5:13 NASB).“…But if a field bears thorns and thistles, it is useless. The farmer will soon condemn that field and burn it…” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT).

Withered or weakened branches are gathered together, cast into the fire, and burned. “…If a man abide NOT in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned…” (John 15:6 KJV). "… if the salt has become tasteless … It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out…” (Matthew 5:13 NASB). “…if a field bears thorns and thistles, it is useless. …” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT).

It is the UNION with CHRIST, the WORD, that enables the BELIEVER to grow healthy, wholesome, holy, and fruitful. “…The branch cannot bear fruitof itselfunlessit abides in the vine…” (John 15:4-6 NASB).

To REMAIN in the UNION with CHRIST, believers choose to live a life of dependency upon God by submitting to his instructions and pruning. “…Abide in Me, and I in you…” (John 15:4-6 NASB). “…Apart from Me you can do nothing…” (John 15:4-6 NASB).

Christ is the example you are to imitate when it comes to being UNITED with God and exercising faith in or dependency upon Him. Jesus said, "…I and my Father are one…" (John 10:30 KJV). “…… [Jesus] … [entrusted] himself to him who judges justly…” (1 Peter 2:19-23 NIV).

Believers are UNITED with God through CHRIST and exercise FAITH or dependency upon HIM by hearing the Word. “…God’s Spiritdwells inyou?...” (1 Corinthians 3:16 NASB). “…He that is joined (united) unto the LORD is ONE SPIRIT…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “…[One of] the fruit of the Spirit is …faith…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…[The FRUIT of] Faith cometh by hearing … THE WORD of God…” (Roman 10:17 KJV). “…THY WORD is truth…” (JOHN 17:17 KJV).

If the believer chooses to STAY in UNION with CHRIST God will care for them, comfortthem, supply their needs, impart spiritual blessings, never leave them, and love them forever. “...Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you…” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV).

“…Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be ableto comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by …our comfort is abundant through Christ.…” (2 Corinthians 1:3-5 NASB).

 “…God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need…” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT). “…[he]…WILL SUPPLY ALL YOUR NEED…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV)

“…Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who HATH blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ…” (Romans 1:3 KJV).

“…God has said “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV). “…I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, to the very end…"(Matthew 28:20 NIV).  “…Behold, I AM WITH… [YOU] and  …I WILL NOT LEAVE [YOU]…." (Genesis 28:15 ASV). “…The LORD thy God …will not fail (leave) thee, nor forsake thee…” (Deuteronomy 31:6 KJV).  “…Behold, I am with… [you] and will keep… [you] whithersoever [you]… goest…I will not leave [you]..." (Genesis 28:15 ASV).

“… [God has]... loved [you]...with an everlasting love….” (Jeremiah 31:3 KJV). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  “Jesus Christ is the sameyesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV).

If the believer CHOOSES “NOT” to STAY in UNION with God, through Christ, “they” CUT their own selves OFF from God’s care, God’s comfort, God’s supply of their needs, God’s spiritual blessings, God’s presence, and God’s love. “….Apart from Me, you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

Relational benefits stem from choosing to stay continually dependent upon the UNION with Christ, the WORD (THE SOURCE, ROOT). The believer is UNITED to God through Christ, the WORD, by continual faith or dependency upon the WORD. “…a person is made [and stays] right with God by faith in [or dependency upon) Jesus Christ (the word of God)…” (Galatians 2:16 NLT). “….Apart from Me, you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

Without willfully and voluntarily choosing to REMAIN dependent upon the UNION with Christ, the believer will weaken, wither, and become spiritually useless or “good for nothing.” (Jeremiah 13:10, Matthew 5:13 KJV). “…This evil people, which refuse to hear my words, which walk in the imagination of their heart, and walk after other gods, to serve them and worship them, shall even be this girdle, which is GOOD FOR NOTHING…” (Jeremiah 13:10 KJV). “…Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth GOOD FOR NOTHING, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men…” (Matthew 5:13 KJV).

“…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…The Lord is that Spirit…” too (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV).  “…The Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE…” (John 3:6 NLT). “…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son (the WORD) “INTO” [YOUR HEART]…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…Jesus Christ (the WORD) is IN YOU…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…the Spiritof God dwell[s]… in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).“….Apart from [THE HOLY SPIRIT], you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

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YOU STAND IN FAITH AND WATCH GOD GET THE VICTORY!

THE BATTLE IS THE LORD'S

  “... So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den ... A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the rings of his nobles, so that Daniel’s situation might not be changed...” (Daniel 6:16-18 NIV).

 “… [King] …Nebuchadnezzar full of fury ...commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace…” (DANIEL 3).

 “... a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, and the Sabeans attacked and made off with them...“The fire of God fell from the heavens and burned up the sheep and the servants ...“The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and made off with them. ...“Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” (Job 1:13-20 NIV).

“...It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword...he proceeded to seize Peter also ...Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover. So Peter was kept in prison...” (Acts 12:1-5 NIV).

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         A STORM is a violent disturbance of the atmosphere that is usually accompanied by strong winds, rain, dust devils, whirlwinds, blizzards, thunder, hail, ice, lightning, tornadoes, hurricanes, typhoons, earthquakes, etc.

          STORMS can last for a few moments, days, or weeks. However long a STORM lasts, when it comes, it disturbs the ENVIRONMENT and DISRUPTS normal conditions.

ALL STORMS have the potential to harm lives, destroy property, and change the environment. STORMS are a regular part of life and can change the course  of one’s life for the worst or they can lead them to miraculous victories.

Some STORMS, however, can and will damage or destroy something in the environment. The things that are damaged or destroyed can be MAJOR and effect normal life spiritually, physically, emotionally, financially, and mentally.

Some STORMS can cause a DIASPORA for some and change the course of their lives forever. Nonetheless, a real STORM will change the ATMOSPHERE!

The STORMS OF LIFE, through the experiences people face un-expectantly, come to disrupt their atmosphere and disturb normal conditions through death, divorce, unexpected sicknesses, stock market crashes, lost jobs, injustice, sudden tragedies, fiery furnaces, lion dens, prison, etc. “…But before very long there rushed down from the land a violent wind, called Euraquilo ... we gave way to it and let ourselves be driven along … ” (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB).

“... So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den ... A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the rings of his nobles, so that Daniel’s situation might not be changed...” (Daniel 6:16-18 NIV).

 “… [King] …Nebuchadnezzar full of fury ...commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace…” (DANIEL 3).

 “... a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, and the Sabeans attacked and made off with them...“The fire of God fell from the heavens and burned up the sheep and the servants ...“The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and made off with them. ...“Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” (Job 1:13-20 NIV).

“...It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword ...he proceeded to seize Peter also ...Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover. So Peter was kept in prison...” (Acts 12:1-5 NIV).

INSIDE the above STORMS, Job faced tragedies, Daniel faced the lion’s den, the Hebrew Boys faced the fiery furnace, and Peter faced a trial which would end in his death by the sword. Their LIVES were seriously disturbed by a variety of situations and nothing was NORMAL anymore.

 “…But before very long there rushed down from the land a violent wind, called Euraquilo ... we gave way to it and let ourselves be driven along … ” (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB).

“...they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den ......” (Daniel 6:16-18 NIV).

 “… [King] …Nebuchadnezzar ...commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace…” (DANIEL 3).

 “... a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, and the Sabeans attacked and made off with them...“The fire of God fell from the heavens and burned up the sheep and the servants ...“The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and made off with them. ...“Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” (Job 1:13-20 NIV).

“......he proceeded to seize Peter also ...[and]... Peter was kept in prison...” (Acts 12:1-5 NIV).

Job, Peter, the Hebrew Boys, and Daniel were restricted by their STORMS and could NOT deliver themselves. Each of them FACED and were INSIDE STORMS with different circumstances, but each one had NO DELIVERER except God, the Holy Spirit.

“... Then Jehoshaphat stood up in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem at the temple of the Lord in the front of the new courtyard and said: “Lord, the God of our ancestors, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you.Our God, did you not drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend? They have lived in it and have built in it a sanctuary for your Name, saying, ‘If calamity comes upon us, whether the sword of judgment, or plague or famine, we will stand in your presence before this temple that bears your Name and will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us.’ “But now here are men from Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir, whose territory you would not allow Israel to invade when they came from Egypt; so they turned away from them and did not destroy them.  See how they are repaying us by coming to drive us out of the possession you gave us as an inheritance. Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you...” (2 Chronicles 20:5-12 NIV).

“...God is ...a very present help in trouble...” (Psalms 46:1 KJV). “…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). “… The Sovereign Lord helps me…” (Isaiah 50:7 NLT).  “…You are my helper…” (Psalms 40:17 NLT).

“…[God is]…Your rock and Yourfortress, your deliverer, Your GOD, Your rock, in whom [you can] … take refuge…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB).

In other words, “...No weapon that is formed against ...[God’s people]... shall prosper…This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord…” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV). STORMS happen, but they won’t prosper over God’s people! “….All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose…” (Hebrews 13:5 & ROMANS 8:28 KJV).

“…ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good…” (Genesis 50:20 KJV). God, through Jesus, defeated the ENEMY, so his people could be VICTORIOUS in the STORMS of LIFE. “...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).  “...overwhelming victory is ours in christ ...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).

The ENEMY may bring FORTH STORMS to disturb your atmosphere and disrupt normal conditions, in this FALLEN world, but his people, are promised victory over the works of devil. “... But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil...” (1 John 3:8 NLT). Therefore, “...No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper…” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV). “...overwhelming victory is ours in christ ...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).

INSIDE THE STORMS of LIFE, it is not unusual for people, even the strongest warriors, to feel helpless, scared, terrified, nervous, overly concerned with the outcome, naked, exposed, or weak. However, “…God assured us, “I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you,” we can boldly quote, God is there, ready to help; I’m fearless no matter what. Who or what can get to me?” (Hebrews 13:5 MSG).

“…After this, the armies of the Moabites, Ammonites, and some of the Meunites declared war on Jehoshaphat. Messengers came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army from Edom is marching against you from beyond the Dead Sea. They are already at Hazazon-tamar.” (This was another name for En-gedi.). Jehoshaphat was TERRIFIED by this news...” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).  

It is NOT necessarily a lack of faith to experience “feelings” of FEAR when going through the STORMS of LIFE. “…Jehoshaphat was TERRIFIED by this news...” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).

When going through the STORMS of LIFE, God will find a WAY to strengthen his people and empower them to submit to God’s sovereign love and care. “…Great is his love toward us...” (Psalms 117:2 KJV). “… “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV). “…I am with you always, to the very end…"(Matthew 28:20 NIV). “…Behold, I am with … [you] and will keep … [you] whithersoever [you]… goest…I will not leave [you] ..." (Genesis 28:15 ASV). “...He careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “… “I AM WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “…I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). “… Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news and BEGGED the Lord for guidance.” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).

“...God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam ...“Be still, and know that I am God ... The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress...” (Psalms 46 NLT).

God will FIGHT for his people and TAKE CARE of the things that concern them. “…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). . “…If God isfor us, who is against us? ... …” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). “...No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper...” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV). “…The LORD will accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [you]…” (John 14:31 NASB). “… THE LORD … is Your rock and Yourfortress, your deliverer…” (Psalms 18:3 NASB).

The events, situations, circumstances, or STORMS OF LIFE that concern God’s people are ALL under God’s sovereign control. “… No onecan hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT).

“... Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.  But take heart, because I have overcome the world..." (John 16:44 NLT). “...Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid...” (John 14:27 KJV). “...we must [go]...through much tribulation [to]...enter into the kingdom of God...” (Acts 14:22 KJV). “...despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).

“...THE NIGHT BEFORE HEROD WAS TO BRING HIM TO “TRIAL”, PETER WAS SLEEPING BETWEEN TWO SOLDIERS, BOUND WITH TWO CHAINS, AND SENTRIES STOOD GUARD AT THE ENTRANCE. (ACTS 12:6 NIV).

Peter’s VICTORY from THE STORM represents the FAVOR of God upon the lives of HIS PEOPLE, which also REVEALS God’s love and desire to show his GLORY (presence, goodness, and power) to them! “…the Lord loves His people …” (2 Chronicles 2:11 NASB). “...Be still, and know that I am God ... the God of Israel is our fortress (defense, stronghold, place of protection, etc.).” (Psalms 46 NLT). “…BLESSINGS are on the head of the righteous…” (Proverbs 10:6 NASB).  “…You surround [your people] ... WITH FAVOR as with a shield…” (Psalms 5:12 NASB). “...overwhelming victory is ours  (and Peter’s) through Christ, who loved us (and him)...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).

 “…I’ve also done it … so you will know that I am the Lord…” (Exodus 10:1-2 NLT). “…your deliverer…” (Psalms 18:3 NASB). Peter was able to SEE, with his OWN eyes, the GLORY (God’s presence, goodness, and power) of God and his FAVOR upon his life, because of the GREAT THINGS he did for him.

“...The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists. Then the angel said to him, “Put on your clothes and sandals.” And Peter did so. “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me,” the angel told him.  Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him. Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutchesand from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen...” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV).

Peter witnessed and experienced, first hand, the LOVE and FAVOR of God. God REVEALED his GLORY to Peter through his presence in the angel (this could be a true Christian Warrior), his goodness in directing his steps (through his Word), and his power to deliver him out of Herod’s clutches (overwhelming victory)!  “...Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel (this could be a Christian Warrior) and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen...” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV).

“…I HAVE DONE IT, declares the Lord…’” (Ezekiel 37 NIV). “…the Father (the indwelling Holy Spirit) that dwelleth in me (Jesus, the WORD), he doeth the works (the Holy Spirit doeth the works) …” (John 14:10 KJV).

“… at God’s [miracle-performingWORD) … what we now SEE (everything witnessed and experienced) did not come from anything that can be SEEN (it came from the WORK of the Holy Spirit)…” (Hebrews 11:3 NLT). “… He (Jesus) had a name written, that no man knew … his name is called The Word of God (the miracle-performing POWER of God)…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB).

“... When this had dawned on him ... [Peter realized] ...  “he (God, the Holy Spirit)...hath done marvellous things…” (Acts 12:7 NIV & Psalms 98:1 KJV). “… Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done …” (Psalms 40:5 KJV).

“...the chains fell off Peter’s wrists...They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him. Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has ... rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen...” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV).

REMEMBER: “...The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance....” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV).

INSIDE THE STORMS, the difficult trials and tribulations, we face in life such as the death of a loved one, a divorce, the loss of a lucrative job, unexpected diagnoses, fear of going to prison for a crime you didn’t commit, the loss of material possessions,  unjust treatment, false accusations, and other sudden life changes; follow Peter’s LEAD. “...Peter was sleeping....” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV).

Like Peter, many of God’s people, are FACING things that cause the heart to be flooded with troubling stresses such as dread, anxiousness, discouragement, weariness, questions of faith, fear of the unknown, having no control of the situation or the outcome, etc., BUT TRUST and DEPEND upon God ANYWAY. “...despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours  (and Peter’s) through Christ, who loved us (and him)...” (Romans 8:37 NLT). “...Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid...” (John 14:27 KJV). 

WHY should you SLEEP during these troubling TIMES? “...Peter was sleeping....” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV). “...If God is for ...[peter]... who...[or what could be]... against ...[peter]? ... …” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). “…Who...[or what would]... separate ...[peter]... from the love of Christ?…” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). “....Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword...[separate you or peter from god’s love]? …” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). “ ... [NO] … [NOTHING] …will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord…” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB).

“...For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to giveyou an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11 KJV). “…Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency isof God…” (2 Corinthians 3:5 KJV).  “… The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT). “...ALL THINGS work (PROCESS) together for good to them (the redeemed) that love God, to them who are the called ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE…” (ROMANS 8:28 KJV).

IN THE STORM, “...Peter was sleeping....” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV).

 

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IT IS THE SPIRITUAL FRUIT THAT PROVES YOU ARE A CHRISTIAN; NOT YOUR FLESH!

THE SPIRITUAL FRUIT PROVES YOU ARE A CHRISTIAN

“... I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.  I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love...” (John 15:1-10 KJV).

*

 

As important as Jesus is to the Gospel message, his particular message focused on  “preaching the gospel of the kingdom.” “...Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people...” (Matthew 4:23 KJV).

He TAUGHT that the RULE (Kingdom) of God had come upon the earth. “...his kingdom rules over all...” (Psalm 103:19 NLT).

 “...And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people...” (Matthew 9:35 KJV).

“...this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come...” (Matthew 24:14 KJV).

“...Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,  And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand (is CLOSE): repent ye, and believe the gospel...” (Mark 1:14-15 KJV).  “...The Kingdom of God is near!...” (Mark 1:14-15 NLT).

“...he replied, “I must preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God in other towns, too, because that is why I was sent...” (Luke 4:43 KJV). “... And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent...” (Luke 4:43 NLT).

“...it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God...” (Luke 8:1 KJV).

“...The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it. And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail...” (Luke 16:16-17 KJV).

“...Until John the Baptist, the law of Moses and the messages of the prophets were your guides. But now the Good News of the Kingdom of God is preached, and everyone is eager to get in. But that doesn’t mean that the law has lost its force. It is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the smallest point of God’s law to be overturned...” (Luke 16:16-17 NLT).

“...this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come...” (Matthew 24:14 KJV).

The GOOD NEWS of the gospel is about the KINGDOM OF GOD. “...his kingdom ruleth over all...” (Psalms 103:19 KJV). God, the Holy Spirit’s RULE governs ALL things.

 Jesus said: “..., “I must preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God ... that is why I was sent...” (Luke 4:43 KJV) “...his kingdom rules over all...” (Psalm 103:19 NLT).

 “...the Good News of the Kingdom of God is preached, and everyone is eager to get in..” (Luke 16:16-17 NLT).

HOW DO YOU GET IN? “…You must be born again …” (John 3:7 NIV).  “...I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God...” (John 3:5 KJV).

“...Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again...’ (John 3:5-7 NLT).

“... one of the soldiers with a spear pierced [JESUS’]... side, and forthwith came there out blood(spiritual life) and water(cleansing Holy Spirit). …” (John 19:31-37 KJV). “...Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit ...You must be born again...’ (John 3:5-7 NLT).

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(spiritual life) and water (cleansing Holy Spirit). …” (John 19:31-37 KJV).

Out of Jesus’ side came the cleansing power of God’s Holy Spirit and the spiritual blood (LIFE) of the  ATONEMENT!!! THIS IS WHERE JESUS CHRISTIS CLEARLY SEEN IN THE GOOD NEWSOF THE GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM of god, the holy spirit.

“...his kingdom rules over all...” (Psalm 103:19 NLT). “...Thy kingdom come...” (Matthew 6:10 KJV). “...The Kingdom of God is near!...” (Mark 1:14-15 NLT). “...if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you...” (Luke 11:20 KJV). “...the kingdom of God is within you...” (Luke 17:21 KJV).

The Kingdom of God is his RULE over ALL the universe, it has COME upon the earth, it is presently active, it is within God’s people, and God, the Holy Spirit’s, complete, supreme REIGN is coming soon.

The Kingdom of God or the rule of God is witnessed in his absolute power and authority over sin and the sinful nature, the defeat of the evil one, the triumph over spiritual death.

Every, redeemed, child of God, has experienced the restoral of spiritual life. They are redeemed people and new creations, who are “RIGHT NOW, citizens of the Kingdom of God.

God, the Holy Spirit, GREATLY demonstrates his absolute power and authority (RULE), over SIN and SPIRITUAL DEATH. “...The sting of [spiritual]...death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ...” (1 Corinthians 15:56-47 NLT). “... Giving thanks unto the Father (King of kings) ...Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son...” (Colossians 1:12-13 KJV).

“...For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil...” (1 John 3:8 KJV). “...The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work...” (1 John 3:8 NLT).

“...Thy kingdom come...” (Matthew 6:10 KJV). “...his kingdom rules over all...” (Psalm 103:19 NLT).

The kingdom of god or rule of god means the king of kings have taken authority over spiritual death. “...the Good News of the Kingdom of God is preached, and everyone is eager to get in..” (Luke 16:16-17 NLT).

 “…Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners…”(Romans 5:6-8 NLT).  

“...Jesus replied ...no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit ...You must be born again...’ (John 3:5-7 NLT).

The Gospel of the Kingdom of God, which Jesus PREACHED about and DEMONSTRATED through righteous works(signs, wonders, miracles, etc.) and spiritual fruit (love, peace, gentleness, kindness, etc.) was a WITNESS that God’s Kingdom was BEING established upon earth. “...Thy kingdom come...” (Matthew 6:10 KJV).

“...his kingdom rules over all...” (Psalm 103:19 NLT).  “...The Kingdom of God is near!...” (Mark 1:14-15 NLT). “...if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you...” (Luke 11:20 KJV). “...the kingdom of God is within you...” (Luke 17:21 KJV).

The ESTABLISHING and COMING of the KINGDOM of GOD means that EVERYTHING and EVERY CITIZEN is being PREPARED and PROCESSING toward the SPIRITUAL GOVERNMENT and RULE by God, the Holy Spirit (King of kings). “...The Kingdom of God is near!...” (Mark 1:14-15 NLT). “...if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you...” (Luke 11:20 KJV). “...the kingdom of God is within you...” (Luke 17:21 KJV).

 “ ... in the PROCESS of TIME “IT” CAME TO PASS…” (Genesis 4:3 KJV).

In the present and future “KINGDOM of GOD” God, the Holy Spirit is the supreme KING, the WORLD or universe is his territory, the REDEEMED are the citizens of the Kingdom’s territory, and the laws of government are God’s WORD or SPIRIT.

HOWEVER, “...If a man (woman) abide not in me, he (she) is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned... without me ye can do nothing (you cannot get into the kingdom of god...” (John 15:1-10 KJV). “...Thy kingdom come...” (Matthew 6:10 KJV). WHERE “...Jesus Christ ... is Lord of all. ( Kingdom citizens)..”  (Acts 10:36 KJV).

Spiritual FRUIT emphasizes and PROVES the GOOD NEWS of the God’s Kingdom has come and that Jesus is truly LORD and KING over the lives and hearts of his redeemed citizens.

REDEEMED citizens DO righteous works and display spiritual fruit WHILE looking forward to the coming of and complete consummation of  God’s Kingdom.

In the New Testament, “...The Lord ... chose ...disciples and sent them ahead in pairs to all the towns and places he planned to visit. These were his instructions to them: “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields. Now go.. (Luke 1:1-5 NLT).

"..Go into all the world and preach the gospelto all creation...” (Mark 16:15 KJV). “... Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit...” (Matthew 28:19 NIV).

“...you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth...” (ACTS 1:8 NLT).

“..If I (Jesus, the WORD) be lifted up from the earth, WILL DRAW all men unto me…” (John 12:32 KJV). “… I will bring them home again,” says the Lord….” (HOSEA 11 NLT). “…[He sent the] …one … who can reconcileGod and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).

“… [The WORD)… is the power of God at work,  (MIRACULOUSLY) saving everyone who believes (or everyone who depends upon his powerful Word to save them)…” (Romans 1:16 NLT).

“...he doeth the works (of SAVING the lost)…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and WITH POWER: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for GOD (the husbandman) WAS WITH HIM. …” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).

“...[JESUS].... went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings (good news) of the kingdom of God...” (Luke 8:1 KJV).

“...he doeth  (the husbandman) the works (of righteousness works and displayed spiritual fruit)…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…[God, the Holy Spirit] ... anointed (empowered Jesus) 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).

“…[Jesus said]…the Father (the husbandman) that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works (of righteousness and spiritual fruit)…” (John 14:10 KJV).  “…God (the husbandman) publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene (the True Vine) by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him,  …” (ACTS 2:22 KJV).

“...Herein is my Father glorified, that ye (branches) bear much fruit...” (John 15:1-10 KJV)."..My Father is glorified by this, that you (branches) bear much fruit, and ...PROVE to be My disciples...” (John 15:8 NIV).

“…Let your (branches) light so shine before men, that they may seeyour good works(righteous deeds and spiritual fruit) and glorify your Father  (display his presence through righteous deeds and spiritual fruit upon the earth)…” (Matthew 5:16 KJV).

“...[JESUS].... went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings (good news) of the kingdom of God...” (Luke 8:1 KJV).

“…The [Holy] ...Spirit (the husbandman) of the Lord (the TRUE VINE)  … anointed [empowered JESUS] to preach the gospel to the poor ... [empowered him] 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).

“… [Jesus was EMPOWERED by the Holy Spirit and he] went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressedof the devil; [BECAUSE] ...GOD [THE HUSBANDMAN] ...WAS WITH HIM…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).

“...Now [you branches, also]... go.. (Luke 1:1-5 NLT). "..Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation...” (Mark 16:15 KJV). “... Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations..” (Matthew 28:19 NIV). “...you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere...” (ACTS 1:8 NLT).

“...Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the worksthat I do, he will do also; and greater works(not different works, but greater works) than these he will do; because I go to the Father...” (John 14:12 NIV).

“…Ye shall know [the WITNESSES and citizens of the Kingdom of God]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “…He who ABIDES in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit … ” (John 15:1-11 NASB). "…My Father is glorified by this, that “YOU” (BRANCHES) bear much fruit, and ... PROVE to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV).

HOW?  “…God (the Holy Spirit and husbandman) ...does the work  IN AND THROUGH all of ...his…[branches]...”(1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

 “…The fruit of the Spirit (the righteous conduct of the Holy Spirit) is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). "....The [indwelling] ...Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [the branches] …” (Galatians 5 NLT).

"…My Father is glorified by this, ” (John 15:8 NIV).

 GLORIFIED BY WHAT? "… that “YOU” (HIS BRANCHES) bear much fruit...” (John 15:8 NIV).

WHAT WILL DISPLAYING FRUIT PROVE? “ ... [IT WILL] ...PROVE [THE FRUITFUL BRANCHES]...to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV).

"…My Father is glorified by this, that “YOU” (HIS BRANCHES) bear much fruit, and ... PROVE to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV).

“...without me (god, the husbandman and caregiver) ye (branches) can do nothing... If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered;and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned......” (John 15:1-10 KJV). “... Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he (the husbandman) taketh away .....” (John 15:1-10 KJV).

“...The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray...[and]...ask him to send more workers into his fields. Now go...” (Luke 1:1-5 NLT).

“... every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit....” (John 15:1-10 KJV). “...you (fruitful branches) will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere...” (ACTS 1:8 NLT).

“...[JESUS also].... went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings (good news) of the kingdom of God...” (Luke 8:1 KJV).

 “...the Good News of the Kingdom of God is preached, and everyone is eager to get in..” (Luke 16:16-17 NLT). “...you (fruitful branches) will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere...” (ACTS 1:8 NLT).

OTHERWISE, “... Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he (the husbandman) taketh away .....” (John 15:1-10 KJV).

 

 

GOD IS SPIRIT OR "LIGHT" AND SO IS HIS IMAGE

THE GOD IMAGE

“….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 (HIS Spirit or his LIGHT, or  His IMAGE); and man became a living soul (soul)…” (Genesis 2:7 KJV).

“….let us make man in our image, after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV).

“…God is not human (god is not a body, god is not a self, or the flesh, or a soul)…” (Numbers 23:19 NIV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…the Spirit  (light or image) of God dwell in you (and dwelt in Adam and Eve)…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).

*

         Remember an image is a mental or visual representation, you have, of yourself or someone else.

A representation or representative of that image is something that or someone who reveals or demonstrates what that “image” is like.

A representation or representative also reveals or demonstrates the likeness of a particular image such as a picture, sculpture, painting, drawing, or carbon copy.

Thus, a likeness of an image, is NOT “the” image, but it will resemble that image, in some way. The resemblance of an image provides a, visual or mental depiction, or idea, or description of what that image is like.

The God Imageis not a mental or visual representation of God as we understand it, but it would be a spiritual representation or representative of God. A spiritual representation or representative of God would provide an understanding of his LIKENESS. For instance, it is by faith that God’s people understand, that the whole world was created by God. “… BY FAITH (trusting in and depending upon God) ...[they]... understand that THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE WAS FORMED at God’s command...” (Hebrews 11 NLT).

It is also by faith, they understand, what God is LIKE.“… BY FAITH (by trusting in and depending upon God) ...[they]... understand ....that what ...[they]... now see did not come from anything that can be seen...” (Hebrews 11 NLT).

The first man, Adam (Eve), was created “in” HIS IMAGE “after” his LIKENESS! “….LET US MAKEman … after our likeness (to resemble or represent us) …” (Genesis 1:26 KJV). “…in his OWN image (resemblance or representation) ...male and female created he 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 became a living soul (soul)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).

In order to understand what that likeness IS; you must first understand what GOD’S IMAGE “IS”. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).

God’s image was breathed into Adam, which made Adam a representative of his image. “…And the LORD God ...breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (His Spirit or his LIGHT, or his image)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).

“….let us make man in our image, after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV). “…God is not human (god is not a body, god is not a self, or the flesh, or a soul)…” (Numbers 23:19 NIV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).

“…the Spirit of God dwell in you (and dwelt in the first male and female)…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). Thus, Adam and Eve were originally, created to resemble or be representatives of HIS IMAGE (which is SPIRIT). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).

 

Since God is Spirit. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” so is HIS IMAGE (John 4:24 KJV). Again, God’s IMAGE is SPIRIT. “…God is not human …” (Numbers 23:19 NIV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).

"…that which is born (starts to exist) of the Spirit is spirit…” (John 3:6 KJV). “…And the LORD God ...breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (His Spirit, his LIGHT, or image)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). When Adam and Eve was born or came into existence, they came with HIS IMAGE, which is SPIRIT.

“… BY FAITH we understand that ...[Adam and Eve]... WAS FORMED at God’s command...” (Hebrews 11 NLT).

They resembled God, the Holy Spirit, because they were able, through his “breath of life” or indwelling Holy Spiritto represent HIS IMAGE. “…And ...man became a living soul (a soul with the God IMAGE)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).

The bible says God’s likeness is clearly WITNESSED by the things HE creates. “… since the creation of the world His invisibleattributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made… (he MADE mankind “IN” his IMAGE)...” (Romans 1:20 NASB).

Adam and Eve were MADE by God and initially resembled HIS IMAGE (which is SPIRIT). HIS IMAGE, however, was not and could not be a BODY IMAGE or a self-IMAGE, because God is SPIRIT. “…God is not human (not body; not self) …” (Numbers 23:19 NIV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).

"…that which is born (is created) of the Spirit is spirit…” (John 3:6 KJV). “…And the LORD God ...breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (His Spirit or image)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).

“… since the creation of the world His invisibleattributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made…” (Romans 1:20 NASB).

“… since the creation of the world His invisibleattributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made (through the “making” or creating of adam and eve)…” (Romans 1:20 NASB).

“… BY FAITH we understand that ...[Adam and Eve]... WAS FORMED at God’s command...” (Hebrews 11 NLT). His command was: “….LET US MAKE man … after our likeness …” (Genesis 1:26 KJV).

“…in his OWN image (Spirit IMAGE)…..male and female created he 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 (His Spirit or IMAGE); and man became a living soul (soul)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).

A “living” soul was a soul MADE in HIS IMAGE and LIKENESS through his breathe of life or Spirit.

The God IMAGE is the SPIRITUAL likeness someone HAS (such as his INDWELLING Holy Spirit) that makes them RESEMBLE, REVEAL, or DEMONSTRATE what God is LIKE. “…And the LORD God ...breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (His Spirit or image)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).

“….LET US MAKEman (woman) … after our likeness (to resemble God, to demonstrate God, to reveal God, to represent what God is like, etc.) …” (Genesis 1:26 KJV).

The bible clearly informs us that when God, originally, made mankind, he made with a body, the breathe of life (his IMAGE), and a soul.

Because they were “living” souls, with the “breathe of life” they “resembled” HIS IMAGE. “...LET US MAKE man in our image, after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV).  “…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).

“… HE Himself GIVES to all people LIFE and BREATH and all things…” (Acts 17:25 NASB).  However, “…the body without (apart from) the spirit is dead…” (James 2:26 KJV). “…It is the SPIRIT who gives “LIFE”; the flesh profits nothing…” (John 6:63 NASB).

People who are physically alive have breathe and exist, but they are not spiritually alive without God’s indwelling Holy SPIRIT.  

What happened to God’s original creation of mankind? According to the bible, God said to Adam and Eve: “…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).

They were in a covenant relationship with God and all they needed to do was willfully “choose” to  “keep his commandments.”

Instead, they willfully choose to eat the fruit. They died spiritually, immediately, just as God’s word said they would. “….So she took some of the fruit and ATE IT. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and HE ATE IT, too …” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT). “…THE DAY THAT THOU EATEST thereof “THOU SHALT SURELY DIE”…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV).

“.... At that moment their eyes were opened…” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).  At that moment, “…[their] ...INIQUITIES … separated … [them from] ... God (who is SPIRIT)…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). “…It’s YOUR SINS that … [will] ...cut you off from God…” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT).

A willful, voluntarily, and FREE human decision to NOT keep his commandment cut them OFF or SEPARATED them from God, the Holy Spirit. “…It’s YOUR SINS that … [will] ...cut you offfrom God…” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT).

Adam and Eve, who were FREE from sin, at the time, and FREE to CHOOSE, decided, on their OWN volition, to NOT keep his commandment. “… [YOU CHOOSE]... this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

They freely CHOSE to do the opposite of what God’s Word instructed them to do. Choices have consequences and God fully disclosed to them what those consequences will be if they CHOSE “NOT” to listen to his Word. “... THE DAY THAT THOU EATEST thereof THOU SHALT SURELY DIE…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV).

SIN, the rejecting of God’s HOLY instructions, separated them from God, the Holy Spirit. “…[Their] ...INIQUITIES … separated … [them from] ... God(Spirit)…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV).

From that time, until NOW, everyone, born into the world, is born without the indwelling Holy Spirit. “…All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:23). “….I was born a sinner (I was born without the indwelling holy spirit)….” (Psalms 51:5 NLT).

Everyone is born with ONLY a sin nature (a body without the SPIRIT). Everyone will eventually become a SLAVE to sin, and they cannot, on their own, be restored to WHOLENESS or REUNITE with God, the Holy Spirit, without an act of God’s GRACE.

The sinful nature ONLY knows how to SIN (guaranteed). Sinful behaviors are the symptoms of the terminal condition of “that” nature. “….I was born a sinner ….” (Psalms 51:5 NLT).  “...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 (the symptoms of the terminal condition of the sin nature) …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…the wages of sin (the symptoms of the terminal condition) is death…” (Romans 6:23 KJV). “…For all have sinned (all have this terminal condition)…” (Romans 3:23 KJV). “…all have ... come short of the glory of God (all are born WITHOUT the indwelling Holy Spirit)…” (Romans 3:23 KJV).

Unfortunately, the soul and SPIRIT are cut ASUNDER by SIN. NOT keeping God’s commandment was the catalyst that bought SIN into the world which resulted in spiritually death. “...sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death passed to all men, for that all sinned—“(Romans 5:12 KJV).  “… SIN, when it is finished, BRINGETH FORTH DEATH…” (James 1:13-15 NLT). 

SIN is the violation of God’s Holy standards (commandments) (big or small). “…Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the [HOLY] …law (commandments): for sin is the transgression of the [HOLY] …law(commandments)….” (1 John 3:4 KJV). “…Everyone who sins is breaking God’s [HOLY] …law(commandments), for all sin is contrary to the...[HOLY] ...  law (commandments) of God….” (1 John 3:4 NLT).

When the bible says mankind is born a sinner, it is not because of anything they did or didn’t do, but it’s because of their NATURE, which is now a SINFUL nature, without God’s SPIRIT.  “…ALL HAVE SINNED and fallen short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:23).

The soul has NO power over the sinful nature without God’s SPIRIT and thus becomes a prisoner of the sinful nature and inadvertantly a slave to SIN.

The ONLY prognosis is eternal death or damnation. “…the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23 KJV).

What CAN free the SOUL?  “…Who will free me (my SOUL) from this life that is dominated by SIN? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

The HOLY SPIRIT separates from SIN and SINNERS. “…It’s YOUR SINS that have cut you off  from God (who is SPIRIT and HOLY) …” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT). How can God help?

“…He loved usand sent his Son…” (1 John 4:10 NIV).  “… [He sent the] …one… who can reconcileGod and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).

Adam and Eve was originally CREATED WHOLE (body, soul, and Spirit (the breathe 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).

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

“…The plans [God has]…for you…. [are]…plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you HOPE and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).

“…Since it is through God’s kindness …[and] not by [your] good works. For in that case, God’s GRACE (unmerited favor) would not be what it really is—free and undeserved…” (Romans 11:5 NLT). “…He did this, not because we DESERVED it, but because that was his planfrom before the beginning of time…” (2 Timothy 1:9 NLT).

JESUS CHRIST was part of God’s PLAN of salvation for humanity. “… [Thus, 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).

JESUS became and “IS” the WAY to be RESTORED to the IMAGE OF GOD, his SPIRIT. “...For Christ also died for sins ONCE for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us...[BACK]... to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB).

 “… [YOUR] … iniquities (sin) …separated [YOU]… from God… …” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). Now, if you “…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). “…Jesus Christ maketh thee whole (RESTORES YOU AGAIN to God’s spirit)…” (Acts 9:34 KJV). NLT). “…The GIFT of God is eternal life (SPIRIT) through Jesus Christ ….” (Romans 6:23 KJV).

“…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). “... 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). “…Christ (the HEALING solution or CURE) also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us [back] to God …” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV).

That he might bring us back into UNITY and WHOLENESS with God, the Holy Spirit.

 “... 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).  

ALLTHE SOULS THAT ACCEPT, JESUS, THE SACRIFICE, Will BE RESTORED AND REUNITED WITH THE SPIRIT. “… [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 through God’s HOLY SPIRIT)…” (Acts 9:34 KJV). “…Confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and … BELIEVE IN THINE HEART that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be SAVED (restored, reunited, whole again, etc)…” (ROMANS 10:9 KJV).

By the POWER of the Word of GOD, The 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 SPIRIT is reunited, by the POWERFUL WORD OF GOD, with the SOUL again it is MADE WHOLE.“…Jesus Christ maketh thee whole (AGAIN)…” (Acts 9:34 KJV).

The soul is made WHOLE when it reunites with God, the Holy SPIRIT through Jesus Christ.  “…He [or she]… that is joined unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT….” (1 Corinthians 6:17).

THE SOUL and BODY, without the SPIRIT is dead. A physically alive person can only experience natural life, but not spiritual life. Only the Holy SPIRIT can restore spiritual life to a person. “…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 (mature, fully capable, etc. of), 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).

THIS REUNION WITH THE SPIRIT IS A BLESSING FOR THE SOUL AND GIVES “THAT” SOUL A RENEWED UNITY, CONNECTION, KINSHIP, INTIMACY, ATTRACTION, OR AFFINITY TOWARD THE LIVING GOD. “... You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly; My soulthirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You...” (Psalms 63:1 NLT).

WHEN THE SOUL IS REUNITED WITH THE SPIRIT, IT IS NO LONGER LEFT TO ITSELF, BUT BECOMES ENLIGHTENED, NOURISHED BY THE WORD, EXPERIENCES THE UNION AND INTIMACY WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT again, RECEIVES MULTIPLY GIFTS FROM HEAVEN, AND EXPERIENCES THE POWER OF GOD THROUGH SIGNS, WONDERS, AND MIRACLES. “…  those who were once enlightened—those who 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 …” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT).

ALL IS WELL WITH THE SOUL WHEN IT IS REUNITED WITH THE 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). 

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