Pensacola Helene Jefferson's Blog, page 2

IF YOU'VE BEEN THROUGH OR GOING THROUGH, BUT ARE STILL HERE, THAT'S ANOTHER DAY'S JOURNEY! BE GLAD ABOUT IT!

ANOTHER DAY'S JOURNEY

“... 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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         As mentioned before, a climate 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.

          Climate 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 climate STORMS have the potential to harm lives, destroy property, and change the environment. Climate STORMS are a regular part of life and can change the conditions of people’s lives.

Some Climate STORMS, 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 Climate STORMS can actually cause a DIASPORA for some and change their home location forever. Nonetheless, a real climate STORM can and will change the ATMOSPHERE and NORMALCY!

Other STORMS OF LIFE, come through the experiences people face un-expectantly. The STORMS of LIFE like climate storms disrupt peoples atmospheres and disturbs their normal conditions through unexpected death, divorce, long-lasting sicknesses, stock market crashes, lost jobs, injustices, 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 itand 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).

“Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe. And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands….Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man! When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him. But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him...” (John 19:28-30 KJV).

INSIDE the above STORMS, Job faced tragedies, Daniel faced the lion’s den, the Hebrew Boys faced the fiery furnace, Peter faced a dooming trial, and Jesus faced death upon a cross. 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 itand 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).

 “… [Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego ...[WERE CASTED]... 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).

“ ...[They]...took Jesus, and scourged him. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe. And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands…”(John 19:1-16 KJV).

Job, Peter, the Hebrew Boys, Daniel, Jesus were POWERLESS against 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 (THE ENEMY) 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, vulnerable, terrified, nervous, overly concerned with the outcome, naked, exposed, or weak. “ … he ...offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears ... and was heard in that he feared…” (Hebrew 5:7-8-9 KJV). “…take this cup from Me..." (Luke 22:42-43 NIV).“…Jehoshaphat was TERRIFIED by this news...” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).

“...We do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted (inside the storm) in every way, just as we are--yet he did not sin...” (Hebrews 4:15 NIV).

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. Peter’s victory 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  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 (for  you, this could be a Christian Warrior), his goodness in directing his steps (for you, this is experienced by following his Word), and his power to deliver him out of Herod’s clutches (overwhelming victory came when he was miraculously delivered from prison)!  “...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, 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,  broken relationships, 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, stressful “feelings” 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).

“...Therefore [INSIDE the STORMS]... put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm...” (Ephesians 6:13-14 NIV).

“... Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil...” (Ephesians 6:11 NLT).

“…HE (the indwelling Holy Spirit) “WILL” KEEP YOU STRONG to the end…” (1 Corinthians 1:8 NLT).

“…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...” (Hebrews 13:5 MSG).

“…He said, … Do not be afraid or discouraged ...the Lord is with you!” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).

“…No weapon that is formed against [YOU]… shall prosper…” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV).

“…the battle is not yours, but God’s. …...” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).

“…you will not even need to fight...” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).

“…Take your positions; then stand still..” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).

“…watch the Lord’s victory...” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).

INSIDE THE STORMS, 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). 

Remember,  “...Peter was sleeping....” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV). “...If God is for ...[you, inside the storm,]... who...[or what could be]... against ...[you]? ... …” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). “…Who...[or what would]... separate ...[you]... 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 ...[you]...from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord…” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB).

“...For...[God, the Holy Spirit]... know the thoughts that ...[he thinks]... 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). 

“...he (God, the Holy Spirit)...hath done marvellousthings…” ( Psalms 98:1 KJV). “… Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done …” (Psalms 40:5 KJV).

“… The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT). “...ALL THINGS work together for good to them (God’s people) that love God, to them who are the called (chosen by HIM) ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE…” (ROMANS 8:28 KJV).

“…[God is]... GOOD…” (Psalm 119:68 KJV). “.…there is none good but one, that is, God” (Nahum 1:7 & Mark 10:18 KJV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “…he remains faithful [and good], for he cannot deny who he is…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT).

“… [God, the invisible Holy Spirit] … is Your rock and Yourfortress, your deliverer, Your GOD, Your rock ...[ YOUR goodness]…  in whom [you] … take refuge...” (Psalms 18:3 NASB).

 “...overwhelming victory is [y]ours ...” (Romans 8:37 NLT). IN THE STORM, “...Peter was sleeping....” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV).

IF YOU HAVE BEEN THROUGH AND ARE GOING THROUGH, AND ARE "STILL" HERE, YOU HAVE ANOTHER'S DAY JOURNEY UNDER YOUR BELT. NO WEAPON PROPSERED! STOP TODAY AND BE GLAD!

 

 

GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME AND THAT'S WHY "HIS" PEOPLE EXALT HIM!

GOD IS GOOD & THAT'S WHY "HIS" PEOPLE EXALT HIM 

“……The Lord said, “I will cause all my GOODNESS to pass in front of you…” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV).

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 The bible says, “…For the lord is GOOD…” (Psalm 100:5 KJV).

God’s GOODNESS is “NOT” mankind’s goodness, but his GOOD ways are FAR and ABOVE those of mankind. “…his ways [are often]… past finding out…” (Romans 11:33-34 KJV).  “… [God’s] ... thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways ... [his] … ways ... as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are … [his] … ways higher than you[r] …. ways and … [his] … thoughts than your thoughts…” (Isaiah 55:8-9 ASV).

He is GOOD on purpose and for NO other reason but his HOLY, benevolent, grace-filled LOVE toward mankind. “… Thou are GOOD and doest GOOD…” (Psalm 119:68 KJV). “… [However, it is]… through God’s kindness … not by [your]… good works. … God’s GRACE… is—free and undeserved…” (Romans 11:5 NLT).

God is the true model of GOODNESS. “..The lord is GOOD…” (Nahum 1:7 KJV). ….there is none good but one, that is, God” (Mark 10:18 KJV).

God is the HOLY example of RIGHT behavior, which he exemplifies through his HOLY nature, divine character, and benevelent kindnesses toward those who do NOT deserve it. “…GOOD and uprightis the Lord…” (Psalm 25:8 KJV). “… God’sGRACE … is—free and undeserved…” (Romans 11:5 NLT).

God’s GOODNESS is spiritual and is part of his HOLY nature and divine character. “…for I the Lord am holy,. …” (Leviticus 20:26 KJV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).  “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “… Thou are GOODand doestGOOD…” (Psalm 119:68 KJV).

God’s GOODNESS is God’s WAY of being or behaving and he NEVER changes. “…for he is GOOD…” (Psalm 107:1 KJV). “…For thou, Lord, is GOOD…” (Psalm 86:5 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).

God demonstrates his GOODNESS toward mankind. “…Oh how great is thy GOODNESS…” (Psalm 31:19 KJV). God fills mankind with his GOODNESS. “…The fruit of the Spirit is … goodness …” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).  “…The Spirit of God dwelleth in [YOU]…” (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV).

God supplies you with enough GOODNESS to share with others. “…God will supply all [your need]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “…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).

God persuades you to CHOOSE to be GOOD to others as he has been GOOD to you. “…LOVE one another, even as I have loved you…” (John 13:34-35 KJV). "…In everything, therefore, TREAT people the same way you want them to TREAT you, for this is the Law and the Prophets…” (Matthew 7:12 NASB).

If you CHOOSE to be GOOD to others, God ENABLES or EMPOWERS you to do it. “…God …works in you TO WILL and TO ACT in order to fulfill his good purpose…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…Now may … God … equip you with everything good for doing his will, …” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…Now may … God  … work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).

God’s kind of GOODNESS is about righteous behavior. “…GOODand upright is the Lord…”(Psalm 25:8 KJV).

God’s GOODNESS is consistent, ongoing and he totally SHUNS evil because he possesses “NO” darkness at all. “…God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all…” (1 John 1:5 NASB).

God’s kind of GOODNESS come ONLY from GOD’s heart and is expressed through his HOLY nature. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).  “…The fruit of the Spirit is … goodness …” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).

God’s GOODNESS is “NOT” simply an outward ACT, but an inward BEHAVIOR. “… Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit. You brood of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak what is good? For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart. The good man brings out of hisgood treasure what is good …” (Matthew 12:33-35 NASB).

EVIL is not simply an outward ACT, but an inward BEHAVIOR. “… The Lordsaw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually…” (Genesis 6:5 NASB). “… After He called the crowd to Him again, He began saying to them, “Listen to Me, all of you, and understand:there is nothing outside the man which can defile him if it goes into him; but the things which proceed out of the man are what defile the man. If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.” When he had left the crowd andentered the house, His disciples questioned Him about the parable.  And He said to them, “Are you so lacking in understanding also? Do you not understand that whatever goes into the man from outside cannot defile him, because it does not go into his heart, but into his stomach, and is eliminated?” (Thus He declared all foods clean.) And He was saying, “That which proceeds out of the man, that is what defiles the man. For from within, out of the heartof men, proceed the evil thoughts, [fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness.All these evil thingsproceed from within and defile the man…” (Mark 7:14-23 NASB). “… the evilman brings out of his evil treasure what is evil…” (Matthew 12:33-35 NASB).

God’s GOODNESS extends to good and evil people. “…He causes His sun to rise on theevil and the good, and sends rain on therighteous and the unrighteous…” (Matthew 5:45 NASB).

However, God’s special GOODNESS is mainly extended to the people who BELONG to him in the covenant relationship.  “…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).

In addition, God’s special GOODNESS is extended to the people in the covenant relationship with him through Christ “IF” “they” choose to RESPOND to his GOODNESS. “…choose life…” (Deuteronomy 30:19). “…Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life …” (John 14 6 KJV).“…you area chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God's very own possession.As a result, you can show others the goodnessof God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light…” (1 Peter 2:9 NLT).

God’s HOLY GOODNESS , to his people, is witnessed through his AMAZING GRACE and LOVE, his MANY GIFTS and KINDNESSESES, his DESIRABLE CHARACTER, and the EXCELLENCY of his HOLY NATURE.

God’s GOODNESS, to his people, is witnessed through his “amazing grace and love” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).   “…the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23 KJV). “…YE SHALL DIE IN YOUR SINS: for IF YE BELIEVE NOT THAT I AM HE, YE SHALL DIE IN YOUR SINS…” (John 8:24 KJV). “…the free gift of God is eternal LIFE in Christ Jesus our Lord…” (Romans 6:23 NASB). “…Christ …died for sins ONCE for all … [and] …made [you]… ALIVE in the spirit …” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB).

Thus, God is “…is “SO” RICH in kindness and GRACE that he purchased our freedom ….and forgave our sins…” (Ephesians 1:7 NLT). “… [WE]… WHO ARE “KEPT” BY THE “POWER” OF GOD THROUGH FAITH unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. …” (1 Peter 1:5-9 KJV).  “….The exceeding RICHES of his GRACE in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus…” (Ephesians 2:7 KJV). “…be strong in the GRACE that is in Christ Jesus…” (2 Timothy 2:1 KJV). “…by the GRACE of God I AM what I AM…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).

 “…God SO LOVED the world, that he GAVE…” (John 3:16). “…Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that HE LOVED US...” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “We love, because HE FIRST LOVED US…” (1 John 4:19 ASV). God “…SPARED NOT his own Son, but delivered him up FOR US ALL…” (Romans 8:32 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). “…… [Nothing]…will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord…”(Romans 8:31-39 NASB). He has “….loved [you]...with an everlasting love….” (Jeremiah 31:3 KJV). “…There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life…” (John 15:13 NLT).

God’s GOODNESS, to his people, is witnessed through his many gifts and kindnesses. “…The GIFT by grace……” (Romans 5:15 KJV). ”… ye [are]…saved through faith…it is the GIFT of God…” (Ephesians 2:8 KJV). “…The GIFT of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ ….” (Romans 6:23 KJV).  “….ye shall receive the GIFT of the Holy Ghost…” (Acts 2:38 KJV). “…the GIFT of righteousness…” (Romans 5:17 KJV). “…I am leaving you with a GIFT—peace of mind and heart...” (John 14:27 KJV). “…God has given us different GIFTS for doing certain things well…” (Romans 12:6 NLT). “…every man hath his proper GIFT of God...” (2 Corinthians 7:7 KJV). “…Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable GIFT(S)…” (2 Corinthians  9:16 KJV). “…his divine power hath given unto us ALL THINGS that pertainunto life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV).

God’s GOODNESS is witnessed in his character “seen” through jesus Christ. “The Son is the radiance of God’s GLORY and the exact representation of his being…” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV). Examples of God’s HOLY character manifested in his NAMES: ADONAI or YAHWEH or JEHOVAH or JEHOVAH ELOHIM or EL ELYON or JEHOVAH ELOHIM which means:“LORD” "LORD God" “Most High" “lord (jesus Christ)” "LORD God."

ELOHIM or 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."

jesus means:“savior” “anointed one” "Emmanuel: god is with us."  “… [jesus] … is the … exact representation ofhis being (nature and character)…”(Hebrews 1:3 KJV).

God’s GOODNESS, to his people, is witnessed through the Excellency of his HOLY nature. “…be holy, because I am holy…” (1 Peter 1:16 KJV). OH…“THE BEAUTY OF HOLINESS…” (Psalms 29:2 KJV). “…God hath not called us for uncleanness, but unto holiness…” (1 Thessalonians 4:7 KJV). “…that we might be partakers of his holiness...” (Hebrews 12:10 KJV).  “…for I the Lord am holy,. …” (Leviticus 20:26 KJV). “….[SO] put on the new man, which after God is created in …true holiness...” (Ephesians 4:2 KJV “…the BEAUTY of … [god’s] … holiness…” (2 Chronicles 16:29 KJV).

The bible says:  “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). “…Great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD” (Psalms 117:2 KJV). “…The lord is GOOD…” (Psalm 100:5 KJV). “…Oh how great is thy GOODNESS…(Psalm 31:19 KJV).

“…Moses said, “…show me your glory.” …The Lord said, “I will cause all my GOODNESS to pass in front of you, …” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV). “…Oh how greatis thy GOODNESS…(Psalm 31:19 KJV).

“..The lord is GOOD…” (Nahum 1:7 KJV). “… Thou are GOODand doestGOOD…” (Psalm 119:68 KJV). “ ...there is none good but one, that is, God…” (Mark 10:18 KJV).

 

GOD'S REDEEMED PEOPLE ARE SPIRITUALLY ALIVE UPON EARTH!

                     
SPIRITUALLY ALIVE

 “…The Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE …” (John 3:6 NLT).

                     *

The “covenant unity” relationship with God, the Holy Spirit, has EVERYTHING his people could ever NEED or WANT, yet some of them will STILL choose, through their will, to WALK AWAY and TURN their BACKS on him.“... IN LATTER TIMES “SOME” SHALL [CHOOSE OR DECIDE TO] ...DEPART FROM the FAITH !!!! (depart from trusting in and depending upon God)...” (1 Timothy 4:1-3 KJV).

“...Take heed, BRETHREN , lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. ..” (Hebrews 3:12 KJV). “... If ye continue in the faith ... and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, [but continue to ENDURE, YOU SHALL BE SAVED] ...” (Colossians 1:22-23 KJV).

“...HE (SHE) THAT “SHALL” (choose to) ENDURE UNTO THE END SHALL BE SAVED...” (Matthew 24:13 KJV).

God says: “... I hate divorce! …” (Malachi 2:16 NLT). A divorce is the end of a covenant relationship and means it is terminated or broken. It also means the legal duties and responsibilities of each spouse have been canceled and the vows, under the rule of law, are no longer binding.

In order to obtain a divorce, the covenant parties must go through a legal process, according to the laws of their state or country. This process requires the involvement of a court and a judge that decides on issues such as distribution of properties, child support, alimony, sharing of debt, and the splitting of material possessions.

The reasons for divorce, varies, but could entail anything from incompatibility to infidelity. In the instant of divorce either both parties want the divorce, or one party wants the divorce and the other concedes to the other parties wishes.

The bottom line is that a DIVORCE is the dissolution of a covenant marriage relationship and it requires a LEGAL PROCESS to END it.

When APOSTASY happened in biblical history it meant the “covenant unity” relationship with God had been broken. The soul is lost and the body, without the Spirit is dead.

“...souls of men(women)...” (Revelation 18:13 KJV). “...the Son of man (God’s living Word) is come to seek and to save that which was lost...” (Luke 19:10 KJV). ).  “… [The] Good News about Christ (the Son of man, the Living Word). It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes…” (Romans 1:16 NLT). “....receive... the ...word (Jesus), which is able to save your souls...” (James 1:21 KJV). “…the body without (apart from) the spirit is dead…” (James 2:26 KJV).

A lost soul is UNABLE, on their own, to find his or her WAY back HOME to God, the Holy Spirit. “The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.  And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. …I [am] …a slave to the sin that is … within me. Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin (through the dead, sinful nature)? …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

The body apart from the Spirit is DEVOID of spiritual LIFE. The soul is LOST and IMPRISONED within a spiritually DEAD body. “…[They became] ... DEAD in trespasses and sin (lost souls trapped within the spiritually dead sinful nature)…” (Ephesians 2:1 KJV).

God through Jesus brings the lost soul back home and restores spiritual life to them. “...He lovesthe people…” (Deuteronomy 33:3 NASB).“… I will bring them home again,” says the Lord….” (HOSEA 11 NLT). “…There is … one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).  

“...Christ also died for sins ONCE for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us...[BACK]... to God...” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB).

“…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…The Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE …” (John 3:6 NLT).  “…The Spirit of God [will come to]...dwell… in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…The Lord ( the GOOD SEED that is sown into the heart) is that Spirit (too)…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV). “…Jesus Christ is IN YOU…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV).

In summary, the soul, without God, the Holy Spirit, is a lost soul, trapped within the prison of a spiritually dead body, made from the dust of the ground. Lost souls are called sinners, not because of what they do or don’t do, but because they are “…DEAD “IN”trespasses and sin (lost souls trapped within a spiritually dead, sinful nature)...” (Ephesians 2:1 KJV). “…the body without (apart from) the spirit is dead…” (James 2:26 KJV).

Without God, the Holy Spirit, the body no longer houses a LIVING SOUL. WHY? “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…the Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE…” (John 3:6 NLT).  “...The Spirit GIVES life...” (John 6:63 NIV). “...He is ... God (the Holy Spirit IS THE ONE) who made the world and everything in it ...He himself gives life (spiritual life) and breath (existence) to everything...” (Acts 17:24-25 NLT). “... [God’s] …Holy Spirit …is the SOURCE [of  it ALL]…” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

“….Apart from [the Holy Spirit]…[mankind can]..do nothing (they cannot be spiritually alive, again)…” (John 15:5 NIV).

Lost, spiritually dead souls are“…separated from the LIFE of God (the Holy Spirit)…” (Ephesians 4:18 NIV). BECAUSE, “…It is the (Holy) SPIRIT who gives [spiritual] LIFE…” (John 6:63 NASB).

What made the CREATION of mankind “LIVING” was because God, the Holy Spirit was a PART of the BODY and SOUL.  “…And the LORD God  ... breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (his Holy Spirit) (this was good)…”(GENESIS 2:7 KJV). “...The Spirit GIVESlife...” (John 6:63 NIV). “…[God is]... GOOD…” (Psalm 119:68 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is ... GOODness…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). "....The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit …” (Galatians 5 NLT). “…Apart from [the Holy Spirit]… [mankind cannot]... do nothing [they cannot be SPIRITUALLY ALIVE or GOOD]…” (John 15:5 NIV). “….God saw everything he had made…and, [said] … it was VERY GOOD…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).

NOW, the lost, spiritually dead soul says, “...I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. …I [am] …a slave to the sin that is … within me.  …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

By the POWER of God’s Word, the Holy Spiritand the soul can divide asunder (BREAK-UP the covenant unity). “...the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit,....” (Hebrews 4:12 NASB).

God, the Holy Spirit, GAVE Adam and Eve one HOLY instruction:  “…of every tree of the garden THOU MAYEST FREELY EAT: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou  SHALT NOT EAT of it; for in THE DAY THAT THOU EATEST thereof THOU SHALT SURELY DIE…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV).

What does God tell HIS PEOPLE about HIS WORD? “…MY WORD … that goeth forth out of my mouth: it SHALL NOT return unto me void, but it SHALL ACCOMPLISH that which I please, and it SHALL PROSPER in the thing whereto I sent it…” (Isaiah 55:11 KJV). God says, I “…am WATCHING over my word to PERFORM it…” (Jeremiah 1:12 NASB). “…Not one of the good promises which the Lord had made … failed; all came to pass…” (Joshua 21:45 NASB).

God’s WORD said to Adam(Eve): “...THE DAY THAT THOU EATEST thereof THOU SHALT SURELY DIE…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV).

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

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

“….God saw everything he had made……and, [said] … it was VERY GOOD…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV). Adam and Eve destroyed MUCH GOOD.

“…God asked the woman, “What have you done?”(Genesis 3:7-13 NLT). “… ONE sinner destroy[ed]… MUCH GOOD…” (Ecclesiastes 9:18 NASB). “...The lord is GOOD…there is none good but one, that is, God...” (Nahum 1:7 & Mark 10:18 KJV).

“…through one [hu]man [CHOICE TO DISOBEY) (SIN = transgression against God’s instructions) entered into the world, and [spiritual] DEATH THROUGH SIN (spiritual death came along with sin), and so [spiritual] death passed to “all” men(women)—“(Romans 5:12 KJV).  NOW “…All have sinned (all are born spiritually dead) and fallen SHORT of the GLORY of God (all are born without the Holy Spirit)…” (Romans 3:23).

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

“…God asked the woman, “What have you done?”(Genesis 3:7-13 NLT).

God says, I “…am WATCHING over my word (“...thou shalt surely DIE”...) to PERFORM it…” (Jeremiah 1:12 NASB). “…Not one of the good promises which the Lord had made … failed; all came to pass…” (Joshua 21:45 NASB).

Thus,“.... at that moment their eyes were opened (opened to a life SEPARATE from God, the Holy Spirit)…” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).  “…[their] ...INIQUITIES … separated … [them from] ... God (the breath of life, the Holy Spirit, GOODNESS)…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). “…It’s [THEIR] SINSthat  ...cut [them] off from God…” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT). 

A willful, voluntarily decision to ignore God’s holy instructions by CHOOSING “not” to trust and depend upon HIS WORD CUT them OFF from God, the Holy Spirit or SEPARATED them from the breathe of life. “…It’s YOUR SINS that … [will] ...cut you off from God…” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT).

In the “covenant unity” relationship, Adam and Eve had FREE will the entire time and were never forced to abide with God, the Holy Spirit. “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

ALL choices, made through the the will, have consequences. God fully disclosed to Adam(Eve) what those consequences would be if they CHOSE to eat from the tree. Thus, “…my people (Adam (Eve) at the time) would not listen to me...” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). “….For he(she) that soweth to his(her) flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption…” (Galatians 6:8 KJV).

 God said to Adam(Eve): “... THE DAY THAT THOU EATEST thereof THOU SHALT SURELY DIE…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV).

What was the consequences of Adam and Eve’s decision? “…[They became] ... DEAD in trespasses and sin…” (Ephesians 2:1 KJV).

Their souls became lost souls, trapped within the prison of the spiritually dead body, made from the dust of the ground. God, the Holy Spirit was no longer present. Lost souls are called sinners, because they are “…DEAD “IN” trespasses and sin (lost souls trapped within the spiritually dead sinful nature)...” (Ephesians 2:1 KJV). “…the body without (apart from) the spirit is dead…” (James 2:26 KJV).

“... THE DAY THAT THOU EATESTthereof THOU SHALT SURELY DIE…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV). “…MY WORD … that goeth forth out of my mouth: it SHALL NOT return unto me void, but it SHALL ACCOMPLISH that which I please, and it SHALL PROSPERin the thing whereto I sent it…” (Isaiah 55:11 KJV). ). “...the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit,....” (Hebrews 4:12 NASB).

When the soul was DIVIDED ASUNDER from the Holy Spirit it was ALONE and apart from God. “...soulsof men(women)...” (Revelation 18:13 KJV). “...the Son of man (God’s living Word) is come to seek and to save that which was lost...” (Luke 19:10 KJV). “....receive... the ...word (Jesus), which is able to save your souls...” (James 1:21 KJV). “…the body without (apart from) the spirit is dead…” (James 2:26 KJV).

When the soul is left ALONE, without God, the Holy Spirit, it becomes LOST in the natural world, which is UNDER the power of the Evil One.“…the whole world lies under the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19 RSV).

Not only is the lost soul separated from God, the Holy Spirit, but there is a BARRIER between them too. This barrier is also known as a CHASM, which separates the natural realm from the supernatural realm. It also creates impenetrable boundaries between sinful mankind and the HOLY God and they cannot have a “covenant unity” relationship “... 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 chasm separates mankind from God, cuts them off from him, permanently, and sets impenetrable boundaries. They are in two different realms, God can’t even accept them, or hear them, or look upon them with any kind of favor. “…[God, the Holy Spirit] cannot look on wickedness with favor…” (Habakkuk 1:13 NASB). “…[God, the Holy Spirit’s]... eyes are too pure to approve (accept, endorse, sanction, etc.) evil…” (Habakkuk 1:13 NASB). “…Because of YOUR SINS, [God, the Holy Spirit has] … turned away and can… not listen anymore [because he is in the spiritual realm and YOU are not]…” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT).

HOLINESS simply can NOT bond, MIX, UNITE, or be yoked together with SIN on ANY level (big or small). SIN creates a REAL chasm. “…Be ye NOT unequally yoked together with unbelieversfor 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). “... And besides all this, between us and you [there] a great chasm (barrier) …” (Luke 16:22-25 NASB).

Remember the biblical story of the poor man and the rich man? “…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 or CHASM between mankind (SIN/oil) and God (HOLY/water). “...And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm…” (Luke 16:22-25 NASB). “…[God, the Holy Spirit] cannot look on wickedness with favor…” (Habakkuk 1:13 NASB). “…[God, the Holy Spirit’s]... eyes are too pure to approve evil…” (Habakkuk 1:13 NASB). “... APART FROM [Christ]... you (soul) can do nothing (the lost soul cannot UNITE with the HOLY God)  …” (John 15:1-11 NASB).

“… I AM HOLY(completely, entirely, wholly without sin)…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). GOD IS THE HOLY SPIRIT. “... between us...[there is]... a great chasm …” (Luke 16:22-25 NASB).

If the soul and Holy Spirit are divided asunder, that soul is a sinner who will die. “...I was born a sinner ….” (Psalms 51:5 NLT). “.... the soul that sinneth, it shall die...” (Ezekiel 18:4 KJV). “…For all (souls) have sinned…” (Romans 3:23 KJV). “…the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23 KJV). “…all (souls) have ... come short of the glory of God (all souls are born and exist WITHOUT the indwelling Holy Spirit)…” (Romans 3:23 KJV).

“…..God created man in his own image…..male and female created he them...” (Genesis 1:27 KJV). The bible says:“...God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul...” (Genesis 2:7 KJV).

 “…All things[COME] into being through Him (the WORD of GOD), and apart from [the WORD] nothing [COMES] into being that [WILL] come into being … (John 1:1-4 NASB). “... I am fearfully and wonderfully made;Wonderful are Your works, And my soul (my existence) knows it very well…” (Psalms 139: 7:14 NASB). “…by the GRACE of God I AM (you are) what I AM (you are)…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).

 “... Wonderful are Your works…” (Psalms 139: 7:14 NASB). God literally breathed into Adam(Eve’s) nostrils “the breath of life.” “...God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life...” (Genesis 2:7 KJV). “… [God, the Holy Spirit]... Himself GIVES to all [humanity]... LIFE (spiritual) and BREATH (soul, existence) and all things…” (Acts 17:25 NASB).

The first “covenant unity” relationship, witnessed, was between God, the Holy Spirit and Adam(Eve). Together - bonded by love and connected by Spirit – God, the HOLY SPIRIT and the soulentered into the earthen vessel. BEAUTIFUL! “...and [Adam(Eve)]... became a living soul...” (Genesis 2:7 KJV). “… [God, the Holy Spirit]... Himself GIVES to all people LIFE (making them spiritually ALIVE) and BREATH (making them an existing soul)…” (Acts 17:25 NASB).

“...Man[kind]... is like a mere breath...” (Psalm 144:4 NASB). “...Remember that my life is but breath...” (Job 7:7 NASB). “...Stop regarding man[kind], whose breath of life is in [their]... nostrils...(Isaiah 2:22 NASB). “...Surely every man (woman) at his (her( best is a mere breath.Selah...” (Psalm 39:5 NASB).“… [God, the Holy Spirit]... Himself GIVES to all people...BREATH …” (Acts 17:25 NASB).

God says, “...all souls(breaths) are mine...the soul of the father [and]... the soul of the son is mine...[and].... the soul that sinneth, it shall die...” (Ezekiel 18:4 KJV).

At this time in history, God, the Holy Spirit and Adam(Eve) were in a “covenant unity” relationship BONDED by the unity of LOVE and connected through Spirit. “…[God’s] ... love.... is the perfect BOND of unity...” (Colossians 3:14 NASB).“…He that is joined unto the LORD is ONE SPIRIT [with God AGAIN]…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “...the Spirit of God dwelleth “in” you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV).

They were both spiritual and human beings. When God saw Adam(Eve) he saw his image and likeness and called them a LIVING SOUL. “...and [Adam(Eve)]... became a living soul...” (Genesis 2:7 KJV).

Adam(Eve) made a CHOICE, using human will, and the SOUL and SPIRIT were divided asunder. “…Everyone who sins is breaking God’s [HOLY] …law, for all sin is contrary to the...[HOLY] ...  law of God….” (1 John 3:4 NLT).

Adam(Eve) KNEW God’s HOLY law, because he told them about it. They made a conscious choice, fully informed of the consequences. “…I had not known SIN, but by the law: for I had not known LUST, except the law had said, THOU SHALT NOT COVET…” (Romans 7:7 KJV). “…It was the law that showed me my sin. I would never have known that coveting is wrong if the law had not said, “You must not covet.” (Romans 7:7 NLT).  

Even though they KNEW God’s Word they were DRAWN AWAY by their OWN desires.“…every man (woman) is tempted, when he (she) is drawn away of his (her) own lust, and enticed. …” (James 1:13-15 NLT). “… SIN, when it is finished, BRINGETH FORTH DEATH…” (James 1:13-15 NLT).

“...through one man (mankind) sin entered into the world, and (spiritual) death through sin, and so (spiritual) death passed to all men (women), for that all sinned (all souls have NO Holy Spirit)—“(Romans 5:12 KJV). “... all(souls) have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23 KJV).  

Nonetheless, the LOVING God put his PLAN of SALVATION into action through JESUS CHRIST to reconcile with mankind, again, through the “covenant unity” relationship. “...He loves the people…” (Deuteronomy 33:3 NASB).“… I will bring them home again,” says the Lord….” (HOSEA 11 NLT).

“...Christ also died for sins ONCE for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us...[BACK]... to God...” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB).“… [He sent the ] …one … who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT). “…Jesus Christ maketh thee whole (AGAIN: body, SOUL and SPIRIT)…” (Acts 9:34 KJV).

Jesus RESTORES (repairs) the soul. “….He restoreth my soul….” (PSALM 23:1-3 NLT).God is a “…restorer of thy life (spiritual life)…” (Ruth 4:15 KJV). “…He restoreth my SOUL…” (Psalm 23 KJV). “…The law of the LORD (the WORD of God) is perfect, restoring the SOUL…” (Psalm 19 NASB). “….He (the WORD OF GOD) restorethmy 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).

.“… [He sent the ] …one… who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT). Jesus RECONCILES God, the Holy Spirit and man’s soul “... and man (woman) became a living soul (aGain) …” (Genesis 2:7 KJV).

 “…It is the SPIRIT who gives “LIFE”; the flesh (the lost soul, ALONE,) profits nothing…” (John 6:63 NASB). “….apart from … [God’s HOLY Spirit], [the lost soul can]… do nothing (to reconcile with God)…” (John 15:5 NIV).

The soul divided asunder from God, the Holy Spirit is LOST and spiritually DEAD. The “breath of life” CONNECTS the soul with God and empowers the soul with an affinity towards HIM. “...The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin (through the sinful nature). I don’t really understand myself, for I wantto do what is right (TO HAVE AN AFFINITY TOWARD GOD), but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.  And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to dowhat is right (RECONCILE WITH GOD), but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. …I [am] …a slave to the sin that is … within me (through my sinful nature). Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin (through the sinful nature)? …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

Apart from the Holy Spirit, the soul, by itself, will have NO “AFFINITY” toward God at all. “….apart from … [God’s HOLY Spirit], [the soul can]… do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).“…the body without (apart from) the spirit is (spiritually) dead…” (James 2:26 KJV).

When God, originally, created mankind, they had a body, a soul, and God’s Spirit. God called them “LIVING SOULS.”  The LIVING (God, the Holy Spirit) SOUL (Adam (Eve) was in the body, together.  “...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). 

God, the Holy Spirit and Adam, the soul went into the body, together, as a “covenant unity.” Thus, the first COVENANT relationship was made. However, the Word said: “…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).

Adam(Eve) ate from the tree and died, spiritually, as God had said. “….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).

The souls of Adam(Eve) were left to themselves when they SEPARATED from God’s Holy Spirit.  “…Your INIQUITIES (sin) have separated between you and your God, and YOUR SINS have hid his face from you, that he will not hear…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). “…It’s YOUR SINSthat have cut you off from God. …” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT).

The effects of the dividing asunder of soul and Spirit were immediate. Four important things happened: first, the Holy Spiritseparated from them, second, they were also spiritually dead, third, sin had entered into the natural realm, and fourth, spiritual death entered into the natural realm too.     “...sinentered 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 (big or small). “…Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the [HOLY] …law: for sin is the transgression of the [HOLY] …law….” (1 John 3:4 KJV). “…Everyone who sins is breaking God’s [HOLY] …law, for all sin is contrary to the...[HOLY] ...  law of God….” (1 John 3:4 NLT).

Every human being or soul born into the natural realm, is born without the Holy Spirit. Being a sinner is not what you do or don’t do, it is what you are by a nature that is divided asunder from God’s 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 holy spirit)—yes, from the moment my mother conceived me….” (Psalms 51:5 NLT).

The soul, without God, the Holy Spiritis a lost and spiritually dead soul whose eternal future is hell and damnation. “…the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23 KJV). “.... the soul that sinneth, it shall die...” (Ezekiel 18:4 KJV). “...Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power...” (2 Thessalonians 1:9 KJV). “...these shall go away into everlasting punishment...” (Matthew 25:45 KJV).

The only way the soul can become FREE from a future of eternal separation from God is through Jesus. “…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by SIN (through the sinful nature headed for eternal destruction)? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). 

The Holy Spirit cannot UNITE with SIN on any level. His holiness NATURALLY separates from sinners like OIL and WATER naturally separate.  “…It’s YOUR SINS that have cut you off  from God (who is HOLY)…” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT). “…Your INIQUITIES … separated … you and your God …” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

The same bible also says, “...Christ also died for sins (past, present, and future) ONCE for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us...[BACK]... to God...” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB). Further, the bible says, “... if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them...” (2 Peter 2:20-23 NASB).

“... it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment ......” (2 Peter 2:20-23 NASB).

“... Everyone (no exceptions) who sins is breaking God’s law [AND]... anyone who keeps on sinning (practicing it) does not know him ... [or] who he is...” (1 John 3:7-10 NLT).

“...when people keep on sinning, it shows that they belong to the devil...” (1 John 3:7-10 NLT). “…Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” (Romans 6:16 KJV).

 “...So now we can tell who are children of God and who are children of the devil. Anyone (NO EXCEPTIONS) who does not live righteously and does not love other believersdoes not belong to God...” (1 John 3:7-10 NLT).

“.... Those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, because God’s [indwelling spiritual] ... life is in them. So they can’t keep on sinning, because they are children of God...” (1 John 3:7-10 NLT).

“ ...[Children of God]...are not controlled by [their]... sinful nature [anymore]. [they]... are controlled by the Spirit if [they] have the Spirit of God living in [them] …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). 

“…[God’s people can FREELY choose]... this day whom [they want to]... serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “…[However, whoever God’s people]...yield [them]selves servants to obey, his servants [they will become]... whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?...” (Romans 6:16 KJV). 

 “…The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the [Holy] Spirit wants. And the [Holy] Spirit gives [the soul]... desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature (body) desires. These TWO FORCES are constantly fighting each other, so you are not FREE to carry out your good intentions. … …” (Galatians 5 NLT).

“…If the Son therefore shall make you free, you SHALL be free indeed…” (John 8:36 KJV). “... It was for freedom that Christ set [his people]... free...” (Galatians 5:1 NASB).  “…[God’s people CAN]...choose (through their FREED human will) ...this day whom [they want to]... will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “... If [they] sin willfully  (by choice) AFTER... [they]... have received the knowledge of THE TRUTH, there remaineth NO more sacrifice for sins...” (Hebrews 10:26 KJV).  

“...Anyone (NO EXCEPTIONS) who does not live righteously and does not love other believersdoes not belong to God...” (1 John 3:7-10 NLT).“... REPENT AND RETURN, “SO” that your sins may be wiped away…” (Acts 3:19 NASB). “ ... Return ... to the Lord... [your] ... God... [AND HE] ... will heal [your] ... apostasy ....” (Hosea 14:1-4 NLT).

“…EXCEPT YE REPENT, ye...[the redeemed]... shall all likewise PERISH…” (Luke 13:3 KJV).  

“... I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God...” (Galatians 5:19-21 NASB). “…[They]... have been cut off from Christ! [They]... have fallen away from God’s GRACE…” (Galatians 5:4 NLT). “…[Their]... INIQUITIES [have]… separated … [them from],,, God…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV).  “…I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

The book of JUDE discusses the HISTORY of those who CHOSE willfully and voluntarily to DEPART from God, the Holy Spirit. “...Dear friends ... some ungodly people have wormed their way into your churches, saying that God’s marvelous grace allows us to live immoral lives. The condemnation of such people was recorded long ago, for they have denied our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. So I want to remind you, though you already know these things, that Jesus (the Word) first rescued the nation of Israel from Egypt, but later he destroyed those who did not remain faithful. And I remind you of the angels who did not stay within the limits of authority God gave them but left the place where they belonged. God has kept them securely chained in prisons of darkness, waiting for the great day of judgment. And don’t forget Sodom and Gomorrah and their neighboring towns, which were filled with immorality and every kind of sexual perversion. Those cities were destroyed by fire and serve as a warning of the eternal fire of God’s judgment...” (Jude 1 NLT). 

“... These things happened as a warning to us, so that we would not crave evil things as they did, or worship idols as some of them did. As the Scriptures say, “The people celebrated with feasting and drinking, and they indulged in pagan revelry.  And we must not engage in sexual immorality as some of them did, causing 23,000 of them to die in one day. Nor should we put Christ to the test, as some of them did and then died from snakebites. And don’t grumble as some of them did, and then were destroyed by the angel of death. These things happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age...” (1 Corinthians 10:9-11 NLT).

“...For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them...” (2 Peter 2:20-23 NASB).

“... it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment ......” (2 Peter 2:20-23 NASB).

“...It has happened to them according to the true proverb, “A dog returnsto its own vomit,” and, “A sow, after washing, returns to wallowing in the mire...” (2 Peter 2:20-23 NASB).

God LOVES the lost soul and the souls that have strayed away from his grace too. So, “…HE ...sent his Son…” (1 John 4:10 NIV).  “… [He sent the] …one… who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).

When God created the male and female in his image and after his likeness, it included a body, soul, and HIS SPIRIT.  “…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).

“…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “…And the LORD God ...breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (the Holy Spirit, his image, his likeness, etc.)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). Remember, “…God is not human “…God is Spirit  …” (Numbers 23:19 NIV & John 4:24 KJV).

Thus, God’s word said: “…THE DAY THAT THOU EATEST thereof “THOU SHALT SURELY DIE”…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV). “….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).  

“…MY WORD (“...thou shalt surely die...”… that goeth forth out of my mouth: it SHALL ...ACCOMPLISH that which I please, and it SHALL PROSPER in the thing whereto I sent it…” (Isaiah 55:11 KJV).

“... the Word of God ...piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit,....” (Hebrews 4:12 NASB). “…[Their]... INIQUITIES (sin) ....separated (divided them asunder)... [from them] God (the Holy Spirit)…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV).

The “covenant unity” relationship with God has been troubled every since. “...Wherefore, as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death passed to all men, for that all sinned—“(Romans 5:12 KJV). “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23 KJV). 

Yet, God is MERCIFUL and full of SAVING GRACE. “… [He sent the ] …one … who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).

Jesus RESTORES (repairs) the soul. “….He restoreth my soul….” (PSALM 23:1-3 NLT).God is a “…restorer of thy life (spiritual life)…” (Ruth 4:15 KJV). “…He restoreth my SOUL…” (Psalm 23 KJV). “…The law of the LORD (the WORD of God) is perfect, restoring the SOUL…” (Psalm 19 NASB). “….He (the WORD OF GOD) restorethmy 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).   

Jesus RECONCILES God, the Holy Spirit and man’s soul “... and man (woman) became a living soul (aGain) …” (Genesis 2:7 KJV).That's how he restores the LOST and SPIRITUALLY dead SOUL.

 

 

ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER BECAUSE YOU LOVE THEM AND WANT TO BUILD THEM UP!

ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER, BECAUSE YOU LOVE THEM AND WANT THEM TO BUILD EACH OTHER UP!

“…Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. Itdoes not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, Itis 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, Lovenever fails…” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV).

*

          “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…God is [REAL]… LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…LOVE IS…” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV).

HOW DO YOU RECOGNIZE “REAL” LOVE? “… God is (REAL) LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “REAL” LOVE “…is [recognized by its]… patien[ce] … [and its]… kind[ness]. 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 REAL]…love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres, [GOD’S REAL]…love never fails…” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV).

God’s LOVE is RECOGNIZED through the HOLY SPIRIT “NOT” not simply your emotions, or 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).

When you RECOGNIZE “REAL” LOVE it means you KNOW what it is when you “SEE” it. “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…every one that loveth …. KNOWETH God…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV).

It means you can READILY identify REAL LOVE’S behavior. “…LOVE IS… LOVE IS…” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV).

It means you agree and officially approve the God of LOVE as a VALID reality. “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “…thefruit of the Spirit is …  love …” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).

It means you have personal knowledge that REAL LOVE truly exists. “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…God is [REAL]… LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “… “I AM” WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). “…Every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God (has personal knowledge of HIM). He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…WE LOVE, because …” (1 John 4:19 ASV).

To RECOGNIZE “REAL” love also means you have personally experienced God’s LOVE for yourself.“…God’s love has been poured out INto …[your]… hearts through the Holy Spirit…” (Romans 5:5 NIV).  “…God has given [you] HIS Spirit as PROOF that … [his LOVE dwells]…in [you]…” (1 John 4:13 NLT).“…The Spirit of God dwell[s]… in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).

“…thefruit of the Spirit is …  love …” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…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).“…the Father that dwelleth in… [YOU], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

To personally experience that LOVE it has to be REVEALED to you.  “…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “… For the Lord is the one who … reveals his thoughtsto mankind…” (Amos 4:13 NLT). “…THE WORDS THAT I (Jesus) SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT…” (John 6:63 KJV). “… the things that come from the Spirit of God… are discerned (recognized) only through the Spirit. …” (2 Corinthians 2:12-15 KJV).

Thus, REAL LOVE is REVEALED to you through GOD, the indwelling Holy Spirit. “…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).  Jesus, “…the Son is … the exact representation of his [HOLY]…being…” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV). “… Jesus saith … he that hath SEEN ME HATH SEEN the Father…” (John 14:9 KJV). “…Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “...I and my Father are ONE…" (John 10:30 KJV). “…THERE ARE THREE that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy..[Spirit]: and THESE THREE ARE ONE  …” (1 John 5:7 KJV).“… No one has ever seen God. But …[Jesus] … who is himself God … He has revealed God to us…” (John 1:18 NLT).

There are many definitions, descriptions, opinions, professional analogies, emotional expressions, and traditional types of love, but I am only speaking of the original, the standard, and the purest LOVE of all.  “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV).

The bible describes love as the following: “…love is patient …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. … [God’s grace-filled]…love never fails…” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV).

God is love and love’s description is NOT debatable. 1 John 4:4-8 and 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 are biblical TRUTHS. “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…LOVE IS… LOVE IS…” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV).

Because God “IS” love, he is ALWAYS love. “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). These WORDS are “NOT” based on emotion, but a perpetual TRUTH!

In addition, God’s love is kind, patient, etc. “…love is patient …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. … [God’s grace-filled]…love never fails…” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV). These WORDS are not based on emotion, but a perpetual TRUTH!

The TRUTH is “…notthat we loved God, but that HE [first] LOVED US...” (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). “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…There is no greater LOVE …” (John 15:13 NLT).

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

The TRUTH: “…THIS IS LOVE: NOT that we loved God, but that he… [really]… loved us…” (1 John 4:10 NIV).

Mankind had SINNED against God, abandoned him, turned their backs on him, and forgot all about him, but GOD’s LOVE is not determined by emotions, but TRUTH. “… [God has]… loved [you]... with an everlasting love….” (Jeremiah 31:3 KJV).

Therefore, God’s LOVE never  FAILS! No matter what YOU do; his LOVE remains faithfully STRONG. “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT). “… The … FAITHFUL love of the Lord, [for you], NEVER ENDS...”(Lamentations 3:22-23 NLT). “…I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love …” (Jeremiah 9:23-24 NLT). “…I am with you always, to the very end…"(Matthew 28:20 NIV)

Human LOVE usually depends heavily upon emotions and often FAIL as soon as feelings die. “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…LOVE …NEVER FAILS…” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV). “… [Nothing] …will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord…” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB).

The WORD says: “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…LOVE …NEVER FAILS…” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV). “…Thy WORD is truth…” (JOHN 17:17 KJV). “Jesus saith…I am … the TRUTH…” (John 14:6 KJV).

The TRUTH is: “…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…lovenever fails…” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV). “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  “Jesus Christ (the WORD) is the sameyesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV). “…Thy WORD is truth…” (JOHN 17:17 KJV). “…ye shall know the TRUTH, and the TRUTH shall make you free…” (John 8:32 KJV).

When humans think of LOVE they limit it to emotions, but God elevates LOVE to the preeminence of TRUTH.

I am not debating over the four types of love, people often refer to, from the Greek words:  Eros, Storge, Philia, and Agape, which break down into categories of romantic love, family love, brotherly/sisterly love, and God's love. “… [God’s]… thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are [his]… ways [your]… ways…..as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are [his]… ways higher than your ways and [his]… thoughts than your thoughts…” (Isaiah 55:8-9 ASV).

I am taking the perspective that GOD is LOVE and his LOVE is based on TRUTH first and foremost; not emotion. “…In this world we are like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). Therefore, “…love one another; as I have loved you…” (John 13:34-35 KJV). “…There is no greater LOVE than to lay down one’s life…” (John 15:13 NLT).“…[You]… can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth…[you]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

“…Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV).

“…Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…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…lovenever fails…” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV).

Eros, Storge, Philia, and Agape all break down into categories of LOVE: romantic love, family love, brotherly/sisterly love, and God's love. “…WE LOVE, becausehe first loved us” (1 John 4:19 ASV).

We LOVE our romantic counterparts, we love our families, we love our brothers and sisters-in-Christ, and we love God, BECAUSE and “ONLY” BECAUSE “HE” first loved us. “…WE LOVE, becausehe first loved us” (1 John 4:19 ASV). “….apart from [the God of LOVE, you can]… do nothing (not even LOVE)…” (John 15:5 NIV). “…the flesh profiteth NOTHING…” (John 6:63 KJV). “….I am carnal … [and it is]… sin that dwelleth in me. … I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no GOOD thing: ….” (Romans 7:14-23 KJV).

“…I do nothing of myself…” (John 8:28 KJV). “…the Fatherthat dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…He helps me, and my heart is filled with JOY…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT).

The TRUTH is God is love and the description of God’s kind of love found in 1 Corinthians 13 is TRUTH also. Therefore, “…love one another; as I have loved you …” (John 13:34-35 KJV).

Whoever and however you, as God’s people, LOVE, IS IT based on, first and foremost, TRUTH and “NOT” merely emotion? . “…In this world we are like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). Therefore, “…love one another; as I have loved you …” (John 13:34-35 KJV).

According to the Word of God how you LOVE is “NOT” based on what you know, but WHO you know. “…Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV).

“… [You might be able to] … speak with the tongues of men and of angel … [You might] … have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and … [you might] …have all faith, so as to remove mountains …  And … [you may] … give all … [your] … possessions to feed the poor, and … [you may] …surrender …[your] … body to be burned, but …[if you] … do not have love, it profits … [you] … nothing.…” (1 Corinthians 13:1-3 KJV).

Whoever God’s people are in relationships with –whether it’s romantic, family, brotherly, sisterly, or God, the fruit of HIS kind of love will be clearly witnessed! “…In this world …[they] … are like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV).   

God’s people are recognized by the way they demonstrate love “…one to another …” (John 13:35 KJV). “…Ye shall know them by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “…But the fruit of the Spirit is LOVE, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).

It will be CLEAR and easy to recognize the kind of LOVE that influences their relationships. “…Every good tree bringeth forth good fruit... [and] a good tree CANNOT bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. WHEREFORE BY THEIR … FRUIT YE SHALL KNOW THEM …...” (Matthew 7:16-22 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control….” (Galatians 5:22-23). Therefore, “You can identify them… by their … fruit, that is, by the way they … act…” (Matthew 7:16 NLT).

  BE“… transformed by the renewing of your mind…. [AND]…conformed to the image of his Son...”  (ROMANS 12:1 & Romans 8:29 KJV)

“…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV) AND “…the invisible [Holy Spirit]…from the creation of the world is …clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made …so that [you] are without excuse…” (Romans 1:20 KJV). “… It is …God who does the work IN AND THROUGH all of us who are his… The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us...”(1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

“…That great Shepherd of the sheep,equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work “IN US” what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…[You]… can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth…[you]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

Therefore, “…love one another; as I have loved you…” (John 13:34-35 KJV).

It is HARD and CHALLENGING to love others the WAY God has shown love, for you, upon the cross and perpetually each and every day of your lives. “…God so loved the world that he gave…” (John 3:16 KJV). “…God has said “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV).

God can EMPOWER you to love in TRUTH and not simply the limitations of emotions. “…I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “…It is God who works IN YOU to will and TO ACT…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…[You]… can do all things THROUGH CHRIST which strengtheneth [you]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “….Apart from [Jesus]…YOU CAN DO NOTHING…” (John 15:5 NIV).

“…God will supply all [the LOVE you need]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “…my cup runneth over [with the fruit of LOVE]…” (Psalms 23:5 KJV). “…God will generously PROVIDE all …[the love] … you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to “SHARE” WITH OTHERS…” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT).

Love includes emotions, but love is NOT limited by emotions. TRUTH elevates love to another standard. “… Let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth…” (1 JOHN 3:18 NASB).

When your child does wrong, you may not FEEL the love you have for them, but you STILL love them.

Love based on TRUTH is unconditional and nothing will separate the person you love from your love; no matter what you FEEL! “….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 love of God which is “in” Christ Jesus our Lord…” (Romans 8:38-39 KJV). “…In this world [you]… are like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV).  “…love one another; as I have loved you …” (John 13:34-35 KJV). “…[You]… can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth…[you]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).  “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “… “I AM” WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).

From this perspective, HOW IS LOVE RECOGNIZED? 1. LOVE “…is [recognized by its]… patien[ce] … [and its]… is kind[ness]. 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 HOLY]…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).

2. LOVE is RECOGNIZED through the HOLY SPIRIT “NOT” simply your emotions, or your flesh, or your 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).

3. LOVE is RECOGNIZED as being God. “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “…thefruit of the Spirit is …  love …” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).

4. LOVE is RECOGNIZED by its heartfelt characteristics. “…LOVE IS…LOVE IS…” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV).

5. LOVE is RECOGNIZED through personal knowledge. “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “… “I AM” WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). “…Every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God (has personal knowledge of HIM). He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…WE LOVE, because ….” (1 John 4:19 ASV).

6. LOVE is RECOGNIZE  through personally experienced. “…God’s lovehas been poured out INto …[your]… hearts through the Holy Spirit…” (Romans 5:5 NIV).  “…God has given [you] HIS Spirit as PROOF that … [his LOVE dwells]…in [you]…” (1 John 4:13 NLT). “…The Spirit of God dwell[s]… in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).

“…thefruit of the Spirit is …  love …” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…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).“…the Father that dwelleth in… [YOU], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

7. LOVE is RECOGNIZED through revelation. “…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “… For the Lord is the one who … reveals his thoughtsto mankind…” (Amos 4:13 NLT). “…THE WORDS THAT I (Jesus) SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT…” (John 6:63 KJV). “… the things that come from the Spirit of God… are discerned (recognized) only through the Spirit. …” (2 Corinthians 2:12-15 KJV).

8. LOVE is REVEALED through GOD, the indwelling Holy Spirit. “…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).  Jesus, “…the Son is … the exact representation of his [HOLY]…being…” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV). “… Jesus saith … he that hath SEEN ME HATH SEEN the Father…” (John 14:9 KJV). “…Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “...I and my Father are ONE…" (John 10:30 KJV). “…THERE ARE THREE that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy..[Spirit]: and THESE THREE ARE ONE  …” (1 John 5:7 KJV).“… No one has ever seen God. But …[Jesus] … who is himself God … He has revealed God to us…” (John 1:18 NLT).

Wherever, However, and Whoever, God’s people choose to LOVE in TRUTH, they WILL be RECOGNIZED as his disciples. “…LOVE one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this ALL MEN will knowthat you are My disciples, if you have lovefor one another…” (John 13:34-35 KJV).

“…Ye shall know them by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, GOODNESS, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “… This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples” (John 15:8 KJV).

God said people will know his disciples by their fruit, not their “emotional” endeavors or guidance. LOVE is based on TRUTH! “…Thy WORD is truth…” (JOHN 17:17 KJV). The TRUTH: “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). AND “…LOVE IS…LOVE IS…” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV).

When you discern or recognize LOVE as God and in the description of his HOLY character, you can choose to LOVE, yourself and others, in the same way.“…WE LOVE, becausehe first loved us…” (1 John 4:19 ASV). “…WE GIVE YOU (God)... [and others]… only what you first gave us! …” (1 Chronicles 29:14 NLT).  “…There is no greater LOVE than to lay down one’s life…” (John 15:13 NLT). “…LOVE one another, even as I have loved you…” (John 13:34-35 KJV).

RECOGNIZE GOD’S LOVE WORKING IN YOU, RECOGNIZE GOD’S LOVE WORKING THROUGH YOU, AND RECOGNIZE GOD’S LOVE WORKING ON YOUR BEHALF.

“… It is …God who does the work IN AND THROUGH all of us who are his… The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us...” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). RECOGNIZE IT!!

 

 

FORGIVENESS OF SIN THROUGH THE CLEANSING BLOOD OF JESUS

FORGIVENESS OF SIN THROUGH THE CLEANSING BLOOD OF JESUS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BECAUSE OF GOD’S AMAZING GRACE, MERCY, and FORGIVENESS “…I am what I am…” AND I AM COMPLETELY AND TOTALLY FORGIVEN!!!!! (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV). 

 

THE LORD IS THEIR SHEPHERD AND HIS PEOPLE, DAILY, BRING HIM THE SACRIFICE OF PRAISE!

                                
JEHOVAH ROHI (THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD)

“….The Lordis my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.  He restoreth my soul….” (PSALM 23:1-3 NLT).

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The word “MY” is used by the person who is speaking and is a possessive pronoun used when referring to something that BELONGS to them. “….The Lord is “my” shepherd ….” (PSALM 23:1-3 NLT). “…The LORD is MY rockand MY fortressand MY deliverer, MY GOD, MY rock, in whom I take refuge; MY shield and the horn of MY salvation, MY stronghold.…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB).

The word “MY” emphasizes that something BELONGS to YOU personally. It BELONGS to you because its attached, or a part of you, or your property, or is in a covenant relationship with you. “…We are HIS PEOPLE...” (Psalms 100:3 KJV). WHO? “…Those who BELONG TO Christ Jesus …” (Galatians 5 NLT). “…He that is joined unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT  … [with him]…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “…My beloved ismine, and I am his…” (Soloman 2:16 KJV).

When you say “MY;” you also saying “BELONG” and claiming OWNERSHIP of something. This is MY car. This car BELONGS to me. I OWN this car. “…“my” shepherd ….” (PSALM 23:1-3 NLT).

You are acknowledging that you recognize YOUR claim over and entitlement or right to Jehovah Rohi as YOUR Shepherd. . “….The Lord is “my” shepherd ….” (PSALM 23:1-3 NLT).

King David recognized he had the RIGHT to CLAIM God as his Shepherd as long as he was “IN” a covenant relationship with him. MY husband.  MY wife. MY spouse. “…“my” shepherd ….” (PSALM 23:1-3 NLT).

King David had a RIGHT to enjoy and benefit from his Shepherd as he pleased or chose unless he personally BREAKS the covenant relationship between himself and Jehovah Rohi. “… I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore…[you]… choose life…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

King David could LOSE his right to enjoy and benefit from his Shepherd if he CHOSE to GIVE UP those RIGHTS. “…I am the vine, you are the branches; he who ABIDES in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for APART FROM Me you can do nothing …If you ABIDE in Me, and My words ABIDE in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and soPROVE to be My disciples. Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; ABIDE in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will ABIDE in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and ABIDE in His love. These things I have spoken to youso that My JOY may be in you, and that your JOYmay be made full…” (John 15:1-11 NASB).

The problem is NOT understanding you OWN something or that it BELONGS to you or that it is YOURS (MY), BUT will it last?!! “…God has said “NEVER will I leave you (spiritually); NEVERwill I forsake you (emotionally)…” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  

Because OWNERSHIP doesn’t last people often take possession tentatively, timidly, cautiously, hesitantly, and will NOT fully engage with something or someone for fear of LOSING it or them. “…Jesus Christ is the same… forever…” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV). ).“…he remains faithful…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT). “…My Presence will go with you…” (Exodus 33:14 NIV). “…I am with you always, to the very end…"(Matthew 28:20 NIV). God will “…Never leave nor forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 KJV).

“… [Jehovah Rohi] … has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love …” (1 Timothy 1:7 NLT). Therefore, “… Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of GRACE, that we may obtain mercy, and find GRACE to help in time of need…” (Hebrews 4:16 KJV).

Jehovah Rohi WILL always be your Shepherd and will be there to take CARE of your NEED forever!! “…How great is [Jehovah Rohi’s benevolent kindness]…”  (Psalm 31:19-20 KJV). “….[Jehovah Rohi] … is good [deeply caring]... “ALL” the time…” (1 Chronicles 16:34, Ezra 3:11, and Psalm 107). “...Casting all your care upon … [Jehovah Rohi]; for he careth for you…” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “… [Jehovah Rohi] … shall supply ALL YOUR NEED according to his riches in glory BY Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 4:19 KJV).“….I shall not want. ….” (PSALM 23:1-3 NLT). “…[Jehovah Rohi] …will generously PROVIDE all  … you need…” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT).

Jehovah Rohi expresses and reveals himself as “YOUR” SHEPHERD through Jesus Christ. The book of John, chapter 10, is where Jesus Christ refers to himself as “…the good shepherd..” (John 10:11 KJV).

“…The GOOD shepherd giveth his life for the sheep…” points to Jehovah Rohi’s relationship, through Christ, with the believer or sheep (John 10:11 KJV).

A shepherd, of a flock of sheep, guides their sheep into green pastures, to streaming waters or troughs, and later leads them into a sheepfold. “….The Lordis my shepherd … He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters….” (PSALM 23:1-3 NLT).

A good shepherd would count each individual sheep as they went under the rod of the entrance of the sheepfold to make sure NONE was missing.

A shepherd NEVER leaves the sheep, but watches over them at all times; sometimes with the help of dogs or an assistant.

If one sheep happens to wander away, the Shepherd will leave the rest of the flock to find the lost sheep and bring it back to safety. The bible says, “…The Lord their God will rescue his people, just as a shepherd rescues his sheep…” (Zechariah 9:16 KJV). “…As a shepherd seeketh out his flockin the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered …” (Ezekiel 34:12 KJV).

After the sheep are safety tucked away in the sheepfold, the Shepherd would guard the entrance, during the night, by lying in front of the gate to prevent any attacks from wild animals or thieves.

Adam’s son Abel was the first recorded shepherd (Genesis 4:2 KJV). Being a shepherd was once a very renowned occupation in the early biblical days of the Israelites.

References to shepherd or shepherding appears over 200 times and have been translated to mean “feed” or “feeding.”

The title “shepherd” came to represent the offices of king, prophet, leader, and Jesus, who said he was the chief shepherd. “…When the chief Shepherdshall appear…” (1 Peter 5:4 KJV).

When Jesus was getting ready to ascend into heaven, he commissioned human shepherds to “….feed his sheep. ..” (John 21 KJV). “…This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead. …Jesus saith to Simon Peter …lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things;thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep…” (John 21:14-17 KJV).

A human shepherd is God-given. “…I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will guide you with knowledge and understanding…” (Jeremiah 3:15 KJV). “…He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure…” (Isaiah 44:28 KJV).

A human shepherd of God’s people will guide, lead, protect, and care for them.“…Lead them like a shepherd, and carry them in your arms forever…” (Psalms 28:9 NLT).  “…Like a shepherdHe will tend His flock, In His arm He will gather the lambsAnd carry themin His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes…” (Isaiah 40:11 NASB).

A human, God-appointed shepherd will demonstrate tender, loving care toward the sheep as he or she guides or leads them into adequate nourishment.“…You will be the shepherdof my people Israel…” (2 Samuel 5:2 KJV). “…The shepherds of my people Israel…” (2 Samuel 7:7 KJV).

“NOT” all shepherds are “good” or “obedient” shepherds. “…The shepherds of my people have lost their senses. They no longer seek wisdom from the Lord. Therefore, they fail completely, and their flocks are scattered…” (Jeremiah 10:21 NLT).  “…The leaders of my people— … his shepherds— are blind and ignorant. They are like silent watchdogs that give no warning when danger comes. They love to lie around, sleeping and dreaming…” (Isaiah 56:10 KJV). “…They are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherdsthat cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter…” (Isaiah 56:11 KJV).  “…Your shepherds are asleep…” (Nahum 3:18 NLT). “…They are like shameless shepherds who care only for themselves…” (Jude 1:12 KJV).

Regardless, Paul compared the church and its pastor to a FLOCK and its SHEPHERD. “…Guard yourselves and God’s people. Feed and shepherd God’s flock—his church, purchased with his own blood—over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as leaders…” (Acts 20:28 KJV).

In Latin “shepherd” transliterated means “pastor.”

 The SHEPHERD is the MAIN “ONE” who enters by the door of the sheepfold. “...He that entereth in BY THE DOOR is the SHEPHERD of the SHEEP…” (John 10:2 KJV).

The shepherd goes into the FLOCK who are in the SHEEPFOLD (church body). “…The gatekeeper opensthe gate for [the shepherd]....” (John 10:1-10 NASB).

Being within a particular sheepfold keeps God’s sheep SET APART and safe from “…thieves and robbers…” (John 10:1 KJV). “…The thief cometh not, but to STEAL, and to KILL, and to DESTROY…” (John 10:10 KJV).

The entrance is symbolic of the proper and established way to enter into the SHEEPFOLD. Jesus saith…I am the way…” (John 14:6 KJV). “…I am the DOOR…” (John 10:9 KJV). “…He that entereth not by the DOOR into the SHEEPFOLD but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and robber...” (John 10:1 KJV).

God in his wisdom and through the indwelling power of the HOLY SPIRIT appoints human shepherds to “FEED” his sheep and successfully “CARE” for them. “…It is God who works in [shepherds/pastors]… to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “… The God of peace… that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip [human shepherds]… with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in [them]… what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).

Christ has established the WAY in which the human Shepherd must also enter into the SHEEPFOLD or community of believers. Jesus saith…I am the way…” (John 14:6 KJV).  “…I am the DOOR…” (John 10:9 KJV). “…I am the gate....” (John 10:1-10 NASB). “…Jesus saith unto him … no mancometh unto the Father, but by me…” (John 14 6 KJV).

Jehovah Rohi established Jesus to express and reveal himself as a Shepherd who GIVES his LIFE for his sheep. “…The GOOD shepherd givethhis life for the sheep…” (John 10:11 KJV). “…I lay down my life…” (John 10:17 KJV). “…There is no greater LOVE than to lay down one’s life…” (John 15:13 NLT).

Jesus, the Chief Shepherd, OPENS the DOOR or the WAY for the sheep and human shepherd to enter into the sheepfold.“…God had …openedthe door of faith unto the Gentiles…” (Acts 14:27 KJV). “…A certain woman named Lydia …heard us: whose heart the Lord opened…” (Acts 16:14 KJV). “…Praying also for us, that God would openunto us a door of utterance…” (Colossians 4:3 KJV). “…behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it…: (Revelation 3:8 KJV). “…I have opened a door for youthat no one can close…” (Revelation 3:8 NLT).“…I am the DOOR…” (John 10:9 KJV). “...He that entereth in BY THE DOOR is the SHEPHERD of the SHEEP…” (John 10:2 KJV). “… [The sheep] … go in and out …[of the door] … and find pasture…” (John 10:10 KJV).

OPENING the DOORS or WAYS to Jehovah Rohi BRINGS God “IN,” and KEEPS “the thief” OUT.“…For we are the temple (body, sheep) of the living God; just as God said, “I will dwell in them andwalk 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).

Sheep are welcomed through the DOORS of the church to HEAR, pay ATTENTION to, UNDERSTAND, and PRACTICE walking by FAITH after listening to the VOICE of God through his chosen shepherd. “…I will give you shepherds after my own heart,who will guide you with knowledge and understanding…” (Jeremiah 3:15 KJV). “…He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure…” (Isaiah 44:28 KJV).

The shepherd is God’s mouthpiece and uses the WORD to speak to God’s people. “… All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness…” (2 Timothy 3:16 KJV).

A shepherd leads and guides sheep to the pastures and waters of God’s HOLY ordinances that they may nourish themselves on the precepts of God’s Word. “…The law of the Lord is perfect, convertingthe soul:the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.  Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer…” (Psalms 19:7-14 KJV).

The human shepherds are the VOICE of Jehovah Rohi’s message. They TEACH the sheep to FOLLOW after Jesus. JESUS is the WAY and it is in his FOOTSTEPS the sheep are to FOLLOW. “…In this world we are like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV).

The sheep will listen to HEAR God’s voice, God’s truth, and God’s instructions through the human shepherd. “… The sheeprecognize his voice and come to him. Hecalls his own sheep by name and leads them out. After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice. They won’t follow a stranger;....” (John 10:1-10 NASB).

“…I will give you shepherds after my own heart,who will guide you with knowledge and understanding…” (Jeremiah 3:15 KJV).

Jehovah Rohi!!

 

THE WORD OF GOD WILL SPEAK TO YOU, PERSONALLY

THE WORD

GOD’S SPOKEN THOUGHTS

“…THERE ARE THREE that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and THESE THREE ARE ONE  “…THERE IS NO GOD, BUT ONE…” (1 JOHN 5:7 KJV).

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“…THERE ARE THREE that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and THESE THREE ARE ONE.  “…THERE IS NO GOD, BUT ONE…” (1 JOHN 5:7 KJV).  We have, hopefully, established, that there is God, the Father; God, the Word, and God, the Holy Spirit and these three equal ONE God

From this perspective, it is thought that the Father, Word, and Holy Spirit are all God, but are different expressions of his Holy nature and power.

God, the Father expresses and reveals, his thoughts,  about his Holy, Divine nature and Eternal power. God, the Word expresses and reveals his thoughts about his Holy nature and power by SPEAKING them (spoken thoughts). God, the Holy Spirit, expresses and reveals his Holy nature and power through his POWERFUL actions. There are three different expressions and revelations of God, but ALL God.

THERE IS LIQUID, ICE, AND STEAM, BUT THEY ALL EXPRESSIONS OF H2O.

God, the Father, is now SPEAKING his THOUGHTS (unspoken words) THROUGH JESUS CHRIST. 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).

However, he did not FIT into the cultural expectations of some of the Hebrews or their perspective of a Messianic King/High Priest/Prophet, nonetheless, he was the ONE God sent. “…[God]…sent His Son...” (1 John 4:10 KJV).  God …sent His Son to be the propitiation (substitute, intervention) for our sins.” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…He gave his only begotten Son…” (John 3:16 KJV).

 “…For Christ … 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….” (HOSEA 11 NLT). “… [He sent the] …one… who can reconcileGod and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).

Jesus, the WORD, did not come to earth to PROVE himself, but to SPEAK to humanity. God, through Jesus did NOT try to impress or convince anyone about who he is, but to DRAW mankind, to himself, with loving-kindness. “…I … WILL DRAW all men unto me…” (John 12:32 KJV). “…I have drawn you with unfailing kindness…” (Jeremiah 3:13 NIV).

Most people wanted Jesus to PROVE he was the awaited Messiah by showing them SIGNS from heaven. “…The Pharisees and Sadducees came up, and testing Jesus, they asked Him to show them a sign from heaven…” (Matthew 16:1 NASB). “…Others tested him by asking for a sign from heaven…” (Luke 11:16 NIV).

When Jesus did not PROVE that he was the awaited MESSIAH, with the proper SIGNS, they forgot about him and abandoned him. “… So they said to Him, "What then do You do for a sign, so that we may see, and believe You? What work do You perform?” (John 6:30 NASB). “..Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him, "Teacher, we want to see a sign from You…" (Matthew 12:38 NASB). “… you became proud and FORGOT ME….” (Hosea 13:6 NLT). “…for years on end my people have FORGOTten ME…” (Jeremiah 2:32 NLT).  “…They ABANDONED the Lord… they turned their backs on him….” (2 Chronicles 29:6 NLT).

For SOME the Jewish bible gives adequate references to Jesus and to OTHERS it does not. “… All scripture is given by INSPIRATION of God…” (2 Timothy 3:16 KJV). “…For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were MOVED BY THE HOLY GHOST…” (2 Peter 1:21 KJV).

In addition, SOME believe there are over 300 detailed prophecies about Jesus and OTHERS believe there are hardly any at all.

God made an Abrahamic covenant to the Israelite forefathers and their seed. “…I will establish my covenant between me and thee and THY SEED…” (Genesis 17 KJV). “Now to Abraham and HIS SEED were the promises made. He saith NOT, And to seedS, as of many; but as of one, And to THY SEED, which is Christ…” (Galatians 3:16 KJV). “…God proclaimed this good news to Abraham long ago when he said, “ALL NATIONS will be blessed through you…” (Galatians 3:8 NLT). “…And in thee SHALL ALL FAMILIES of the earth be blessed…” (Genesis 12:2-3 KJV).

The Abrahamic covenant embodies GREAT hope for ALL humanity. Because of “…THY SEED [Abraham’s] …which is Christ…” all NATIONS are blessed.

The Abrahamic covenant was NOT meant to be forever limited to the Israelites, but ALL nations would eventually become a part of the old Abrahamic covenant through the new covenant in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:16 KJV). “…So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family. Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself…” (Ephesians 2:19-20 NLT).

The new covenant doesn’t abolish the old covenant, it fulfills it. “…Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven…” (Matthew 5:17-19 KJV).

“…Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven…” (Matthew  5:17-19 NLT). “… All scripture is given by INSPIRATION of God…” (2 Timothy 3:16 KJV). “…For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were MOVED BY THE HOLY [Spirit]…” (2 Peter 1:21 KJV).

THE WORD OF GOD came to the Israelites FIRST, because if anybody would recognize him, it would be them. After all, they had the Hebrew Scriptures and would most likely recognize HIS VOICE. However, “…He CAME to his OWN (the Israelites), and his OWN received him NOT…” (John 1:11 KJV).

The OUTWARD details and appearance of Jesus caused many of the Israelites to miss him and the “GOOD NEWS” of the Kingdom. . “Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath SEEN ME HATH SEEN the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?” (John 14:9 KJV). “The Son is the RADIANCE of God’s glory and the EXACT representation of his being…”(Hebrews 1:3 KJV).  “...God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance…” (1 Samuel 16:7 NASB).

Unfortunately, many of the Israelites rejected Jesus, as the MESSIAH and the WORD OF GOD. The WORD OF GOD went on to SPEAK to the GENTILES. “… 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).

However, there was a remnant of believing Israelites who DID recognize Jesus as both the MESSIAH and the WORD OF GOD.

Because of the REMNANT of the Israelite witnesses, over 2,000 years ago, billions of people worldwide have been SAVED by HEARING the GOOD NEWS.

“…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).“… [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).

God, the Father, EXPRESSED and REVEALED himself through Jesus. Jesus made it CLEAR why he came. “…The Son of man CAME to seek and to save THAT WHICH WAS LOST…” (Luke 19:10 KJV). “… [Jesus CAME because he is the] … one … who can reconcileGod and humanity…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT). “…[Jesus Christ CAME to be] the atoning sacrifice for our sins…” (1 John 2:2 NIV). “…[Jesus CAME to be] the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29 KJV). “….[Jesus] CAME not to be served but to serve others and TO GIVE HIS LIFE as a ransom for many…" (Matthew 20:28). “…[Jesus CAME because God is], NOT WILLING that any should perish, but that ALL should come to repentance…” (2 Peter 3:9 KJV). “…[Jesus] CAME that [you] may have life, and have it abundantly….” (John 10:10 KJV).

God, the WORD, did not come to PROVE, DEBATE, CONVINCE, DEFEND, or INTELLECTUALIZE with humanity, but he CAME to SAVE them. “…God sent, not his Son (his WORD) into the world to condemn the world, but that the world THROUGH HIM might BE SAVED…” (John 3:17 KJV).

Many Hebrews believed the GOOD NEWS and SPREAD the WORD OF GOD to others. “… 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).

God, the WORD came and SPOKE, but like ALWAYS his OWN people kept DOING what they wanted to DO. They didn’t LISTEN; just like his OWN people are STILL doing today. “…But 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).

Some people do NOT like to let GO of the OLD ways of DOING things, even when it comes to God. The old covenant relationship cannot continue without depending upon his GRACE and NOT human effort. “…If you are trying … [in your OWN effort] … to make yourselves right with God by keeping the … [commandments], you have been cut off from Christ (the WORD OF GOD)! You have fallen away from God’s GRACE…” (Galatians 2:21 NLT).  

Religious WORKS will not make ANYBODY right with God; GRACE through FAITH does. “…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). 

“… We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ (our dependence upon). 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).

Jesus, the WORD, speaks and says you WON’T make your OWN self right with God, because you CAN’T. “…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 (the WORD OF GOD)…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).  “…Apart from Me (Jesus, the WORD OF GOD), 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 the WORD]… 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 … [choose to receive]… the GRACE of the Lord Jesus Christ [by faith and then]… we [are] SAVED…” (Acts 15:11 KJV). “…The grace of our Lord was poured out (transferred) on me abundantly, ALONG WITH FAITH (the power to depend upon God’s WORD) and [his] love that are in Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 1:13-14 NIV).

Many of the Hebrews CHOSE to continue to follow the LAW through self-effort. God, the WORD, through Jesus, did not MEET their requirements. They are FREE to CHOOSE. However, they LOST their original PURPOSE. "… You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless…” (Matthew 5:13 NASB).

If God’s people LOSE their distinctive qualities of preservation, holy morality, or light; they have LOST their ability to SPEAK for God or SERVE his 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).

This LOSS of distinction produces LIFELESS, religious practices and behaviors that further extinguish the church’s ability to authentically SPEAK God’s message.“…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 God’s people begin to practice Christianity according to their own self-effort; their religious behaviors will become LIFELESS too. “… [The LIFELESS]… are such [that]… serve not our Lord Jesus Christ (the WORD OF GOD), but their own belly…” (Romans 16:18 KJV).

JESUS, the WORD, came to SPEAK a message of LOVE in order to SAVE the lost. “….the gospel of Christ …. “Is” the power of God …” (Romans 1:16 KJV). “…  [the word] “is” the power of God at work…” (Romans 1:16 NLT). “…. “…the Word (Jesus) was made FLESH (made into human form to SAVE the LOST) ...” (JOHN 1:14 KJV).

 “…The only begotten (specially created) Son (Jesus, the WORD), of the Father, he hath declared (explained, revealed, or communicated for) him…” (John 1:18 KJV).

 JESUS, the WORD communicates a MESSAGE directly from his HEART (bosom). “…No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom (heart) of the Father, he hath declared him…” (John 1:18 KJV).  “…No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us…” (John 1:18 NLT).

JESUS, the WORD, may have been clothed in human FLESH, but he was SO MUCH MORE!! . “….The WORD was made flesh….” (John 1:14 KJV).

If mankind continues to look on the outside or the appearance, they will STILL miss the awesome purpose and POWER of the WORD of God. “…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “...God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, …” (1 Samuel 16:7 NASB).

It wasn’t JESUS’ human FLESH that made him awesome, but it was the “POWERFUL” Word, SPEAKING through him. “…  [the word] is the power of God at work…” (Romans 1:16 NLT). “…God anointed Jesus of Nazareth (ANOINTED JESUS WITH WHAT?) with the Holy Ghost and WITH POWER:  (WHAT DID JESUS DO?) who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; (HOW WAS JESUS ABLE TO DO IT?) for GOD, [THE HOLY SPIRIT]… 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).

JESUS, the WORD, SPOKE. Jesus, GOD’S MOUTHPIECE, expressed and revealed God, the Father's thoughts and demonstrated HIS power. “…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). Jesus SAID:  “…I do nothing of myself…” (John 8:28 KJV). “…the Word was God …All things came into being through Him (THE WORD)… (John 1:1-4 NASB). “…the Father (also God, the Word and God, the Holy Spirit) that dwelleth in [JESUS, THE WORD OF GOD], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

JESUS, an earthen vessel, served as a MOUTHPIECE for God, the FATHER. “….The WORD was made flesh….” (John 1:14 KJV). . “…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT…” (John 6:63 KJV) “…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “…the Word was God… (John 1:1-4 NASB).

Remember, the bible SAYS: “…THERE ARE THREE that bear record (GIVE WITNESS TO) in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and THESE THREE ARE ONE  “…THERE IS NO GOD, BUT ONE…” (1 Corinthians 8:4 KJV).

Look at this example: “…Then God SAID, “Let there be light”; AND THERE WAS LIGHT…” (Genesis 1:3 NASB).

1.      “…Then God SAID (God , THE FATHER, had thoughts);

2.      “Let there be light” (Jesus, THE WORD,  spoke his thoughts out loud);

3.      AND THERE WAS LIGHT (The Holy Spirit did THE WORKS , that was spoken, CONFIRMING God’s WORD)…” (Genesis 1:3 NASB).

4.      There is ONE God. Three different expressions. The Holy spirit DOES the works and confirms what the Word SPEAKS and the FATHERthinks.

God thinks. Jesus speaks his thoughts. The invisible Holy Spirit does the work that confirms God’s thoughts and Words. They are ALL in AGREEMENT and togetherthey CREATE reality!

JESUS, the WORD is responsible for communicating God’s message.  JESUS, WHILE ON EARTH AND IN HUMAN FLESH DEPENDED UPON God to SPEAK through him. “…I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a [WORD], what I should say, and what I should speak…” (John 12:49 KJV).

JESUS, the WORD “SPEAKS” through human flesh or human mouthpieces, but is NOT human. “…God (the Word) is not human “…God is Spirit …Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill…” (Numbers 23:19 NIV & John 4:24 KJV) “…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT (They ARE God)…”(John 6:63 KJV). “…Not oneof all the LORD's good promises … failed; every one was fulfilled” (Joshua 21:45 NIV). “…My counsel (WORD)… SHALL stand, and I will do all my pleasure…” (Isaiah 46:10 KJV).

God’s THOUGHTS became WORDS. “…In the beginning was the Word (god’s thoughts),and the Word (god’s thoughts) was with God, and the Word (god’s thoughts) was God…” (John 1:1-4 NASB).  “…. All things came into being through Him (THOUGHTS, WORD, POWER),and apart from Him (THOUGHTS, WORD, POWER) nothing came into being that has come into being … (John 1:1-4 NASB). “…these three agree in one…” (1 John 5:8 KJV).

There THREE expressions, God’s thoughts, God’s Word, and God’s Holy Spirit, they are in AGREEMENT, within ONE GOD. “…these three agree in one…” (1 John 5:8 KJV).

WHAT GOD THINKS, HE SPEAKS. WHAT GOD SPEAKS, HE DOES AND CONFIRMS HIS WORD. “…these three agree in one…” (1 John 5:8 KJV).

As we said before, when the THOUGHTS of God, the WORD of God, and the POWER of God are in AGREEMENT “all things” come into being. “…All things came into being through Him… (John 1:1-4 NASB). 

REALITY, EXISTENCE, BEING, or CREATION all begin with God’s THOUGHTS (his unspoken Word). He shares those thoughts through his WORD.

Thus, God’s WORDS are spoken to you or spoken BY you in order to SAVE and TRANSFORM your life or the life of others. You can trust his WORDS with all your heart! “…So … my word … that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it…” (Isaiah 55:11 KJV).

“…Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into [the human]… heart … the things which God hath prepared for [those who depend upon his WORD]....” (1 Corinthians 2:9 KJV).

“… [God] is able TO DO exceeding abundantly ABOVE all that we ask orthink…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV). “…he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

“…I am the Lord, the God (thoughts, word, power) of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV).

“…Trust in the Lord (the word) with all thine heart … In all thy ways acknowledge him (the Word), and he (the Word) shall direct thy paths”(Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “…The LORD (the Word) will accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [you]…” (John 14:31 NASB). “…The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord (the Word) …” (Psalms 37:23 KJV).

God, the Father REVEALS his DIVINE nature and Holy POWER through his WORDS! “…so you will know that [HE “IS”] the Lord…” (Exodus 10:1-2 NLT). “…Then you will know that [he is] the Lordyour God…’” (Exodus 16:12 NLT).

“…The [word] of the LORD is … more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them Your servant is warned. In keeping them there is great reward …” (Psalm 19:7-11 NASB).

“… He (Jesus) had a name written, that no man knew … his name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “[Jesus, THE WORD OF GOD is]…highly exalted…” with a “name which is above every name…” (Philippians 2:9). “… hisname is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB).

GOD, SPEAKS TO HIS PEOPLE "THROUGH" HIS WORD EVERY DAY, "IF" THEY OPEN THE BIBLE!

 

FREEDOM IN CHRIST THROUGH FORGIVENESS OF SIN

FORGIVENESS HE WILL REMEMBER YOUR SINS NO MORE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BECAUSE OF GOD’S AMAZING GRACE, MERCY, and FORGIVENESS “…I am what I am…” AND I AM COMPLETELY AND TOTALLY FORGIVEN!!!!! (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV). 

 

CHOICES" YOU CHOOSE, "THIS DAY" WHOM YOU WILL SERVE!

 

CHOICES: CHOOSING WHOM YOU WILL SERVE or SURRENDER to

“…Choose youthis day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “…Surrender your pride and power…” (Jeremiah 4:4  NLT).

*

 “…Submit therefore to God…” (James 4:7 NLT).  “… I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me” (John 6:38 KJV).  “….the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others …" (Matthew 20:28). “…I must be about my Father'sbusiness?” (Luke 2:49 KJV). “…I desire to do your will,  my God…” (Psalms 40:8 KJV). “…I have come to do your will, my God…'" (Hebrews 10:7, 9 KJV). “…I do nothing of myself…” (John 8:28 KJV). “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

“…Surrender your pride and power (human will)…” (Jeremiah 4:4  NLT). Surrender becomes necessary in a battle. Surrendering implies giving up or giving in to the winner. The winner takes control. “…So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide (or control your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These TWO FORCES are constantly fighting each other…” (Galatians 5 NLT).

Surrendering to God is similar to surrendering to the WINNER of a battle, but the DIFFERENCE is that YOU have a CHOICE of who to surrender to. “…The sinful nature wants to do evil … the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These TWO FORCES are constantly fighting each other…” (Galatians 5 NLT). “… Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants …. servants ye are … whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” (Romans 6:16 KJV). “… I have set before you LIFE and death … therefore choose life …” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

“…The sinful nature … the Spirit … These TWO FORCES are constantly fighting each other…” (Galatians 5 NLT). From the beginning of time, the battle for mankind’s human will and their right to CHOOSE, apart from God, has been fought.

In the beginning, God commanded, “….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 (spirit);and man became a living soul (soul)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).

The part of MAN that was MADE in God’s “image” and “likeness” was the addition of his Spirit. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).   “…And the LORD God … breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (Himself=SPIRIT)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). “…The Spirit of God dwell[ed] … in … [the male and female]…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).

Thus, “…man (woman) became a living soul…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). “….God saw every thing he had made……and, behold, it was very good…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).

God’s Holy SPIRIT was “TOGETHER” in ONE “UNION” with mankind’s BODY and SOUL. “….God saw … it was very good…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).

God created man “ALIVE” with a body, soul, AND his SPIRIT! “…the body without (apart from) the spirit is dead…” (James 2:26 KJV). “….Apart from Me (the Holy Spirit), you can do nothing (you can’t even be ALIVE)…” (John 15:5 NIV).“…The … Holy Spirit gives birth to… SPIRITUAL LIFE…” (John 3:6 NLT). “…It is the … [HOLY] … SPIRIT who gives LIFE…” (John 6:63 NASB)

AGAIN: “…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). “….God saw … it was very good…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).

The created RELATIONSHIP between God and mankind was GOOD. “….It was very good…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).

ALL WAS WELL until they were presented with their FIRST CHOICE and the FIRST opportunity to use their human will. God SAID: “…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 …[or] … thou shalt surely die…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV).

However Satan came along, to offer another CHOICE, apart from God, and his choice was based on A LIE just like his LIES are TODAY. SATAN SAID:  “…ye shall not surely die.…” (Genesis 3:4-5 KJV).

 AND “…The woman was convinced. She sawthat the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wantedthe wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. …” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).

The woman’s decision was MAJOR. Her decision was CATATROPHIC. Her decision ALTERED her path. Her decision KILLED her UNION with God. “… ONE sinner destroy[ed]… MUCH GOOD…” (Ecclesiastes 9:18 NASB).

Mankind DIED spiritually at “THAT” very moment as God HAD said. … Thou shalt surely die…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV).

 “… [Their] … iniquities … [immediately] … separated [them]… from God…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). “…Every man (or woman) is tempted, when … [they are] … drawn away of his (or her) own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it BRINGETH FORTH SIN: and sin, when it is finished, BRINGETH FORTH DEATH…” (James 1:13-15 NLT).

 THAT day “…Sin entered into the world, and DEATH through sin, and so DEATH passed to all men—“(Romans 5:12 KJV). “…SIN IS the transgression of the law….” (1 John 3:4 KJV). “…The wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23 KJV).

 “…God asked the woman, “What have you done?” (Genesis 3:7-13 NLT). “… ONE sinner destroy[ed] … MUCH GOOD…” (Ecclesiastes 9:18 NASB). “… [They were] …separated… from God… …” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). They were NOW “…DEAD in trespasses and sin…” (Ephesians 2:1 KJV). “…Through … [Adam and Eve] … sin entered into the world, and DEATH through sin, and so DEATH passed to all men—“(Romans 5:12 KJV). NOW “…All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:23).

 “…The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the Lord God had made. One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?” “Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,” the woman replied. “It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, ‘You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.’” “You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman.“God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.” The woman was convinced. She sawthat the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her …” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).

 “…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).  

IMMEDIATELY, Adam, Eve, and ALL of mankind became “…separated from the LIFE of God…” (Ephesians 4:18 NIV).

God told them “…in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV). “…At that momenttheir eyes were opened…” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).  “… [They] … separated from the LIFE of God…” (Ephesians 4:18 NIV).

The Holy Spirit’s separation from mankind destroyed the “image” and “likeness.” “… [Their] … iniquities …separated [them]… from God… …” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). “…God asked the woman, “What have you done?” (Genesis 3:7-13 NLT). “… ONE sinner destroy[ed]… MUCH GOOD…” (Ecclesiastes 9:18 NASB).

God, the INDWELLING Holy Spirit SEPARATED from mankind. “…And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground (Body) … [but] … the breath of life (Spirit) … [separated] … and man became a … [dead] … soul (Soul) …” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). “…the body without (apart from) the spirit is dead…” (James 2:26 KJV).  

The problem with MAKING A CHOICE is that you become a SERVANT to whomever you, voluntarily and willfully, listen to or OBEY. “…you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? ….” (Romans 6:16 NLT).

Without the Holy SPIRIT mankind could ONLY serve, listen to, and OBEY the sinful nature. The fallen nature is completely under the POWER, domination, and dictatorship of SIN and SATAN. “… We know … the whole worldlies under the power of the evil one…” (1 John 5:19 RSV).

Without the Holy Spirit, mankind still has a human will, but it is ONLY able to CHOOSE SIN. “…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).  

“…Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law….” (1 John 3:4 KJV). “…Everyone who sins is breaking God’s law….” (1 John 3:4 NLT). Without the indwelling POWER of the Holy Spirit, mankind is unable to choose LIFE.

 “….…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by [my sin nature]? …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).  “… I want to [choice LIFE) … [which]… is right, BUT I CAN’T… …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).“….Apart from [Jesus], [you]… can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

 “ … I want to dowhat is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.  And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. …I [am] …a slave to the sin that is … within me …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “… We know … the whole world lies under the power of the evil one…” (1 John 5:19 RSV).

Therefore, “… Who will free me from this life that is dominated by [the LIMITED choices of my sinful nature]?  …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

You will surrender to and serve whomever you willfully CHOOSE to listen to and obey. . “…you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? ….”(Romans 6:16 NLT).

Adam and Eve surrendered everything over to SATAN. They actually GAVE up their FREE human will to him and SETTLED for an IMPRISONED will that could ONLY choose SIN. “… I want to [choose spiritual LIFE)… [which]… is right, BUT I CAN’T… …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).“….Apart from [the Holy Spirit], [they could]… do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

They surrendered voluntarily and willfully by accepting and yielding to SATAN’s will and CONTROL. “…you are slaves of the one whom you obey…” (Romans 6:16 NASB).

They surrendered voluntarily and willfully to his control, his thoughts, his suggestions, and his deeds. “…The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her …” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT). “…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).  “…Sin entered into the world, and DEATH through sin, and so DEATH passed to all men—“(Romans 5:12 KJV). “…SIN IS the transgression of the law….” (1 John 3:4 KJV). “…The wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23 KJV).

SATAN became their MASTER and the MASTER of the generations that followed. “…Sin entered into the world, and DEATH through sin, and so DEATH passed to all men—“(Romans 5:12 KJV). NOW “ … the whole world lies under the power of the evil one…” (1 John 5:19 RSV).

 “…God asked the woman, “What have you done?” (Genesis 3:7-13 NLT). “… [Their] … iniquities …separated[them]… from God… …” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). “… ONE sinner destroy[ed]… MUCH GOOD…” (Ecclesiastes 9:18 NASB).

What HAPPENED? 1. Mankind SURRENDERED their FREE human will to SATAN and could NOW “ONLY” choose SIN. “…I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good,but I don’t …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

2. Mankind had human will, but it was NOW enslaved to SIN. “…I [am] …a slave to the sin that is … withinme …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

3. Mankind had a connection to the Holy Spirit, but they were NOW separated by SIN. “…Your INIQUITIES (sin) have separated between you and your God …” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). “…It’s YOUR SINS that have cut you off from God. …” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT). “… [their] … iniquities (sin) …separated[them]… from God… …” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV).

4. Mankind was under the POWER of the Holy Spirit, but was NOW under the POWER of SATAN. “… the whole world lies under the power of the evil one…” (1 John 5:19 RSV).

5. Mankind had LIFE, but had voluntarily and willfully CHOOSEN TO part from the LIFE of God, which is SIN and ALWAYS results in DEATH. “…SIN IS the transgression of the law….” (1 John 3:4 KJV). “…The wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23 KJV).

6. Mankind had a RIGHT relationship with God, but now they didn’t. “…Your INIQUITIES (sin) have separated between you and your God …” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV).

7. Mankind needed to make an atonement with God for their sin, but didn’t have one that lasted. “…without shedding of blood is no remission… [for mankind’s sin] …” (Hebrews 9:22 KJV). “ … For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and  … it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul…” (Leviticus 17:11 KJV).

8. Mankind ONCE had a body, Spirit, and LIVING soul, but NOW they a body and a DEAD soul.  “…the body without (apart from) the spirit is dead…” (James 2:26 KJV).  God “… [makes you]… ALIVE with Christ … [because you]… were DEAD in transgressions…”

“… Who will free … [you] … from this life that is dominated by [the LIMITED choices of your sinful nature]?  …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

What and who can MAKE mankind WHOLE again? Who and what can return and restore 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 (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).

“…The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…Jesus Christ maketh thee whole…” (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).

Therefore, “…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 WANTED “YOU” back in UNION with him (the HOLY SPIRIT). Thus, “... 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).  “…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).

 “…not that we loved God, but that he loved usand SENT HIS SON to be the propitiation for our sins.” (1 John 4:10 KJV). GOD “…SPARED NOT his own Son, but DELIVERED him up FOR US ALL…” (Romans 8:32 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). “…There is no GREATER LOVE than to lay down one’s life…” (John 15:13 NLT).

“…Since we’re free in the freedom of God, can we do anything that comes to mind? Hardly. You know well enough from your own experience that there are some acts of so-called freedom that destroy freedom. Offer yourselves to sin, for instance, and it’s your last free act. But offer yourselves to the ways of God and the freedom never quits. All your lives you’ve let sin tell you what to do. But thank God you’ve started listening to a new master, one whose commands set you free to live openly in his freedom!” (Romans 6:16-18 MSG).

After being SET FREE, surrender is STILL necessary in the battle between the sin nature and the new spiritual nature. These TWO FORCES are … [still] … constantly fighting each other…” (Galatians 5 NLT).

Surrendering STILL implies giving up or giving in to the winner. The winner takes control. “…So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide (or control )your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These TWO FORCES are constantly fighting each other…” (Galatians 5 NLT).

After you are SAVED, which nature you SURRENDER to is a voluntary and willful “FREE” CHOICE. “…The sinful nature wants to do evil … the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These TWO FORCES are constantly fighting each other…” (Galatians 5 NLT). However, “… Know … to whom ye yield yourselves servants …. servants ye are … whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” (Romans 6:16 KJV).

“…The sinful nature … the Spirit … These TWO FORCES are … [STILL] … constantly fighting each other…” (Galatians 5 NLT). God has RESTORED the human will and your right to CHOOSE God’s WAY is NOW EMPOWERED by the INDWELLING Holy Spirit. “…If the Son…shall make you FREE, ye shall be FREE indeed.” (John 8:36 KJV). “…Surrender your pride and power (human will)…” (Jeremiah 4:4  NLT). “… I have set before you LIFE and death … therefore choose life …” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

 

 

THE SPIRITUAL FRUIT OF GOODNESS

INDWELLING SPIRIT: SIDE EFFECT OF GOODNESS  “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, JOY, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).

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“…The fruit of the Spirit is … goodness…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). GOODNESS is another beneficial side effect of the indwelling Spirit. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…God’s Spiritdwells inyou?...” (1 Corinthians 3:16 NASB). “…The fruit of the Spirit is … goodness…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).

The FRUIT of GOODNESS works in the believer through the indwelling Holy Spirit and transforms their character. “…God who works in you …” (Philippians 2:13 NIV “…Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a NEW creature: …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “… we all … are changed into the same image [of Christ] …” (2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV). “...Be… imitators of [Jesus]…”(Hebrews 12:14; Ephesians 5:1 ASV). “…In this world we are like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV).  “…by the GRACE of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).

“…all things are BECOME NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, JOY, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…God’s Spirit dwells inyou?...” (1 Corinthians 3:16 NASB).

God’s GOODNESS is his GLORY displayed and his RIGHTEOUS character in action. “…GOOD and upright is the Lord…” (Psalm 25:8 KJV).

 In the book of Exodus, Moses asked God to SHOW him his glory. God displayed ALL his GOODNESS in front of him or in his presence. “…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’ caused “…all …[his]… GOODNESSto pass in front of …[Moses]…and …[he]… proclaim[ed]… [his]… name, the Lord, in …[moses’]… presence. … …” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV).

God is GOOD or GOODNESS. “…The lord is GOOD…” (Psalm 100:5 KJV). “…Oh how great is thy GOODNESS… (Psalm 31:19 KJV). “…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). “…O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is GOOD… ” (Psalms 106:1 KJV).  “…O give thanks unto the LORD; for he isGOOD; for his mercy endurethfor ever” (1 Chronicles…” 16:34 KJV).

The indwelling Spirit is TOTALLY responsible for the GOODNESS in the covenant relationship with the believer. “…I will show My GLORY…” (Isaiah 49:3 NASB).

The indwelling Spirit “IS” goodness, behaves good toward you, becomes the goodness IN you, supplies abundant goodness TO you, and empowers the fruit of goodness THROUGH you.

God’s GOODNESS is aimed at benefiting the believer and NOT himself. “…My Servant …In Whom I will show My GLORY…” (Isaiah 49:3 NASB).  

God’s GOODNESS is expressed to the believer from the indwelling Spirit through acts of GRACE, caregiving, comforts, corrections, direction, in nature, through information, and by his presence. “Thou are GOOD and doestGOOD…” (Psalm 119:68 KJV). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). “…Great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD” (Psalms 117:2 KJV). “…O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is GOOD; for his mercy endureth for ever” (1 Chronicles…” 16:34 KJV).

 “ALL” acts or gifts of true GOODNESS come from God. “….every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, cometh down from the Father of lights…..” (James 1:17 KJV).

God’s HOLY nature is characterized by GOODNESS and affects EVERYTHING he SPEAKS and DOES. “… Thou are GOOD and doest GOOD…” (Psalm 119:68 KJV). “…The lord is GOOD…” (Psalm 100:5 KJV). “…Oh how great is thy GOODNESS… (Psalm 31:19 KJV). “…He is GOOD…” (Psalm 107:1 KJV). “..The lord is GOOD…” (Nahum 1:7 KJV). “…For thou, Lord, is GOOD…” (Psalm 86:5 KJV). “…O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is GOOD… ” (Psalms 106:1 KJV).

God is GOOD and his indwelling Spirit enables the believer to be display the fruit of GOODNESS. “…The fruit of the Spirit is … goodness…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).

When God’s GOODNESS is DISPLAYED it GLORIFIES HIM. “… Let your light so shine before men, that they may seeyour good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven…” (Matthew 5:16 KJV).

goodness IS FROM GOD. “…He is GOOD…” (Psalm 107:1 KJV “…And Jesus said unto him … there is none good but one, that is, God…” (Mark 10:18 KJV). “…The lord is GOOD…” (Psalm 100:5 KJV).). “..The lord is GOOD…” (Nahum 1:7 KJV).

God demonstrated his goodness FIRST “…Your great goodness which You gave them…” (Nehemiah 9:35 NASB). “…you showered your goodness on them…” (Nehemiah 9:35 NLT). . “We love, because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19 ASV). “…We give [God]...only what [he] … first gave us! …” (1 Chronicles 29:14 NLT).

GOD’s goodness is expressed in his presence. he connects, relates, fills, and imparts his goodness to the believer. “… In thy presence is fulness of joy (goodness)… “ (Psalms 16:11 KJV).“…Renew my life with your goodness…” (Psalms 119:40 NASB). “… My people will be satisfied with My goodness,” declares the Lord…”(Jeremiah 31:14 NASB). “…The fruit of the Spirit is … [indwelling]… goodness…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…May he work inus … through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).

GOD IMPARTS goodness. “…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” [YOUR HEART]…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is goodness…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…The Lord is that Spirit…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV).  “…The Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL [GOODNESS]…” (John 3:6 NLT). “…It is the SPIRIT who gives [GOODNESS] …” (John 6:63 NASB). “… May he work in us (his indwelling goodness) … through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).

GOD EMPOWERS goodness. “…That great Shepherd of the sheep, EQUIP (empower) you with everything good [the Spirit of goodness]… for doing his will … through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…God is Spirit…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…It is God which worketh IN YOUboth to will (be empowered) and to do (good) …” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).

God supplies goodness.“…God shall supply ALL YOUR NEED according to his riches in glory BY Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 4:19 KJV).“….The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. ….” (PSALM 23:1-3 NLT). “…God will generously PROVIDE all … [the goodness] … you need…” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT).“…he … filleth the hungry soul with goodness…” (Psalms 107:9 KJV).

GOD’S goodness NEVER CHANGES OR FAILS. “…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).“…Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life…” (Psalms 23:6 KJV).

GOD’S goodness CAN’T BE SEPARATED FROM YOU, EVEN IF YOU SEPARATE FROM HIM. “…I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, to the very end…"(Matthew 28:20 NIV). “…I “IN” YOU…” (John 15:4 KJV). “…If … [you] … are unfaithful, he remains faithful…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT). “… Behold ... the goodness … of God … toward thee … [will NOT separate] … if thou continue in his goodness…” (Romans 11:22 KJV).

GOD’S goodness LASTS FOREVER. “…The goodness of God endureth continually….” (Psalms 52:1 KJV).

GOD’S goodness IS SO POWERFUL IT IS A “SIGN” THAT YOU ARE HIS DISCIPLES AND THAT YOU “TRULY” KNOW HIM. “…Ye shall know them by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). Therefore, "… bear much fruit, and … PROVE to be … [God’s] … disciples” (John 15:8 NIV). “… [God] … sent the people away … glad and merry in heart for the goodness that the Lordhad shewed … his people…” (2 Chronicles 7:10 KJV).

GOD’S goodness is a fruitful side effect of the ingested holy spirit. “…The fruit of the Spirit is … goodness…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).

God’s goodness is understood by faith. “… BY FAITH we UNDERSTAND (become aware of) …that what we now see (goodness) did not come from anything that can be seen (indwelling Spirit…” (Hebrews 11 NLT). “…The fruit of the (invisible) Spirit is … goodness…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…The invisible [Spirit]…from the creation of the world is …clearly seen, being understood by the things that are MADE …” (Romans 1:20 KJV). “… All things are … [MADE] … NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “…Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is …[MADE] … a NEW creature …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “… BY FAITH we UNDERSTAND (become aware of) …” (Hebrews 11 NLT). “…Ye shall know them by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).

GOD”S goodness IS EXPERIENCED BY TRUST. “…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 LORD will accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [you]…” (John 14:31 NASB). “…The steps of a good man are ordered (directed) by the Lord: …” (Psalms 37:23 KJV). “… How great is thy goodness …for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!” (Psalms 31:19 KJV).

God’s goodness is experienced through surrender. “…Surrender your … power…” (Jeremiah 4:4  NLT). “…so that your goodness would … be … of your own free will…” (Philemon 1:14 KJV). “… I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me” (John 6:38 KJV).  “….the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others …" (Matthew 20:28). “…I must be about my Father'sbusiness?” (Luke 2:49 KJV). “…I desire to do your will, my God…” (Psalms 40:8 KJV). “…I have come to do your will, my God…'" (Hebrews 10:7, 9 KJV). “…I do nothing of myself…” (John 8:28 KJV). “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…I wanted you to help because you were willing, not because you were forced…” (Philemon 1:14 NLT).

GOD’S goodness IS OFTEN “NOT” BELIEVED. “…Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any one of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departingfrom the living God” (Hebrews 3:12 KJV).“…See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God…”(Hebrews 3:12 NIV). The Centurion said to Jesus “…I DO believe; HELP me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24 NIV). “… you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good...” (Romans 5:8-9 KJV). “... only believe…” (Mark 5:36 KJV).  

GOD’S goodness IS something chosen or RECEIVED often in the presence of doubt, misunderstanding or man’s lack of knowledge. “…RECEIVE with meekness the engrafted word …” (James 1:21 KJV). "…Truly I tell you, if anyone … DOES NOT DOUBT in their heart but believes … it will be done for them….” (MARKS 11:23 NIV). “… lean not unto thine own understanding …” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “…My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…” (Hosea 4:6 NIV). “…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “…ANYONE WHO COMES TO HIM MUST BELIEVE THAT HE (and his GOODNESS) EXISTS…” (Hebrews 11:6 NIV). “…Submityourselves to the Lord…” (2 Chronicles 30:8 NLT). “…REPENT … and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (which includes GOODNESS)….” (Acts 2:38 NASB). “…RECEIVE with meekness …” (James 1:21 KJV).

 God’s goodness makes the believers rejoice . “… Let thy saints rejoice in goodness…” (2 Chronicles 6:41 KJV).

god has given you his goodness. “…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” OUR HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). God’s goodness is spiritual. “…God is spirit…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).

God’s goodness is forever.“…The goodness of God endureth continually….” (Psalms 52:1 KJV).

God supplies you with abundant goodness and enough to share it with others. “…God shall supply ALL YOUR NEED …” (Philippians 4:19 KJV). “…God will generously PROVIDE all … [the goodness] … you need…” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT). “…my cup runneth over … [with goodness] …” (Psalms 23:5 KJV). “…you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light…” (1 Peter 2:9 NLT).

God’s goodness is displayed as spiritual fruit in your life and others can see it.“…Ye shall know them by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).

If you do NOT have the indwelling Spirit, you are NOT one of God’s children and the fruit, not your religious works, is the evidence. “…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).

“…It is Godwho works in you …” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control…” (Galatians 5 NLT).