Pensacola Helene Jefferson's Blog, page 26

SIGNS THAT GOD'S KINGDOM HAS "ALREADY" COME UPON THE EARTH

         

THE HUSBANDMAN, THE FRUITLESS BRANCHES and THE KINGDOM OF GOD!
“... I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.  I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love...” (John 15:1-10 KJV).*As important as Jesus is to the Gospel message, his particular message focused on  “preaching the gospel of the kingdom.” “... Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people ...” (Matthew 4:23 KJV).He TAUGHT that the RULE (Kingdom) of God had come upon the earth. “...his kingdom rules over all...” (Psalm 103:19 NLT). “...And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom , and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. ..” (Matthew 9:35 KJV).“...this gospel of the kingdomshall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come...” (Matthew 24:14 KJV).“...Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,   And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand (is CLOSE): repent ye, and believe the gospel...” (Mark 1:14-15 KJV).  “...The Kingdom of God is near!...” (Mark 1:14-15 NLT).“...he replied, “I must preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God in other towns, too, because that is why I was sent ...” (Luke 4:43 KJV). “... And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent...” (Luke 4:43 NLT).“...it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village , preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God ...” (Luke 8:1 KJV).“...The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it. And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail...” (Luke 16:16-17 KJV).“...Until John the Baptist, the law of Moses and the messages of the prophets were your guides. But now the Good News of the Kingdom of God is preached, and everyone is eager to get in. But that doesn’t mean that the law has lost its force. It is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the smallest point of God’s law to be overturned...” (Luke 16:16-17 NLT).“...this gospel of the kingdomshall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come...” (Matthew 24:14 KJV).The GOOD NEWS of the gospel is about the KINGDOM OF GOD. “...his kingdom ruleth over all...” (Psalms 103:19 KJV). God, the Holy Spirit’sRULE governs ALL things.  Jesus said: “..., “I must preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God ... that is why I was sent ...” (Luke 4:43 KJV) “... his kingdom rules over all...” (Psalm 103:19 NLT). “...the Good News of the Kingdom of God is preached , and everyone is eager to get in ..” (Luke 16:16-17 NLT).HOW DO YOU GET IN? “… You must be born again …” (John 3:7 NIV).  “...I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God ...” (John 3:5 KJV).“...Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit .   Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again...’ (John 3:5-7 NLT).“... one of the soldiers with a spear pierced [JESUS’]... side , and forthwith came there out blood (spiritual life) and water (cleansing Holy Spirit). …” (John 19:31-37 KJV). “...Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit ...You must be born again...’ (John 3:5-7 NLT).Water is used figuratively to represent the Holy Spirit and its cleansing power. “... Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit...” (John 3:5 NLT). “... ye have purified  (cleansed from sin) your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit...” (1 Peter 1:22 KJV).The water represents, the cleansing power of the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ. Jesus had another name. “… His name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “… THE WORDS ... they ARE SPIRIT,…”(John 6:63 KJV). “...[Jesus] ... gave up his life for  [mankind, to make them] ... holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s Word (JESUS)...” (Ephesians 5:26 KJV).“... one of the soldiers with a spear pierced [Jesus’]... side , and forthwith came there out blood (spiritual life) and water (cleansing Holy Spirit). …” (John 19:31-37 KJV).Out of Jesus’ side came the cleansing power of God’s Holy Spirit and the spiritual blood (LIFE) of the  ATONEMENT!!! THIS IS WHERE JESUS CHRISTIS CLEARLY SEEN IN THE GOOD NEWSOF THE GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM of god, the holy spirit.“... his kingdom rules over all...” (Psalm 103:19 NLT). “... Thy kingdom come. ..” (Matthew 6:10 KJV). “...The Kingdom of God is near!...” (Mark 1:14-15 NLT). “...if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you ...” (Luke 11:20 KJV). “... the kingdom of God is within you ...” (Luke 17:21 KJV).The Kingdom of God is his RULE over ALL the universe, it has COME upon the earth, it is presently active, it is within God’s people, and God, the Holy Spirit’s, complete, supreme REIGN is coming soon.The Kingdom of God or the rule of God is witnessed in his absolute power and authority over sin and the sinful nature, the defeat of the evil one, the triumph over spiritual death.Every, redeemed, child of God, has experienced the restoration of spiritual life. They are redeemed people and new creations, who are “RIGHT NOW, citizens of the Kingdom of God.God, the Holy Spirit, GREATLY demonstrates his absolute power and authority (RULE), over SIN and SPIRITUAL DEATH. “...The sting of [spiritual]...death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ...” (1 Corinthians 15:56-47 NLT). “... Giving thanks unto the Father (King of kings) ...Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness , and hath translated us into THE KINGDOM of his dear Son...” (Colossians 1:12-13 KJV).“...For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil ...” (1 John 3:8 KJV). “... The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work ...” (1 John 3:8 NLT).“... Thy kingdom come. ..” (Matthew 6:10 KJV). “... his kingdom rules over all...” (Psalm 103:19 NLT).The kingdom of god or rule of god means the king of kings have taken authority over spiritual death. “...the Good News of the Kingdom of God is preached , and everyone is eager to get in ..” (Luke 16:16-17 NLT). “…Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners… ” (Romans 5:6-8 NLT).  “...Jesus replied ...no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit ...You must be born again...’ (John 3:5-7 NLT).The Gospel of the Kingdom of God, which Jesus PREACHED about and DEMONSTRATED through righteous works (signs, wonders, miracles, etc.) and spiritual fruit (love, peace, gentleness, kindness, etc.) was a WITNESS that God’s Kingdom was BEING established upon earth. “... Thy kingdom come. ..” (Matthew 6:10 KJV). “... his kingdom rules over all...” (Psalm 103:19 NLT).  “...The Kingdom of God is near!...” (Mark 1:14-15 NLT). “...if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you ...” (Luke 11:20 KJV). “... the kingdom of God is within you ...” (Luke 17:21 KJV).The ESTABLISHING and COMING of the KINGDOM of GOD means that EVERYTHING and EVERY CITIZEN is being PREPARED and are PROCESSING toward the SPIRITUAL GOVERNMENT and RULE of God, the Holy Spirit (King of kings). “...The Kingdom of God is near!...” (Mark 1:14-15 NLT). “... the kingdom of God is come upon you ...” (Luke 11:20 KJV). “... the kingdom of God is within you ...” (Luke 17:21 KJV). “ ... in the PROCESS of TIME “IT” CAME TO PASS…” (Genesis 4:3 KJV).In the present and future “KINGDOM of GOD,” God, the Holy Spirit is the supreme KING over which the WORLD and the universe is his territory, the REDEEMED are HIS citizens, and the laws that GOVERN are HIS WORD.HOWEVER, “... If a man (woman) abide not in me, he (she) is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned ... without me ye can do nothing (you cannot get into the kingdom of god ...” (John 15:1-10 KJV). “... Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the KINGDOM OF HEAVEN; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven...” (Matthew 7:21-23 KJV). “... those who first heard this good news failed to enter because they disobeyed God ...” (Hebrews 4:6-7 NLT). “... Now the deeds of the flesh are evident ... 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).

“... Thy kingdom come. ..” (Matthew 6:10 KJV). “...[WHERE]... Jesus Christ ... is Lord of all. ( all Kingdom citizens)..”  (Acts 10:36 KJV).Spiritual FRUIT emphasizes and PROVES the GOOD NEWS of the God’s Kingdom has come and that Jesus is truly LORD and KING over the lives and hearts of his redeemed citizens.REDEEMED citizens DO righteous works and display spiritual fruit WHILE looking forward to the coming of and complete consummation of  God’s Kingdom. In the New Testament, “...The Lord ... chose ...disciples and sent them ahead in pairs to all the towns and places he planned to visit. These were his instructions to them: “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields. Now go..." (Luke 1:1-5 NLT). "..Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation...” (Mark 16:15 KJV). “... Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit...” (Matthew 28:19 NIV). “...you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth...” (ACTS 1:8 NLT).“..If I (Jesus, the WORD) be lifted up from the earth, WILL DRAW all men unto me…” (John 12:32 KJV). “… I will bring them home again,” says the Lord….” (HOSEA 11 NLT). “… [He sent the] … one … who can reconcile God and humanity— the man Christ Jesus …” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).“… [The WORD)… is the power of God at work,  (MIRACULOUSLY) saving everyone who believes (or everyone who depends upon his powerful Word to save them)…” (Romans 1:16 NLT). “... he doeth the works (of SAVING the lost) …” (John 14:10 KJV). “… God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and WITH POWER: who went about doing good , and healing all that were oppressed of the devil ; for GOD (the husbandman) WAS WITH HIM. …” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).“...[JESUS].... went throughout every city and village , preaching and shewing the glad tidings ( good news ) of the kingdom of God ...” (Luke 8:1 KJV).“... he doeth  (the husbandman) the works (of righteousness works and displayed spiritual fruit) …” (John 14:10 KJV). “…[God, the Holy Spirit] ... anointed (empowered Jesus) to preach the gospel to the poor; ... to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord …” (John 4:16-21 KJV). “…[Jesus said]… the Father (the husbandman) that dwelleth in me , he doeth the works (of righteousness and spiritual fruit) …” (John 14:10 KJV).  “… God (the husbandman) publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene (the True Vine) by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him ,  …” (ACTS 2:22 KJV).“...Herein is my Father glorified , that ye (branches) bear much fruit...” (John 15:1-10 KJV)."..My Father is glorified by this, that you (branches) bear much fruit, and ...PROVE to be My disciples...” (John 15:8 NIV).“… Let your (branches) light so shine before men , that they may see your good works (righteous deeds and spiritual fruit) and glorify your Father  (REVEAL his presence through righteous deeds and spiritual fruit upon the earth)… ” (Matthew 5:16 KJV).“...[JESUS].... went throughout every city and village , preaching and shewing the glad tidings ( good news ) of the kingdom of God ...” (Luke 8:1 KJV). “…The [Holy] ...Spirit (the husbandman) of the Lord (the TRUE VINE)  … anointed [empowered JESUS] to preach the gospel to the poor ... [empowered him] to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at libertythem that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord …” (John 4:16-21 KJV). “… [Jesus was EMPOWERED by the Holy Spirit and he] went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil ; [BECAUSE] ...GOD [THE HUSBANDMAN] ...WAS WITH HIM…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).“...Now [you branches, also]... go..." (Luke 1:1-5 NLT). "..Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation...” (Mark 16:15 KJV). “... Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations..” (Matthew 28:19 NIV). “...you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere...” (ACTS 1:8 NLT). “...Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works (not different works, but greater works) than these he will do; because I go to the Father...” (John 14:12 NIV). “…Ye shall know [the WITNESSES and citizens of the Kingdom of God]… by their fruits …” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “… He who ABIDES in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit … ” (John 15:1-11 NASB). "…My Father is glorified by this, that “YOU” (BRANCHES) bear much fruit, and ... PROVE to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV).HOW?  “…God (the Holy Spirit and husbandman) ... does the work  IN AND THROUGH all of ...his…[branches]...”(1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…The fruit of the Spirit (the righteous conduct of the Holy Spirit) is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). "....The [indwelling] ...Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [the branches] …” (Galatians 5 NLT). "…My Father is glorified by this, ” (John 15:8 NIV). GLORIFIED BY WHAT? "… that “YOU” (HIS BRANCHES) bear much fruit...” (John 15:8 NIV).WHAT WILL DISPLAYING FRUIT PROVE? “ ... [IT WILL] ...PROVE [THE FRUITFUL BRANCHES]...to be My disciples ” (John 15:8 NIV)."…My Father is glorified by this, that “YOU” (HIS BRANCHES) bear much fruit, and ... PROVE to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV).“... without me (god, the husbandman and caregiver) ye (branches) can do nothing... If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered;and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned ......” (John 15:1-10 KJV). “... Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he (the husbandman) taketh away .....” (John 15:1-10 KJV). “...The harvest is great, but the workers are few . So pray...[and]... ask him to send more worker s into his fields. Now go...” (Luke 1:1-5 NLT). “... every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit .. ..” (John 15:1-10 KJV). “...you (fruitful branches) will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere...” (ACTS 1:8 NLT). “...[JESUS also].... went throughout every city and village , preaching and shewing the glad tidings ( good news ) of the kingdom of God ...” (Luke 8:1 KJV). “...the Good News of the Kingdom of God is preached , and everyone is eager to get in ..” (Luke 16:16-17 NLT). “...you (fruitful branches) will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere ...” (ACTS 1:8 NLT). OTHERWISE, “... Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he (the husbandman) taketh away .....” (John 15:1-10 KJV).

FRUITLESS BRANCHES DO NOT PROMOTE OR DEMONSTRATE THE GOOD NEWS OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD

 

IF YOU KNOW GOD'S PEOPLE BY THEIR FRUIT, WHAT ABOUT FRUITLESS BRANCHES?

         
THE HUSBANDMAN and THE FRUITLESS BRANCHES
“... I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.  I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned....” (John 15:1-10 KJV).

“...Therefore from now on we recognize no one by the flesh; even though we have known Christ by the flesh, yet now we know Him in this way no longer...” (2 Corinthians 5:16 NASB)

 “...Because of this decision we don’t evaluate people by what they have or how they look. We looked at the Messiah that way once and got it all wrong, as you know. We certainly don’t look at him that way anymore. Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life emerges! Look at it! All this comes from the God who settled the relationship between us and him, and then called us to settle our relationships with each other. God put the world square with himself through the Messiah, giving the world a fresh start by offering forgiveness of sins. God has given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing. We’re Christ’s representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God’s work of making things right between them. We’re speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God; he’s already a friend with you...” (2 Corinthians 5:16-20 MSG). “…Ye shall know [God’s children, who love him,]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). 

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

 “...Because of this decision we don’t evaluate people by what they have or how they look. We looked at the Messiah that way once and got it all wrong, as you know. We certainly don’t look at him that way anymore. Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life emerges! Look at it! All this comes from the God who settled the relationship between us and him, and then called us to settle our relationships with each other. God put the world square with himself through the Messiah, giving the world a fresh start by offering forgiveness of sins. God has given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing. We’re Christ’s representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God’s work of making things right between them. We’re speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God; he’s already a friend with you...” (2 Corinthians 5:16-20 MSG).

“...Therefore from now on we recognize no one by the flesh; even though we have known Christ by the flesh, yet now we know Him in this way no longer...” (2 Corinthians 5:16 NASB). “…Ye shall know [God’s children, who love him,]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV).

God’s people were ONCE recognized simply for what they DO through self-effort, alone, but as NEW CREATION, they are NO LONGER to be recognized in that way. God’s WORD said we don’t RECOGNIZE Jesus by the flesh, therefore, we don’t recognize HIS PEOPLE, by the flesh either.

God’s people are tricked, fooled, manipulated, bamboozled, lied to, end up marrying, in bad business deals, and entangled with hypocrites, pretenders, liars, evil leaders, and make-believers because they ONLY recognized them by their flesh and the deeds of their flesh.

Jesus is the LIVING WORD of God that saves, indwells within the hearts of God’s people, produces spiritual fruit in and through them, and displays God’s GLORY in and through them too. God’s people DON’T view Jesus according to his flesh. He is their LORD and SAVIOR, who is recognized as the indwelling SPIRITthat saved them and made them into NEW CREATIONS.

God’s people’s assessment of Jesus comes from a spiritual perspective and the assessment of his people SHOULD TOO! “...Therefore from now on we recognize no one by the flesh; even though we have known Christ by the flesh, yet now we know Him in this way no longer...” (2 Corinthians 5:16 NASB). “…Ye shall know [God’s children, who love him,]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV).

God’s people will continue to follow, connect, and become yoked together with FALSE, hypocritical, FAKE, EVIL people, because they don’t FOLLOW God’s WORD to EXAMINE or LOOK FOR spiritual fruit!

God’s people have BECOME “NEW CREATIONS” They are to CHOOSE to stop JUDGING themselves according to the flesh as well as their brother and sisters in Christ. It doesn’t mean people are NOT wrong, or aren’t practicing a sinful lifestyle, or living according to the flesh, it says DON’T judge them (or yourself) according to the flesh, but by the fruit!

God’s is LOOKING at the HEART where spiritual FRUIT is produced and it is the FRUIT that REVEALS whether a person is one of GOD’s people or NOT.

God’s people CONTINUALL follow or get caught with the WRONG people FOLLOWING after the flesh. They make the same mistake over and over again. Merely looking at the flesh, God’s people, like the rest of world, will become carried away with someone’s appearance, political affiliation, skin color, elaborate outward deeds, background staging of their lives, and wealth, but totally MISS the ABSENCE of God.

Don’t get so caught in the VIEWS or ACCUSATIONS that support your perspectives that you MISS God’s TRUTH. HIS PEOPLE, no matter their vocations in life, live out their LIVES for his GLORY and you WILL KNOW, they live for HIS GLORY.... BY THEIR SPIRITUAL FRUIT!! “...[God’s people”]...are not of the world, just as I am not of the world...” (John 17:16 NASB).

God’s people are like the branches on a GRAPE VINE. Fruitless branches offer no “witness for God,” at all.“…The invisible [Holy Spirit]…from the creation of the world is …clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made  (such as fruitful branches)…”(Romans 1:20 KJV). “…What we now SEE (fruitful branches) did not come from anything that can be SEEN…” (Hebrews 11 NLT). “…he (the “indwelling” holy spirit) doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

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

“…The branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can [God’s people]... unless [they] abide in Me (Jesus).…” (John 15:4-6 NASB).

“… I am the vine, you are the branches; he (she) who abides in Me and I in him, he (she) bears much fruit,…” (John 15:4-6 NASB). “… apart from Me [God’s people]... can do nothing…” (John 15:4-6 NASB).

“... I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman...” (JOHN 15:1 KJV). God, the Father and Holy Spirit, is the husbandman who produces spiritual fruit “in” (plants the seed) and “through” (produces the fruit) his people, WHEN they abide in Christ.

God, the Holy Spirit is also referred to, in the bible, as a “...spring of living water...” (Jeremiah 2:13 KJV). Thus, the bible says, “....I (God, the Holy Spirit) will pour my Spirit upon THY SEED...” (Isaiah 44:3 KJV). “…The seed is the WORD OF GOD …” (Mark 4:14-15 & Luke 8:11 KJV). “…The Holy Spirit  produces  ...(spiritual) fruit in [the lives of HIS people when the SEED is watered]….” (Galatians 5 NLT). 

“…God ...the … HOLY SPIRIT ... is the SOURCE of ...[spiritual fruit]…it is …God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of ...[HIS people, branches, etc.]... The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power (to produce spiritual fruit) THROUGH each of us  (his branches)… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

“…the Fatherthat dwelleth in [the branches] … he doeth the works...[of producing spiritual fruit]…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruitin [the branches]: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…” (Galatians 5:22 NLT).

A good husbandman ensures the vine and branches are fruitful. One of God’s first directives to mankind was to be FRUITFUL. “...God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply….” (Genesis 1:26-28 KJV).

Fruitful branches are WITNESSES that the KINGDOM of God or RULE of God has come upon the earth.

God RULES by governing the hearts of his people or the citizens of the Kingdom. You will know HIS CITIZENS, by their spiritual fruit. “…Ye shall know them by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). 

Spiritual fruitis the WITNESS of citizenship in the Kingdom and Lordship of the King of kings.

The IMPORTANT lesson, from fruitful branches, is that the KINGDOM of GOD is manifested and witnessed, to the world, by its presence intrusion by HIS PEOPLE and in regard to its future consummation promised by the King of kings (the husbandman).“...God said ... Be fruitful, and multiply….” (Genesis 1:26-28 KJV). “…Ye shall know them by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). 

God can make that directive, because he is the husbandman, and he knows the SEED, he planted within the HIS PEOPLE. God, the Holy Spirit, has NO DOUBT they will be fruitful!! “...Be fruitful….” (Genesis 1:26-28 KJV).

One of the GREATEST seeds ever sown upon this EARTH was Jesus, the WORD OF God. One of the GREATEST seeds ever sow “within” the heart, of God’s people, is Jesus, the Word of God. “…The sower (husbandman) SOWETH THE WORD …The seed (Jesus) is the WORD OF GOD….. THE WORD …was sown in THEIR HEARTS (the ground; earth)…” (Mark 4:14-15 & Luke 8:11 KJV).

Jesus had another name. “… His name is called The Word of God (the “good” seed)…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB).  “ …We (God’s people) have this treasure  (this seed) “in” earthen (human) vessels…” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV). 

Jesus is the “good seed” and WILL always produces good crop “…The seed that fell on good soil ...  [will]... produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted... ” (Matthew 13: 18-23 NLT).

Jesus, the WORD showed himself FRUITFUL and MULTIFLIED!! “...[Jesus] went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God...” (Luke 8:1 KJV). “... The word of God spread....” (Acts 6:7 NIV). “... the word of God continued to spread and flourish...” (Acts 12:24 NIV). “... So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed...” (Act 12:20 KJV). “...God’s word [was un]chained...” (1 Timothy 2:9 NIV). “... the word of God [was un]bound...” (1 Timothy 2:9 KJV).

Jesus, the human vessel, empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit, preached the GOSPEL and drew the crowds.“...the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing...” (Luke 9:11 KJV). “...And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed...” (Mark 6:56 KJV). “...Large crowds followed him, and he healed them there...” (Matthew 19:2 KJV). “...the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all...” (Luke 6:19 KJV).

“...God said... Be fruitful, and multiply….” (Genesis 1:26-28 KJV).  “… God  … work[ed] … in … [Jesus] … what is pleasing to him …” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…the Father...[that DWELT within JESUS]… he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

The “preaching” of the Gospel, was God, the Holy Spirit, SPEAKING through Jesus.  God, the Holy Spirit DOES the WORK. “…Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and POWER (the indwelling Holy Spirit), performed great wonders and signs among the people…” (Acts 6:8 NIV).  “…God did extraordinary MIRACLES (by the indwelling Holy Spirit) through Paul…” (Acts 19:11 NIV).

 “…the Fatherthat dwelleth in [his people], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

“…God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of [those]... who are his… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). 

“...The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s [power and fruit]... THROUGH each of us …… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

“…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV)..  “…God ...does the work ....The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are CLEARLY SEEN…” (Romans 1:20 KJV).

Jesus was a specially created human vessel, but the WORDS he spoke was ALL God, the Holy Spirit. “…The only begotten (specially created) Son (Jesus, the WORD), of the Father, he hath declared (explained or REVEALED) him…” (John 1:18 KJV).

“..I am (the WORD is) in the Father (God, the HOLY SPIRIT), and the Father ... [is in the Word]? the wordsthat (Jesus) I speak unto youI speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth (the holy spirit doeth) the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

“…God (the holy spirit) 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 Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth (the holy spirit doeth) the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

Before Jesus died upon the cross, God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus REVEALED himself. “…The ...Son (Jesus, the WORD), of the Father, he hath declared (explained or REVEALED) him…” (John 1:18 KJV).

“...I am sending my messenger ....The messenger of the covenant...” (Malachi 3:1 NLT). “... He (THE WORD) is a light to reveal God to the nations...” (Luke 2:32 NLT). “.. A Light of revelation...” (LUKE 2:32 NASB).

“…He has revealed God to us…” (John 1:18 NLT). “… For the Lord ...reveals [God’s]... thoughts to mankind…” (Amos 4:13 NLT).

WHY? “…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).

Now, through revelation knowledge, “…The invisible [Holy Spirit]…from the creation of the world is …clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made  (new creations or branches and they produce spiritual fruit)…” (Romans 1:20 KJV). “…What we now SEE  ( new creations, fruitful branches, etc.) did not come from anything that can be SEEN…” (Hebrews 11 NLT). “…he (the holy spirit) doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus SAID:  “… [HIS Word was]… the power of God at work (miraculously), saving everyone who believes…” (Romans 1:16 NLT).

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

“…The Spirit of the Lord [was]... upon [Jesus, the messenger] ...he ... anointed [or empowered him]… to preachthe gospel to the poor; he hath sent [him]… to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord…” (John 4:16-21 KJV).

…God anointed (or empowered) Jesus of Nazareth (the messenger) (HOW?) with the Holy Ghost and WITH POWER (what did jesus do?)...  [he]...went about doing good, (TELLING the GOOD NEWS of the KINGDOM, demonstrating spiritual fruit,), and healing all that were oppressed of the devil …(HOW?) GOD WAS WITH HIM…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV)

. “…God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of us who are his. …… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

 “…The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us …… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus PREACHED and the “...the crowds ... followed him...” (Luke 9:11 KJV). “...And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces...” (Mark 6:56 KJV). “...Large crowds followed him, ...” (Matthew 19:2 KJV).

“...the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God...” (Luke 5:1 KJV).  “...Large crowds were traveling with Jesus...” (Luke 14:25 KJV). “...A large crowd followed and pressed around him...” (Mark 5:23 KJV).  “...Again crowds of people came to him, and as was his custom, he taught them...” (Mark 10:1 KJV). “...Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him...” (Matthew 4:25 KJV).

Jesus had another name. “… His name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). The CROWDS were “NOT” following a human vessel, they were following the WORD of God (the SPEAKING SPIRIT). It is God’s WORD that draws the crowds to God, the Holy Spirit.

Jesus, the WORD, multiplied the number of people coming into the Kingdom of God, through the message, he was EMPOWERED to preach. “...[Jesus] went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God...” (Luke 8:1 KJV).

“…God anointed Jesus of Nazareth (HOW?) with the Holy [Spirit]... and WITH POWER…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV). “...[god empowered jesus]...to preach the gospel to the poor ... To preachthe acceptable year of the Lord…” (John 4:16-21 KJV).

“… [JESUS]....The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “...[empowered ]...to preach the gospel to the poor ... To preachthe acceptable year of the Lord…” (John 4:16-21 KJV). “… [Jesus was EMPOWERED, by the indwelling Holy Spirit, and] went about doing good…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).

“...the words(the message) that I speak unto youI speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth (the holy spirit doeth) the works (preaching)…” (John 14:10 KJV).

HOWEVER, “...If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned... without me ye can do nothing...” (John 15:1-10 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus revealed his FRUITFULNESS, because he ABIDED in God, who is SPIRIT and by trusting in and depending upon his indwelling POWER.“… I come ...to do thy will, O God…” (Hebrew 10:7 KJV). “… Not My will, but Yours be done…" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV).

God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus, his WORD could NOT have done the WORKS  apart from his Father, who is Spirit or his POWER. “...the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: ... THESE THREE ARE ONE...” (1 JOHN 5:7 KJV).

Jesus, the WORD, openly admitted he didn’t even speak on his OWN, but said only what his Father, who is SPIRIT, GAVE him to say. “...the words (the message) that I speak unto you I speak not of myself…” (John 14:10 KJV). “...the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: ... THESE THREE ARE ONE...” (1 JOHN 5:7 KJV).

 “...I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak...” (John 12:49 KJV).

“...the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me...” (John 14:24 KJV).

Therefore, “…The ...Son (Jesus, the WORD), of the Father, he hath declared (explained or REVEALED) him…” (John 1:18 KJV).

“...I am sending my messenger ....” (Malachi 3:1 NLT).“... [THE WORD] is a light to reveal God to the nations...” (Luke 2:32 NLT). “.. [The WORD or messenger is a) Light of revelation...” (LUKE 2:32 NASB).

“...[The WORD or messenger]... has revealed God to us…” (John 1:18 NLT). “… [The WORD or messenger] ...reveals [God’s]... thoughts to mankind…” (Amos 4:13 NLT).

WHY? “…Then you will know that [he is] the Lordyour God…’” (Exodus 16:12 NLT). “…… I am God, and there is none like me…" (Isaiah 46:9-10 KJV). “… “I AM” WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).   “… [God] … is Yourrockand Your fortress, your deliverer, Your GOD, Your rock, in whom [you] … take refuge; Yourshieldand the horn of Your salvation, YOURstronghold.…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB).

While Jesus, the human vessel, was a very important part of the message, he demonstrated God, the Father, who is Spirit, was KING of kings. “...his kingdom ruleth over all...” (Psalms 103:19 KJV).

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

FRUITLESS BRANCHES ARE CUT-OFF AND CUT AWAY, by the FARMER or HUSBANDMAN, SO THE FRUITFUL BRANCHES CAN BECOME “MORE” FRUITFUL.

God’s people can become FRUITLESS too in BRINGING “FORTH” THE “GOOD NEWS” OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD!

GOD LOVES THE WORLD. HE DOESN’T WANT ANYONE TO PERISH. HIS HAS GRACE, MERCY, AND LOVE FOR THE LOST AND THE NEEDY.

FRUITFUL BRANCHES REVEAL GOD’S PRESENCE AND HIS GRACIOUS GOODNESS UPON MANKIND.

HE WANTS THE WORLD TO KNOW HE’S IS HERE, UPON EARTH, through HIS “people” AND HIS KINGDOM HAS COME!!

“...Thy kingdom come...” (Matthew 6:10 KJV). “...the kingdom of God is within [HIS PEOPLE]...” (Luke 17:21 KJV). “…Ye shall know [God’s people]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).

“…He (she) who ABIDES in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit … ” (John 15:1-11 NASB). "…My Father is glorified by this, that “YOU” bear much fruit, and so PROVE to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV).

 

TRANSFORMING LOVE: NO GREATER LOVE....THAN THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TRANSFORMING LOVE "GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS, )

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“…be conformed to the image of His Son…” (Romans 8:29 KJV). “...Therefore if any man(woman) be in Christ, he(she) is a new creature...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “...old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). Hopefully you have learned in TRANSFORMING LOVE: between Christ and the Believer that God chooses you, draws you, loves you, changes your identity, speaks to you, becomes your Lord and makes you holy.

These are only a few of the ways in which, the “covenant unity” relationship with God, the Holy Spirit, conforms YOUR LIFE, immediately, as a NEW CREATION in Christ..

 This immediate conforming is necessary for the “covenant unity” between God, the Holy Spirit, and the redeemed soul to begin a “ONE SPIRIT,” reconciled relationship together. “… [God, the Holy Spirit, sent the] …one… who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus (WHO comes to DWELL WITHIN)…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).“...But he (she) that is joined (attached) unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT...” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).  “...[Lost and spiritually dead souls can be]... reconciled (intimately attached) to God by the death of his Son ...” (Romans 5:10 KJV).

At SALVATION every born-again, redeemed soul becomes a NEW CREATION that is SPIRITUALLY CONFORMED, NOW, because they are “RECONCILED” with God,  the Holy Spirit, AGAIN.

The WAY, God, the Holy Spirit, has GIVEN his people to STAY CONFORMED is by choosing to RENEW their minds and work out their “OWN” salvation. “...And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God...” (Romans 12:2 KJV). “...And be renewed in the spirit of your mind...” (Ephesians 4:23 KJV). “...[AND]...work out your own salvation...” (Philippians 2:12 KJV).

Every time God’s people obey God they are working out their “own” salvation, which is the way they also SERVE God, the Holy Spirit. “...work out your own salvation...” (Philippians 2:12 KJV). OR “...[serve]out your own salvation...”

Remember working or “serving” out YOUR own SALVATION includes following God’s commandments EVERY day by: “…[Choosing to put]… aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to SAVE YOUR SOULS….” (James 1:21 NASB).

It is actively “…[choosing to] …throw offyour old sinful nature and your former way of life…” (Ephesians 4:22 NIV).

“... [It is also choosing to]…put off falsehoodand speak truthfully to your neighbor…” (Ephesians 4:25 NLT).

It is “….[choosing to]…let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice…” (Ephesians 4:31 KJV).

“….Ye also [choose to]…put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth….” (Colossians 3:8  KJV).

“…[You choose to lay] … aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings…” (1 Peter 2:1 KJV).

WORKING out YOUR “own” SALVATION becomes a voluntarily labor of LOVE and devotion to God, the Holy Spirit. “…If you love me, you will... [voluntarily choose to] ...keep my commandments…” (John 14:15).

When God’s people CHOOSE, on their own volition, to SERVE him, HE helps them.“… 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 (obey)….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

.  “… The Holy Spirit helps [his people] in [their]... weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT). “…You are my helper and my savior…” (Psalms 40:17 NLT).

“…It is …God [the indwelling Holy Spirit] ... who does the work IN and THROUGH all of us who are his… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…God …works in [his people] TO WILL and TO ACT   in order to fulfill his good purpose…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV).

Dutiful work in its narrow view is about toil, tedious activities, self-effort, drudgery, labor, grind, exertion, and chores. Whereas, devotional service is about worshipping God through willful obedient by choosing to serve, volunteering to work, being willing to cooperative, generously donating, offering time, or freely bequeathing one’s resources.

Both work and service require actions and will either be done out of DUTY or a heartfelt DEVOTION. “...God seesnot as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart…”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB).

Working or serving because you WANT to verses doing it, because, you feel and believe, you HAVE to is two different things.

When a child of God SERVES God, with SUCH a heartfelt, devoted LOVE they are coming to KNOW GOD, the Holy Spirit, intimately, and HIS LOVE for them, personally.  “...We love him, because he first loved us...” (1 John 4:19 KJV).“…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). “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life…” (John 15:13 NLT).

God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus expressed and demonstrated what his HOLY LOVE is and the bible tells us: “…THIS is LOVE…[God]… sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins…” (1 John 4:10 NIV). Powerful truth!

For, LOVE, God, the Holy Spirit, SENT something to mankind. God, the Holy Spirit, SENT his SON. God, the Holy Spirit SENT his SON, his LIVING WORD.

“…[God]…sent His Son...” (1 John 4:10 KJV).   “… [He sent the] …one … …” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).  “…God … sent forth the Spirit of His Son …” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “...he (God, the Holy Spirit) sent his Word (his SON)...” (Psalm 107:20 KJV).“...he loved usand sent His Son...” (1 John 4:10 KJV). God, the Holy Spirit, took action.

For, LOVE, God, the Holy Spirit, SENt Jesus. God, the Holy Spirit, SENT jesus to express and demonstrate his love for mankind.

God, the Holy Spirit SENT his, specially created SON, JESUS, to reconcile mankind back to himself, the god of love.

Jesus was a special MADE work of God, the HOLY SPIRIT. “… [Jesus, the specially created work of God]...which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God…” (John 1:13 KJV).

“…The Holy Spirit shall come upon you (Mary, the human mother of Jesus), and the power of God shall overshadow you; so the baby born to you will be utterly holy—the Son of God…” (Luke 1:35 NLT).

“…The only begotten (specially MADE) Son (Jesus, the WORD), of the Father, he [will declare] (express, REVEAL, or communicate) for HIM (for God, the Holy Spirit)…” (John 1:18 KJV).

Jesus had another name. “… His name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “…the Word (Jesus) was made FLESH (made into an specially created earthen vessel) ...” (JOHN 1:14 KJV).

SO, Jesus “IS” “The WORD of god.” (Revelation 19:12-13 KJV).  “…The only begotten (specially MADE) Son (Jesus is actually God’s WORD)…” (John 1:18 KJV).

Jesus, the specially created earthen vessel, his Son, was MADE and SENT through the SOVEREIGN will of God, the HOLY SPIRIT. “… [Jesus, his WORD made flesh]...which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God…” (John 1:13 KJV).

“…the baby born to you (Mary, the human mother of Jesus) will be utterly holy—the Son of God…” (Luke 1:35 NLT).

“…The only begotten (specially SENT and MADE) Son (Jesus, the WORD), of the Father, he hath declared (expressed, REVEALED, or communicated) for HIM (for God, the Holy Spirit)…” (John 1:18 KJV).

The WORD of God was “IN” the beginning with God and WAS God. “…THERE ARE THREE that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and THESE THREE ARE ONE...”(1 JOHN 5:7 KJV).  

“…THERE IS NO GOD, BUT ONE…” (1 JOHN 5:7 KJV). There is God, the Father; God, the Word, and God, the Holy Spirit and these three equal ONE God. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “… “I AM WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  

God is SPIRIT (Father). His WORD is SPIRIT (Son). His POWER is SPIRIT (Holy Ghost). “...the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: ... THESE THREE ARE ONE...” (1 JOHN 5:7 KJV).

Who God is, what he says, and what he does are ONE undivided UNITYthat is ALWAYS in agreement. “...THESE THREE ARE ONE...” (1 JOHN 5:7 KJV).

Who God is, what he says, and what he does NEVER changes. “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

“…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).  “… he remains faithful[ly spirit]... for he cannot deny who he is…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT). 

From this perspective, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit are all God, who IS SPIRIT. “...the Father (who is SPIRIT), the Word,  (is how God becomes the SPEAKING SPIRIT) and the Holy Ghost (is how God becomes the WORKING SPIRIT). “ ... THESE THREE ARE ONE...” (1 JOHN 5:7 KJV). “…THERE IS NO GOD, BUT ONE…” (1 JOHN 5:7 KJV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).

God’s people can COMPLETELY trust in and depend upon God’s, DIVINE CHARACTER when God is SPIRIT, his WORD when God is SPEAKING SPIRIT, or his HOLY GHOST when God is WORKING SPIRIT. “ ... THESE THREE ARE ONE...” (1 JOHN 5:7 KJV).

For, LOVE, God, the Holy Spirit SENT his, specially created son, JESUS, to communicate, his love,.

God, the Holy Spirit, sent jesus, his word, so he, himself, could speak to mankind.

God, the Holy Spirit, spoke through jesus, as the speaking spirit, and revealed himself to mankind.

God, the Holy Spirit, initiates the communication between himself and mankind. In the Old Testament God used things in creation or human mouthpieces, like the prophets, to SPEAK through in order to communicate to his people.

God, the Holy Spirit, has also used burning bushes, a pillar of cloud, a pillar of fire, smoke, donkeys, angels, etcetera TO SPEAK through in order to communicate with his people.

Throughout nature God uses creation to SPEAK throughin order to communicate to mankind too. “…The heavens are telling the glory of God.  ….” (Psalms 19:1 NLT). “…[and]… are a marvelous display of his craftsmanship.  ….” (Psalms 19:1 NLT). “… Day unto day [they] uttereth speech, and …  sheweth knowledge…” (Psalms 19:2-3 KJV).

JESUS CHRIST, however, was the most unique form of communication from God, the Holy Spirit. “…No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom (in the heart of God where his words and thoughts reside) of the Father, he (Jesus) hath declared him…” (John 1:18 KJV).  “…No one has ever seen God. But the unique One (Jesus HIS word), who is himself God, is near to the Father’s heart (his     thoughts). He has revealed God to us…” (John 1:18 NLT).

Jesus, God’s WORD, was a specially MADE, earthen vessel, who served as a mouthpiece for communicating a MESSAGE of unconditional LOVE directly from GOD’S HEART (bosom).“…the only begotten Son (his Word), which is in the bosom of the Father (in God’s heart), he hath declared him…” (John 1:18 KJV). “…the Word was “with” god… (John 1:1-4 NASB). “…the unique One (the Word), who is himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. [directly out of God’s OWN heart, [Jesus, his word]... has revealed God to us…” (John 1:18 NLT). “…the Word … was god… (John 1:1-4 NASB).

Jesus was “MADE” into a special human vessel so God, the Holy Spirit could personally, come down to earth, through HIM, to reveal himself and communicate his heart, full of unconditional LOVE, to mankind. “….Thus, the WORD was made flesh….” (John 1:14 KJV).

Thus, God, the Holy Spirit, CAME to earth, through Jesus, to communicate with, express his unconditional LOVE to, and reveal his HOLY nature to mankind. “…God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten (specially MADE) Son (his WORD)…” (John 3:16 KJV). “… His (Jesus, the WORD’s) name Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us…” (Matthew 1:23 NASB).

For, LOVE, God, the Holy Spirit, spoke through jesus as the “speaking” spirit.

“…the Word [SPEAKING SPIRIT] was made flesh (through Jesus), and dwelt among us...” (John 1:14 KJV). .  “...we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire: we have seen this day that God doth talk with man (woman), and he (she) liveth…” (Deuteronomy 5:24 KJV).

“…He (God, the Holy Spirit) was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not…” (John 1:10-12 KJV).

"...He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him..." (John 1:10 NIV). 

"...He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not..." (John 1:10 KJV).

"...He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him..." John 1:10 NASB).

“… Jacob awake out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not…” (Genesis 28:16 NASB).

God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus CAME in a specially created human vessel and his OWN people, who were EXPECTING him, didn’t recognize him. “…No one has ever seen God. But the unique One (the Word), who is himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us…” (John 1:18 NLT).

They LOOKED at the OUTSIDE and determined he couldn’t BE the MESSIAH of the scriptures. "...He came into the very world he created, but the world didn't recognize him..." John 1:10 NLT).

Unless you have NO CLUE, the same way the world would KNOW his people, they would also KNOW God, the Holy Spirit.“…Ye shall know them by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV).  “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “… “I AM WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  

“...God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, …” (1 Samuel 16:7 NASB). “... The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit  ... love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (obedience). …” (Galatians 5 NLT). .“…Ye shall know [God, the Holy Spirit and his people]... by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV).

For instance, “…Jesus (the word) of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost (the father) and WITH POWER (the working power) ... went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for GOD (all of the ONE TRUE GOD) WAS WITH HIM…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).

…The Spirit of the Lord [was].. upon [Jesus], because he hath anointed [him]… to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent [him]… to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord…” (John 4:16-21 KJV).

Jesus, the WORD, the SPEAKING SPIRIT, showed himself FRUITFUL and MULTIFLIED!! “...[Jesus] went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God...” (Luke 8:1 KJV).

“… [God’s people are to be]... growing in every way more and more like Christ…” (Ephesians 4:14-16 NLT).

God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus preached the Kingdom of God and it drew the LOST, OPPRESSED, and NEEDY to HIM, the God of LOVE. “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV).“...the crowds learned about [God’s LOVE]... and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing...” (Luke 9:11 KJV). “...And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed...” (Mark 6:56 KJV). “...Large crowds followed him, and he healed them there...” (Matthew 19:2 KJV). “...the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all...” (Luke 6:19 KJV).

The righteous words came throughJesus, but the works were performed byHIS “powerful” working Holy Spirit.“… God  … work[ed] … in … [Jesus] … what is pleasing to him [as a WITNESS]…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…the Father... [that DWELT within JESUS]… he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

 “... The word of God spread....” (Acts 6:7 NIV). “... the word of God continued to spread and flourish...” (Acts 12:24 NIV). “... So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed...” (Act 12:20 KJV). “...God’s word [was un]chained...” (1 Timothy 2:9 NIV). “... the word of God [was un]bound...” (1 Timothy 2:9 KJV).

“The Son is the ... exact representation of his (God, the Holy Spirit’s) being…”(Hebrews 1:3 KJV). “…who is himself God…” (John 1:18 NLT).

 “…Jesus saith unto him, Have I (God, the Holy Spirit speaking through Jesus) been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? He (she) that hath SEEN ME (Jesus, the WORD of GOD) HATH SEEN the Father (God, the Holy Spirit); and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?...” (John 14:9 KJV). “… I (the WORD) and my Father (who is SPIRIT) are ONE…” (John 10:30 KJV). Togetherthey were THE “powerful,” spiritual WORD OF GOD!

“...the Father (SPIRIT), the Word, (SPEAKING SPIRIT) and the Holy Ghost (WORKING SPIRIT) ... THESE THREE ARE ONE...” (1 JOHN 5:7 KJV). God “IS” who he is, what he says, and what he does. “…THERE IS NO GOD, BUT ONE…” (1 JOHN 5:7 KJV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).

“…the Word was “with” god… (John 1:1-4 NASB). “…the unique One (the Word), who is himself God…” (John 1:18 NLT). “…the Word … was god… (John 1:1-4 NASB). “…the Word [SPEAKING SPIRIT] was made flesh (through Jesus)...who is himself God....” (John 1:14 KJV & John 1:18 NLT).

“…although He (Jesus, the WORD within a specially created human vessel) existed in the form of God (who is SPIRIT), did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but taking the form of a bond-servant emptied Himself, , and being made in the likeness of men (women). Being found in appearanceas a [hu]man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. …” (Philippians 2:5-8 NASB). “…In this world [God’s people]... are LIKE JESUS…” (1 John 4:17 NIV).

For, LOVE, God, the Holy Spirit, Not only spoke through jesus as the speaking spirit, but came to become an ransom or atoning sacrifice in order to reconcile mankind “BACK” to himself.

For, LOVE, God, the Holy Spirit, through jesus, the specially made, utterly holy, human vessel, would also become the sacrificial lamb.

God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus willingly chose to surrender his, specially created, human vessel to fulfill HIS purpose and PLAN of SALVATION for mankind.  “… I lay down my life...No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. …” (John 10:17-18 KJV). “….Christ pleased not himself…” (Romans 15:3 KJV).  

God, the Holy Spirit, SAID through Jesus that he DID “…NOT come to be served, but to serve, and to giveHis life  (his specially created human vessel as) a ransom for many...” (Matthew 20:28 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus willingly chose to follow his OWN will no matter what it cost. God, the Holy Spirit, experienced living in an human vessel, through Jesus, for the SAKE of those he loved.  

“…[He chose to TAKE on]....the form of a bond-servant [and]...emptied Himself…” (Philippians 2:5-8 NASB). “…[Jesus was purposely]...made in the likeness of men [and was]... found in appearance as a man, …” (Philippians 2:5-8 NASB).

“...[God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus can]… be touched with the feeling of [his people’s]... infirmities;[because he]... was in all points tempted like... [they]... are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus came “…to giveHis life (his specially made human vessel as) a ransom for many…” (Matthew 20:28 NIV). “… [God]… sent his Son (God through Jesus came, himself,) as an atoning sacrifice for [mankind’s] sins…” (1 John 4:10 NIV).

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

God, the Holy Spirit, HIMSELF, through Jesus, the specially created human vessel, PROVIDED, the ultimate sacrifice that ATONES for the sins of mankind. “...knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ. For He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has appeared in these last times for the sake of you who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God...” (1 Peter 1:18-21 NASB).

God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus became the slain, Lamb of God, that was killed in mankind’s place and therefore BECAME the atoning sacrifice for their sins. “…Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world...” (John 1:29 KJV).

Jesus’ the specially created, utterly HOLY, human vessel was, without DEFECT, UNBLEMISHED, SPOTLESS, and was WELL QUALIFIED to become the atoning sacrifice for mankind’s sins.  God told the Israelites, during the Passover: “...Your lamb shall be an unblemished male a year old...” (Exodus 12:5 NASB). “...Whatever has a defect, you shall not offer, for it will not be accepted for you ...it must be without defect to be accepted; there shall be no defect in it...” (Leviticus 22:20-21 NASB).

Mary, the human mother of Jesus was told: “…the baby born to you will be utterly holy—the Son of God…” (Luke 1:35 NLT). “…[Jesus was]...without sin (defect)...” (Hebrews 4:15 KJV).

Thus, “...He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours…” (1 John 2:2 NIV). As many as RECEIVE Jesus, they can NOW enter freely into a “covenant unity” relationship with God, the Holy Spirit, THROUGH Christ. “…This cup is the new covenant in my blood …which is poured out for you…” (Luke 22:20 ASV).

 “…He humbled Himselfby becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. …” (Philippians 2:5-8 NASB).

“…even death on a cross. …” (Philippians 2:5-8 NASB).

“…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. …” (John 19:1-16 KJV).

“....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. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar. Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away…” (John 19:1-16 KJV).

“...They cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. …” (John 19:1-16 KJV). “…And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: Where they crucified him…” (John 19: 17-18 KJV).

“...[God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus]... said, It is finished…” (John 19:28-30 KJV). “… I lay down my life... [FOR MANKIND] …” (John 10:17-18 KJV).

“...[God, the Holy Spirit, through]...Christ suffered for you ...He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls...” (1 Peter 2:19-25 NLT).

“… the graceof our Lord Jesus Christ .. though HE WAS [spiritually] RICH, yet for your sakes he became [spiritually] poor, that ye through his poverty might be [spiritually] RICH…” (2 Corinthians 8:9 KJV).

“... his life [was made]... an offering for sin...” (Isaiah 53:10-11 NLT). “...Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners...” (1 Timothy 1:15 NLT).  “...Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him...” (Hebrews 7:25 NLT).

 “...even though [mankind is]... guilty of many sins. For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But ...greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ...” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT).

“… my righteous servant (Jesus) ... [made]... it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT). “…[He sent the ] …one … who can reconcileGod and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).

Without God, the Holy Spirit, SPEAKING, through Jesus there would be NO communication with or from HIM. “...this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ (his WORD), whom you have sent... (John 17:3).

Without God, the Holy Spirit, WORKING, through Jesus there would be NO atoning sacrifice for mankind’s sins. “...For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul…” (Leviticus 17:11 KJV).

“…Christ …died for sins ONCE for all…” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB). “…the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29 KJV).  “…he (God, through Jesus,) by [his OWN]... grace... should taste death for every man (woman)…” (Hebrews 3:9 KJV). “…He [became]… the atoning sacrifice for [mankind’s]... sins…” (1 John 2:2 NIV).   “…it is the blood [of Jesus, the specially made human vessel]... that maketh an atonement for the soul…” (Leviticus 17:11 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit, was reconciled to humanity and, through Jesus HIS people were given a way BACK to God, who is LOVE. “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “...He loves the people…” (Deuteronomy 33:3 NASB). “…There is … one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).  

“… 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).

“… [God, through Jesus laid]... down [his human]... life... No one [took it]..., but ..[Jesus laid]... it down of [his]... own accord (his own choice). [Jesus was given]... authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command (authority) [Jesus]... received from [the] Father…” (John 10:17-18 KJV).

God’s people have the opportunity to fellowship with God, the Holy Spirit again and to KNOW him on an intimate, personal level through the “covenant unity” relationship.

“..[God’s people]... were reconciled to God by the death of his Son [to commune and fellowship with HIM]...” (Romans 5:10 KJV).“...Look! [God stands]... at the door [of their hearts] and knock. If you (HIS people) hear [his] voice and open the door, [God]... will come in, and [soul and SPIRIT] will share a meal together as friends...” (Revelations 3:20 NLT).

“...I will come in to him (her), and will sup with him (her), and he (she) with me...” (Revelation 3:20 KJV). “...I’ll come right in and sit down to supper with you(each of HIS people)...” (Revelation 3:20 MSG). “...I will come in to him (her) and will dine with him (her), and he(she) with Me...” (Revelation 3:20 NASB).  “...I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends...” (Revelations 3:20 NLT).

“...[God’s people]... were reconciled to God by the death of his Son [to get to KNOW him and his WORD]...” (Romans 5:10 KJV).“...this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ (his WORD), whom you have sent... (John 17:3).

Eternal LIFE is NOT merely a destination, but it is also the JOURNEY “INTO” that MOST Holy PLACE (Heaven).

KNOWING God, the Holy Spirit, intimately, through the “covenant unity” relationship with HIM and Jesus Christ, his WORD “is” how ETERNAL LIFE is completely obtained.

“...that they know you, the only true God,...(John 17:3).What an opportunity to be able to receive revelation knowledge from God, the Holy Spirit, through HIS WORD, which reveals, communicates, and verifies HIM as the ONE TRUE GOD. “…THERE IS NO GOD, BUT ONE…” (1 JOHN 5:7 KJV). “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit, the ONLY TRUE GOD is relational. He bonds with his people through HOLY LOVE. “...Love….the perfect BOND of unity…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 NASB).

He connects with his people through his HOLY SPIRIT.  “…He(she) that is joined unto the LORD is ONE SPIRIT…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). He cares for his people and supplies their needs. “...He careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “… God will supply all [your need]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB).

“…[God, the Holy Spirit, has] ...loved [his people]...with an everlasting love….” (Jeremiah 31:3 KJV). “…There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life…” (John 15:13 NLT).

“…THIS is LOVE…[God]… sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins…” (1 John 4:10 NIV). Powerful truth!

TRANSFORMING LOVE: GOD MAKES YOU HOLY, PART 7 (EPILOGUE)

TRANSFORMING LOVE GOD MAKES YOU HOLY THROUGH DISCIPLINE, Part 7 (EPILOGUE) 

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

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

*

Nonetheless, from the beginning, in Genesis, God said he won’t always STRIVE (fight) with man (woman) “...BUT, the Lord said, My spirit shall not always strive with man (woman), for that he (she) also is flesh: yet his (her) days shall be an hundred and twenty years...” (Genesis 6:3 KJV).

God destroyed the old world in a flood because of the ongoing wickedness. The discipline of God is a form of fighting with you for the purpose of holiness. God sends events, experiences, and Godly people in your life to teach or direct or draw you into his HOLY and righteous ways.

God demonstrated in the Old Testament that his Spirit will not always fight with YOU and eventually he will leave his people to their sinful choices. 

God, the Holy Spirit, is rich in Grace and Mercy, but mankind is ENTITLED to their human will, which he GAVE to them to make their OWN choices. “…My people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). “…[God said:]... my people have stubborn and rebellious hearts. They have turned away and ABANDONED me….” (JEREMIAH 5:23 NLT).

God can SEE “into” the heart of mankind.“...God, who examines our hearts...” (1 Thessalonians 2:4 NASB). “...the LORD LOOKS AT THE HEART…” (1 Samuel 16:7 NASB). God looks at the “…hidden man (woman) of the heart…” (1 Peter 3:4 KJV). “…Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men (women)…” (Acts 1:24 KJV). 

“…No one needed… to tell him (Jesus) about human nature, for he knew what was in each person’s heart…” (John 2:24-25 NLT).

 “…[The]...Lord (Jesus), which knowest the hearts of all men (women)…” (Acts 1:24 KJV). “… He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth. The Lord examines both the righteous and the wicked…” (Psalm 11:4-5 NLT).

“…Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable…” (Hebrews 4:13 NLT).

“…[if]...thy heart is not right in the sight of God [he will know]…” (Acts 8:21 KJV). 

 God SAW into the HEARTS of men (women) before the flood. “...the Lord [god]... saw that the wickedness of mankind was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of their hearts was only evil continually. So the Lord was sorry that He had made mankind on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. Then the Lord said, “I will wipe out mankind whom I have created from the face of the land; mankind, and animals as well, and crawling things, and the birds of the sky. For I am sorry that I have made them...” (Genesis 6:5-7 NASB).

“...God saw that human evil was out of control.People thought evil, imagined evil—evil, evil, evil from morning to night. God was sorry that he had made the human race in the first place; it broke his heart. God said, “I’ll get rid of my ruined creation, make a clean sweep: people, animals, snakes and bugs, birds—the works. I’m sorry I made them...” (Genesis 6:6 MSG).

God has NOT changed. He can STILL SEE the wickedness of mankind. “…Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable…” (Hebrews 4:13 NLT).

God, the Holy Spirit, FOREWARNED the people for 120 years, before the FLOOD, through NOAH, that his wrath was coming! “... 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).

“…My people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). “...they chose to rebel against him, and they were finally destroyed by their [own] ...sin…” (Psalms 106:42-48 NLT).

“...Then the Lord said, “I will wipe out mankind whom I have created from the face of the land; mankind, and animals as well, and crawling things, and the birds of the sky. For I am sorry that I have made them...” (Genesis 6:5-7 NASB).

“…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  “Jesus Christ is the sameyesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV).

“...For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah.  For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be...” (Matthew 24:37-39 NASB).

God “….is ... NOT WILLING that any should perish, but that ALL should come to repentance…” (2 Peter 3:9 KJV). However, “…EXCEPT YE REPENT, ye shall all likewise PERISH…” (Luke 13:3 KJV).

God DOESN’T change and he is STILL “LOOKING” at the HEARTS of his people.GOD IS  “always” LOOKING “DIRECTLY” AT the HEART of HIS people!! “...God seesnot as man (woman) sees, for man (woman) looks at the outward appearance (the DOING), but the LORD looks at the heart (the BEING)…” (1 Samuel 16:7 NASB).

God zooms in on the “…hidden man (woman) of the heart…” (1 Peter 3:4 KJV). God knows it is “…from within, out of the heart of man (woman), proceed evil thoughts… wickedness…All these evil things come from within, and defile a person.” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV).

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

It is God and God alone that can CREATE, within HIS people, through Jesus, his LIVING Word, a CLEAN (HOLY) heart. “Create in me a clean heart, O God… Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. …” (Psalms 51:10-19 KJV).

“....Now ye (God’s people) are clean through the Word which I have spoken unto you (through Jesus, his LIVING Word)...” (John 15:1-10 KJV). “...[God’s people can stay] .... holy and clean, washed by the cleansing [power]...of God’s Word ...” (Ephesians 5:26 KJV). “…[God’s people]... can do ALL THINGS through Christ (the Word of God)which strengtheneth [them]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “…He (Jesus, god’s word) will keep you strong to the end…” (1 Corinthians 1:8 NLT).

SIN and HOLINESS don’t mix like oil and water don't mix, but NATURALLY separate. What will NATURALLY happen if God’s people RETURN to practicing a sinful lifestyle?

“…Be ye NOT unequally yoked together with unbelievers for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? [NONE]...And what communion hath light with darkness? [NONE]...And what concord hath Christ with Belial? [NONE]...Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? [NONE]...”(2 Corinthians 6:14-15 KJV). SIN SEPARATES!! “... And besides all this, between us and you [there] a great chasm (barrier) …” (Luke 16:22-25 NASB).

“...the Lord [god]... saw that the wickedness of mankind was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of their hearts was only evil continually...” (Genesis 6:5-7 NASB). God is MERCIFUL and will FORGIVE all your sins, but would a HOLY God be able to, naturally, BOND, be YOKED together with, or FELLOWSHIP with a PRACTICING, WICKED, sinner?

“... And besides all this, between [the natural world]... and [the supernatural world, there is] a great chasm (barrier) …” (Luke 16:22-25 NASB).

God, the Holy Spirit, sent Jesus to make his people HOLY again, because he WANTED to RECONCILE with them. “… [He sent the ] …one… who can reconcileGod and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).

“... Herein is love...God ...loved [his people] and sent His Son to be the propitiation for [their]... sins...” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…the just for the unjust, that he might bring ...[his people back] to God …” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV). “..[They]... were reconciled to God by the death of his Son...” (Romans 5:10 KJV).

God’s desire for his people’s HOLINESS is another expression and demonstration of his TRANSFORMING LOVE. God desires to FELLOWSHIP with them and holiness ALLOWS God’s people TO SEE him better, clearer, more authentically, and in life changing WAYS! “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). “...There is none holy as the Lord…” (1 Samuel 2:2 KJV). God is “…majestic in holiness…” (Exodus 15:11 KJV). “… His … [Holiness] …is above earth and heaven…” (Psalms 148:13 NASB). 

“… [God allows trouble, trials, tribulations, discipline events, situations, or circumstances, etc.,]…for [his people’s] profit, that [they] might be partakers (participants) of his holiness...” (Hebrews 12:10 KJV).

SO, “...Make every effort ... to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord...” (Hebrews 12:13 NIV).

“...[For it is God] who hath saved [you], and called [you]... with an holy calling, not according to [your]... works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given [his people]... in Christ Jesus before the world began...” (2 Timothy 1:9 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit CALLED his people to BE HOLY, because he wants to share, sweet, intimate, close fellowship with each of them. He is willing to DISCIPLINE them and CORRECT in order to maintain and sustain the “covenant unity” relationship. “...the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in...” (Proverbs 3:12 NIV).“...Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent...” (Revelation 3:19 NIV). “….For whom the Lord loveth he CORRECTETH…” (Proverbs 3:12 KJV).  “...God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life...” (1 Thessalonians 4:6 NIV).

“...Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship...” (Romans 12:1-2 NIV).

“...Do not conform to the pattern of thisworld, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will...” (Romans 12:1-2 NIV).

If God regretted he’d made mankind, in the Old Testament, because of their ongoing, continual practice of wicked behavior and decided to wipe them off the face of the earth, what does it say about how God feels or thinks about SIN? “...Then the Lord said, “I will wipe out mankind whom I have created from the face of the land; mankind, and animals as well, and crawling things, and the birds of the sky. For I am sorry that I have made them...” (Genesis 6:5-7 NASB).

What is God SEEING, upon earth, NOW? Is his own people a PART of the wicked crowd? “...the Lord [god]... saw that the wickedness of mankind was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of their hearts was only evil continually...” (Genesis 6:5-7 NASB).

God’s people often, willfully, followed their OWN stubborn choices. “…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 continue to live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).

Some of God’s OWN people will NOT come to Jesus (God’s Word) to live HOLY or righteous NOR will they repent. “...and [his people]... will not come to me (Jesus, the Word of God) that [they] might have [HOLY, spiritual]... life...” (John 5:40 KJV).

This verse says, “...YOU will not come to Me (Jesus, God’s WORD)…” which means you, whoever YOU is, will not respond to God’s commandment to “COME.

God, the Holy Spirit, has a FAITHFUL, immutable ROLE in the “covenant unity” relationship and will always CHOOSE to be with his people, but his people don’t always choose to abide with him. The scripture said “...you WILL not come...” Who is the “YOU” in this verse?

Just because someone believes in God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus Christ doesn’t mean they are in a committed relationship with HIM. DEMONS believe too! “...You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?...” (James 2:18-24 NIV).

Some people who PROCLAIM to be children of God NEVER fully commit themselves to Jesus Christ, but are more or less hypocrites. “…“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you travel around on sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves” (Mark 23:15 “…Their worship is a farce, for they teach [and learn] man-made ideas as commands from God…” (Mark 7:6-8 NLT).

“…the Pharisees and teachers of religious law asked him, “Why don’t your disciples follow our age-old tradition? Jesus replied, “You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you, for he wrote, ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God.’ For you ignore God’s law and substitute your own tradition’…” (Mark 7:6-8 NLT).

“…The Jews, especially the Pharisees, do not eat until they have poured water over their cupped hands,[as required by their ancient traditions.Similarly, they don’t eat anything from the market until they immerse their hands[in water. This is but one of many traditions they have clung to—such as their ceremonial washing of cups, pitchers, and kettles. So the Pharisees and teachers of religious law asked him, “Why don’t your disciples follow our age-old tradition? …Jesus replied, “You hypocrites! …” (Mark 7:6-8 NLT).

“...Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe … [Yet, you] have neglected the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others...” (Matthew 23:23 NASB).

“….These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far FROM ME…” (Matthew 15:8 NLT). “...God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart…”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB). God zooms in on the “…hidden man of the heart…” (1 Peter 3:4 KJV).

The Pharisees sustained a religious, self-invented spirituality and were less likely to turn to trusting in and depending upon the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. “...Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye…” (Mark 7:13 KJV).

The scribes and Pharisees mastered their OWN self-effort type of religion. Jesus said, “…You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me; and you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life….”(Mark 5:39-40 NASB).

It doesn’t “matter” HOW MUCH you know ABOUT God's word through knowledge, if you don’t KNOW the WORD through experience and application.

Many of God’s children won’t repent from lifelong, self-effort religious practices and will continue to “do” Christianity without having an intimate, covenant revelational knowledge of God, the Holy Spirit. “…Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity…” (Matthew 7:22-23 KJV).

Apart from Jesus Christ, “…ye can do nothing…” (John 15:5 KJV). You can’t live a righteous life without Jesus empowering you to do so.

People can FOOL themselves and the world, with self-invented Christianity, accumulated book-knowledge, false piety, and fake spiritual fruit. Knowing about God’s truths and righteous ways is not the same as living his truths and walking IN his ways.

No matter how successful you become as a self-invented Christian, if you are not committed to Jesus, you will remain unchanged.  “…If [God’s people] “SAY” that [they]... have fellowship with him, and WALK IN DARKNESS (like demon), WE LIE, and DO NOT THE TRUTH…” (1 John 1:6 KJV).  “... the devils also believe...” (James 2:19 KJV). “... except your righteousness (self-invented Christianity) shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven...” (Matthew 5:10 KJV).

What is your REWARD for fooling the WORLD with your self-invented Christianity and piety? “…What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?...” (Mark 8:36 KJV).

 Please PAY ATTENTION, God is looking at ONE thing: YOUR HEART. If you are practicing your religion to be seen by mere men(women), that’s your reward “…But they do all their deeds to be noticed by men(women)…” (Matthew 23:5 NASB). “…And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to … [be] seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward…”(Matthew 6:5 KJV).

Being seen by men is a fleeting moment in time. “…Take heed that ye do not your alms before men (women), to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven…” (Matthew 6:1 KJV). “…For they love to …[be] seen of men (women). Verily I say unto you, They have the reward … ” (Matthew 6:5 KJV).

 MEN and WOMEN look outwardly, but God looks inwardly. “...God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart…”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB).

Godly discipline or correction is the only way God’s people can be taught or trained in HOLINESS. To be in the family and “covenant unity” with God, HOLINESS CAN NOT be an option, but a requirement. “…Be holy, because I am holy…” (1 Peter 1:16 KJV). “…KEEP ALL my decrees BY putting them into PRACTICE, for I am the Lordwho makes you holy…” (Leviticus 20:8 NLT).

To NEGLECT holiness is to neglect the GREAT SALVATION, which RECONCILED his people BACK to HIM, God, the HOLY Spirit. “...For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?...” (Hebrews 2:2-4 KJV). 

God, the Holy Spirit, MAKES his people HOLY and empowers them to STAY HOLY, if they choose to do so. HOLINESS is NOT an OPTION for God’s people, but an REQUIREMENT.  “…I am the Lord who makes you holy…” (Leviticus 20:8 NLT). “…Be holy, because I am holy…” (1 Peter 1:16 KJV). “…KEEP ALL my decrees BY putting them into PRACTICE,…” (Leviticus 20:8 NLT).

TRANSFORMING LOVE: GOD MADE "YOU" HOLY, PART 6

TRANSFORMING LOVE GOD MAKES YOU HOLY THROUGH DISCIPLINE, Part 6 

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

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

*

The relationship with God, the Holy Spirit, is NOT simply about what God does within the “covenant unity” to stay SEALED to his people, but it is also about what his people choose to DO to stay ABIDING “in” HIM.

The problem is NOT God. “…God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship (bondship) of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord…” (1 Corinthians 1:9 KJV). “…he remains faithful,for he cannot deny who he is…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT). “… “I AM WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). “…I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

It’s a “covenant unity” relationship between God, the Holy Spirit, and his people. A relationship is between at least two people. If the problem is NOT God, the Holy Spirit, then WHO is it?  “…I AM (god is]... WITH [my people]... ALWAYS, to the very end…"(Matthew 28:20 NIV). 

Nonetheless, “... IN LATTER TIMES “SOME” SHALL DEPART FROM the FAITH!!!!...” (1 Timothy 4:1-3 KJV). “... who then ..[CHOSE TO] ... turn away from God …” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT). “...Take heed, BRETHREN (God’s people), lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God...” (Hebrews 3:12 KJV). “...If ye (God’s people) ...[CHOOSE TO] .... continue in the faith  ... and be not moved away  (BE NOT DEPARTED) from the hope of the gospel [God will KEEP you from falling] ...” (Colossians 1:22-23 KJV).

The PRACTICE of sin STILL SEPARATES people from God, the Holy Spirit.  “…I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). “…It’s YOUR SINS that … [will] ...cut you off from God…” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT). . “…Your INIQUITIES … separated … you and your God…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV).

“…what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? [NONE]... And what communion hath light with darkness? [NONE]...And what concord hath Christ (the Word of TRUTH) with Belial (the DEVIL or Father of LIES)? [NONE]... Or what part hath he that believeth (depends upon God) with an infidel (one who doesn’t depend upon God)? [NONE]...” (2 Corinthians 6:14-15 KJV).

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

The soul LEFT ALONE without God, the Holy Spirit is in a WORST condition than being LEFT ALONE without the physical presence of a significant loved one.  “... Jesus saith…I am the way…” (John 14:6 KJV). “…SALVATION is found in no one else, …” (Acts 4:12 NIV). “…there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved…” (Acts 4:12 NASB). 

God “….is ... NOT WILLING that any should perish, but that ALL should come to repentance…” (2 Peter 3:9 KJV). 

 “... This is the will (CHOICE, or HEART’S DESIRE) of Him who sent Me (Jesus, his WORD), that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will (CHOICE or HEART’S DESIRE) of My Father, that everyone who beholds (observes, FOLLOWS after) the Son (Jesus, the WORD) and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day...” (John 6:39-40 NASB).  “... Now unto HIM (Jesus Christ, the WORD of God) that is ABLE to KEEP [his people]... from falling(away), and to present [them]... faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy...” (Jude 1:24 KJV).

The relationship with God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus is the FREE gift of salvation to his people. “…BY GRACE have ye been saved through… FAITH (through dependence upon God’s WORD); and that NOT OF YOURSELVES, IT IS THE [FREE]... GIFT OF GOD; not of works, that no man should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).

Every lost and spiritually dead soul willfully CHOOSES to receive God’s WORD (Jesus) or not. “…receive the word implanted….” (James 1:21 NASB).  “…As many as received him, to them gave he powerto become the sons (daughters) of God, even to them that believe on (trust in and depend upon) his name…” (John 1:12).

Once a lost and spiritually dead soul becomes a NEW CREATION in Christ, they will eventually begin to display spiritual fruit. “…Ye shall know [God’s transformed people]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is love,joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…He (she) who ABIDES in Me and I in him (her), he (she) bears much fruit …” (John 15:1-11 NASB).

Spiritual fruit is how the indwelling Holy SpiritDISPLAYS the “covenant unity” relationship SHARED with EACH of his people. "…My Father is glorified by this, that “YOU” (his people) bear much fruit, and so PROVE to be My (God’s) disciples” (John 15:8 NIV).

God, the Holy Spirit’s, role in the “covenant unity” relationship is SOLID and IMMUTABLE. “…I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  

Though God, the Holy Spirit, NEVER CHANGES and REMAINS forever FAITHFUL to who he is and who he promises to be to his people, they have a human will. “...Remain in me, and I will remain in you...” (John 15:4). “...Abide in me and I in you...” (John 15:4 KJV). “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “…If a man (woman) abide NOT in me, ‘he (she) is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned…” (John 15:6 KJV).

The human will can “…choose this day [and every]... day whom [it]...will serve…” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “…..a man’s (woman’s) heart deviseth (plans) his (her) way…” (Proverbs 16:9 KJV). “…If any man (woman) will do his will….” (John 7:17 KJV). “….if any man (woman) hear my voice, and open the door…” (Revelation 3:20 KJV). “…But as many as receivedhim…” (John 1:12 KJV). “…. if thou shalt confess with thy mouth...” …come after me….” Mark 8:34 KJV). “….repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions…” (Ezekiel 18:30 KJV).

 “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

These scripture clearly tells God’s people that a man or woman willfully chooses or plans his or her  OWN path. The bible also says, “…[They CHOOSE to]...put off concerning the former conversation the old man (woman), which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;  And be renewed in the spirit of [their] mind; And that [they choose to]... put on the new man (woman), which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.…” (Ephesians 4:22-24 KJV).

God’s people CHOOSE to “...put off.. the old man...”  “…be renewed in the spirit of [their] mind…” and “...put on the new man (woman)...” THEY also, "…. walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God…"  (Colossians 1:9-10 KJV).  

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

God told Adam about the tree of life. “….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).

Adam had human will and could make A CHOICE, but he was FOREWARNED about the consequences.“….in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV). It was Adam’s decision, but the CONSEQUENCES were not.

God, the Holy Spirit, has SET his people FREE from the bondage of sin and they can FREELY make a choice between right and wrong, righteousness and unrighteousness, or obedience and disobedience.

God, sets a righteous PATH for  his people and it is up to them to CHOOSE that PATH.“… I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “...Jesus (the LIVING Word of God, the indwelling Spirit, the revelation knowledge of God, the Holy Spirit) saith…I am ...the life…” (John 14:6 KJV). “…Choose youthis day whom ye will serve (obey, follow, etc.)….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “…The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who CHOOSE that way. …” (Matthew 7:13-14 NLT).

The human will CAN create problems when it comes to making CHOICES. “…there was no king in Israel (RULE or LAW within their hearts): every man (woman) did that which wasright in his (her) own eyes...” (Judges 21:25 KJV).

God’s people often, willfully, followed their OWN stubborn choices. “…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 continue to live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).

Following the RIGHT PATH will lead to a HOLY LIFE. “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve (obey, follow, etc.)….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit,  purposefully delivered, his people, from sin’s penalty, cleansed them from sin’s filth, and enlightened them with his powerful truth so they could CHOOSE to LIVE HOLY.  "...Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him..." (1 John 3:6KJV).

The CHOICE to obey is a CHOICE to LIVE HOLY and SET APART for God’s purposes. Knowing ABOUT holiness and EXPERIENCING holiness is TWO difference things. “...Therefore [God’s people]... ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which [they] have heard, lest at any time [they] should let them slip.  For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; How shall [God’s people] escape, if [they]... neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto [them by those]...  that heard [Jesus, God’s WORD]; God also bearing [his people]... witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?...” (Hebrew 2:1-4 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit, MAKES his people HOLY, through SALVATION through Jesus Christ. STAYING HOLY requires THEY live by faith and by working OUR their OWN salvation.  “work out your own salvation...” (Philippians 2:12 KJV). God helps. The “….work of God, [is] that [his people]... believe on him [Jesus, his WORD]... whom he hath sent…"(John 6:29 KJV).

Working out YOUR OWN salvation means to serve God and his righteousness through obedience. Every time God’s people obey they are working by serving God. Apostle Paul felt like Jesus about salvation, “...Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved..” (Romans 10:1 KJV). Paul desired and prayed that Israel would be SAVED. Eternal life is BOTH a destination and an “enduring journey” where Jesus is the WAY into the HOLY PLACE. “…Jesus opened a new and life-giving way ... INTO the Most Holy Place…” (Hebrews 10:19-20 NLT). “...Jesus saith…I am the way…” (John 14:6 KJV). “…"This is the way; WALK in it…" Isaiah 30:21 NIV).

Jesus demonstrates that a covenant relationship with God, the Holy Spiritis one of intimate knowledge of one another. Getting to KNOW God, through Jesus, his LIVING Word, is an experience with eternal life. “...This is eternal life (destination) that they might know thee (journey), the only True God and Jesus Christ, whom God has sent…” (John 17:3 KJV).

Because God, the Holy Spirit, NEVER, changes his people have SALVATION and can NOT lose it. Human will, however, makes it possible, for them, to CHOOSE, on their OWN volition, to DEPART from their salvation. “... IN LATTER TIMES “SOME” SHALL DEPART FROM the FAITH!!!!...” (1 Timothy 4:1-3 KJV). “...Take heed, BRETHREN (fellow believers), lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departingfrom the living God...” (Hebrews 3:12 KJV). “... For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them...” (2 Peter 5:4 KJV). “...If ye [choose] ... continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard...” (Colossians 1:22-23 KJV). “... [so]...be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage...” (Galatians 5:1 KJV).

“...For if, after they (redeemed people) have escaped  ... they (redeemed people) are again entangled in them (their former practice of a sinful lifestyles) ... it would be better for them (redeemed people) not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment ... It has happened to them according to the true proverb, “A dog returns to its own vomit,” and, “A sow, after washing, returns to wallowing in the mire...” (2 Peter 2:20-23 NASB).

Therefore, SALVATION is “ALWAYS” God’s people’s to have “IF” they choose it. God is FAITHFUL that PROMISES. However,  God’s people, “….work out [their] own salvation…” (Philippians 2:12 KJV). AND “...HE (SHE) THAT “SHALL” (WILL) ENDURE UNTO THE END SHALL (WILL) BE SAVED...” (Matthew 24:13 KJV).

Jesus OPENED the WAY “INTO” the MOST HOLY PLACE (heaven, eternal life). “… Jesus opened a new and life-giving way  ... intothe Most Holy Place…” (Hebrews 10:19-20 NLT). It is a destination and a journey. God’s people choose to stay on the path, which shows them the WAY. “...Jesus saith…I am the way…” (John 14:6 KJV). “…"This is the way; WALK in it…" Isaiah 30:21 NIV).

While God’s people are on their way INTO the most HOLY PLACE they are to WORK out their OWN SALVATION. “…be conformed to the image of his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).  “…Be transformed by the renewing of your mind….” (Romans 12:2 KJV). “...Grow in the GRACE and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ… Amen” (2 Timothy 3:18 NIV).

“…abidein me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine…” (John 15:4 KJV). “…In this world [god’s people]... are like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). “...Be … imitators of [Jesus]…”(Hebrews 12:14; Ephesians 5:1 ASV).

 “… [Therefore, on the journey, God’s people are]…  all … are changed into the same image [of Christ] from glory to glory …” (2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV).

For the very beginning, God, the Holy Spirit, desired to make mankind in HIS IMAGE. God is SPIRIT. God is HOLY. God is  the HOLY SPIRIT.  “….let us make man in “our” image, after our likeness…”(Genesis 1:26 KJV).  “…..God created man in his own image…..male and female created he them…” (Genesis 1:27 KJV). “….God formed man of the dust of the ground (BODY), and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (HOLY SPIRIT); and man became a living soul (SOUL)…” (Genesis 2:7 KJV).

“…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). God “IS” the HOLY SPIRIT. God tells his people: “…ye shall be holy  unto me: for I the Lord am holy…” (Leviticus 20:26 KJV).

“…ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light…(1 Peter 2:9 KJV).

God’s HOLY people, not ONLY accept Christ into their HEARTS, but they FOLLOW and IMITATE his IMAGE while in the world or upon earth. “..Jesus’ ...[was]... the EXACT representation of his being (HOLY nature)…” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV). “…In this world [God’s people]... are like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). They are to “...Be[come] … imitators of [Jesus]…”(Hebrews 12:14; Ephesians 5:1 ASV).“… growing in every way more and more like Christ…” (Ephesians 4:14-16 NLT).

God’s people “…[present their] bodies [in service to God, the Holy Spirit]...” (Romans 12:1 KJV).

God’s people choose to go to HIS WORD, so that they may FOLLOW his commandments. “...[Yet,]....“[his people]... will not come to me (Jesus, God’s Word) that [they]... might have [a HOLY, spiritual]... life...” (John 5:40 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit is a FORGIVING God, which means HE is MERCIFUL because he withholds FAIR and JUST punishment from mankind for their many transgressions against HIM. “…The LordGod, [IS] merciful …” (Exodus 34:6 KJV).

God is a MERCIFUL God and will take his people BACK no matter how LOST they’ve become. He is like the welcoming Father was to the prodigal son and the Shepherd toward the lost sheep (Luke 15:22-24 and Luke 15:5-6).  “…Who isa God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…” (Micah 7:18 KJV). “…Mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB).

God, the Holy Spirit, says: "… I hate divorce," says the LORD, the God of Israel..." (Malachi 2:16 NASB). “...BUT, the Lord said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years...” (Genesis 6:3 KJV).

“…[Eventually,]...GOD GAVE THEM OVER to a reprobate mind to do those things which are convenient...being filled with all unrighteousness...” (Romans 1:28 KJV).

“…, …[In the Old Testament, his people said:]...we will continue to live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT). “…[God said:]... my people have stubborn and rebellious hearts. They have turned away and ABANDONED me….” (JEREMIAH 5:23 NLT). “…My people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).

Through it ALL, God, the Holy Spirit, will remain UNCONDITIONALLY loving, kind, graceful, merciful, and faithful to HIS “covenant unity” commitment to his people and will NEVER change. “…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).

TRANSFORMING LOVE: GOD MAKES YOU HOLY, PART 5

TRANSFORMING LOVE GOD MAKES YOU HOLY THROUGH DISCIPLINE, Part 5 

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

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

*

 “…In this world [god’s people]... are like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). The sinful nature, its information, and activities is what God’s people WERE  familiar with. “….[All of God’s people]... USED TO LIVE in sin [too], just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of [them] used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of [their] sinful nature. ….just like everyone else…” (Ephesian 2:2-3 NLT).

ALL THINGS ARE NEW! Holiness, AS A CHILD OF GOD, becomes, by choice and by faith, the NEW familiar.  “…a new creature ...all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).  

EVEN in areas where you have comfortably DONE WRONG and lived unrighteous, it’s OVER. “…The [past]...sin of my SOUL…” (Micah 6:7 KJV).  “….When you [used to]...follow the desires (influences) of your sinful nature, the results [WERE]... very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these…” (Galatians 5:22-23 NLT).

God’s people are NEW CREATIONS in their minds, emotions, hearts, spiritual life, physical life, and financially life. OLD THINGS HAVE PASSED AWAY!. God’s people are “….a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).  “…In this world we (God’s people) are like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV).

“…If any man(woman) be in Christ, he(she) is a NEW CREATURE …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “… [New creations]… are HIS (God’s) workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works …” (Ephesians 2:10 KJV). “... In him (Jesus, the TRUE VINE) we live (have spiritual life), and move (produce spiritual fruit), and have our being (have a spiritual identity as a new creation) ...For we are ... his offspring...” (Acts 17:28 KJV).

God’s people or true disciples of Christ are NEW CREATIONS. When they abide with God, the Holy Spirit, within the “covenant unity” relationship they WILL NOT continue to PRACTICE a sinful lifestyle. “...Anyone who continues to live in him (ABIDE WITH HIM) will not sin. But anyone who keeps on sinning does not know him ... [or] who he is....” (1 John 3:7-10 NLT). “...Dear children, don’t let anyone deceive you about this: When people do what is right, it shows that they are righteous, even as Christ is righteous....” (1 John 3:7-10 NLT).

Without Jesus Christ there is NO freedom from the bondage of sin, but becoming reconciled to God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus “WILL” FREE you from the bondage of sin.“…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by SIN?…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). Paul said: “...For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me” (Romans 7:18-20 KJV).

“…The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).“… [God, the Holy Spirit SENT the] … …one… who can reconcileGod and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).

When God’s people are RECONCILED to HIM through Jesus they are MADE HOLY again.

“…Jesus Christ maketh thee whole (AGAIN)…” (Acts 9:34 KJV).

“…God [through Jesus] ...makes everything holy and whole [by reconciling]...together [God’s Holy]...spirit, [your]...soul, and body…” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 MSG). “…Jesus Christ (the one who reconciles,) is [with]in [God’s people]…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV).

Apart from Jesus, God’s people couldn’t be MADE WHOLE, HOLY, be RESTORED, or become SPIRITUALLY ALIVE. Jesus is the ONE who makes them into NEW CREATIONS. “…[God]... the [Holy]...SPIRIT gives [them spiritual]... LIFE…” (John 6:63 NASB). “……God [makes them]... ALIVE with Christ...[and he forgives them]… all [their]… sins…” (Colossians 2:13 NIV).“…He (she) that is joined unto the Lord (Jesus) is ONE spirit… [with God again]” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).

“…If any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a NEW creature…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “…. old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “…apart from [Jesus, sinful mankind]... can do nothing…” (John 15:4-6 NASB).

“Can the Ethiopian (born sinner) change his (her) skin, or the leopard his spots [change their sinful nature]? then may ye also do good, who are accustomed to do evil (Jeremiah 13:23 KJV).  “…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by [the sinful nature]? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

When God’s people become NEW CREATIONS they STRUGGLE with the OLD nature when it comes to LIVING HOLY and RIGHTEOUS. “...For the desire of the flesh is against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, in order to keep you from doing whatever you want...” (Galatians 5:17 NASB). “…The sinful nature wants to do evil ....so you are not FREE to carry out your good intentions. ……” (Galatians 5:17 NLT).

Why is the OLD SINFUL NATURE a STRUGGLE? “...If we say that we have no sin (no sinful nature), we deceive ourselves and the truth (God’s indwelling Holy Spirit) is not in us...” (1 John 1:8 KJV). “… there is none righteous; no not one...” (Romans 3:10 KJV).  “…there is none who doeth good...” (Psalms 14:1 KJV).

 “...Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may ye (a sinful nature) also do good, who are accustomed to do evil...”(Jeremiah 13:23 KJV). “…The sinful natureis always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will.…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).

The STRUGGLE with God’s people is NOT with FREEDOM from SIN, but with the RENEWING their MINDS. “…be conformed to the image of His Son (NEW CREATION)…” (Romans 8:29 KJV). “..Therefore if any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).  

“….as he (she) thinketh in his (her) heart, so is he (she)…..” (Proverbs 23:7 KJV). “… Be transformed by the renewing of your mind (PUTTING NEW INFORMATION IN THE HEART) ….”(Romans 12:2 KJV).

 “…from within, out of the heart of man (WOMAN), proceed (COMES) evil thoughts...” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV).

 “…[God’s people’s minds]... are being [transformed]... every day [by God’s WORD]...”(2 Corinthians 4:16-17 NLT). “…In this world [God’s people]... are LIKE JESUS (his WORD)…” (1 John 4:17 NIV).

“…The sinful nature (affected the old information in the heart and it) wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the [Holy] Spirit wants. And the [Holy] Spirit (affects the new information in the heart and it) gives [God’s people]... desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These TWO FORCES (old information & new information) are constantly fighting each other, so [God’s people] are not FREE  to carry out [their] good intentions. ……” (Galatians 5 NLT).

STRUGGLING to “overcome” sin is part of the process of “working out YOUR “own” salvation.” God’s people are to “….work out [their] own salvation…” (Philippians 2:12 KJV). Every day God’s people are: “…[Choosing to put]… asideall filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to SAVE YOUR SOULS….” (James 1:21 NASB).

They are actively “…[choosing to] …throw off[their] old sinful nature and [their] former way of life…” (Ephesians 4:22 NIV).

“... [God’s people are also choosing to]…put off falsehood and speak truthfully to [their] neighbor…” (Ephesians 4:25 NLT).

And they are  “….[choosing to]…let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from[them], with all malice…” (Ephesians 4:31 KJV).

“….[They]... also [choose to]…put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth….” (Colossians 3:8  KJV).

“…[His people choose to lay] … aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings…” (1 Peter 2:1 KJV).

God’s also HELPS his people, when they feel WEAK in their struggle to overcome sin. “… The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT). Paul learned this after his own struggle with trying to live holy and said, “...I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong...” (2 Corinthians 12:10 KJV). ). “…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT).

“…He willkeep [his people]...strong to the end…” (1 Corinthians 1:8 NLT). “…When [God’s people are]... weak, then [are they]... strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10 KJV). “…[God’s] strength is made perfect in [their]...weakness...” (2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV). “…[God’s people]... can do ALL THINGS through Christ which strengtheneth [them]...” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

“…it is God (the indwelling Holy Spirit) which worketh in [his people]… both to will  (to desire to obey) and to do (to actually obey)...” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “….Apart from Me (the Word of God; the indwelling Spirit), [they] can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

God MAKES his people HOLY and FREE from the bondage of sin. However, it is his people’s choice to “work out their own salvation” in order to STAY Holy and FREE from the bondage of sin. “… [YOU CHOOSE]... this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).“… [God’s people]… are given...exceeding great and precious promises: that by these [they]... might be PARTAKERS of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance PATIENCE; and to PATIENCE godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in [his people], and abound, they make [them]...neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ…[God’s people willingly CHOOSE TO]...GIVE DILIGENCE TO MAKE [THEIR]... CALLING AND “ELECTION” SURE; FOR IF [THEY] “DO” THESE THINGS, [They]... SHALL NEVER FALL...” (2 Peter 1: 4-9 KJV).

“….work out [YOUR] own salvation…” (Philippians 2:12 KJV).

“...my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling...” (Philippians 2:12 NASB).

“.... Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God. That energy is God’s energy, an energy deep within you, God himself willing and working at what will give him the most pleasure...” (Philippians 2:12 MSG).

God doesn’t LEAVE his people to STRUGGLE to overcome the bondage of sin, alone. When they cry out for help in their weakness, Christ SPEAKS, to them, through God’s POWERFUL Word and strengthens them.  “…[They] can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth [them]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “…Apart from [Jesus, his people] can do nothing….” (John 15:5 KJV).

 In other words, self-effort, through the flesh nature, will result in moral behavior or self-invented righteousness. Empower-effort, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, will result in HOLY (Godly morality) behavior and true righteous through Jesus. “….Apart from Me (Jesus, the Word of God; the indwelling Spirit), [God’s people] can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

Self-effort impacts OUTWARD behavior, but empowered-effort impacts both the OUTWARD and INWARD behavior. “…[God’s people] can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth [them]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).“...If any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, ALL THINGS are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “…[God, the Holy Spirit gives his people]... a new heart, and...[puts]... a new spirit [within them]. …” (Ezekiel 36:26 NLT).

God’s people can boldly say: “I AM A NEW CREATION!” “…By the GRACE of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).“… [Thus, God’s people]… are changed into the same image [of Christ] from glory to glory …” (2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV).

God’s people BECOME “NEW CREATION” who choose to“…In this world [they] are LIKE JESUS…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). God’s people choose to “… GROW (develop, transform) in the GRACE and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…” (2 Timothy 3:18 NIV).

Working out their OWN salvation helps them“… [change, transform]… into the SAME IMAGE …” (2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV).)  “…[the]…image of HIS SON...” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV). “…[into the]…fullness of CHRIST…” (Ephesians 4:14 NIV).

 work out their own salvation, which helps them become more and more like Jesus Christ.

God HELPS them. “…It is God which worketh in [his OWN people] both to will and to do of his good pleasure...” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit, LOVES his people and has EQUIPPED them with EVERYTHING “good” they need to “keep” his commandments, LIVE HOLY, conduct themselves in righteousness, do HIS WILL and the things that are pleasing in HIS SIGHT. “… [God, the Holy Spirit] … equip[s] (or provides)… [each of his people]... with everything good for doing his will …” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV)..“… it is God who works in [each of HIS people]…  in order to fulfill his good purpose…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV).   “… [God, the Holy Spirit] …work[s] (within each of his people) … what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ …” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).

Is God’s people FORCED to KEEP his commandments or do they freely CHOOSE to “KEEP” his commandments out of the OWN professed love for him? The bible says, “...if ye love me, KEEP my commandments…” (John 14:15 KJV).

“…the words (God’s commandments) that I (Jesus) speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life...” (John 6:63 KJV). “…..therefore choose life….” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…walk by the Spirit (the WORDS are Spirit)…” (Galatians 5:16 KJV). “….if [God’s people]... live in the Spirit (are made spiritualy ALIVE in the WORD), let [them] also walk in the Spirit (the WORD)…” (Galatians 5:25 KJV). “… if [God’s people]... abide in [Jesus, this Word]…” (John 15:7 KJV).  “…the words(God’s commandments) ...are Spirit...” (John 6:63 KJV). “...if ye love me, KEEP my commandments…” (John 14:15 KJV).

If God’s people willfully CHOOSE to KEEP God’s commandments, the indwelling Holy Spirit will HELP them do it! God’s gives his people the NECESSARY faith, the POWER, and the GUIDANCE. “…..God hath dealt to every [one of us] the measure of faith.” (Roman 12:3 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit, will “… strengthened  ... [his people] … with might by his Spirit in the[ir] inner man (woman)…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV). “… [He will strengthen HIS people]…according to the POWER that worketh IN [THEM]…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).

“…The steps of a good man(woman) are ordered by the Lord: …” (Psalms 37:23 KJV). “I will instruct you and guide you in the way you should go; I will fix My eyes upon You…” (Psalm 32:8).

God SUPPORTS his people ALL along the Christian journey. He won’t leave them or change on them. They can TRUST and DEPEND upon God, the Holy Spirit, with ALL their hearts.  “…This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves…” (2 Corinthians 4:5-7 NLT). “…HE (God, the Holy Spirit) “WILL” KEEP [his people]... STRONG to the end…” (1 Corinthians 1:8 NLT). “…Behold, I am with … [you] and will keep … [you] whithersoever [you]… goest…I will not leave [you] ..." (Genesis 28:15 ASV).

“…Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “….The decrees (WORDS) of the Lord are TRUSTWORTHY, making wise the simple…” (PSALM 19:7 NLT).  “…All your commands are TRUSTWORTHY…” (PSALM 119:86 NLT). “…your laws are perfect and completely TRUSTWORTHY…. “(PSALMS 119:138 NLT).

“… I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  “...[God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus]... is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV). “…he remains faithful…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT).

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

Yet, God’s people are NOT slaves to the “covenant unity” relationship with him. They are FREE to CHOOSE to DEPART from him any time.  “… I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore [YOU (God’s people)]…choose life…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…Choose LIFE…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…Jesus said… I am the LIFE…..” (John 11:25 KJV).

“… [YOU CHOOSE (God’s people choose)]...this day [and every day]...whom [they] will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

“… whom ...will [you]...serve [this day: CHOOSE]….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

God’s people, on their OWN volition, choose to “…..present [their]... bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” (Roman 12:1 KJV).

However, God’s people also CHOOSE to be led by the Holy Spirit, which comes from “…..renewing … [their]... mind…” (Romans 12:2 KJV). “…So I say, let the [indwelling] Holy Spirit guide your lives. … …” (Galatians 5 NLT).

Jesus willingly CHOSE to be led by God, the Holy Spirit. He demonstrated he trusted and depended upon God when he LAID DOWN his lay his life for HIS purposes. “… I [laid]... down my life... No one [took]... it from me, but I [laid]... it down of my own accord (my own choice). I [was given]... authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command (authority, choice) I received from my Father…” (John 10:17-18 KJV).

Jesus was allowed, but willing to die a criminal’s death in order to DO his Father’s WILL. “...Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners...” (1 Timothy 1:15 NLT).  “...Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him...” (Hebrews 7:25 NLT). Jesus came “…to giveHis life a ransom for many…” (Matthew 20:28 NIV). “...He (Jesus) [entrusted]... Himself over to [God] ...” (1 Peter 2:23 KJV).

.“…the just for the unjust…” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV). “…when he (Jesus) sees all that is accomplished by his anguish,he will be satisfied. And because of his experience, [his]...righteous servant (Jesus) will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT).

“... AS MANY as received him (the WORD of GOD), to them... [God, through Jesus GAVE them the] ... POWER TO BECOME THE SONS (DAUGHTERS) OF GOD, evento them that believe (depend upon) ...his name (the WORD of GOD)…” (John 1:12 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit, has given his people the RICHES and multiple GIFTS of his GLORY (his presence, his goodnesses, and his indwelling working power), but they CHOOSE, to receive those riches, by faith.  “…receive the word implanted…[by faith]...” (James 1:21 NASB).  “…IT SHALL BE DONE TO [God’s people]... ACCORDING TO ...[ THEIR] FAITH…” (MATTHEW 9:29 NASB).

“… God will supply all [his people’s need]… according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “…What is the riches of the glory…; …CHRIST IN [them]…” (Colossians 1:25-28 KJV). “…Jesus Christ is in [each of them]…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…Christ in [them] …” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). “…The Spirit of God dwell in [his people]…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).

Jesus COMES with multiple GIFTS from HEAVEN.“…You will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit….” (Acts 2:38 NASB). “… It is …[the]... Holy Spirit who gives all these gifts and POWERS… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).  “….every good gift and every perfect gift … cometh down from the Father of lights…..” (James 1:17 KJV). “…The LORD SHALL GIVE that which is good…” (Psalms 85:12 KJV). “…A man (woman) can receive nothing, except it BE GIVEN him (her) from heaven…” (John 3:27 KJV). “…[SO]...What do you have that God hasn’t given you?...”(1 Corinthians 4:7 NLT).

”…  ye [are]…saved through faith…it is the GIFT of God…” (Ephesians 2:8 KJV). “…The GIFT by grace……” (Romans 5:15 KJV). “…The GIFTof 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 pertain unto life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV).

TRANSFORMING LOVE: GOD MADE "YOU" HOLY, PART 5

TRANSFORMING LOVE GOD MAKES YOU HOLY THROUGH DISCIPLINE, Part 5

 

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

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

*

 “…In this world [god’s people]... are like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). The sinful nature, its information, and activities is what God’s people WERE  familiar with. “….[All of God’s people]... USED TO LIVE in sin [too], just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of [them] used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of [their] sinful nature. ….just like everyone else…” (Ephesian 2:2-3 NLT).

ALL THINGS ARE NEW! Holiness, AS A CHILD OF GOD, becomes, by choice and by faith, the NEW familiar.  “….a new creature ...all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).  

EVEN in areas where you have comfortably DONE WRONG and lived unrighteous, it’s OVER. “…The [past]...sin of my SOUL…” (Micah 6:7 KJV).  “….When you [used to]...follow the desires (influences) of your sinful nature, the results [WERE]... very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these…” (Galatians 5:22-23 NLT).

God’s people are NEW CREATIONS in their minds, emotions, hearts, spiritual life, physical life, and financially life. OLD THINGS HAVE PASSED AWAY!. God’s people are “….a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).  “…In this world we (God’s people) are like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV).

“…If any man(woman) be in Christ, he(she) is a NEW CREATURE …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “… [New creations]… are HIS (God’s) workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works …” (Ephesians 2:10 KJV). “... In him (Jesus, the TRUE VINE) we live (have spiritual life), and move (produce spiritual fruit), and have our being (have a spiritual identity as a new creation) ...For we are ... his offspring...” (Acts 17:28 KJV).

God’s people or true disciples of Christ are NEW CREATIONS. When they abide with God, the Holy Spirit, within the “covenant unity” relationship they WILL NOT continue to PRACTICE a sinful lifestyle. “...Anyone who continues to live in him (ABIDE WITH HIM) will not sin. But anyone who keeps on sinning does not know him ... [or] who he is....” (1 John 3:7-10 NLT). “...Dear children, don’t let anyone deceive you about this: When people do what is right, it shows that they are righteous, even as Christ is righteous....” (1 John 3:7-10 NLT).

Without Jesus Christ there is NO freedom from the bondage of sin, but becoming reconciled to God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus “WILL” FREE you from the bondage of sin.“…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by SIN?…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). Paul said: “...For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me” (Romans 7:18-20 KJV).

“…The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).“… [God, the Holy Spirit SENT the] … …one… who can reconcileGod and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).

When God’s people are RECONCILED to HIM through Jesus they are MADE HOLY again.

“…Jesus Christ maketh thee whole (AGAIN)…” (Acts 9:34 KJV).

“…God [through Jesus] ...makes everything holy and whole [by reconciling]...together [God’s Holy]...spirit, [your]...soul, and body…” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 MSG). “…Jesus Christ (the one who reconciles,) is [with]in [God’s people]…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV).

Apart from Jesus, God’s people couldn’t be MADE WHOLE, HOLY, be RESTORED, or become SPIRITUALLY ALIVE. Jesus is the ONE who makes them into NEW CREATIONS. “…[God]... the [Holy]...SPIRIT gives [them spiritual]... LIFE…” (John 6:63 NASB). “……God [makes them]... ALIVE with Christ...[and he forgives them]… all [their]… sins…” (Colossians 2:13 NIV).“…He (she) that is joined unto the Lord (Jesus) is ONE spirit… [with God again]” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).

“…If any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a NEW creature…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “…. old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “…apart from [Jesus, sinful mankind]... can do nothing…” (John 15:4-6 NASB).

“Can the Ethiopian (born sinner) change his (her) skin, or the leopard his spots [change their sinful nature]? then may ye also do good, who are accustomed to do evil (Jeremiah 13:23 KJV).  “…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by [the sinful nature]? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

When God’s people become NEW CREATIONS they STRUGGLE with the OLD nature when it comes to LIVING HOLY and RIGHTEOUS. “...For the desire of the flesh is against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, in order to keep you from doing whatever you want...” (Galatians 5:17 NASB). “…The sinful nature wants to do evil ....so you are not FREE to carry out your good intentions. ……” (Galatians 5:17 NLT).

Why is the OLD SINFUL NATURE a STRUGGLE? “...If we say that we have no sin (no sinful nature), we deceive ourselves and the truth (God’s indwelling Holy Spirit) is not in us...” (1 John 1:8 KJV). “… there is none righteous; no not one...” (Romans 3:10 KJV).  “…there is none who doeth good...” (Psalms 14:1 KJV).

 “...Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may ye (a sinful nature) also do good, who are accustomed to do evil...”(Jeremiah 13:23 KJV). “…The sinful natureis always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).

The STRUGGLE with God’s people is NOT with FREEDOM from SIN, but with the RENEWING their MINDS. “…be conformed to the image of His Son (NEW CREATION)…” (Romans 8:29 KJV). “..Therefore if any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).  

“….as he (she) thinketh in his (her) heart, so is he (she)…..” (Proverbs 23:7 KJV). “… Be transformed by the renewing of your mind (PUTTING NEW INFORMATION IN THE HEART) ….”(Romans 12:2 KJV).

 “…from within, out of the heart of man (WOMAN), proceed (COMES) evil thoughts...” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV).

 “…[God’s people’s minds]... are being [transformed]... every day [by God’s WORD]...”(2 Corinthians 4:16-17 NLT). “…In this world [God’s people]... are LIKE JESUS (his WORD)…” (1 John 4:17 NIV).

“…The sinful nature (affected the old information in the heart and it) wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the [Holy] Spirit wants. And the [Holy] Spirit (affects the new information in the heart and it) gives [God’s people]... desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires.These TWO FORCES (old information & new information) are constantly fighting each other, so [God’s people] are not FREE  to carry out [their] good intentions. ……” (Galatians 5 NLT).

STRUGGLING to “overcome” sin is part of the process of “working out YOUR “own” salvation.” God’s people are to “….work out [their] own salvation…” (Philippians 2:12 KJV). Every day God’s people are: “…[Choosing to put]… asideall filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to SAVE YOUR SOULS….” (James 1:21 NASB).

They are actively “…[choosing to] …throw off[their] old sinful nature and [their] former way of life…” (Ephesians 4:22 NIV).

“... [God’s people are also choosing to]…put off falsehood and speak truthfully to [their] neighbor…” (Ephesians 4:25 NLT).

And they are  “….[choosing to]…let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from[them], with all malice…” (Ephesians 4:31 KJV).

“….[They]... also [choose to]…put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth….” (Colossians 3:8  KJV).

“…[His people choose to lay] … aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings…” (1 Peter 2:1 KJV).

God’s also HELPS his people, when they feel WEAK in their struggle to overcome sin. “… The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT). Paul learned this after his own struggle with trying to live holy and said, “...I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong...” (2 Corinthians 12:10 KJV). ). “…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT).

“…He willkeep [his people]...strong to the end…” (1 Corinthians 1:8 NLT). “…When [God’s people are]... weak, then [are they]... strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10 KJV). “…[God’s] strength is made perfect in [their]...weakness...” (2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV). “…[God’s people]... can do ALL THINGS through Christ which strengtheneth [them]...” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

“…it is God (the indwelling Holy Spirit) which worketh in [his people]… both to will  (to desire to obey) and to do (to actually obey)...” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “….Apart from Me (the Word of God; the indwelling Spirit), [they] can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

God MAKES his people HOLY and FREE from the bondage of sin. However, it is his people’s choice to “work out their own salvation” in order to STAY Holy and FREE from the bondage of sin. “… [YOU CHOOSE]... this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).“… [God’s people]… are given...exceeding great and precious promises: that by these [they]... might be PARTAKERS of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance PATIENCE; and to PATIENCE godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in [his people], and abound, they make [them]...neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ…[God’s people willingly CHOOSE TO]...GIVE DILIGENCE TO MAKE [THEIR]... CALLING AND “ELECTION” SURE; FOR IF [THEY] “DO” THESE THINGS, [They]... SHALL NEVER FALL...” (2 Peter 1: 4-9 KJV).

“….work out [YOUR] own salvation…” (Philippians 2:12 KJV).

“...my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling...” (Philippians 2:12 NASB).

“.... Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God. That energy is God’s energy, an energy deep within you, God himself willing and working at what will give him the most pleasure...” (Philippians 2:12 MSG).

God doesn’t LEAVE his people to STRUGGLE to overcome the bondage of sin, alone. When they cry out for help in their weakness, Christ SPEAKS, to them, through God’s POWERFUL Word and strengthens them.  “…[They] can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth [them]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “…Apart from [Jesus, his people] can do nothing….” (John 15:5 KJV).

 In other words, self-effort, through the flesh nature, will result in moral behavior or self-invented righteousness. Empower-effort, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, will result in HOLY (Godly morality) behavior and true righteous through Jesus. “….Apart from Me (Jesus, the Word of God; the indwelling Spirit), [God’s people] can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

Self-effort impacts OUTWARD behavior, but empowered-effort impacts both the OUTWARD and INWARD behavior. “…[God’s people] can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth [them]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).“...If any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, ALL THINGS are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “…[God, the Holy Spirit gives his people]... a new heart, and...[puts]... a new spirit [within them]. …” (Ezekiel 36:26 NLT).

God’s people can boldly say: “I AM A NEW CREATION!” “…By the GRACE of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).“… [Thus, God’s people]… are changed into the same image [of Christ] from glory to glory …” (2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV).

God’s people BECOME “NEW CREATION” who choose to“…In this world [they] are LIKE JESUS…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). God’s people choose to “… GROW (develop, transform) in the GRACE and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…” (2 Timothy 3:18 NIV).

Working out their OWN salvation helps them“… [change, transform]… into the SAME IMAGE …” (2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV).)  “…[the]…image of HIS SON...” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV). “…[into the]…fullness of CHRIST…” (Ephesians 4:14 NIV).

 work out their own salvation, which helps them become more and more like Jesus Christ.

God HELPS them. “…It is God which worketh in [his OWN people] both to will and to do of his good pleasure...” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit, LOVES his people and has EQUIPPED them with EVERYTHING “good” they need to “keep” his commandments, LIVE HOLY, conduct themselves in righteousness, do HIS WILL and the things that are pleasing in HIS SIGHT. “… [God, the Holy Spirit] … equip[s] (or provides)… [each of his people]... with everything good for doing his will …” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV)..“… it is God who works in [each of HIS people]…  in order to fulfill his good purpose…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV).   “… [God, the Holy Spirit] …work[s] (within each of his people) … what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ …” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).

Is God’s people FORCED to KEEP his commandments or do they freely CHOOSE to “KEEP” his commandments out of the OWN professed love for him? The bible says, “...if ye love me, KEEP my commandments…” (John 14:15 KJV).

“…the words (God’s commandments) that I (Jesus) speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life...” (John 6:63 KJV). “…..therefore choose life….” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…walk by the Spirit (the WORDS are Spirit)…” (Galatians 5:16 KJV). “….if [God’s people]... live in the Spirit (are made spiritualy ALIVE in the WORD), let [them] also walk in the Spirit (the WORD)…” (Galatians 5:25 KJV). “… if [God’s people]... abide in [Jesus, this Word]…” (John 15:7 KJV).  “…the words(God’s commandments) ...are Spirit...” (John 6:63 KJV). “...if ye love me, KEEP my commandments…” (John 14:15 KJV).

If God’s people willfully CHOOSE to KEEP God’s commandments, the indwelling Holy Spirit will HELP them do it! God’s gives his people the NECESSARY faith, the POWER, and the GUIDANCE. “…..God hath dealt to every [one of us] the measure of faith.” (Roman 12:3 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit, will “… strengthened  ... [his people] … with might by his Spirit in the[ir] inner man (woman)…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV). “… [He will strengthen HIS people]…according to the POWER that worketh IN [THEM]…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).

“…The steps of a good man(woman) are ordered by the Lord: …” (Psalms 37:23 KJV). “I will instruct you and guide you in the way you should go; I will fix My eyes upon You…” (Psalm 32:8).

God SUPPORTS his people ALL along the Christian journey. He won’t leave them or change on them. They can TRUST and DEPEND upon God, the Holy Spirit, with ALL their hearts.  “…This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves…” (2 Corinthians 4:5-7 NLT). “…HE (God, the Holy Spirit) “WILL” KEEP [his people]... STRONG to the end…” (1 Corinthians 1:8 NLT). “…Behold, I am with … [you] and will keep … [you] whithersoever [you]… goest…I will not leave [you] ..." (Genesis 28:15 ASV).

“…Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “….The decrees (WORDS) of the Lord are TRUSTWORTHY, making wise the simple…” (PSALM 19:7 NLT).  “…All your commands are TRUSTWORTHY…” (PSALM 119:86 NLT). “…your laws are perfect and completely TRUSTWORTHY…. “(PSALMS 119:138 NLT).

“… I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  “...[God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus]... is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV). “…he remains faithful…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT).

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

Yet, God’s people are NOT slaves to the “covenant unity” relationship with him. They are FREE to CHOOSE to DEPART from him any time.  “… I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore [YOU (God’s people)]…choose life…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…Choose LIFE…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…Jesus said… I am the LIFE…..” (John 11:25 KJV).

“… [YOU CHOOSE (God’s people choose)]...this day [and every day]...whom [they] will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

“… whom ...will [you]...serve [this day: CHOOSE]….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

God’s people, on their OWN volition, choose to “…..present [their]... bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” (Roman 12:1 KJV).

However, God’s people also CHOOSE to be led by the Holy Spirit, which comes from “…..renewing … [their]... mind…” (Romans 12:2 KJV). “…So I say, let the [indwelling] Holy Spirit guide your lives. … …” (Galatians 5 NLT).

Jesus willingly CHOSE to be led by God, the Holy Spirit. He demonstrated he trusted and depended upon God when he LAID DOWN his lay his life for HIS purposes. “… I [laid]... down my life... No one [took]... it from me, but I [laid]... it down of my own accord (my own choice). I [was given]... authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command (authority, choice) I received from my Father…” (John 10:17-18 KJV).

Jesus was allowed, but willing to die a criminal’s death in order to DO his Father’s WILL. “...Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners...” (1 Timothy 1:15 NLT).  “...Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him...” (Hebrews 7:25 NLT). Jesus came “…to giveHis life a ransom for many…” (Matthew 20:28 NIV). “...He (Jesus) [entrusted]... Himself over to [God] ...” (1 Peter 2:23 KJV).

.“…the just for the unjust…” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV). “…when he (Jesus) sees all that is accomplished by his anguish,he will be satisfied. And because of his experience, [his]...righteous servant (Jesus) will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT).

“... AS MANY as received him (the WORD of GOD), to them... [God, through Jesus GAVE them the] ... POWER TO BECOME THE SONS (DAUGHTERS) OF GOD, evento them that believe (depend upon) ...his name (the WORD of GOD)…” (John 1:12 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit, has given his people the RICHES and multiple GIFTS of his GLORY (his presence, his goodnesses, and his indwelling working power), but they CHOOSE, to receive those riches, by faith.  “…receive the word implanted…[by faith]...” (James 1:21 NASB).  “…IT SHALL BE DONE TO [God’s people]... ACCORDING TO ...[ THEIR] FAITH…” (MATTHEW 9:29 NASB).

“… God will supply all [his people’s need]… according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “…What is the riches of the glory…; …CHRIST IN [them]…” (Colossians 1:25-28 KJV). “…Jesus Christ is in [each of them]…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…Christ in [them] …” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). “…The Spirit of God dwell in [his people]…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).

Jesus COMES with multiple GIFTS from HEAVEN.“…You will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit….” (Acts 2:38 NASB). “… It is …[the]... Holy Spirit who gives all these gifts and POWERS… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).  “….every good gift and every perfect gift … cometh down from the Father of lights…..” (James 1:17 KJV). “…The LORD SHALL GIVE that which is good…” (Psalms 85:12 KJV). “…A man (woman) can receive nothing, except it BE GIVEN him (her) from heaven…” (John 3:27 KJV). “…[SO]...What do you have that God hasn’t given you?...”(1 Corinthians 4:7 NLT).

”…  ye [are]…saved through faith…it is the GIFT of God…” (Ephesians 2:8 KJV). “…The GIFT by grace……” (Romans 5:15 KJV). “…The GIFTof 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 pertain unto life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV).

 

TRANSFORMING LOVE: YOU ARE MADE HOLY, PART 4

TRANSFORMING LOVE GOD MAKES YOU HOLY THROUGH DISCIPLINE, Part 4

 

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

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

*

KNOWING and BELIEVING, by faith, what God, the Holy Spirit, has DONE for his people, through Christ can HELP them LIVE FREE. “...[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). “...Now the Lord is that Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (freedom)...” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV)

FREEDOM, for God’s people, means they are no longer in bondage to sin or under the devils’ power. Most importantly the human WILL is FREE to choose HOLY and RIGHTEOUS living.

God freed his people FROM sin, not TOcontinue to sin, but to FREELY choose to LIVE HOLY.“...It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom....” (Galatians  5:13 MSG).  “...brethren (sisters), ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh..” (Galatians 5:13 KJV).

 God’s people have the indwelling Holy Spiritabiding within them, which lovingly convicts them about the ongoing practice of a sinful lifestyle. “...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’s people have died to sin, and WON’T continue to practice a sinful lifestyle. “.. .[god’s children] ... are not controlled by ...[their]... sinful nature. (unless they choose to be) ... [they]... are controlled by the Spirit if [they choose to be AND] have the Spirit of God living in [them] …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).

“... Knowing this, that our old man(woman) is crucified with him, that the body of sin (and its old intimate attachments) might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin...” (Romans 6:6 KJV).

“... I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith (trust and dependency upon)... of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me...” (Galatians 2:20 KJV).

 “... old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). "…That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit…” (John 3:6 KJV). “...all things are become new...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

When God’s people begin to “work out their OWN salvation they can struggle through it and experience great suffering. Suffering, to be HOLY,  is not necessarily a negative condition. The bible says, ‘...he (she) that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;...” (1 Peter 4:1 KJV). God freed you FROM sin, not TO sin, but to LIVE holy. .“...It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom....” (Galatians  5:13 MSG). 

Struggling to OVERCOME sinful practices is NOT the same as comfortably MAINTAINING sinful practices. “...No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him...”  (1 John 3:6KJV).

Jesus, God’s WORD is the way God LEADS his people to LIVE free from sin, SET APART, and HOLY. Jesus had another name. “… His name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “Jesus saith…I am THE WAY…” (John 14:6 KJV). “…This (God’s WORD) is the WAY; WALK in it…" Isaiah 30:21 NIV). “…THE WAY (Jesus, God’s WORD) is narrow that LEADS TO LIFE, and there are FEW who find it…” (Matthew 7:13-14 NASB).

God wants his people to walk in THE PATH of holiness by FOLLOWING His Word. “…In this world [God’s people] are LIKE JESUS…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). “... The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB).

God promises that the Holy Spirit will lead his people into the WAY or PATH they should follow “…THE WORDS ... they ARE SPIRIT…” (John 6:63 KJV).“…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).  “... he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “…The steps of a good man(woman) are ordered by the Lord: …” (Psalms 37:23 KJV). “...I will instruct you and guide you in the way you should go; I will fix My eyes upon You…” (Psalm 32:8).

“…I have shown you how you should find the way in which you should walk…” (Isaiah 48:17). “…So I say, let the [indwelling] Holy Spirit guide your lives. … …” (Galatians 5 NLT).

God DISCIPLINES his people. “...If you are not disciplined – and everyone undergoes discipline – then you are not legitimate, nottrue sons and daughters at all” (Hebrews 12:8 NIV). “….For whom the Lord loveth he CORRECTETH…” (Proverbs 3:12 KJV).   “...He careth for you (his people)...” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV).

When God, the Holy Spirit, DISCIPLINES he doesn’t USE condemnation or judgement, but GRACE. “…There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus…” (Romans 8:1 KJV). “…There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. ….” (John 3:18 NLT). “…Mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB).

“…My GRACE is sufficient for [my people]: for my strength is made perfect in [their] weakness...” (2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV).

“…Who isa God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, …” (Micah 7:18 KJV). “…confess [your] sins, he is faithful and just to forgive … [your]… sins, and to cleanse [you]… from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9 KJV).

If God, the Holy Spirit, doesn’t condemn or judge his people, they are NOT to condemn or judge themselves either. God’s LOVING presence may CONVICT his children, but he doesn’t ACCUSE them of anything. There is an ACCUSER, but it's NOT God. “...For the accuser (the devil) of our brothers and sisters,  who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down...” (Revelation 12:10 NIV). “...The Accuser of our brothers and sisters thrown out, who accused them day and night before God. They defeated him through the blood of the Lamb and the BOLD WORD of their witness....” (Revelation 12:7-12 MSG).

 “…There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus…” (Romans 8:1 KJV). “…There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. ….” (John 3:18 NLT). “…Mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB).

 God’s discipline is about transforming his people’s conduct so it will line-up with his standard of holiness. He will CONVICT his people about their conduct, through discipline, to HELP them BECOME holy like he is HOLY. “…[His people]... shall be holy  (not just moral) unto me: for I the Lord am holy…” (Leviticus 20:26 KJV).

God’s people can’t even depend upon their OWN condemnation or judgement of themselves anymore. They are NOW NEW CREATIONS “in” Christ Jesus. “... In him (Jesus) we live (have spiritual life), and move (produce spiritual fruit), and have our being (have a spiritual identity as a new creation) ...For we are ... his offspring (people)...” (Acts 17:28 KJV). You are “….a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

 “….But ye are...[NOW]... a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;” (1 Peter 2:9 KJV).

SIN SEPARATES from HOLINESS naturally. The TWO don’t MIX and are like OIL and WATER. That’s why BECOMING HOLY is important to God, the Holy Spirit. “...Anyone(NO EXCEPTIONS) who does not live righteously and does not love other believers does not belong to God...” (1 John 3:7-10 NLT).

“…[Your ongoing practices of]... INIQUITIES … [will separate] … [you and] God [the HOLY Spirit]…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV).

“... Everyone (no exceptions) who sins is breaking God’s law, for all sin is contrary to the law of God. And you know that Jesus came to take away our sins, and there is no sin in him. Anyone who continues to live in him (ABIDE WITH HIM) will not sin. But anyone who keeps on sinning does not know him ... [or] who he is. Dear children, don’t let anyone deceive you about this: When people do what is right, it shows that they are righteous, even as Christ is righteous....” (1 John 3:7-10 NLT).

“...[God’s people have mistakenly]...thought that...[God, the Holy Spirit, was human like them]....” (Psalm 50:21 KJV). God says, “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).   “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).

God’s people rationalize and overlook certain sinful behaviors, which makes them THINK God does the same thing. HE DOES NOT!  “…God is not human (he is not a body, the flesh, or a soul)…” (Numbers 23:19 NIV). “… [GOD IS]... HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).  “…“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine … my ways are higher … my thoughts higher…” (Isaiah 55:5-9 NLT).

God is the HOLY Spirit. “…he remains faithful [to who he IS and does NOT change), for he cannot denywho he is…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT). “… [GOD IS]... HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).   “…I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).   “… “I AM WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).

God is not like mankind, God is HOLY. God is SPIRIT. God, the Holy Spirit, hates sin, because sin is destructive, especially for those He loves.

God, the Holy Spirit’s discipline is a demonstration of HIS HOLY LOVE. It also REVEALS God’s PLAN for his people’s absolute good.“…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…Love does NO HARM to his neighbor …” (Romans 13:10 NASB). “…The plans [God has]…for you (His people)….[are]… plans to prosper [them] and not to harm[them]...” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV). “…Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man (woman), the things which God hath prepared for them that love him...” (1 Corinthians 2:9 KJV). “...I know the plans I have for [my people],” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster...” (Jeremiah 29:11 NLT). “... I know the thoughtsthat I think toward [my people], saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give [them] an expected end...” (Jeremiah 29:11 KJV).

“... But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush him (Jesus) and cause him grief ... [and]...his life [was made]... an offering for [his people’s] sin...” (Isaiah 53:10-11 NLT).

God, the Holy Spirit’s HOLY character and immutable nature means that WHO he is, WHAT he says, and EVERYTHING he does is TRUSTWORTHY, STEADY, and absolutely DEPENDABLE. “…he remains faithful [to who he IS and does NOT change)…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT). “…I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).   “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).

Holiness was GIVEN to God’s people through the GIFT of righteousness. “…the GIFT of righteousness…” (Romans 5:17 KJV). “...God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ...” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT).

The GIFT of righteousness is JESUS CHRIST, which was SOWN into the hearts of his people. “...his gift of righteousness ...through this one man, Jesus Christ...” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT).

“… God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son (Jesus, his GIFT of righteousness) into [the] hearts [of his people]...” (Galatians 4:6 NASB).  

“…The sower SOWETH THE WORD …The (spiritual) seed (Jesus, the GIFT of righteousness) is the WORD OF GOD ... THE WORD  …was sown in [THE] HEARTS [of God’s people]…” (Mark 4:14-15 & Luke 8:11 KJV).

God has EQUIPPED his people, through his GIFT of righteousnessto LIVE FREE, LIVE RIGHTEOUS, and HOLY. “…the God of peace… that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip [his people]... with everything good for doing his will, …” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).“… the God of peace… that great Shepherd of the sheep ...may he (the Holy Spirit) work in [his people] … what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ (the GIFT of righteousness)…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).

 “…His [“HOLY” indwelling] POWER hath GIVEN unto [his people]… ALL THINGS that pertain unto life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV). “... God will supply all [their need]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “… [God’s people]... can do all things through Christ  (LIVE HOLY) which strengtheneth [them to do it]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

God’s people LIVE BY FAITH in the GIFT of RIGHTEOUSNESS who works “in” and “through” them.“…God ...the … HOLY SPIRIT ... is the SOURCE of ...[HOLINESS]…it is …God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of ...[HIS people]... The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s [working] power (to enable the GIFT of righteousness) THROUGH each of [his people] … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…the Father … he doeth the works...[of cultivating and producing holy, righteous living]…” (John 14:10 KJV).

HEARING God’s WORD helps and enables God’s people to LIVE by FAITH. The scriptures say, “... So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17 KJV).

God SUPPLIES a “measure of faith” and his WORD builds it up in the hearts of his people. “... For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself, more highly than he ought to think;, but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith” (Romans 12:3 KJV). “...For it is God who worketh in you, both to will and to do of His good pleasure...” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “... Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come...” (John 16:13 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit, gives his people the GIFT of RIGHTEOUS, but, they choose, DAILY, to LIVE and WALK in that RIGHTEOUSNESS by working out their OWN salvation. “….WORK OUT[their]… own salvation…” (Philippians 2:12 KJV).

“Can two (God’s people and HIS SPIRIT) walk together, except they be agreed...” (Amos 3:3 KJV).

“…Be ye NOT unequally yoked together with unbelievers for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? [NONE]... And what communion hath light with darkness? [NONE]...And what concord hath Christ with Belial? [NONE]... Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? [NONE]...” (2 Corinthians 6:14-15 KJV).

" Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth (continually or through daily practice) hath not seen him, neither known him." (1 John 3:6 KJV).

God’s people willfully and voluntarily CHOOSE to walk with God each and every day. God won’t force them. “… [YOU CHOOSE]... this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).“… [God’s people CHOOSE]... this day [and every day]...whom [they]... will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

“...We know … that the whole world lies underthe power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19 RSV). “…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).

“...the one who practices sinis of the devil ... No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of GOD...” (1 John 3:7-10 NASB).

“… [YOU CHOOSE]... this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). 

God’s people will do what’s in THEIR “OWN” hearts to do. “..as [a man or woman] thinketh in his (her) heart, SO IS HE (she)…” (Proverbs 23:7 KJV).  “…for out of the heart proceed EVIL THOUGHTS (what YOU “THINK”)…” (Matthew 15:1 KJV).

Part of “working out their own salvation” means God’s people CHOOSE to RENEW their minds. “…The sinful nature ...And the [Holy] Spirit ...These TWO FORCES  (of old information and new information) are constantly fighting each other, so [God’s people]... are not FREE  to carry out your good intentions.… …” (Galatians 5 NLT). “… Be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”(Romans 12:2 KJV).

Apostle Paul said, “...for the good that I would I do not, but the evil which I would not, that I do…” (Romans 7:19 KJV). “...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. …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

“...Who will free me from this life that is dominated by [the sinful NATURE]? …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

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

Apostle Paul WANTED to do right, but couldn’t. This helped Paul recognize, in order to live FREE and HOLY from sin’s previous domination and influence, he NEEDED, Jesus, the POWERFUL WORD of God. “...Who will free me from this life that is dominated by [the sinful NATURE]? …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

God wants his people to KNOW, they can’t live HOLY without him. They NEED Jesus Christ. No amount of human effort will ever get them to true holiness. “….apart from Me (Jesus, the WORD), you (God’s people) can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).“…The flesh (the crucified sinful nature) profiteth nothing…” (John 6:63 KJV). “…Human effort (through the crucified sinful nature) accomplishes nothing….” (John 6:63 NLT).

Whatever LIFE God’s people are living, they have CHOSEN it. for themselves. “… I have set before you (god’s people) life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore [“YOU”]...choose life (the life “you” want)…” (Deuteronomy 30:19). “…Choose youthis day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

If God’s people want to practice a sinful lifestyle, it’s their CHOICE. God’s people can’t CLAIM to have a “covenant unity” relationship with God, the Holy Spirit, and still WALK and practice DARKNESS. “…If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person IS A LIAR and is not living in the truth…” (1 John 2:4 NLT).  “…If we “SAY” that we have fellowship with him, and WALK IN DARKNESS (without the show of spiritual fruit, revelation knowledge, or righteous deeds), WE LIE, and DO NOT THE TRUTH…” (1 John 1:6 KJV).  “ … the deeds of the flesh are evident…” (Galatians 5:20-22  NASB).

Trying to PRETEND to be HOLY without God often LEADS to self-righteousness and comes from the pride one’s takes in their OWN religious acts, which result in: “...self-invented spirituality and services, ...self-made piety, justification, carnal knowledge and sanctity...” (Mamalis 1985). “…So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves …” (Galatians 5 NLT). “…So letting your sinful nature CONTROL YOUR MIND leads to death. But letting the Spirit CONTROL YOUR MIND leads to life and peace. For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God. But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you…” (Romans 8:6-9 NLT).

Skillful acts of religious actions to elevate yourself as being morally superior to others is “NOT” holiness.  “…The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector!  I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income …those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted…” (Luke 18:9-14 NLT).

HOLY pretenders make-up or invent their own version of being Christ-like, but do NOT imitate Jesus Christ at all. “...Be … imitatorsof [Jesus]…”(Hebrews 12:14; Ephesians 5:1 ASV). “… growing in every way more and more like Christ…” (Ephesians 4:14-16 NLT). “…In this world we are like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV).

TRANSFORMING LOVE: YOU ARE MADE HOLY, PART 3

TRANSFORMING LOVE GOD MAKES YOU HOLY THROUGH DISCIPLINE, Part 3 

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

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

*

In the “covenant unity” relationship with God, the Holy Spirit, it is important to understand that God is Spirit and NOT HUMAN. “…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “…God is not human …” (Numbers 23:19 NIV).

“… I AM HOLY(completely, entirely, wholly without sin)…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).

GOD IS THE HOLY SPIRIT. His divine BEING is set apart; “without” and completely “FREE” from any and all sin. “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV).

HOLY is WHO God is and ONLY God knows what it is LIKE to be SET APART and FREE from SIN. “...There is none holy as the Lord…” (1 Samuel 2:2 KJV).

In addition, God, the HOLY one, can NOT and will NEVER, “EVER” MIX with SIN. In fact, SIN and HOLINESS SEPARATES naturally; just like oil and water. “…It’s YOUR SINS that have cut you off (SEPARATE your) from God (who is HOLY)…” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT).

Therefore, from God’s perspective holiness is a NOT an option, but a requirement of the CALLING into the “covenant unity” with HIM. “…For God hath not called [his people] unto uncleanness, but unto holiness…” (1 Thessalonians 4:7 KJV).

If his people want to sustain a continual “covenant unity” relationship with God, holiness is the WAY. “…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).

HOLY 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 unbelievers for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? [NONE]... And what communion hath light with darkness? [NONE]...And what concord hath Christ with Belial? [NONE]...Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? [NONE]...”(2 Corinthians 6:14-15 KJV). “... And besides all this, between us (the holy ones) and you (the unholy ones) a great chasm (barrier) [EXISTS] …” (Luke 16:22-25 NASB).

Holiness explains why God, the Holy Spirit, disciplines sinful behaviors. “….the way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it…. (Isaiah 35:8 KJV).

When God’s people truly understand how important holiness is to God it will become important to them also. God purposefully DESIRES for his people “…to put on the new man (woman), which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness...” (Ephesians 4:2 KJV).

Holiness becomes important to God’s people, because they love him and want to keep his commandments. “...If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). God’s commandment say: “…as he which called you is holy, so ye be holy in all manner of conversation...” (1 Peter 1:15 KJV).

To truly experience and participate in HOLINESS, Jesus told his disciples to “…deny [themselves]…..and follow me (God’s WORD)….” (Mark 8:34 KJV).

The HOLY lifestyle often COMES through the discipline of the Lord.  Self-denial is a witness that God’s people have chosen to separate themselves to the service of God. It is total surrender. “…‘[I’ve]… given up everything to follow you…” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT). “...Simply put, if you’re not willing to take what is dearest to you, whether plans or people (or self), and kiss it good-bye, you can’t be my disciple...” (Luke 14:25-35 MSG).

JESUS SAID: “… I lay down my life... No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. …” (John 10:17-18 KJV).Jesus offered his earthen vessel as a “…living sacrifice…” which is “…[also God’s people’s] … reasonable service…” (Romans 12:1 KJV).

Self-denial or becoming a “living sacrifice” reveals itself when God’s people, willfully and voluntarily, deny themselves to follow God. Peter said, “…we have left all and have followed thee...!” (Mark 2:8 KJV).

 God allows trials and tribulations that may include:  unfairness, suffering, lack of control, blocks of time, heartbreaking loss, complexities, questions, doubts, loneliness, no reciprocity, and pain.  A HOLY and committed child of God “...honors [the love they have for God by keeping his commandments] ...even when it hurts, and does not change their mind …” (Psalm 15:4 NIV).

God’s people WILL NOT continue to practice an ongoing life of sin. “...Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him..." (1 John 3:6KJV).

“.... 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).

The indwelling Holy Spirit, within God’s people, empowers them, regardless of the situation, to do the things that are PLEASING to God. “… [The WORD of GOD]... liveth in [his people]…” (Galatians 2:20 KJV). “…[God’s people]... can do all things through Christ  (the word) which strengtheneth [them]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “… [God, the Holy Spirit] grant[s]… [his people, by the power of HIS Word]… to be strengthened with might by his [holy] ... Spirit in the[ir] inner man (woman)…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV).

“… The God of peace … that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip[s] [his people]... with everything good for doing his will, and …work[s] in [them]… what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…NOW UNTO [THE WORD OF GOD]... THAT IS “ABLE” TO DO… according to the [HOLY]... POWER that worketh in [God’s people]…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).

God’s people are MADE holy as New CREATIONS “in” CHRIST. This means they ARE set apart (indwelling Holy Spirit) and FREE from the bondage of sin. “...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). 

The sinful nature has LOST complete control over God’s people. “ ...[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 tells his people to “…beconformed to the image of his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV). Then God tells them HOW to be conformed to the image of his Son. “…Be transformed by the renewing of your mind….” (Romans 12:2 KJV).

God’s people often WONDER “why” they STILL struggle with SIN “IF” they are free. To conform means to imitate and obey God’s WORD. Renewing the MIND, with God’s WORD, means putting spiritual information within the heart by studying and reading.

Conforming and transforming requires WORK on the part of God’s people. God has DONE the hard WORK by “SETTING” the soul FREE. “...You [God’s people]... were washed (cleansed from sin), you were sanctified (made holy), you were justified (made right with God again) [through Jesus, the Word and the indwelling Holy] Spirit of our God...” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11 NIV). “…[God creates in his people] a clean heart and [renews a right] spirit within [them]…” (Ezekiel 36:26 & Psalm 51:10 KJV).

The FREED soul or NEW CREATION, however, does the work of CHOOSING to WALK and LIVE FREE daily. “...Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves [daily]... from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting (maturing, growing, developing, etc) holiness in the fear (respect, honor, etc.,) of God...” (2 Corinthians 7:1  KJV).  “...the willof God (his heart’s desire.), [is his people’s] SANCTIFICATION …” (1 Thessalonians 4:3 NASB).“…Create in me a clean heart, O God…” (Psalms 51:10 KJV).

God’s people are to “….WORK OUT [their]… own salvation …” empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit...”(Philippians 2:12 KJV).

God’s HELPS his people WALK and LIVE in FREEDOM if they WANT him to HELP. “… The Sovereign Lord helps [his people]…” (Isaiah 50:7 NLT).   “…God …works in [his people] TO WILL and TO ACT in order to fulfill his good purpose…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV).

“...My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me...” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT). God’s “…graceis sufficient for [his people]…”

“…God … equip[s] ...[his people]... with everything good for doing his will …” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…the Father that dwelleth in me (his people), he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

God’s people, daily, do the WORK of :  “…[willfully choosing to put]… asideall filthiness and all that remains of wickedness….” (James 1:21 NASB).

 They, daily,  “…[choose to] …throw off [their]... old sinful nature and [their]... former way of life…” (Ephesians 4:22 NIV). “…[They will, daily] ... [choose to]…put off falsehood and speak truthfully to [their] neighbor…” (Ephesians 4:25 NLT).  “….[They will, daily, choose to]…let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from [them], with all malice…” (Ephesians 4:31 KJV).

“….[God’s people will]... also [daily, choose to]…put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of [their]...mouth….” (Colossians 3:8  KJV).

“… [And his people will choose, daily, to lay] … aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings…” (1 Peter 2:1 KJV).

“…[God’s people can FREELY choose]... this day whom [they want to]... serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). They have been GIVEN the indwelling POWER to “… Choose LIFE ...[daily] …” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). Jesus (the Word) saith…I am THE ...LIFE…” (John 14:6 KJV). “…I (the Word) am come that THEY MIGHThave (spiritual) LIFE, and that THEY MIGHT have [SPIRITUAL LIFE] ... more abundantly…” (John 10:10 KJV).

“…[However God warns his people that whoever they willfully choose to] ...yield [them]selves (daily) servants to obey, his (her) servants [they will become]...whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?...” (Romans 6:16 KJV). 

Discipline is important for becoming Christ-like. “….[Daily, God’s people are to]...WORK OUT [their]… own salvation …” (Philippians 2:12 KJV).

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

Repentance means God’s people turn from their wicked ways by completely changing directions. “…If My people which are called by My name shall humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways…then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land (destinies)...” (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV). 

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

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

Lessons through discipline are not easy or pleasant, but God disciplines every single child without exception. God knows that discipline is a guaranteed road to holiness and obedience. You “…are being made free from sin…. Your fruit unto holiness…” (Romans 6:22 KJV).

God’s people are TOTALLY FREED from sin, but it is their, personal, CHOICE to STAY free. “...If the Son therefore shall make you free, you SHALL be free indeed…” (John 8:36 KJV). “…[God’s people can FREELY choose]... this day whom [they want to]... serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). They have been GIVEN the indwelling POWER to “… Choose LIFE ...[daily] …” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). Jesus (the Word) saith…I am THE ...LIFE…” (John 14:6 KJV).

God not ONLY FREES his people, but he tells them HOW to STAY FREE and he EMPOWERS them to STAY FREE. However, it is a CHOICE. “… Be transformed by the renewing of your mind ….” (Romans 12:2 KJV).“...I can DO ALL THINGS through Christ…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).“…It is God who works IN YOU TO WILL and TO ACT (DO)…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…He helps [his people]…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). “… The Holy Spirit helps[his people] in [their] weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT).

Without HOLINESS, God’s people WON’T see HIM in their situations, circumstances, or lives.“...those who are not holy will not see the Lord...”(Hebrews 12:14 NLT).God, the Holy Spirit, will NOT look on ANY wicked, sinful practices with FAVOR. “… [God]… can not look on wickedness (no matter how small) with favor…” (Habakukk 1:13 NASB). “… O God, you take no pleasure in wickedness; you cannot tolerate the sins of the wicked…” (Psalms 5:4 NLT).

The indwelling Holy Spirit, through God’s WORD, advises his people to “…examine [themselves], whether [they] be in the faith; prove [to their]... own selves. [To]...know [whether or]...  not [for their]... own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in [them], except [they] be reprobates?” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV).

In other words, God’s people are to do a heart assessment. “...whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him..." (1 John 3:6 KJV). “…examine YOURSELF...” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV).

“… we are each responsible for our own conduct …Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit…” (Galatians 6:5-8 NLT).

“... Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, ... 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).

"…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).

God’s people are created anew “IN” Christ Jesus. “…If any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a NEW creature …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).  “... The old life is gone...” (2 Corinthians 5:14-18 NLT). “… [because] … all things are … [MADE] … NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

 “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…the Spirit of God dwell in [new creations who are now God’s people]…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).

God’s people are FREE from the bondage of sin, which means they can walk and LIVE righteous, if they CHOOSE. “…It was for freedom that Christ set [his people] free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery…” (Galatians 5:4 NLT).

“…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by [my]...sin...[nature]?” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).  “…If the Son therefore shall make you free, you SHALL be free indeed…” (John 8:36 KJV).  

“…Choose youthis day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “...It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom.Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that’s how freedom grows. For everything we know about God’s Word is summed up in a single sentence: Love others as you love yourself. That’s an act of true freedom...” (Galatians  5:13 MSG).  “...brethren (sisters), ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh..” (Galatians 5:13 KJV).

“...For if, after they (his redeemed people) have escaped ... they (his redeemed people) are AGAIN entangledin them (their former sinful lifestyles practices) ... it would be better for them (his redeemed people) not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment ... It has happened to them (his redeemed people) according to the true proverb, “A DOG RETURNS TO ITS OWN VOMIT,” and, “A sow, after washing, returns to wallowing in the mire...” (2 Peter 2:20-23 NASB).

Further, “... EVERYONE (NO EXCEPTIONS) who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness ... the one who practices sin is of the devil ... No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of GOD..” (1 John 3:7-10 NASB).

“…Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity…” (Matthew 7:22-23 KJV).

“…For thou art Not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee. The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity…”(Psalms 5:4-5 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…” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11 KJV).

“...Abide in me, and I in you...” (John 15:1-10 KJV). “…EXCEPT YE REPENT, ye shall all likewise PERISH…” (Luke 13:3 KJV).

God’s people are FREE, without a doubt, to LIVE righteous lives and will bear MUCH fruit. “…[God’s people] SHALL be free indeed…” (John 8:36 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).

“…The Holy Spirit  produces  ...(spiritual) fruit in [the lives of HIS people]….” (Galatians 5 NLT).  "…My Father is glorified by this, that “YOU” (his redeemed people, New Creations, etc.,) bear much fruit, and so PROVE to be [God’s people or]... disciples” (John 15:8 NIV).

 God’s people are NOT only MADE holy by becoming NEW CREATIONS, but they can TRUST and DEPEND upon the indwelling Holy Spirit, to empower them to LIVE HOLY, FREE from sin, and righteous.“…God ...the … HOLY SPIRIT ... is the SOURCE of ...[spiritual strength]…it is …God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of ...[HIS people]... The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s [working] power (to enable his people to become holy) THROUGH each of [them] … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…the Father … he doeth the works...[of empowering holiness within his people]…” (John 14:10 KJV).

Holiness comes from the indwelling Holy Spirit and apart from the indwelling Holy Spirit, God’s people COULD NOT become HOLY. “…God … SENT forth the Spiritof His Son “INTO” [the]… HEARTS [of his people]…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).  “…The Spirit of God [now] dwell[s] in[his people]…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).

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

“…[God’s people’s]... great power is from God…” (2 Corinthians 4:5-7 NLT). “….Apart from Me (God, the Holy Spirit), [God’s people]... can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).  “…His divine power hath GIVEN unto [his people] “ALL” THINGS that pertain unto life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV).

“... Every good GIFT and every perfect GIFT is from above, and comethdown from the Father of lights…” (James 1:17 KJV). “…A man (woman) can receive nothing, except it BE GIVEN him(her) from heaven…” (John 3:27 KJV). “…The LORD SHALL GIVE that which is good…” (Psalms 85:12 KJV). “…What do you have that God hasn’t given you?...” (1 Corinthians 4:7 NLT).

“….Do not forget that [God]… led you through ... He gave you water …He fed you…. He did all this so you would neversay to yourself, ‘I have achieved this wealth with my own strength and energy.’Remember the Lord your God. He is the one who gives you power (authority) to be successful ...” (Deuteronomy 8:17-17 NLT).

“…[Thus] ...What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift?...”(1 Corinthians 4:7 NLT). “…those[who have been given GIFTS from heaven,] ...have [also]... experienced the good things of heaven …” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT).

God’s people are MADE HOLY and FREE from sin, but they choose, DAILY, to LIVE and WALK in that FREEDOM by working out their OWN salvation. “….WORK OUT [their]… own salvation…” (Philippians 2:12 KJV).

If God’s people have NOT lived HOLY, FREE, or RIGHTEOUS, his GRACE is sufficient to get them BACK on the right track.“…God is able to make all GRACE abound toward ...[them]; that ...[they will], always having all sufficiency in all things…” (2 Corinthians 8:9 KJV). “…My GRACE is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness...” (2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV). “..Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of GRACE, that we may obtain mercy, and find GRACE to help in time of need…”(Hebrews 4:16 KJV).

“…where sin abounded, GRACE did much more abound…” (Romans 5:20 KJV). “…They which receive abundance of GRACE … shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ…” (Romans 5:17 KJV). “….mercy triumphs over judgement…” (James 2:13 NASB).

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

“...There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus...” (Romans 8:1 NLT). “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).

Therefore, “…He helps [his people]…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). “…The Lord helps them, rescuing them from the wicked. He saves them, and they find shelter in him…” (Psalms 37:40 NLT). “…Blessed are those who wait for his help…” (Isaiah 30:18 NLT). “…The Lord who made you and helps you says: Do not be afraid …my servant …my chosen one…” (Isaiah 44:2 NLT). “… The Sovereign Lord helps me…” (Isaiah 50:7 NLT).  “… The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT).

 “..Therefore come boldly unto the throne of GRACE, that [his people]… may obtain mercy, and find GRACE to help in time of need…”(Hebrews 4:16 KJV). "…REPENT  AND RETURN, “SO” that your sins may be wiped away…” (Acts 3:19 NASB). “….Then [they]... will know that I am the Lord [their] God…’” (Exodus 16:12 NLT).

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

TRANSFORMING LOVE: GOD MAKES "YOU" HOLY, PART 2

TRANSFORMING LOVE GOD MAKES YOU HOLY THROUGH DISCIPLINE, Part 2 

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

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

*

“…For years on end my people have FORGOTten ME…” (Jeremiah 2:32 NLT).  “…They ABANDONED the Lord to serve Baal (other objects of faith)…”(Judges 2:13 NLT). “…they have continually ABANDONED ME and followed other gods (other objects of faith)…” (1 Samuel 8:8 NLT). “…For my people have ABANDONED ME …” (2 Kings 22:17 NLT).

At some point, when God’s people “…[fall] away…” or …”keep on sinning….” it may be wise to ask themselves if they have genuinely received him as Lord and Savior.

It may not be the case, but some SAY if you turn away from Christ maybe you never really trusted him in the first place. “...They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us...” (1 John 2:19KJV).

Discipline provides an opportunity for God’s people to give God their whole heart and not just lip service. Peter said, “…‘We’ve given up everythingto follow you…’” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT). Job said, “..though he slay me, yet will I trust in him…” (Job 13:15 KJV). Apostle Paul said, “...Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ...” (Philippians 3:8 NLT).

The bible tells God’s people to be sure of their salvation and that they are “in the faith…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “...Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him..." (1 John 3:6 KJV).

What are some of the ways God’s people can personally examine themselves to evaluate if they are “in the faith?”  THE WAY THEY ENDURE AND HOPE IN THE GOSPEL WILL BE A SIGN.“...If [they[ continue in the faith ... and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, [but continue to ENDURE, [THEY]... 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).

If God’s people are “in the faith” THE WAY THEY LOVE WILL PROVE IT. “..Ye are of God, little children …We are of God: …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 can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act…” (Matthew 7:16 NLT). 

“… In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God,neither he that loveth not his brother…” (1 John 3:10 KJV). “…Allmen (women) will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another…" (John 13:35 NASB).

If God’s people are “in the faith” THEIR SPIRITUAL FRUIT WILL BE A WITNESS. “…By their fruits, [because] …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...” “…Ye shall know [God’s people, who in the faith]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV).

“... The [indwelling]...Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [the] lives [of his people]: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (obedience). …” (Galatians 5 NLT).

If God’s people are “in the faith” THEY WILL BE A “LIGHT” TO OTHERS and they will SEE it. “…Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven...” (Matthew 5:16 KJV).“...This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples...” (John 15:8 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit, disciplines his people so they won’t simply “DO” the Christian religion, but so they will actually “BECOME” authentically Christ-like. “...Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity...” (Matthew 23:27-28 KJV).

Jesus died for EACH of his people and willingly gave up his entire life so they could go and LIVE free from SIN. “…my righteous servant (Jesus) ...[made] ... it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he [bore]... all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT).

Jesus laid down his LIFE out of his love for his people and “HIS” people will also laid down their lives for him. “...Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren...” (1 John 3:16 KJV).

In this WORLD or upon earth, God’s people are LIKE Jesus Christ. “…In this world we (God’s people) are LIKE JESUS…” (1 John 4:17 NIV).  “...  perceive ... the love of God [through jesus], because he laid down his life for us (his people)...” (1 John 3:16 KJV).

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

“ ... 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). “…There is no greater love…” (John 15:13 NLT).

“...Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries...” (1 Peter 4:1-3 KJV)

It will be COSTLY, for God’s people, to make JESUS Lord of their LIFE. “...Anyone who won’t [choose to] ... shoulder his (her) own cross and follow behind me can’t be my disciple...” (Luke 14:25-35 MSG). “….love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind…” (Luke 10:27 KJV). AND “…If you love me, you will keep (cooperate with or follow) my commandments …” (John 14:15).

“…If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple…” (Luke 14:26 KJV).

However, when God’s people laid down their sinful lifestyles for a Christ-like lifestyle is not an equal exchange. They get the better end of the EXCHANGE.  “…for Christ …suffered for sins …, THE JUST FOR THE UNJUST….” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV). “… the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ .. though HE WAS [spiritually] RICH, yet for your sakes he became [spiritually] poor, that ye through his poverty might be [spiritually] RICH…” (2 Corinthians 8:9 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit’s, transformation process, through trials-and-tribulations, is a LOVING discipline that can make his people feel unsafe, even though they are SAFE “in” Christ. “... For in the day of trouble he will keep [his people]... safe in his dwelling; he will hide [them]... in the shelter of his sacred tent and set [them]... high upon a rock...” (Psalm 27:5 NIV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).

 “… he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT). ).  “...he careth for [his people]…” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “…The name of the Lord is a strong tower(REFUGE); The righteous (god’s people) runs into it and is safe…” (Proverbs 18:10 NASB).

Unsafe feelings make God’s people mentally and emotionally vulnerable to the attacks of the enemy.  Nonetheless, the bible says, “...These things I have spoken to you, that in me (his WORD) [my people]... may have peace. In the world [they]... shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I (God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus, his WORD) have overcome the world” (John 16:33 KJV).

When God, the Holy Spirit, allows trials-and-tribulations to discipline his people it can ignite fear, doubt, questions, loneliness, hopelessness, weariness, and the experiences can last for days, weeks, months, or even years. Don’t give up!!! “... And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not...” (Galatians 6:9 KJV).

Undergoing God’s allowing of  trials and tribulations requires endurance, perseverance, long-suffering, patience, daily living by faith, and long-term trust in God. Yet, “...Blessed is the man (woman) that endureth temptation: for when he (she) is tried, he(she) shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him...”(James 1:12 KJV).

God’s allowing of trials-and-tribulations is meant to humble God’s people, make them holy, transform their conduct, and direct them to submit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

Submitting to the Lordship of Christ is a challenging, but NECESSARY lesson of TRUE discipleship. It is God’s custom to “… humble [his people], and to prove [their commitment to him], [and] to know what was in [their[ heart, [and to SEE]...whether [they] wouldest keep his commandments, or no...” (Deuteronomy 8:2 KJV).

When God through Jesus is Lord. God’s people will be humble, committed, allowing their hearts to be cleansed by the WORD, and choosing, because they love HIM, to keep his commandment.

The testing of God’s people faith is more for their benefit than God’s benefit.  It comes to “… humble [his people], and to prove [their commitment to him], [and] to know what was in [their[ heart, [and to SEE]...whether [they] wouldest keep his commandments, or no...” (Deuteronomy 8:2 KJV).

God allows his people to go through tests to prove to THEM (God already knows), what is truly in their OWN heart. “...the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart… For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander...” (Matthew 15:18-19 NIV). “…out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks...” (Luke 6:45 RSV).

God already knows your heart.“...O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me...” (Psalms 139:1-6 NLT). God looks at the “…hidden man(woman) of the heart (where the MOTIVE is)…” (1 Peter 3:4 KJV). It is“… from within, out of the heart of man(woman), proceed evil thoughts … [or wrong MOTIVES] … these … come from within, and defile a person...” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV). The HEART “…is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked…who can know it [except God?]…” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV).

God wants his people to SEE their OWN hearts. God does this by allowed, his people, to go through trials and tribulations.  Challenging situations and circumstances will always prove whether his people will keep HIS commandments or not. “….prove [to you] … what [is] in [your own] heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no” (Deuteronomy 8:2 KJV).

King Hezekiah was allowed to be tested. “… God left him, to try him that he might know all that was in his heart…” (2 Chronicles 32:31 KJV).

His heart was not right before God and God knew it. “..In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. He prayed to the Lord, who answered him and gave him a miraculous sign. But Hezekiah’s heart was proud and he did not respond to the kindness shown him; therefore the Lord’s wrath was on him and on Judah and Jerusalem...” (2 Chronicles 32:24-25 NIV).

Hezekiah had a rebellious, selfish, and prideful side that God knew was hidden in his heart. “But Hezekiah’s heart was proud…” (2 Chronicles 32:25 NIV).

Hezekiah SAW, with his OWN insight, the darkness that was hidden within his OWN heart as well as his many weaknesses.“...But Hezekiah’s heart was proud and he did not respond to the kindness shown him (by God, the Holy Spirit)…” (2 Chronicles 32:25 NIV).

 “...Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted. Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world...” (Isaiah 12:4-5 NIV).

Eventually Hezekiah “… repented of the pride of his heart, as did the people of Jerusalem; therefore the Lord’s wrath did not come on them… (1 Chronicles 32:26 NIV).

Those who endure and submit to God’s discipline will shed the old nature and its mindset. “...Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ...” (1 Peter 1:6-7 KJV).

God knows his people better than they know themselves and HE knows what is best for his OWN. “...O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me...” (Psalms 139:1-6  NLT).

Discipline does hurt and it incites many different negative emotions, during the process, but it allows God’s people to PARTICIPATE in his holiness.“...everyone [of God’s people, children, sons and daughters, etc.,) undergoes discipline ...” (Hebrews 12:8 NIV). “…that [they] might be partakers (participants) of his holiness….” (Hebrews 12:10 KJV).

God’s purpose for discipline is always about his steadfast love for his people and his desire for them is to participate in his holiness. Therefore, “….My son (daughter), despise not thou the chastening (discipline) of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him..” (Hebrews 12:5 KJV).

No matter how God’s people SEE his discipline or judge it; it will be profitable for them. When they don’t faint, but endure God’s discipline, they will receive the richness of His holy fruit“…love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and faith…” (Galatians 5:22 KJV). “...Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life...” (John 3:6 NLT).

BUT, “... The [indwelling]...Holy Spirit produces [spiritual]...fruit in [the] lives [of his children]…” (Galatians 5 NLT).

Holiness means to be SET APART and FREE from SIN. God set his people FREE for the purpose of FREEDOM. Holiness empowers them to LIVE FREE. “…but as he which hath called you is holy (FREE from sin & set apart), so be ye (God’s people) holy (FREE from sin & set apart) in all manner of conversation (life)...” (1 Peter 1:14 KJV).

“... It was for freedom that Christ set [his people]... free...” (Galatians 5:1 NASB).  “…If the Son therefore shall make you free, you SHALL be free indeed…” (John 8:36 KJV).

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

“...[His people]...can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth [them]...” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

God ALLOWS, his people, to be disciplined and just because it gets really challenging and hard; God doesn’t END it until it produces “….the peaceable fruit of righteousness…” (Hebrews 12:11 KJV).

God’s discipline for the PURPOSE of holiness is the MOST important of his TRANSFORMING LOVE. Holiness ALLOWS God’s people TO SEE him better, clearer, more authentically, and in life changing WAYS!

“… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). “...There is none holy as the Lord…” (1 Samuel 2:2 KJV). God is “…majestic in holiness…” (Exodus 15:11 KJV). “… His … [Holiness] …is above earth and heaven…” (Psalms 148:13 NASB). “… [God allows trouble]…for [his people’s] profit, that [his people] might be partakers (participants) of his holiness...” (Hebrews 12:10 KJV).

“...Make every effort ... to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord...” (Hebrews 12:13 NIV).

“...[For it is God] who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began...” (2 Timothy 1:9 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirt CALLED his people to BE HOLY. He is willing to DISCIPLINE them and CORRECT in order to bring about HOLINESS within their hearts, speech, and conduct. “...the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in...” (Proverbs 3:12 NIV). “...Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent...” (Revelation 3:19 NIV). “….For whom the Lord loveth he CORRECTETH…” (Proverbs 3:12 KJV).  “...God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life...” (1 Thessalonians 4:6 NIV).

“...Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will...” (Romans 12:1-2 NIV).

The trials and tribulations are different from person to person, but they serve the same purposes.  “…that [his people] might be partakers (participants) of his holiness….” (Hebrews 12:10 KJV).

God’s people NEVER go through their trials and tribulations alone, even when it seems like it. God never leaves them, forsakes, them or fails them. “…God has said “Never will I leave you (without my PRESENCE); never will I forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV). “…I AM WITH [my people]... ALWAYS, to the very end…"(Matthew 28:20 NIV).  Truly, “…God [is] with [his people]…” (Matthew 1:23 NASB). “…If [they] are unfaithful, he remainsfaithful, for he cannot deny who he is…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT).

“…Behold, I am with … [my people] and will keep … [them] whithersoever [they]… goest…I will not leave [my people] ..." (Genesis 28:15 ASV).

Jesus said God loved him and “…sheweth him all things that himself doeth….” (John 5:20 KVJ). And Jesus said, “…..for I do always those things that please him…” (John 8:29 KVJ).

Jesus’ obedience, through his trials and  tribulation was “…so the world may know that I love the Father, I do exactly as the Father commanded me…” (John 6:38 KVJ).

God through Jesus gave his people an example of HOLY behavior when going through trials and tribulations. He encourages his people to imitate him. “...be… imitators of God…..as beloved children …” (Ephesians 5:1 ASV). “…Ye shall be holy unto me: for I the Lord am holy…” (Leviticus 20:26 KJV).

The focus of discipline is holiness, which aids in setting God’s people apart, FREE them from sin, and empower them to LIVE righteous.“…Jesus Christ is in [his people]…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “… [God’s people] … can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth … [them]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “…It is God who works in [his people]… to willand to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13 NIV).

Holinessis one of God’s most important core values and it GOVERNS his divine CHARACTER. “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). “… there is none holy as the Lord…” (1 Samuel 2:2 KJV). “… Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty...” (Revelation 4:8 KJV).    “… “I AM WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV),

Shared values are important in relationships, especially in the “covenant unity” relation with God, the Holy Spirit. “…be holy, because I am holy…” (1 Peter 1:16 KJV). “..[God’s people]... were reconciled to God by the death of his Son...” (Romans 5:10 KJV). “...[God, the Holy Spirit]... will come in, and [with his people, he]... will share a meal together, [with them]... as [covenant unity]... friends...” (Revelations 3:20 NLT).

Holiness is a core VALUE that is most important to God, the Holy Spiritand guides HIS conduct. God wants his people to SHARE that SAME, especially as WITNESSES of his GLORY (his presence, goodness, and working power). “There is none as holy as the Lord…” (1 Samuel 2:2 KJV).

God’s values are immutable which means they NEVER change.“… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV).“… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “… I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV),

God’s HOLY value plays an important role in the “covenant unity” relationship with his people, which impacts the closeness and intimacy he longs to share with his people. “… 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).

That’s why “…God hath not called [his people]... for uncleanness, but unto holiness…” (1 Thessalonians 4:7 KJV). And, therefore,  “…[God disciplines, his people] ...for [their]... profit, that [they]... might be partakers of his holiness...” (Hebrews 12:10 KJV).

 “...Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting (maturing) holinessin the fear of God...” (2 Corinthians 7:1  KJV).

Without holiness God’s people won’t even see the Lord “...Make every effort ... to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord...” (Hebrews 12:13 NIV).

“...[For it is God] who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began...” (2 Timothy 1:9 KJV).

They won’t see Him as the Holy Spirit and won’t SEE him from a HOLY perspective. God could be present in your life every day and you won’t see him. “...Blessed are the pure [holy] in heart: for they shall see God...”(Matthew 5:8 KJV). “...When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it...” (Genesis 28:16 NIV).

The lack of holiness is usually one of the underlying reasons for God’s discipline.  God says, “…ye shall be holy unto me: for I the Lord am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine. …” (Leviticus 20:26 KJV).

Holiness is a trait that WITNESSES that his people have BEEN “SET APART” for God’s divine purposes.  “...Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself...” (Psalms 4:3 NIV).

If you are not committed to becoming HOLY and SET APART for God’s purposes; repent and “…confess [your] sins, he is faithful and just to forgive … [your]… sins, and to cleanse [you]… from all unrighteousness...s” (1 John 1:9 KJV).

 God knows his people are NOT holy in all their ways just yet, but he does want them to start BECOMINE HOLY day by day. “...Through these (HIS HOLY WORDS) he has given [his people]... his very great and precious promises, so that through them [they] may participate in the divine [HOLY]... nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires...” (2 Peter 1:4 NIV).

Holiness comes with the GIFT of the HOLY SPIRIT. “….ye shall receive the GIFT of the Holy Ghost…” (Acts 2:38 KJV). Which is also, “…the GIFTof righteousness…” (Romans 5:17 KJV).

 Sharing in God’s holiness comes by FAITH; trusting and depending upon the indwelling Holy Spirit. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…the Spirit of God dwell in you (dwell in his people)…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…He (she) that is joined unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT (with God, the Holy Spirit, again)…”  (1 Corinthian 6:17 KJV).

“…His divine power hath GIVEN unto [his people] “ALL” THINGS that pertain unto life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV).

“…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “…the [“covenant unity” relationship with God, the] … HOLY SPIRIT … is the source of [his people’s holiness].…” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

GOD’S PEOPLE ARE “MADE” HOLY AS “NEW CREATION” IN JESUS CHRIST.