Pensacola Helene Jefferson's Blog, page 30

JESUS, GOD'S LIVING WORD, "IS" THE RULER OVER EVERYTHING!

THE GOVERNING AUTHORITIES

WHAT IS A RULER?

“...For RULERS(established governing authorities) hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended...” (Romans 13:3 NIV).

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A RULER rules or is SOVEREIGN in exercising government or dominion. More importantly a RULER “GOVERNS” the conduct of others. “… He (Jesus) had a name written, that no man knew … his name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB).

 “...Jesus Christ (the LIVING WORD of God), who is ... the RULER of the kings of the earth...” (Revelation 1:5 NIV).

IN Ezekiel 37 it is EASY to SEE the RULE of God’s WORD even when its SPOKEN through HIS people. God empowered Ezekiel, through HIS WORD, to SPEAK to the BONES in order to give them LIFE again.  “…Prophesy, [SPEAK God’s WORD, Ezekiel]… and say to [THE DRY BONES]. This is what the Sovereign Lord (God’s word (rule) says…”  (Ezekiel 37 NIV).

God told Ezekiel to REPEAT his WORDS. It doesn’t matter the MOUTHPIECE that is USED to SPEAK God’s WORD. The power inherent in God’s WORD RULES over any and every situation.

When god’s people, by faith , depend upon god’s rule through HIS HWord, they SEE for themselves his AUTHORITY over ALL THINGS!.

Ezekiel, the mouthpiece, was inspired and encouraged to SPEAK God’s RULE and take authority over the DRY BONES.  “…‘My people …I will PUT my SPIRIT in you and you will LIVE …Then you will know that I the Lord have spoken, and I have done it, declares the Lord...’” (Ezekiel 37 NIV).

“…As [Ezekiel, the mouthpiece]… was prophesying (SPEAKING GOD’S WORD), there was a noise (God, the Holy Spirit, the RULER started DOING the WORK), a rattling sound, and THE BONES CAME TOGETHER, BONE TO BONE. [Ezekiel, the mouthpiece]… LOOKED [with his OWN eyes], and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them … [then]… BREATH ENTERED THEM; they came to LIFE and STOOD UP on their feet—a vast army… I (the RULER over ALL]... HAVE DONE IT, declares the Lord (the word of god)…’” (Ezekiel 37 NIV).

“…I (the RULER) HAVE DONE IT, declares the Lord (the word of god)…’” (Ezekiel 37 NIV). “…the Father (God, the Holy Spirit) that dwelleth in me (the WORD, God’s RULE), he doeth the works (God, the Holy Spirit doeth the works or displays HIS sovereign power over ALL THINGS) …” (John 14:10 KJV).

The FATHER’s WORD “is” POWER (RULE, AUTHORITY, etc.,). “…THERE ARE THREE that bear record in heaven, the Father (GOD), the Word (JESUS), and the Holy Ghost (POWER): and THESE THREE ARE ONE.…” (1 JOHN 5:6-8 KJV).

The POWER and RULE of GOD’s WORD … is “CLEARLY SEEN in EZEKIEL chapter 37.”  “…Since the creation of the world God’s …[POWER and RULE]… have been CLEARLY SEEN, being UNDERSTOOD FROM WHAT HAS BEEN MADE…” (Romans 1:20 NIV).

“… [THE BONES] …came to LIFE…’” (Ezekiel 37 NIV). “ … BREATH ENTERED THEM…’” (Ezekiel 37 NIV). “ … they … STOOD UP on their feet—a vast army…’” (Ezekiel 37 NIV).

“ … I (God, the Holy Spirit and Sovereign RULER) HAVE DONE IT, declares the Lord (the word of god)…’” (Ezekiel 37 NIV).

 God’s people KNOW “…  THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE WAS FORMED at God’s command (his WORD) … what [his people]... now SEE (through creation) did not come fromanything that can be SEEN (but through God, the Holy Spirit who RULES over ALL things and people)…” (Hebrews 11:3 NLT).

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

Citizens of Heaven and Ambassadors of Christ, who SPEAK God’s WORD over their situations and circumstances in life KNOW God, the Holy Spirit RULES!  “…I am the Lord (the RULER), the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “…The things which are impossible with men are possible with God (through his RULING Word)…” (Luke 18:27 KJV).

God’s Word RULES over DEATH. “…when he thus had spoken (prayed), he (Jesus, the RULER) cried with a loud voice,Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth…” (John 11:42-43 KJV). “…the dead man[‘s]…. hands and feet … [were] … bound in graveclothes …Jesus (the RULER) told them, “Unwrap him and let him go!” (John 11:44 NLT). “…Jesus (the RULER) said…I am the resurrection and I am the LIFE…..” (John 11:25 KJV).

God’s Word RULES over FIREY situations.“... Then Nebuchadnezzar came [again]… near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, ye servants of the most high God (the RULER), come forth, and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, came forth of the midst of the fire. And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king's counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them. …” (DANIEL 3).

God’s RULES over the BONDAGE of SIN. “…Who will free me from this life that is DOMINATED by sin? …The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord (the RULER)…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…if the Son (the RULER)…shall make you FREE, ye shall be FREE indeed.” (John 8:36 KJV).

God’s Word RULES over the winds and the waves. “...And behold, a violent storm developed on the sea, so that the boat was being covered by the waves; but Jesus Himself was asleep.  And they came to Him and woke Him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing!”  He said to them, “Why are you [afraid, you men of little faith?” Then He (Jesus, the RULER) got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it became perfectly calm. The men were amazed, and said, “What kind of a man is this (Jesus, the RULER), that even the winds and the sea obey Him?...” (Matthew 8:24-27 NASB).

God’s Word RULES over one demon or legions of demons. “...When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell at his feet, shouting at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don’t torture me!” For Jesus (the RULER) had commanded the impure spirit to come out of the man. Many times it had seized him, and though he was chained hand and foot and kept under guard, he had broken his chains and had been driven by the demon into solitary places.  Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “Legion,” he replied, because many demons had gone into him. And they begged Jesus (the RULER) repeatedly not to order them to go into the Abyss. A large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside. The demons begged Jesus to let them go into the pigs, and he (the RULER) gave them permission...” (Luke 8:29-32 NIV).

God’s Word RULES over one spiritual death. “…I am (Jesus, the RULER is) come that THEY MIGHT have life, and that THEY MIGHT have it more abundantly…” (John 10:10 KJV). “…Jesus (the RULER) said… I am the life…..” (John 11:25 KJV). “…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son (the RULER) “INTO” OUR HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…Jesus Christ (the RULER) is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…God has given [you] his Spirit as PROOF that [you]… live (are alive) in him and he [dwells]…in [you]…” (1 John 4:13 NLT).  

 

God’s Word (jesus) RULES over and destroys “all” the works of the devil. “... But the Son of God (Jesus, the RULER) came to destroy the works of the devil...” (1 John 3:8 NLT).

 “…God anointed (set apart) Jesus of Nazareth (the RULER) with the Holy Spirit and power, and …he went around doing good and healing all OPPRESSED by the devil ….because God was with him…” (Acts 10:38 NIV). “…the Father that dwelleth in me (in JESUS, the WORD and RULER), he doeth the works (the holy spirit does the works that “confirms” his work rules) …” (John 14:10 KJV).

THE “WORD (Jesus, the RULER) of God” spoken through the mouthpieces of his earthen vessels, activate THE WORKS of the HOLY SPIRIT which CONFIRMS is RULE! “… [The] Good Newsabout Christ (THE WORD of GOD)… “It is” the power of God at work, saving (PERFORMING his WORKS that confirm his RULE UPON) everyone who believes …” (Romans 1:16 NLT).

God anoints (sets apart) earthen vessels “through” the indwelling Holy Spirit and which gives them POWER too. Jesus, the WORD of God and the RULER, the indwelling Holy Spirit, and POWER are the SAME.“…Stephen, a man full of God’s  grace and POWER (HIS RULE), performed great wonders and signs among the people…” (Acts 6:8 NIV).  “…God did extraordinary MIRACLES (by HIS RULE) through Paul…” (Acts 19:11 NIV). “…I persevered in demonstrating among you the marks of a true apostle, including signs, wonders and MIRACLES (by the WORK of God’s CONFIRMING RULE)…” (2 Corinthians 12:12 NIV). “…the Father that dwelleth in me (and in his people), he doeth (God through Jesus, his RULER) the [confirming] works [“in” and “through” them]…” (John 14:10 KJV).

“…Now God GIVES US many kinds of special abilities, but it is the same HOLY SPIRIT who is the SOURCE of them all. …it is the same God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of us who are his. The HOLY SPIRIT (that indwells within God’s people) DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of [them] … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

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

God’s Holy Spirit, which ALWAYS responds to God’s WORD (his RULER), dwells within his people. “…Jesus (the RULER) looked up to heaven and said, “Father, thank you for hearing me (YOUR word ). You always hear me (your word), but I (the RULER) said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me (YOUR WORD)...” (John 11:41-42 NLT). “…That great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work “IN US” what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ (THE RULER who activates THE WORKS that confirm the SOVEREIGNTY of God, the HOLY SPIRIT)…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…It is God which worketh IN YOU (THROUGH through Jesus, his Word and RULER) both to will and to do of his good pleasure…” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “…the Father that dwelleth in [his people], he doeth the works (God, the holy spirit doeth the works of confirming his sovereignty)…” (John 14:10 KJV).

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

The MOST challenging part of being a MOUTHPIECE for God’s WORD, for some of his people, is being certain that WORD is actually God’s Word and will it work.

IS THE BIBLE THE “WORD OF GOD?” JESUS is The WORD of GOD. “… He (Jesus) had a name written, that no man knew … his name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). The WORD of God is SPIRIT. “…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT …” (John 6:63 KJV).

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

 God is Spirit. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).

Jesus (the word) is SPIRIT. “…The Lord is that Spirit…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV).

God is Spirit and Jesus, the Word (ruler) is Spirit. “… I and my Father are ONE…” (John 10:30 KJV). “The Son (Jesus, the RULER) is... the exact representation of his (God, the Holy Spirit’s) being…” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV). “…Jesus (the RULER) saith  … he that hath seen me hath SEEN THE FATHER (God, the Holy Spirit)…” (John 14:9 KJV).

“...God, (THE HOLY SPIRIT, THROUGH JESUS, HIS WORD IS) the blessed and ONLY RULER, the King of kings and Lord of lords ... To him be honor and might forever. Amen...” (1 Timothy 3:13-16 NIV).

“... RULERShold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended...” (Romans 13:3 NIV).

“…at … the name of Jesus (the RULER) EVERY KNEE SHOULD BOW, of things in heaven and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (the RULER), to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11 KJV). 

“…Many will say to me (Jesus, the RULER) 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 (the RULER) profess unto them, I (the RULER) never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity…” (Matthew 7:22-23 KJV).

“… REPENT and TURN TO God …” (Acts 26: 20 NASB).  “….IF YE BELIEVE NOT THAT I AM HE (God’s Word and RULER), YE SHALL DIE IN YOUR SINS…” (John 8:24 KJV). “…HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT IS CONDEMNED ALREADY, because HE HATH NOT BELIEVED in the name of the only begotten Son of God. …” (John 3:18-20 KJV). “…REPENT ye therefore, and BE CONVERTED, that your sins may be blotted out…” (Acts 3:19 KJV). “…Whosoever believeth in him SHOULD NOT PERISH, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).  “...[The]... rulers (Jesus, God’s Word) hold no terror for those who do right,...” (Romans 13:3 NIV).

“...I’ll tell you whom to fear. Fear God, who has the power to kill you and then throw you into hell. Yes, he’s (Jesus, God’s Word and RULER) the one to fear...” (Luke 12:5 NLT). “...Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell...” (Matthew 10:28 NLT).

“...There is only one Lawgiver (GOD’S WORD and RULER) and Judge (GOD’S WORD and RULER), the one who is able to save and destroy...” (James 4:12 NIV).  “...God alone, who gave the law, is the Judge. He alone has the power to save or to destroy...” (James 4:12 NLT).

“...For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king (RULER); it is he who will save us...” (Isaiah 33:22 NIV). “...For the LORD is our judge, our lawgiver, and our king. He will care for us and save us...” (Isaiah 33:22 NLT).

“...It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God...” (Hebrew 10:31 NASB).“...Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended...” (Romans 13:3 NIV).

“... RULERShold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended...” (Romans 13:3 NIV).

“...God (through Jesus, his Word and RULER), the blessed and ONLY RULER, the King of kings and Lord of lords......” (1 Timothy 3:13-16 NIV).

.“...[Jesus, God’s Word and RULER] went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God...” (Luke 8:1 KJV). “...if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you...” (Luke 11:20 KJV).

.” ...he (God through Jesus, his RULER) is Lord of lords and King of kings... (Revelations 17:14 NIV). “...Thy kingdom come...” (Matthew 6:10 KJV). A KINGDOM is a REALM or COMMUNITY of people in which a SOVEREIGNTY “RULES

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

 “...Jesus Christ (the LIVING WORD of God), who is ... the RULER of the kings of the earth...” (Revelation 1:5 NIV).

 

ALL AUTHORITY WAS GIVEN TO JESUS, THE WORD. DO YOU REBEL AGAINST THAT AUTHORITY?

 

THE GOVERNING AUTHORITIES

REBELLING AGAINST THE AUTHORITY

“...Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves...” (Romans 13:2 NIV).

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Jesus had another name. “… His name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “… The Son of Man (Jesus, the WORD) has authority on earth to forgive sins...” (Matthew 9:6 NASB).

AUTHORITY is inherent in God’s POWER the same as HIS POWER is inherent in God’s WORD. “…[ALL] power (authority) belongs to God (not humans)…” (Psalms 62:11 NASB).

“… Jesus (the WORD) …SPOKE to them, saying, “All authority (power) has been given to Me in heaven and on earth…” (Matthew 28:18 NASB).

“...Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority (GOD’S WORD) is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves...” (Romans 13:2 NIV).

According to bible scholars there are over 600+ laws of God in the Old Testament, which include the ten commandments and the Mosiac laws.

“...Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar (the mere man who was PUT in a temporary POSITION of authority as a king)...[let]...it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up...” (Daniel 3:13-19 KJV).

God,the Holy Spirit, instituted laws that instructed his people on HOW to GOVERN themselves in the KINGDOM and while upon earth. God told them: “…“IF” you refuse to LISTEN to the Lordyour God and do not obey all the commands and decrees (governing authorities), …all these curses will come and overwhelm you:…” (Deuteronomy 28 NLT).

Most of God’s people DIDN’T listen. “…My people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). “…The people replied, “Don’t waste your breath. We will continue to live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).

“… Again and again he rescued them, but they chose to rebel against him,and they were finally destroyed by their sin…” (Psalms 106:42-48 NLT).

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

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

“... REPENT AND RETURN, “SO” that your sins may be wiped away…” (Acts 3:19 NASB). “ ... Return ... to the Lord ... [your] ... God... [AND HE] ... will heal [your] ... apostasy ....” (Hosea 14:1-4 NLT).“…EXCEPT YE REPENT, ye shall all likewise PERISH…” (Luke 13:3 KJV).

“...Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority (GOD’S WORD) is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves...” (Romans 13:2 NIV).

What does it mean to REBEL against God? In the Old Testament a HUMAN king was PUT into the POSITION of authority because that’s what God’s OWN PEOPLE wanted. “... “Give us a (human) king to judge us.”...” (1 Samuel 8:4-7 NASB).

 “...Jesus Christ (the LIVING WORD of God)  [was]...the RULER of the kings of the earth...” (Revelation 1:5 NIV). “... (Jesus, the LIVING WORD) ... he is Lord of lords and King of kings... (Revelations 17:14 NIV).

Samuel tried to WARN God’s people they already had the KING of all kings. “...Yet the people refused to listen to the voice of Samuel, and they said, “No, but there shall be a (human) king over us,  so that we also may be like all the nations, and our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles.”  Now after Samuel had heard all the words of the people, he repeated them in the Lord’s hearing. And the Lord said to Samuel, “Listen to their voice and appoint a king for them...” (1 Samuel 8:18-22 NASB).

What is this REBELLION? Rebellion is an OPEN resistance to one’s leader, RULER, or KING. In 1 SAMUEL chapter 8, God’s people WANTED a CHANGE in GOVERNMENT, openly rebelled against the one they had, and asked God, their KING and RULER, for a human KING to rule them. “...Samuel told all the words of the Lord to the people who were asking him for a (human) king...” (1 Samuel 8:10-18 NIV).

“… 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). God told Samuel: “...Listen to their voice and appoint a king for them...” (1 Samuel 8:18-22 NASB).

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

God’s, the Holy Spirit, was HIS people’s KING and RULED over them through the prophet SAMUEL, yet they complained. They didn’t appreciated how GOOD they had it. This request for a human KING was the beginning of the government of human KINGS over God’s people.

God’s people didn’t approve of Samuel or his sons (who were bad news) and decided they wanted a HUMAN KING over Israel. “...Now it came about, when Samuel was old, that he appointed his sons as judges over Israel.  The name of his firstborn was Joel, and the name of his second, Abijah; they were judging in Beersheba.His sons, however, did not walk in his ways but turned aside after dishonest gain, and they took bribes and perverted justice...” (1 Samuel 8:1-3 NASB).

God had RULED over his people through SAMUEL, but they begin to be unkind, ungrateful and unjust towards him, because of his AGE. “...Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah; and they said to him, “Behold, you have grown old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint us a king to judge us like all the nations.”  But the matter was displeasing in the sight of Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to judge us.” And Samuel prayed to the Lord...” (1 Samuel 8:4-7 NASB).

God always respects the human will of his people to CHOOSE. “...And the Lord said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people regarding all that they say to you, because they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being King over them. Like all the deeds which they have done since the day that I brought them up from Egypt even to this day—in that they have abandoned Me and served other gods—so they are doing to you as well.  Now then, listen to their voice; however, you shall warn them strongly and tell them of the practice of the king who will reign over them...” (1 Samuel 8:7-9 NASB). “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

This REQUEST for a HUMAN KING was rebellion against the AUTHORITY, which was GOD’s KINGSHIP. Samuel TOLD God’s people they were NOT rejecting HIM, but God as they KING. “...they have rejected Me (God, the Holy Spirit) from being King over them...however, you shall warn them strongly and tell them of the practice of the king who will reign over them...” (1 Samuel 8:7-9 NASB).  

God GAVE them what they WANTED, and warned them the human king may or may not PRACTICE the PRINCIPLES of God’s KINGDOM or his “governing authorities;” HIS WORD. “... The matter was displeasing in the sight of Samuel when they said, “Give us a (human) king to judge us.” And Samuel prayed to the Lord...” (1 Samuel 8:4-7 NASB).

“...[God, through Samuel warned]...them strongly and [told]... them of the practice of the (human) king who will reign over them...” (1 Samuel 8:7-9 NASB).

 “...Samuel told all the words of the Lord to the people who were asking him for a (human) king. He said, “This is what the (human) king who will reign over you will claim as his rights: He will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots and horses, and they will run in front of his chariots. Some he will assign to be commanders of thousands and commanders of fifties, and others to plow his ground and reap his harvest, and still others to make weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. He will take your daughters to be perfumers and cooks and bakers. He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his attendants. He will take a tenth of your grain and of your vintage and give it to his officials and attendants. Your male and female servants and the best of your cattle and donkeys he will take for his own use.  He will take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves will become his slaves...” (1 Samuel 8:10-18 NIV).

“...When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the (human) king you have chosen,but the Lordwill not answer you in that day...” (1 Samuel 8:10-18 NIV).

“... “Give us a (human) king to judge us.”...” (1 Samuel 8:4-7 NASB). They WERE not rejecting SAMUEL, but God, the KING of all kings. “....the RULER of the kings of the earth...” (Revelation 1:5 NIV). “... Lord of lords and King of kings... (Revelations 17:14 NIV).

The REJECTED of SAMUEL, God’s ordained prophet or MOUTHPIECE for God, the Holy Spirit, was actually the REJECTION of God. They were not aware they were forsaking and abandoning the RULE and KINGSHIP of God, the Holy Spirit, his riches, his provisions, and his endless, spiritual blessings over their lives “…They ABANDONED ME and did not obey my word….” (JEREMIAH 16:11 NLT). “…They ABANDONED the Lord… they turned their backs on him….” (2 Chronicles 29:6 NLT). “…The Lord replies, “This has happened because my peoplehave ABANDONED MY INSTRUCTIONS; they have refused to obey what I said….” (JEREMIAH 9:13 NLT).

“…We will continue to live as WE WANT TO, stubbornly following our own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT). “…They (God’s OWN people) KEPT DOING WHATEVER THEY WANTED, following the stubborn desires of their [OWN] evil hearts…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). “… [YOU]… FORGOT all about ME,” says the Lord…” (Hosea 2:13 NLT). “… you became proud and FORGOT ME….” (Hosea 13:6 NLT). “…Does a young woman forget her jewelry, or a bride her wedding dress? Yet for years on end my people have FORGOTten ME…” (Jeremiah 2:32 NLT).

God TOLD Samuel to GIVE his people what they WANTED. “...And the Lord said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people regarding all that they say to you, because they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me...” (1 Samuel 8:7-9 NASB).

God’s people had the God-given right to use their human will to choose the human king they wanted. “…Choose youthis day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). Samuel was NOT to take it personal. “...they have rejected Me (God, the Holy Spirit) from being King over them (not Samuel)...” (1 Samuel 8:7-9 NASB).

God’s government was being REJECTED by HIS OWN people and it was God’s government they DISLIKED and REBELLED agains. Yet, “...God is the King over all the earth...God reigns above the nations, sitting on his holy throne. The rulers of the world have gathered together with the people of the God of Abraham. For all the kings of the earth belong to God. He is highly honored everywhere...” (Psalm 47:7-9 NLT).

God’s GOVERNMENT was a theocracy or DIVINE government, but now his people, on their own volition, had subjected themselves to a human government.

God’s people are always citizens of HEAVEN and citizens of the earthly places in which they are sent by God. God’s citizens of heaven and ambassadors of Christ are to show respect to one and obedience to the other. “....Every person (who is a citizen of God’s Kingdom)... is to be subject (obedient) to the governing authorities (God’s WORD). For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God...” (Romans 13:1-5 NASB).

“...Peter and the apostles answered, “It’s necessary to obey God rather than men...” (Acts 5:30-32 MSG). “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

When God’s people make a mere MAN their king instead of HIS “governing authorities,” God concedes to their choice, steps aside, and no longer answers them as their KING. “... Now we KNOW that God heareth NOT sinners; but if any man (woman) be a WORSHIPPER of God and DOETH his will, him he HEARETH...” (John 9:31 KJV). “...When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the (human) king you have chosen, but the Lord will not answer you in that day.(they had willfully rejected him as THEIR King)..” (1 Samuel 8:10-18 NIV).

“...Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority (GOD’S WORD, his RULE, his KINGSHIP, etc.,) is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves...” (Romans 13:2 NIV).

“...those who [rebel against authority]... will bring judgment on themselves...” (Romans 13:2 NIV). “...The one who rejects Me (God, the Holy Spirit) and does not accept My teachings (Jesus, HIS WORD) has one who judges him: the word (his governing authorities) which I spoke. That(those WORDS) will judge him (her) on the last day...” (John 12:48 NASB).

Where the SOUL spends eternity depends upon whether a person accepts or rejects God’s established authority which is Jesus, his LIVING WORD.

When a person rebels, humans, put in temporary positions of authority, can judge the deeds of the body. However, when a person rebels against the authority God institutes, the body and soul are judged. “...do not be afraid of those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell...” (Matthew 10:28 NASB). “...Don’t be bluffed into silence by the threats of bullies. There’s nothing they can do to your soul, your core being. Save your fear for God, who holds your entire life—body and soul—in his hands....” (Matthew 10:28 MSG).

Humans are NOT always FAIR when judging the rebellion of others, but God, the Holy Spirit with be fair and without bias, prejudices, or partiality.

“...Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that occurred in you had occurred in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.Nevertheless I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. And you, Capernaum, will not be exalted to heaven, will you? You will be brought down to Hades! For if the miracles that occurred in you had occurred in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. Nevertheless I say to you that it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom on theday of judgment, than for you...” (Matthew 11:21-24 NASB).

“...If anyone hears what I am saying and doesn’t take it seriously, I don’t reject him. I didn’t come to reject the world; I came to save the world. But you need to know that whoever puts me off, refusing to take in what I’m saying, is willfully choosing rejection. The Word, the Word-made-flesh that I have spoken and that I am, that Word and no other is the last word. I’m not making any of this up on my own. The Father who sent me gave me orders, told me what to say and how to say it. And I know exactly what his command produces: real and eternal life. That’s all I have to say. What the Father told me, I tell you...” (John 12:47-50 MSG).

“…He that believethon him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God…” (John 3:18 KJV). “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil” (John 3:19 KJV).

“...Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority (THE WORD) is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves...” (Romans 13:2 NIV). “...the word  which I spoke. [Those WORDS]... will judge him (her) on the last day...” (John 12:48 NASB).

BEING SUBJECT TO HUMAN INSTITUTIONS WHILE OBEYING GOD'S COMMANDMENTS

THE GOVERNING AUTHORITIES

GOD’S ESTABLISHED AUTHORITIES

“...Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God...” (Romans 13:1 NIV).

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Apostle Paul in Romans 13 tells God’s people that “governing authorities” were God’s idea and established by HIM.

However, they, like everybody else, SEE the “governing authority” as a MERE human being and NOT God, the Holy Spirit’s, WORD.

“...Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God...” (Romans 13:1 NIV).

The “governing authorities” are ESTABLISHED by God, which means they have been around for a LONG time.

God, the Holy Spirit, ESTABLISHED the “governing authorities,” which means that authority is SETTLED, PERMANENT, and ORDAINED.

The WORD of GOD is SETTLED, PERMANENT, and ORDAINED ordinances established by God from the beginning. “…In the beginning was the Word… (John 1:1-4 NASB). “… the Word was with God… (John 1:1-4 NASB). “…the Word was God… (John 1:1-4 NASB).

“…He (THE WORD) was in the beginning with God… (John 1:1-4 NASB).

God SAID: “…my words SHALL NOT pass away (they are settled, permanent, ordained, and ESTABLISHED authorities FOREVER)…” (Matthew 24:35 KJV).

There been many humans put in  positions of authority such as kings, lords, chiefs, heads of families, presidents, leaders, and other temporarily, but every single one of them PASS AWAY or LOSE their positions, sooner or later.

Yet, God’s Word remains settled, permanent, and ordained forever. God’s Word has the inherent POWER and AUTHORITY that is established by God, the Holy Spirit, himself.  

“God’s Almighty word” is SO powerful as his “governing authorities,” they can SUSTAIN “all things” forever. “…The Son is ….sustaining all things by [God, the Holy Spirit’s]... powerful WORD…” (Hebrews 1:3 NIV). “…Heaven and earth shall pass away, but [God, the Holy Spirit’s]... WORDS SHALL NOT pass away…” (Matthew 24:35 KJV).

Great human leaders, who were put in positions of authority, throughout history, have come and gone, but God’s established authorities (HIS WORDS) are GREAT spiritual leaders that are permanent, settled, ordained, and are STILL in existence.  “…my words ... [are forever established and] ... SHALL NOT pass away…” (Matthew 24:35 KJV).

“…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). God is the Holy Spirit.

He told HIS people: “…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).

God also told HIS people: “...Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities...” (Romans 13:1 NIV).

“...there is no authorityexcept that which God has established...” (Romans 13:1 NIV).

“...The authorities that exist have been established by God...” (Romans 13:1 NIV).

“…He (THE WORD, the settled, permanent, ordained and established authority) was in the beginningwith God… (John 1:1-4 NASB).

Jesus had another name. “… His name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “…In the beginning was the Word… (John 1:1-4 NASB). “…THE WORDS ... they ARE SPIRIT…” (John 6:63 KJV), “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…the Word was God… (John 1:1-4 NASB). “… the Word was with God… (John 1:1-4 NASB).

 

Jesus, the Word said: “… I and my Father are ONE (God, the Holy Spirit, and HIS WORD are one and the SAME)…” (John 10:30 KJV). Jesus, the Word of God also said: “…All authority has been given to [HIM, God’s WORD)in heaven and on earth … [therefore,] the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth [submit to HIS WORD (the governing authority)] …” (Matthew 28:18 NASB & Daniel 4 NLT).

From the beginning God GAVE mankind his WORD or “governing authority” to assist in GOVERNING righteous and holy behavior.

The “governing authority” was NOT a human being, but it was God’s HOLY SPIRIT. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…THE WORDS ... they ARE SPIRIT…” (John 6:63 KJV).

HE was the WORD and therefore the permanent, settled, and ordained STANDARD ( or governing authority). “…the Word was God… (John 1:1-4 NASB).

The WORD of GOD, from the beginning, was the “governing authority.” “…In the beginning was the Word… (John 1:1-4 NASB).  

God, the Holy Spirit GAVE the first “governing authority” ever! This was God, the Holy Spirit’s, permanent, settled, and ordained standard for Adam and Eve. “…of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: BUT of the tree of the knowledge of good and evilTHOU SHALT NOT EAT OF IT …[or] … thou shalt surely die…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV).

God established a “governing authority” in which Adam and Eve could choose to be subject to or not. “…of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: BUT of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil THOU SHALT NOT EAT OF IT …[or] … thou shalt surely die…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV).

God had gifted them with human will. Being submissive to God’s “governing authority” was a choice. Nonetheless, God had established the “governing authority” that existed. “...All things came into being through [God, the Holy Spirit’s, established authority], and apart from [the established authority] nothing came into being that has come into being … (John 1:1-4 NASB).

The Hebrew Boys were perfect examples of submitting to the “governing authority,” which is God’s WORD.

The Hebrew Boys knew the difference between permanent, settled, and ordained “governing authorities” and N those who were merely PUT into temporary POSITIONS of authority.

God’s WORDS are the “governing authorities” in the LIVES of his people, his citizens of Heaven, his ambassadors of Christ, his chosen, his holy nation, his special possessions, etc.

The Hebrew Boys knew the “governing authorities” to follow. Their hearts were subject to God’s KINGDOM or RULE and it SAID THIS:  “...Thou shalt have no other gods before me...” (Exodus 20:1-4 KJV). “...Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth...” (Exodus 20:1-4 KJV).

The MERE, finite human who was PUT in a temporary POSITION of authority was King Nebuchadnezzar and he REQUIRED THIS of the Hebrew Boys: “...Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?...” (Daniel 3:13-19 KJV).

The Hebrew Boys’ conduct was GOVERNED by the “governing authority” (his WORD) of God’s KINGDOM or RULE: “...Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up...” (Daniel 3:13-19 KJV).

TO THE APOSTLES, of the New Testament, IT WAS SAID: “...We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.” Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God [and his Word (his governing authority)]... rather than human beings! The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross...” (Acts 5:28-30 NIV). “...Peter and the apostles answered, “It’s necessary to obey God rather than men. The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, the One you killed by hanging him on a cross. God set him on high at his side, Prince and Savior, to give Israel the gift of a changed life and sins forgiven. And we are witnesses to these things. The Holy Spirit, whom God gives to those who obey him, corroborates every detail...” (Acts 5:30-32 MSG).

Therefore, “...Let everyone (of God’s people, citizens of Heaven, ambassadors of Christ, etc.,) be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God...” (Romans 13:1 NIV).

The bible also says: “...Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to EVERY human institution... (1 Peter 2:13-17 NASB). This kind of submission is DIFFERENT.

God’s citizens submit to human institutions NOT because THEY are the “governing authorities,” but “...for the LORD’s sake...” (1 Peter 2:13 NASB).

This means God’s citizens or ambassadors are to submit to doing the RIGHT things, while upon earth, in order not to discredit God’s name or their OWN witnesses. “...Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake...” (1 Peter 2:13-17 NASB).

Thus, “...Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right.  For such is the will of God, that by doing right you silence the ignorance of foolish people. Actas free people, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bond-servants of God. Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king... (1 Peter 2:13-17 NASB).

To submit in this contest means to show honor or respect for human institutions. This submission attitude and conduct toward human institutions will help God’s citizens and ambassadors live peaceful lives, among the inhabitants of the world, while doing God’s business.

For the LORD’S sake citizens of Heaven or ambassadors of Christ demonstrate a heart of respect for God, the Holy Spirit, by submitting to human institutions.

Citizens of Heaven or Ambassadors of Christ have an attitude of respectful submission, because of the “governing authorities” of the KINGDOM of God. “….Give to everyone what [they] owe them: … if honor (respect), then honor (respect)…” (Roman 13:7 NIV).

God’s people CHOOSE to submit to human institutions out of OBEDIENCE to the “governing authorities” of the KINGDOM of God. “…These events  (submitting to human institutions) will bring great honorto the Lord’s name...” (Isaiah 55:13 NLT).   “...Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake...” (1 Peter 2:13-17 NASB).

When submitting to human institutions citizens of Heavenor Ambassadors of Christ are NOT necessarily agreeing with those human institutions, but they are simply showing respect for their CHOSEN way of life. “...Jesus said upon to them, ‘Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what belongs to God.’ His reply completely amazing them.” (Mark 12:17 NIV).

Submission or respect, to human institutions, is simply a voluntary TRIBUTE yielded out of obedience to God, the Holy Spirit. “...render to Caesar the things that Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s...” (Mark 12:17 KJV).

God’s citizens or ambassador are driven to HONOR God, at all times, because of their HEARTFELT respect for HIM, his KINGSHIP, and the KINGDOM. “….Give to everyone what [they] owe them: … if honor, then honor…” (Roman 13:7 NIV). 

God’s people’s HONOR is a verbal or visual show of respect, love, or high regard for HIM. “…These events  (submitting to human institutions) will bring great honorto the Lord’s name; they will be an everlasting signof his power and love...” (Isaiah 55:13 NLT).  

Godly HONOR is SHOWN through his citizen’s or ambassador’s praise for HIM, their obedience, their conduct, their worship, their testimony, and their respect for human institutions. “…I will honor and praise your name, for you are my God. You do such wonderful things! You planned them long ago, and now you have accomplished them…” (Isaiah 25:1 NLT).

The BIBLE says: “....be subject (OBEDIENT) to the (DIVINE) governing authorities (God’s WORD)....” (Romans 13:1-5 NASB). “...Submit yourselves (SHOW RESPECT) for the Lord’s sake to EVERY human institution... (1 Peter 2:13-17 NASB).

DIVINE government is the KINGDOM of God and HUMAN government is human institutions, which can OFTEN conflict. However, for God’s citizens and ambassadors “... “...it’s necessary to obey God rather than men....” (Acts 5:30-32 MSG).

“...[Human institutions]... gave [God’s citizens or ambassadors]... strict orders not to teach in this name,” [The current AUTHORITY] said [to God’s citizens or ambassadors]. “ ...You have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.” Peter and the other apostles replied: “...We must obey God [and his Word (his governing authority)]... rather than human beings (human institutions)! The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross...” (Acts 5:28-30 NIV).

Though God’s people have had several awesome, human kings, they were NEVER meant to have ANY KING, but God, the Holy Spirit.  

God chose HIS PEOPLE to be unique, special possession. He wanted to be their KING, but they want to be common and have a human king like everybody else. “… [god’s people were] . … A HOLY NATION…” (1 Peter 2:9 NASB).  “….set apart for the gospel of God...” (Romans 1:1 NASB).

 “Know that the Lord is God ... we are his;we are his (HOLY) people...” (Psalms 100:3 KJV).

“…[God’s people] 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). 

They rejected their chosen position, their royal status, their holiness as people who are set apart for God’s purpose, and as his special possessions. “…[God’s people] are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people…(1 Peter 2:9 KJV). 

 

His people literally became jealous of nations who serve false gods. “…Ever since I brought them from Egypt they have continually ABANDONED ME and followed other gods…” (1 Samuel 8:8 NLT). “…… they turned their backs on him….” (2 Chronicles 29:6 NLT).

To this day God’s people are conflicted between OBEYING DIVINE government and HUMAN government.

God has rescued his people over and over from the mistreatment of human governments and institutions. “…. Again and again he rescued them, but they chose to rebel against him, and they were finally destroyed by their sin. Even so, he pitied them in their distress and listened to their cries. He remembered his covenantwith them and relented because of his unfailing love. He even caused their captors to treat them with kindness. Save us, O Lord our God! Gather us back from among the nations, so we can thank your holy nameand rejoice and praise you. Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, who lives from everlasting to everlasting! Let all the people say, “Amen!” Praise the Lord!” (Psalms 106:42-48 NLT).

“…He remembered his covenant with them and relented because of his unfailing love…” (Psalms 106:42-48 NLT).

HUMAN governments and institutions have caused God’s people to forsake him over and over and serve other gods. “... “Give us a (human) king to judge us.”...” (1 Samuel 8:4-7 NASB).

The human kings (leaders) DIVIDED God’s people into two different GROUPS. Some human kings were good; others bad. Some human kings served God, the Holy Spirit, but many others worshipped IDOLS, particularly BAAL.

Biblical history reports that God’s people struggled with conflict and disunity among each other, which was often instigated by the human king who presided over them.

The MESSAGE is crystal clear, God’s people are ALLOWED to PUT mere, finite human men in POSITIONS of authority or leadership, but they are not to become their “governing authority”

When a mere finite, human man becomes the “governing authority” for God’s people they have inadvertently REJECTED God as their KING and his established “governing authorities:” HIS WORD.

Every CHOSEN leader PUT into a POSITION of authority may or may not be SELECTED by God, the Holy Spirit. God allows his people to CHOOSE whom they want to SERVE just like he did in 1 Samuel, chapter 8.  “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “...GOD GAVE THEM OVER to a reprobate mind to do those things which are convenient...being filled with all unrighteousness...” (Romans 1:28 KJV).

Though his people REJECTED him as their KING, God, out of HIS “loving” MERCY, still GAVE them leaders to PUT in POSITIONS of authority, but some of them come on their OWN. “…No one takes the honor to himself, but receives it when he is called by God, even as Aaron was.…” (1 Peter 2:17 KJV). “…He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastorsand teachers …[and other leaders]...” (Ephesians 4:11 NASB). “…I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding…” (Jeremiah 3:15 NIV).  “…He gave some …..pastors and teachers…” (Ephesians 4:11 NIV). “…I will set up shepherdsover them which shall feed them… saith the LORD…” (Jeremiah 23:4 KJV).“…I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, evenmy servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd…” (Ezekiel 34:23 KJV).

Those who come on their own and are PUT into POSITIONS of authority, such as false prophets, can be troublesome for God’s people. “...Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit...” (Ezkiel 13:3 KJV). “...This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says to his people: “Do not listen to these prophets when they prophesy to you, filling you with futile hopes. They are making up everything they say. They do not speak for the LORD...” (Jeremiahs 23:27 NLT).

Every human, finite man or woman PUT into POSITIONS of AUTHORITY, God DID NOT “GIVE” or “APPOINT.” “...They (those PUT into POSITIONS of authority by themselves or other humans) do not speak for the LORD...” (Jeremiahs 23:27 NLT). “… [Those PUT into POSITION on their OWN or through other humans]… are such [that]… serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly…” (Romans 16:18 KJV). “..[A]... prophet (PUT into a POSITION of authority on their OWN or through other humans) who presumes to speak a word in My name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die...” (Deuteronomy 18: 20 KJV).

“...God, the blessed and ONLY RULER, the King of kings and Lord of lords .....” (1 Timothy 3:13-16 NIV). “...the government will be on his shoulders..” (Isaiah 9:6 NIV). God’s DIVINE GOVERNMENT (the KINGDOM of GOD) “STILL” exists and RULES through Jesus, HIS WORD (hisgoverning authority).

While upon earth “...[God’s people]... are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through [them]....” (2 Corinthians 5:20 NIV). “...[their]...citizenship is in heaven. And [his citizen’s]... eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ...” (Philippians 3:20 NIV). “…[The Ambassadors of Christ]... are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. [They]... are members of God’s family. …” (Ephesians 2:19-20 NLT).

Evil finite, human leaders PUT in POSITIONS of authority on their OWN or through other humans will have to ANSWER to God, the Holy Spirit. “... The great day of judgment [is coming] ...Sodom and Gomorrah and their neighboring towns, which were filled with immorality and every kind of sexual perversion. Those cities were destroyed by fire and serve as a warning of the eternal fire of God’s judgment...” (Jude 1 NLT). 

“... These things happened as a warning to us ...These things happened to them as examples for [those living in the present times]. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age...” (1 Corinthians 10:9-11 NLT).

So God’s citizens of Heaven and Ambassadors of Christ, “....be subject (OBEDIENT) to the (DIVINE) governing authorities (God’s WORD)....” (Romans 13:1-5 NASB). AND “...Submit yourselves (SHOW RESPECT) for the Lord’s sake to EVERY human institution...” (1 Peter 2:13-17 NASB).

The Hebrew Boys’ were RESPECTFUL to King Nebuchadnezzar, but they CHOSE to obey God’s “governing authorities” HIS WORD.   “...Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered (respectfully) and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.  (YET, THEY WERE OBEDIENT TO GOD’S WORD) ...But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up...” (Daniel 3:13-19 KJV).

“…Honour (respect) ALL…” (1 Peter 2:17 KJV). BUT “...We (HIS CITIZENS and AMBASSADORS) must obey God [and his Word (his governing authority)]... rather than human beings (kings or human institutions)...” (Acts 5:28-30 NIV).

IS BEING AN "AMBASSADOR OF CHRIST" A CLICHE OR A REALITY?

CHAPTER 3

THE GOVERNING AUTHORITIES

AMBASSADORS OF CHRIST

“...[God’s people or citizens]... are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through [them]....” (2 Corinthians 5:20 NIV).

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Many of God’s people SAY they are ambassadors of Christ, but have NO IDEA what it truly means. “...[God’s people or citizens]... are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through [them]....” (2 Corinthians 5:20 NIV).

Here is a working definition of an “ambassador of Christ.” An ambassador of Christ is a citizen of the Kingdom of God who is employed by God, the Holy Spirit and has been SENT to EARTH on a mission.

The ambassador of Christ represents the KINGDOM of God and its “governing authority.” The ambassadors of Christ also conduct God’s business with the inhabitants of the land

While upon earth “...[God’s people or citizens]... are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through [them]....” (2 Corinthians 5:20 NIV). “...[they are]...citizenship is in heaven. And [his citizen’s]... eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ...” (Philippians 3:20 NIV).

While upon earth Jesus was an ambassador, sent to DO God’s business. “... And [Jesus]... said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?...” (Luke 2:49 KJV). “...He said, “Why were you looking for me? Didn’t you know that I had to be here, dealing with the things of my Father?...” (Luke 2:49 MSG).

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

“...[Jesus said]... the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me...” (John 5:36 KJV).

“…God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and WITH POWER: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for GOD WAS WITH HIM. And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).

“...the crowds learned about [the Kingdom of God]... and followed [Jesus]. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing...” (Luke 9:11 KJV).  Jesus SAID: “…the Fatherthat dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 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).

Signs, wonders, and miracles confirmed that God’s presence, God’s goodness, and his supernatural working POWER was with Jesus, the ambassador. “…God (the Holy Spirit) publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know. …” (ACTS 2:22 KJV).

“...[god, the holy spirit’s].. kingdom  [had]...come ...[upon earth through jesus]...” (Matthew 6:10 KJV). “...the kingdom of God [was] within [Jesus, the AMBASSADOR]...” (Luke 17:21 KJV).

Jesus, God’s ambassador, from the KINGDOM, CAME with a MESSAGE from God, the Holy Spirit. “...[Jesus] went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God...” (Luke 8:1 KJV).

Jesus, God’s ambassador, was an exact representation of God, the Holy Spirit, the SOVEREIGN RULER. “The Son (Jesus) is... the exact representation of his being…”(Hebrews 1:3 KJV). “…Jesus saith  … he that hath seen me hath SEEN THE FATHER…” (John 14:9 KJV).

God’s people are “ambassadors of Christ” and are SET APART for a DIVINE purpose. “...[Christ’s ambassadors...” (2 Corinthians 5:20 NIV). “...[they are]... citizenship is in heaven...” (Philippians 3:20 NIV).

God’s people, by faith, must SEE themselves as the “NEW CREATIONS” that are, because of the indwelling Holy Spirit within them. “…God’s (Holy) Spirit dwells in [his people]...” (1 Corinthians 3:16 NASB). God says:  “… I AM HOLY...” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). “...Therefore if any man(woman) be in Christ, he(she) is a new creature...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “...old things are passed away...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

“...behold, all things are become new...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

New Creations are AMBASSADORS of CHRIST and are sent to earth to DO God’s business. One important mission, each ambassador has, is reconciling mankind BACK into a right relationship with God, the Holy Spirit.

Ambassadors of Christ SPEAK and REPRESENT God, the Holy Spirit, and his KINGDOM that has COME to earth through his citizens and will SOON takeover. “...we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!  And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us (his ambassadors) this task of reconciling people to him.  For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through [his people or citizens). We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!...” (2 Corinthians 5:16-20 NLT).

"...For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it...” (Matthew 7:14 NASB).  Many of God’s people SPENT the greater part of their TIME upon EARTH trying to ensure they live right and go to heaven, but NEGLECT others that God sent his SON to die for too!

The CALLING of God’s people to become “ambassadors of Christ” is a CALL to always be about their Father’s business of RECONCILING the lost, sin-sick and spiritually dead souls to God, the Holy Spirit.

It is an HONOR to be CHOSEN by God, the HOLY SPIRIT and SENT to earth to SPEAK and REPRESENT the SOVEREIGN RULER of all rulers, King of all kings, Lord of lords, and God of all gods! “…You did not choose… (God, the Holy Spirit]...” (John 15:16 ASV). “... [God, the Holy Spirit] ...chose ...[you] ...” (Ephesians 1:11 NLT). “…That was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show ...[mankind]... his GRACEthrough Christ Jesus…” (2 Timothy 1:9 NLT). "… I have chosen you….” (John 15:16 KJV).   

“...God has chosen you from the beginning for SALVATION through SANCTIFICATIONby the Spirit and faith (trust and dependency) in the truth…” (2 Thessalonians 2:13 NASB).

“…[God’s people or citizens]... are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that [God’s ambassadors]... should shew forth the praises of him who hath called [them]... out of darkness into his marvellous light…(1 Peter 2:9 KJV).

“...And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us (his ambassadors) this task of reconciling people to him.  For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through [his people or citizens). We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!..” (2 Corinthians 5:16-20 NLT).

Every “ambassador of Christ” was chosen. “... God chose ...[the REDEEMED]... in Christ before the foundation of the world.” (Ephesians 1:4 KJV) "…You did not choose ...[God].... but [god, personally]... chose you….” (John 15:16 ASV).   “... [God, the Holy Spirit] ...chose ...[the REDEEMED, citizens, ambassador, etc.,] ... in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan...” (Ephesians 1:11 NLT).

While it’s true that God’s ambassadors have been SENT to a foreign land, they willingly choose to REFLECT the KINGDOM of God in the ROLES and MISSIONS they’ve been given. “… not My will, but Yours be done [God, the Holy Spirit]..." (Luke 22:42-43 NIV).

Ambassadors of Christ KNOW that JESUS’ obedience, upon earth, made it possible for their OWN, personally reconciliation with God, the Holy Spirit. “… [He sent the] …one… who can reconcileGod and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).

Jesus, God’s ambassador, didn’t LOSE his focuse, but FINISHED the business his HEAVENLY gave him to DO. He said, “…[he came] ... to give His life a ransom for many...” (Matthew 20:28 KJV). “...[AND Jesus]... said, It is finished…” (John 19:28-30 KJV). “… I [laid]... down my life... [FOR the LOST]…” (John 10:17-18 KJV).  “ ... [Jesus, God’s only begotten son, made]... it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he [bore]...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).

“...And all of this is a gift from God, who brought [the LOST]... back to himself through Christ. And God has given us (his ambassadors) this task of reconciling people to him.  For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave [his new creations, citizens, ambassadors, etc.) this wonderful message of reconciliation. So [THEY]... are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through [his ambassadors or citizens). [They]... speak for Christ when [they].. plead [to the LOST], “Come back to God!...” (2 Corinthians 5:16-20 NLT).

Like Jesus PREACHED the “GOOD NEWS” of the KINGDOM of God, ambassadors of Christhave NOW, also, been entrusted with the GOSPEL. “...[Ambassadors of Christ]... have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not intending to please people, but to please God, who examines our hearts...” (1 Thessalonians 2:4 NASB).

God’s ambassadors are REPRESENTATIVES of the KINGDOM of God just like Jesus was when he was upon earth. “...Jesus answered, “...My kingdom is not of this world.If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm...” (John 18:36 NASB)

Ambassadors of Christ are KINGDOM officials sent to earth on God, the SOVEREIGN RULER’S, business.

Ambassadors of Christ are SENT into the world, but they are not of the world, but they are of the KINGDOM of God. “...They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world...” (John 17:16 NASB).

Ambassadors of Christ are EMPOWERED by the indwelling Holy Spirit to do God’s KINGDOM WORK. They are CALLED to take the message of reconciliation to the lost.

In order to KEEP their focus, God’s WORD encourages ambassadors of Christ to regularly SEEK the KINGDOM of God and his righteousness. “...But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you...” (Matthew 6:3 KJV). “...Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need...” (Matthew 6:33 NLT).

God’s ambassadors of Christ came to earth to take care of God, the Holy Spirit’s business. “....And [God, the Holy Spirit]... gave [his citizens from Heaven]... this wonderful message of reconciliation. So [they] are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through [his people or citizens). [They]... speak for Christ when [they] plead [for the lost, sin-sick and spiritual dead souls to], “Come back to God!...” (2 Corinthians 5:16-20 NLT).

“...seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness..” (Matthew 6:3 KJV).

The KINGDOM of God is the SPHERE of God’s RULE over ALL of heaven, earth, and its inhabitants. To SEEK something is to purposefully go look forward it, pursue it, and search it out.

Jesus was the first ambassador of Heaven and when he CAME to earth he preached and spoke about God’s KINGDOM.

He also demonstrated what it was like by going around doing GOOD and HEALING ALL who were oppressed by the DEVIL and his DARKNESS. “…God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and WITH POWER:who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for GOD WAS WITH HIM…” (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 proclaimed that, upon his arrival, the KINGDOM of God or the SOVEREIGN RULE of God, the Holy Spirit had COME upon earth. “...Thy kingdom come...” (Matthew 6:10 KJV).

Jesus demonstrated God’s RULE had come upon earth through his AUTHORITY over the works of the devil and darkness. “… His name (Jesus Christ) is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “… Jesus (the WORD of GOD) …came and SPAKE, unto them saying, “All POWER is given unto me IN heaven and earth…” (Matthew 28:18 KJV).

“...Jesus Christ (the LIVING WORD of God), who is ...the RULER of the kings of the earth...” (Revelation 1:5 NIV). “...he is Lord of lords and King of kings... (Revelations 17:14 NIV).

“...On his (Jesus’) robe and on his thigh he has this name written: king of kings and lord of lords...” (Revelation 19:16 NIV). “...God, the blessed and ONLY RULER, the King of kings and Lord of lords... Amen...” (1 Timothy 3:13-16 NIV).

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

Jesus, through God’s AUTHORITY, set the captives free, preached the good news, delivered, healed, opened human eyes to spiritual truths, and healed minds, emotions, bodies, and hearts oppressed by the devil. “...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 MAINLY and intentionally focused on KINGDOM WORK, which REVEALED his CLOSE, covenant relationship with God, the Holy Spirit. Jesus, the ambassador from the KINGDOM of God said: "...I and my Father are one." (John 10:30 KJV).

God, the SOVEREIGN RULER endorsed Jesus, his ambassador. “…God publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know. …” (ACTS 2:22 KJV).

God, the SOVEREIGN RULER heard the prayers of Jesus, his ambassador. “…Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always…” (John 11:41-42 KJV).

God, the SOVEREIGN RULER was presence within Jesus, doing the spiritual WORK of the KINGDOM. “…the Father that dwelleth in me (Jesus, his ambassador), he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

God, the SOVEREIGN RULER empowered Jesus to DO the physical WORKS of the KINGDOM. “...Jesus gave them this answer: "Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; [Jesus, the ambassador could] do only what he [saw]... his Father doing, because whatever the Father [did] the Son (Jesus) also [did]...” (John 5:19 NIV).

God, the SOVEREIGN RULER created Jesus, the ambassador to REPRESENT his GLORY or his presence, goodness, and working power upon earth. “The Son (Jesus) is... the exact representation of his being…”(Hebrews 1:3 KJV). “…Jesus saith  … he that hath seen me hath SEEN THE FATHER…” (John 14:9 KJV).

God, the SOVEREIGN RULER was ALWAYS with Jesus, the ambassador, in EVERYTHING he did upon earth. “… Jesus of Nazareth...went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for GOD (the indwelling Holy Spirit) WAS WITH HIM…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).

Jesus, the ambassador from the KINGDOM of God “SHARED” his relationship with God, the Holy Spirit by preaching the GOOD NEWS and doing the WORK of the KINGDOM. “...[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 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).

“... 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 wanted others to experience the SAME covenant relationship he had with his Father. “… I and my Father are one…”  (John 10:30). Jesus said, “…that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me…” (John 17:21-23 NASB).

Jesus SACRIFICED his life, while upon earth, to get others into the KINGDOM of God. “...[Jesus)… [God’s ambassador and]… righteous servant …[made]... it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he [bore]...all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT). “…he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him…”(Hebrew 5:7-8-9 KJV).

Jesus was JOYFUL, no matter what he had to endure, to be God’s ambassador for bringing & becoming his GIFT of SALVATION to lost, sin-sick, and spiritually dead souls upon earth. “…Because of the JOY awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame…” (Hebrews 12:2 NLT).

Seeking the KINGDOM of God, for citizens of Heaven and ambassadors of Christ means DOING all they are LEAD, by the indwelling Holy Spirit, to do in order to promote, preach, speak, and demonstrate that God’s KINGDOM has COME!

It doesn’t NEGATE the human experience, nor does it remove trials and tribulations, but “seeking the KINGDOM” helps God’s citizens and ambassadors KEEP their focus on the MISSION regardless of what they are FACING.“…In this world [god’s ambassadors]... are like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). “...[They are to be] … imitatorsof [Jesus]…”(Hebrews 12:14; Ephesians 5:1 ASV). “… growing in every way more and more like Christ…” (Ephesians 4:14-16 NLT).

NONETHELESS, “...In the world [his ambassadors]... shall have tribulation...” (John 16:33 KJV). “... Here on earth [his ambassadors]...will have many trials and sorrows..." (John 16:44 NLT). “...Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid...”(John 14:27 KJV). “...[His ambassadors]... must [go]...through much tribulation [to]...enter into the kingdom of God...” (Acts 14:22 KJV). “...[YET]...despite all these things, overwhelming victory [belongs to his ambassdors] ...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).

Thus, “…The faithful followers of the Lord … keep their promises (keep God’s commandments) even when it hurts…” (Psalm 15:4 NLT). 

Their MOTTO: “… not My will, but Yours be done [God, the Holy Spirit]..." (Luke 22:42-43 NIV).

Every ambassador of Christ HOPES to hear the SOVEREIGN RULER said, one day, “WELL DONE!!!” “…The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’” (Matthew 25:21 NLT).

“...[God’s people or citizens]... are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through [them]....” (2 Corinthians 5:20 NIV).

HOW DID YOU BECOME A CITIZEN OF HEAVEN?

 

THE GOVERNING AUTHORITIES

CITIZENS OF HEAVEN

“…[God’s people]... are citizens along with all of God’s HOLY people. [They]... are members of God’s family. …” (Ephesians 2:19-20 NLT). “...[their]... citizenship is in heaven...” (Philippians 3:20 NIV). 

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God, the Holy Spirit, RULES the hearts of his people, the redeemed, his children, the ambassadors of Christ, or the CITIZENS of the Kingdom.  “...[their]...citizenship is in heaven...” (Philippians 3:20 NIV).

In its basic definition a citizen is someone who legally belongs to a country, is subject to its government, and is entitled to its sovereign protection.

Citizens also reflect the practices, values, and cultural habits or conduct of that country.

A CITIZEN of the KINGDOM of God is a member who spiritually belongs to HEAVEN and owes their allegiance to its government or governing authority. “...[they]... are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household...” (Ephesians 2:19 NASB).  “...Jesus Christ (the LIVING WORD of God) ... the RULER of the kings of the earth...” (Revelation 1:5 NIV).

The WITNESS of a true citizenship of the Kingdom is the evidence of Lordship. The sovereign King of kings would RULE in the HEART of true citizens. God’s RULE would be displayed in their holy practices, values, and habits or conduct. “…[God’s people]... are citizens along with all of God’s HOLY people. [They]... are members of God’s family. …” (Ephesians 2:19-20 NLT). “...the Lamb (Jesus, the LIVING WORD) will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings... (Revelations 17:14 NIV).

The KINGDOM of GOD is manifested, to the world, by its present intrusion and the proclamation of its future consummation, through redeemed citizens (the BORN AGAIN) who are witnesses of its existence. “...[Jesus] went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God...” (Luke 8:1 KJV). “...if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you...” (Luke 11:20 KJV).

A KINGDOM is a REALM or COMMUNITY of people, like a country, in which a SOVEREIGNTY “RULES.” ...he is Lord of lords and King of kings... (Revelations 17:14 NIV). “...Thy kingdom come...” (Matthew 6:10 KJV).“…[God’s people]... are citizens along with all of God’s HOLY people. [They]... are members of God’s family. …” (Ephesians 2:19-20 NLT).

When a person is BORN AGAIN, through faith in Jesus Christ, they are BORN into the Kingdom of God (or Heaven). Jesus said: “..., “I must preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God ... that is why I was sent...” (Luke 4:43 KJV).

 “...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 (she) 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(the 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 also called the LIVING WATER 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 LIVING WATER represents the cleansing power of God’s LIVING WORD, 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 (also the Holy Spirit)...” (Ephesians 5:26 KJV).

“... One of the soldiers with a spear pierced [Jesus’]... side, and forthwith came there out blood (spiritual life) and water (the cleansing POWER of the 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, which “IS” Jesus!!!

“… BUT the life … [is STILL] in the blood: and [God provided the life and gave] it to [his people to put] upon the altar to make an atonement for [their] souls: for it is the blood (life) that maketh an atonement for the soul…” (Leviticus 17:11 KJV).

 “…Behold the Lamb of God (Jesus, the atonement), which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29 KJV). “…He is (Jesus is) the atoning sacrifice for [y]our sins…” (1 John 2:2 NIV).

THIS IS WHERE JESUS CHRISTIS CLEARLY SEEN AS THE GOOD NEWSOF THE GOSPEL.

Jesus is also clearly SEEN as a WITNESS that THE KINGDOM of god, has come upon the earth!! “...Thy kingdom come...” (Matthew 6:10 KJV). “...the kingdom of God is come upon you...” (Luke 11:20 KJV).

The Kingdom of God is his RULE over ALL the heaven and the earth, Jesus was its ARRIVAL upon earth.

The Kingdom of God is presently active through and within God’s true citizens or his people “...the kingdom of God is within [his people]...” (Luke 17:21 KJV

They are WITNESSES that God, the Holy Spirit’s, SOVEREIGN RULE will SOON take over completely. God, the Holy Spirit’s KINGDOM will REIGN for all eternity. “...The Kingdom of God is near!...” (Mark 1:14-15 NLT).

The Kingdom of God or the RULE of God is witnessed in his absolute power and authority over the bondage of sin, spiritual death, the sinful nature, and ALL the works of the evil one. “...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).

Every child of God, who are NOW citizens of the Kingdom of God, has experienced God’s RULE over sin and death through SALVATION. “...He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ...” (1 Corinthians 15:56-47 NLT). “......Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness...” (Colossians 1:12-13 KJV).

Redeemed people are “born again” and new creations in Jesus Christ, who are “RIGHT NOW, citizens of the Kingdom of God. “... Giving thanks unto the Father (King of kings) ...Who....hath translated us (the SAVED or redeemed) into the kingdom of his dear Son...” (Colossians 1:12-13 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit, GREATLY demonstrates, through SALVATION, his absolute power and authority (RULE), over the BONDAGE of 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 (god, the holy spirit) is “sovereign” over heaven and earth. “...his kingdom rules over all...” (Psalm 103:19 NLT).

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

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

“...You must be born again...’ (John 3:5-7 NLT).

“...Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand...” (Matthew 3:2 NASB). “...Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter...”(Matthew 7:21 NASB). “...for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit...” (Romans 14:17 NASB).

“...You must be born again...’ (John 3:5-7 NLT).“...[their (those born again]... citizenship is in heaven...” (Philippians 3:20 NIV).

Jesus preached about the “kingdom of god.” “...[Jesus] went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God...” (Luke 8:1 KJV). “...if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you...” (Luke 11:20 KJV).

In order to become a CITIZEN of the Kingdom of God a person ENTERS by being BORN AGAIN. This citizenship is ACQUIRED through Jesus Christ at SALVATION or through REBIRTH.

Salvation is the PROCESS by which KINGDOM citizenship is granted.

When God, the Holy Spirit, grants citizenship INTO the KINGDOM of HEAVEN that person is a NEW CREATION. “...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).

When God, the Holy Spirit, grants citizenship INTO the KINGDOM of HEAVEN he comes to DWELL within the hearts of his people.“…God is [the HOLY] Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “… God has sent forth the Spirit of [Jesus, HIS WORD and his RULE]... into [the]...hearts...[of his citizens]...” (Galatians 4:6 NASB).  “…the [HOLY] … Spirit of God dwell in [each citizen]…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…[God’s citizens]... are the temple of God, and ...the Spirit of God dwelleth in [them]...” (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV). “…God hath said, I will dwell in them (my citizens), and walk in them (my citizens); and I will be their God (the God of my citizens), and they shall be my people...” (2 Corinthians 6:16 KJV).

When God, the Holy Spirit, grants citizenship INTO the KINGDOM of HEAVEN he tells NEW CITIZENS to CONFORM to the values, practices, and holy culture of the KINGDOM. “…be conformed to the image of his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV). 

Like Jesus, by renewing their minds, which will help them TRANSFORM into HIS IMAGE. “…be transformed by the renewing of [their OWN]... mind….” (Romans 12:2 KJV).

“…In this world [God’s citizen]... are LIKE JESUS…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). “...Be … imitators of [Jesus]…” (Hebrews 12:14; Ephesians 5:1 ASV). “… growing in every way more and more like Christ …” (Ephesians 4:14-16 NLT).

When God, the Holy Spirit, grants citizenship INTO the KINGDOM of HEAVEN he tells NEW CITIZENS, who are upon earth, they will have TRIBULATIONS and will be TESTED. “...In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world...” (John 16:33 KJV). “... Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world..." (John 16:44 NLT). “...Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid...” (John 14:27 KJV). “...[His citizens]... must [go]...through much tribulation [to]...enter into the kingdom of God...” (Acts 14:22 KJV).

When God, the Holy Spirit, grants citizenship INTO the KINGDOM of HEAVEN he tells NEW CITIZENS, who are upon earth, they will be TESTED, so they will LEARN what he has EQUIPPED each of them.“… [God, the Holy Spirit.] … equip[s] (or provides his citizens)… with everything good for doing his will …” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…Now GOD GIVES [his people] many kinds of special abilities (and gifts) … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…The HOLY SPIRIT …gives all these GIFTS… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

“…The GIFT by grace……” (Romans 5:15 KJV). “…I am leaving you with a GIFT—peace of mind and heart...” (John 14:27 KJV). “…the GIFT of righteousness…” (Romans 5:17 KJV). “...  his GIFT of forgiveness..” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT).

 “…You will receive the GIFT of the Holy Spirit….” (Acts 2:38 NASB).“…The GIFT of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ ….” (Romans 6:23 KJV). “…these are GIFTS from God…” (Ecclesiastes 3:13 NLT).

“…God has given us different GIFTS for doing certain things well…” (Romans 12:6 NLT). “…every man (woman) hath his (her) proper GIFTof God...” (2 Corinthians 7:7 KJV).

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

“…The HOLY SPIRIT …gives all these GIFTS and POWERS… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…by the GRACE of God I am what I am (I have what I have)…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).

“…Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable GIFT[S]…” (2 Corinthians  9:16 KJV).

“... overwhelming victory is ...[god’s citizens’s]...through Christ...” (Romans 8:37 NLT). “…That is why [his citizens]... never give up. Though [their]... bodies are dying, [their souls] ... are being renewed every day. For [their]... present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for [god’s people]... a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever...”(2 Corinthians 4:16-17 NLT).

God encourages his citizens with this biblical story: “…The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s bosom; and the rich man also died and was buried. In Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried out and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus so that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue, for I am in agony in this flame.’ But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your life you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus bad things; but now he is being comforted here, and you are in agony…” (Luke 16:22-25 NASB).

 God’s BLESSINGS of PROTECTION, even during TROUBLES, are GRANTED to his citizens. “… [God’s]...BLESSING is upon THY PEOPLE…” (Psalms 3:8 KJV). “…YOU (God) MAKE [your citizens]… “MOST” BLESSED forever; …” (Psalms 21:6 NASB). “…You surround [your citizens]… WITH FAVOR as with a shield…” (Psalms 5:12 NASB).

When God, the Holy Spirit, grants citizenship INTO the KINGDOM of HEAVEN his CITIZENS are NOT or NO LONGER in BONDAGE to the CARNAL and FLAWED system of the world. “...Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God continues to live forever...” (1 John 2:15-17).

“...No...[citizen of God’s KINGDOM]... that warreth entangleth himself (herself) with the affairs of this life; that he (she) may please him (God, the Holy Spirit) who hath chosen him (her) to be a soldier... (1 Timothy 2:4 KJV). “...You are My friends if you do what I command you.  No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, because all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you. This I command you, that you love one another...If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you...” (John 15:14-19 NASB).

The world consists of the community of people who inhabit the earth. The CARNAL world consists of the community of people who inhabit the earth APART from God, the Holy Spirit. “...[God’s citizen’s]... know that [they]... are God’s children, and that the whole worldlies under the power  (influence) of the evil one” (1 John 5:19 RSV).

When God, the Holy Spirit, grants citizenship INTO the KINGDOM of HEAVEN his CITIZENS they are also ADOPTED into God, the Holy Spirit’s FAMILY. “...God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure...” (Ephesians 1:5NLT). “…God sent forth his Son…to redeem [us]….that we (new citizens) might receive the adoption of sons…” (Galatians 4:4-5 KJV). “...Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the GOOD PLEASURE of his will…” (Ephesians 1:5 KJV). “…For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, ‘Abba, Father…’” (Romans 8:15 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit’s, CITIZENS are upon earth on a mission, so they often can’t readily be recognized UNTIL the spiritual fruit is DISPLAYED “in” and “through” them. “…Allow both to grow together until the harvest; and in the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather up the tares (non citizens) and bind them in bundles to burn them up; but gather the wheat (God’s citizens) into my barn (KINGDOM)…”(Matthew 13:30 NASB).

The WHEAT are CITIZENS of the KINGDOM of God and the TARE are NOT CITIZENS.

The REAPERS will know the difference between tares (non-citizens) and wheat (citizens), not by LOOKS, but by SPIRITUAL FRUIT. The bible says, “You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act…” (Matthew 7:16 NLT). 

The wheat (citizens) and tare (non-citizens) look identical to the naked eye, yet have some remarkably differences. For instance, at maturity wheat bears a heavy fruit called grain that’s healthy for you if you eat it and its weight causes it to bow down.

In contrast, at maturity, tare have poisonous black seeds that are unhealthy for you if you eat it and it stands straight up. Wheat gives life and tares take life, “… 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). “…Herebywe do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar…” (1John 2:3-4 KJV).

If you look at wheat and tare through God’s eyes, they have NEVER looked alike to Him. Remember, “...God seesnot as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart…”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB).

“…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...”

“You can identify [God’s citizens]... by their fruit, that is, by the way they act … “…Hereby, [if you] saith, [that you]… know him, and keepeth not his commandments, [you are]… a liar…”

If you have a greater desire to do KINGDOM work by tradition whether than being empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit, you may have reason to question if you are truly a citizen or not. “...Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him." (1 John 3:6KJV).

Does it make a difference whether you are a CITIZEN or NON-CITIZEN? “……reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid!...”(Romans 6:11-15 KJV).

If you are following non-citizen traditions, that APPEAR heavenly, wouldn’t you be “doing” the right things? Yes, you would, but you wouldn’t be EMPOWERED by the indwelling Holy Spirit to DO them.

“Doing” right things, apart from Jesus, is the SAME as doing NOTHING as far as the KINGDOM of God is concerned.“…Apart from [Jesus, the indwelling Holy Spirit]… [mankind cannot]... do nothing [they cannot live righteous]…” (John 15:5 NIV).

“... It is God (the indwelling Holy Spirit) which worketh in [his citizens]... both to will and to do of hisgood pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).

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

“…The …HOLY SPIRIT …is the SOURCE ...[for empowering righteous living]. …it is …God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of [his citizens]. The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of [them[ … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

Otherwise, “…“[Non-citizens are simply holding] …on to [their] own [worldly, religious traditions]...” (Mark 7:9 NLT).

“Doing” citizenship, apart from Jesus, is how individual’s practice religious traditions that appear KINGDOM-LIKE outwardly, but have NO impact on the heart. “...Woe unto you… 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… ” (Mark 23:17 KJV).

If you are “doing” citizenship in this way, read the following passage: “...Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity...” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit, KNOWS his OWN citizens. “...Knowing the correct password—saying ‘Master, Master,’ for instance—isn’t going to get you anywhere with me. What is required is serious obedience—doingwhat my Father wills. I can see it now—at the Final Judgment thousands strutting up to me and saying, ‘Master, we preached the Message, we bashed the demons, our God-sponsored projects had everyone talking.’ And do you know what I am going to say? ‘You missed the boat. All you did was use me to make yourselves important. You don’t impress me one bit. You’re out of here...’” (Matthew 7:21 MSG).

Like Abraham, God’s people have travelled to earth for God’s purpose. They are really foreigners upon earth, temporarily, but look forward to returning home to the KINGDOM soon. “...By faith he lived as a stranger in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise;  for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God...” (Hebrews 11:9-10 NASB).

“...By an act of faith, Abraham said yes to God’s call to travel to an unknown place that would become his home. When he left he had no idea where he was going. By an act of faith he lived in the country promised him, lived as a stranger camping in tents. Isaac and Jacob did the same, living under the same promise. Abraham did it by keeping his eye on an unseen city with real, eternal foundations—the City designed and built by God...” (Hebrews 11:9-10 MSG).

God’s citizens are sent to earth as AMBASSADORS of CHRIST, who NEVER forget their REAL HOME is the KINGDOM of God. “..Christ brought us together through his death on the cross. The Cross got us to embrace, and that was the end of the hostility. Christ came and preached peace to you outsiders and peace to us insiders. He treated us as equals, and so made us equals. Through him we both share the same Spirit and have equal access to the Father. That’s plain enough, isn’t it? You’re no longer wandering exiles. This kingdom of faith is now your home country. You’re no longer strangers or outsiders. You belong here, with as much right to the name Christian as anyone. God is building a home. He’s using us all—irrespective of how we got here—in what he is building. He used the apostles and prophets for the foundation. Now he’s using you, fitting you in brick by brick, stone by stone, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone that holds all the parts together. We see it taking shape day after day—a holy temple built by God, all of us built into it, a temple in which God is quite at home...” (Ephesians 2:18-20 MSG).

“...for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household,  having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone...”(Ephesians 2:18-20 NASB).

 

THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS NOT COMING IT HAS ALREADY "COME!!!!"

 

THE GOVERNING AUTHORITIES

THE KINGDOM OF GOD

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

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Jesus spoke about the Kingdom of God. “...the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing...” (Luke 9:11 KJV).

“...And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed...” (Mark 6:56 KJV).

“...Large crowds followed him, and he healed them there...” (Matthew 19:2 KJV). “...the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all...” (Luke 6:19 KJV).

Jesus was a WITNESS that the KINGDOM of God or RULE of God was RIGHT in the MIDST of the people and could be SEEN through HIM.

God, the Holy Spirit, RULES the hearts of his people, the redeemed, his children, the ambassadors of Christ, or the CITIZENS of the Kingdom.  “...[their]...citizenship is in heaven...” (Philippians 3:20 NIV).

A CITIZEN of HEAVEN is an inhabitant or native of that place and owes allegiance to its government or governing authority. “...[they]... are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household...” (Ephesians 2:19 NASB).  “...Jesus Christ (the LIVING WORD of God) ... the RULER of the kings of the earth...” (Revelation 1:5 NIV).

The WITNESS of a true citizenship of the Kingdom is the evidence in the Lordship of the King of kings in one’s HEART. “…[God’s people]... are citizens along with all of God’s HOLY people. [They]... are members of God’s family. …” (Ephesians 2:19-20 NLT). “...the Lamb (Jesus, the LIVING WORD) will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings... (Revelations 17:14 NIV).

The KINGDOM of GOD is manifested, to the world, by its present intrusion and the proclamation of its future consummation, through redeemed citizens (the SAVED) who are witnesses of its existence.“...[Jesus] went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God...” (Luke 8:1 KJV). “...if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you...” (Luke 11:20 KJV).

A KINGDOM is a REALM or COMMUNITY of people in which a SOVEREIGNTY “RULES.” ...he is Lord of lords and King of kings... (Revelations 17:14 NIV). “...Thy kingdom come...” (Matthew 6:10 KJV).

“…[God’s people]... are citizens along with all of God’s HOLY people. [They]... are members of God’s family. …” (Ephesians 2:19-20 NLT).

HEAVEN and EARTH is God, the Holy Spirit’s, REALM as well as the community of people. However, true citizens are the ones in whose HEARTS he truly RULES. “…In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth …” (Genesis 1:1, 31 KJV). “…The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein…” (Psalm 24:1 KJV). “…for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof…” (Psalm 50:12 KJV). “…for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine…” (1 Chronicles 29:11 KJV).

Sovereign God, the Holy Spirit, RULES his citizens from the INSIDE of their HEARTS. “...the kingdom of God is within you...” (Luke 17:21 KJV).

“…God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and WITH POWER: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for GOD WAS WITH HIM. And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).

“...the crowds learned about [the Kingdom of God]... and followed [Jesus]. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing...” (Luke 9:11 KJV).  Jesus SAID: “…the Fatherthat dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 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).

Signs, wonders, and miracles confirmed that God RULED in Jesus’ HEART and people witnessed, through HIM, God’s presence, God’s goodness, and his supernatural working POWER. “…God publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know. …” (ACTS 2:22 KJV).

THIS MEANT: “...[God, the Holy Spirit’s].. Kingdom  [had]...come ...[upon earth]...” (Matthew 6:10 KJV). “...if [Jesus]... 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 [was] within [Jesus, the LIVING WORD]...” (Luke 17:21 KJV).

Jesus was and is the HOPE and EVIDENCE that God RULES over ALL things and POWERS.

God, through Jesus, his LIVING WORD has the RULE and AUTHORITY over EVERYTHING, EVERYBODY, EVERY SITUATION OR CIRCUMSTANCE, SICKNESS, DEATH, ETC.

The presence of Jesus, the LIVING WORD and God’s citizens or ambassadors are WITNESSES that the KINGDOM of GOD has ARRIVED upon EARTH. “…Jesus ...went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV). “...[Jesus]...spoke to [the crowds]... about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing...” (Luke 9:11 KJV).  

“…[Jesus said:]...I tell you the truth, anyone (any real citizen of heaven]....who believes in me (depends upon me) will do the same works I have done, and even greater works (not different, but more global and expansive), because I am going to be with the Father…” (JOHN 14:12 NLT).

“...the Kingdom of God is within you...” (Luke 17:21 KJV). “...the Kingdom of God [is] within [God’s people or citizens]...” (Luke 17:21 KJV).

…it is the same God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of [his citizens]. The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of [them] … … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

“...Thy Kingdom [had]...come...[to earth]...” (Matthew 6:10 KJV). “...The [complete takeover of the]....Kingdom of God is near!...” (Mark 1:14-15 NLT).

“… Jesus (the WORD of GOD) …came and SPAKE, unto them saying, “All POWER is given unto me IN heaven and earth…” (Matthew 28:18 KJV). “...Jesus Christ (the LIVING WORD of God), who is ...the RULER of the kings of the earth...” (Revelation 1:5 NIV). “... he is Lord of lords and King of kings... (Revelations 17:14 NIV).

“...[Jesus]...spoke to [the crowds]... about the Kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing...” (Luke 9:11 KJV). “…Jesus ...went about...healing all that were oppressed of the devil…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).  “...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).“...for GOD WAS WITH HIM. And we are witnesses of all things which he did …” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).

Every REDEEMED person knows the RULE of God and has experienced it when they HEARD the Good News and were SAVED from their sin-sick soul.“...the Good News of the Kingdom of God is preached, and everyone is eager to get in..” (Luke 16:16-17 NLT).

The Kingdom of God or RULE of God means the King of kings have taken authority over sin and spiritual death upon earth.

Jesus, from the KINGDOM of GOD demonstrates God, the Holy Spirit’sRULE, POWER, and SOVEREIGNTY over SIN every time he HEALS the lost, sick-sin and spiritually dead soul.… Jesus (the WORD of GOD) …came and SPAKE, unto them saying, “All POWER is given unto me IN heaven and earth…” (Matthew 28:18 KJV).

“...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 of heaven and earth and it has ARRIVED. “...his Kingdom rules over all...” (Psalm 103:19 NLT). “...Thy Kingdom come...” (Matthew 6:10 KJV).

 It is presently, in the midst of the world, dwelling within God’s people. “...the Kingdom of God is within you...” (Luke 17:21 KJV).

As they minister the gospel, they demonstrate God, the Holy Spirit’s,REIGN is upon earth, right now, and will be taking complete control soon. “...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).

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. “...if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the Kingdom of God is come upon you...” (Luke 11:20 KJV).

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

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

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

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

After Jesus, from the Kingdom of God, HEALS the lost, sin-sick, and spiritually souls, he gives them entrance into God’s KINGDOM.“... Giving thanks unto the Father (King of kings, SOVEREIGN RULER) ...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). 

After Jesus, from the Kingdom of God, HEALS the lost, sin-sick, and spiritually dead soul, he gives them GIFTS from heaven. "...NOW GOD GIVES [his people] many kinds of special abilities (and gifts) … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…The HOLY SPIRIT …gives all these GIFTS… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

“…BY GRACE [God’s people]... have been saved through… FAITH; and that NOT OF YOURSELVES, it is the GIFT of God; NOT OF WORKS, that no man (woman) should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). “...Jesus Christ...God’s free GIFT [that]...leads to our being made right with God ...” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT). IT IS “…free and undeserved…” (Romans 11:6 NLT).

IN ADDITION, “…The GIFT by grace……” (Romans 5:15 KJV). “…I am leaving you with a GIFT—peace of mind and heart...” (John 14:27 KJV). “…the GIFT of righteousness…” (Romans 5:17 KJV). “...  his GIFTof forgiveness..” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT).

“…You will receive the GIFT of the Holy Spirit….” (Acts 2:38 NASB).

“…The GIFT of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ ….” (Romans 6:23 KJV).

 “… People should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are GIFTS from God…” (Ecclesiastes 3:13 NLT).

“…God has given us different GIFTS for doing certain things well…” (Romans 12:6 NLT). “…every man (woman) hath his (her) proper GIFTof God...” (2 Corinthians 7:7 KJV).

“…A man (woman) can receive nothing, except it BE GIVEN him (her) from heaven…” (John 3:27 KJV). “…Every good GIFT and every perfect GIFT is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights…” (James 1:17 KJV).

“…The HOLY SPIRIT …gives all these GIFTS and POWERS… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…by the GRACE of God I am what I am (I have what I have)…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV). “…Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable GIFT[S]…” (2 Corinthians  9:16 KJV).

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). “...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).

The POWERFUL 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 had ARRIVED upon earth. “...Thy Kingdom come...” (Matthew 6:10 KJV).

“...his Kingdom rules over all [now]...” (Psalm 103:19 NLT).  “...The Kingdom of God is near[in the future]...” (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).

Jesus was the first ARRIVAL from God’s KINGDOM. Redeemed people BECOME CITIZENS of the KINGDOM and continue the WORKS Jesus started in order to be WITNESSES that God’s KINGDOM has ARRIVED and is STILL present upon EARTH.

EVERY CITIZEN of the Kingdom of God is under the GOVERNMENT or RULE of God, the Holy Spirit (King of kings) in their HEARTS. They are WITNESESS that “...Thy Kingdom come...” (Matthew 6:10 KJV). AND “...The Kingdom of God is near!...” (Mark 1:14-15 NLT).

“... 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 and RULER over ALL the heaven and earth. “...his Kingdom rules over all...” (Psalm 103:19 NLT).  

 The citizens of God's KINGDOM do the WORK of the KINGDOM while they WAIT upon the KING’s ARRIVAL. “...our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ...” (Philippians 3:20 KJV). “...Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed...” (1 Corinthians 1:7 NIV). “...Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel...” (Philippians 1:27 NASB). “...Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things...” (Colossians 3:1-2 NIV). “...As is the earthy one, so also are those who are earthy; and as is the heavenly one, so also are those who are heavenly. Just as we have borne the image of the earthy, we will also bear the image of the heavenly...” (1 Corinthians 15:48-49 NASB).

“...We follow this sequence in Scripture: The First Adam received life, the Last Adam is a life-giving Spirit. Physical life comes first, then spiritual—a firm base shaped from the earth, a final completion coming out of heaven. The First Man was made out of earth, and people since then are earthy; the Second Man was made out of heaven, and people now can be heavenly. In the same way that we’ve worked from our earthy origins, let’s embrace our heavenly ends...” (1 Corinthians 15:47-48 MSG).

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

CITIZENS of heaven come to earth as AMBASSASDORS of Christ who emphasize and PROVES the GOOD NEWS of the God’s Kingdom has ARRIVED.

God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus truly RULES over the lives and within hearts of his citizens.

REDEEMED citizens DO righteous works and display spiritual fruit WHILE looking forward to the coming of and complete consummation of God’s Kingdom RULE. “...Our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ...” (Philippians 3:20 KJV). “...Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed...” (1 Corinthians 1:7 NIV).

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 reconcileGod and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).

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

“...he doeth the works (of SAVING the lost, sin-sick and spiritual dead soul)…” (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 INDWELLING Holy Spirit does) the works ( righteousness works and displaying of 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 INDWELLING Holy Spirit)that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works (of righteousness as well as producing and displaying spiritual fruit)…” (John 14:10 KJV).  “…God (the INDWELLING Holy Spirit) publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him…” (ACTS 2:22 KJV).

“...Herein is my Father glorified, that ye (citizens of god’s kingdom) bear much fruit...” (John 15:1-10 KJV)."...My Father is glorified by this, that you (citizens of God’s KINGDOM) bear much fruit, and ...PROVE to be My disciples...” (John 15:8 NIV).

“…Let your (citizenship) ...shine before men, that they may see your good works (righteous deeds and spiritual fruit) and glorify your Father  (SEE or WITNESS his presence through righteous deeds and the displaying of 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 of the Lord … 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 HOLY SPIRIT] ...WAS WITH HIM…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).

“...Now [new creations and citizens of the Kingdom of God, 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 true citizens of the Kingdom of God]… by their [spiritual]...fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “…He (she) who ABIDES in Me and I in him, he (she) bears much fruit … ” (John 15:1-11 NASB). "…My Father is glorified by this, that “YOU” (CITIZENS of the KINGDOM of GOD) bear much fruit, and ... PROVE to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV).

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

 “…The fruit of the Spirit (the righteous conduct of God’s citizens, empowered by the indwelling 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 citizens of God’s KINGDOM] …” (Galatians 5 NLT).

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

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

WHAT WILL DISPLAYING FRUIT PROVE? “ ... [IT WILL] ...PROVE [THE FRUITFUL CITIZENS are GOD’s]... disciples” (John 15:8 NIV).

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

“...without me (God, the indwelling Holy Spirit) ye (citizens) can do nothing... 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 15:1-10 KJV). “... Every branch (citizen) in me that beareth not fruit he (God, the Holy Spirit) taketh away .....” (John 15:1-10 KJV).

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

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

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

 “...each one of us (citizens of God’s KINGDOM) will give an account of himself (herself) to God. Therefore let’s not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this: not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s or sister’s way.  I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but to the one who thinks something is unclean, to that person it is unclean. For if because of food your brother or sister is hurt, you are no longer walking in accordance with love. Do not destroy with your choice of food that person for whom Christ died. Therefore do not let what is for you a good thing be spoken of as evil; for the Kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For the one who serves Christ in this wayis acceptable to God and approved by otherpeople. So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another. Do not tear down the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are clean, but they are evil for the person who eats and causes offense.It is good not to eat meat or to drink wine, or to do anything by which your brother or sister stumbles. The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is the one who does not condemn himself in what he approves.  But the one who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin...” (Romans 14:12-23 NASB).

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

 “...you (CITIZENS of God’s Kingdom) will ... [also]...be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere...” (ACTS 1:8 NLT).

YOU FIGHT TO MAKE HUMAN LAWS FOR OTHERS TO FOLLOW WHILE YOU LIVE LIKE A HYPOCRITE/cheater yourself

                                                                                 HYPOCRITES & cheaters

“…. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.  For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; …” (Galatians 6:7-8 KJV).

*

 A hypocrite/cheater is “ANYBODY” who behaves in a fake or
dishonest way, on any level (financially, emotionally, spiritually, or physically) in order to gain some selfish advantage. “…Lying lips are abomination to the Lord…” (Proverbs 12:22 KJV).

A hypocrite/cheater gains this dishonest advantage by deliberately deceiving, tricking, misleading, being sexual unfaithful, swindling, defrauding, and eluding others. “…Her princes in the midst thereof are like wolves ravening the prey …to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain…” (Ezekiel 22:27 KJV).

Hypocrites/cheaters will cheat you out of your material possessions, your emotional health, your spiritual wealth, and your physical well-being if possible. “…he (she) that soweth to his(her) flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption…” (Galatians 6:8 KJV).

This blog will focus on how people are cheated out of their emotional health by hypocrites/cheaters. “…Do notsteal. “Do not deceive or cheatone another…” (Leviticus 19:11 NLT).

If someone can cheat you out of your emotional health, then your material, spiritual, and physical goods will follow. Woe to the HYPOCRITE or CHEATER who does this. “..What sorrow awaits you who lie awake at night, thinking up evil plans. You rise at dawn and hurry to carry them out, simply because you have the power to do so. When you want a piece of land, you find a way to seize it.When you want someone’s house, you take it by fraud and violence. You cheat a man of his property, stealing his family’s inheritance. But this is what the Lordsays: “I will reward your evil with evil; you won’t be able to pull your neck out of the noose. You will no longer walk around proudly, for it will be a terrible time…” (Micah 2:1-3 NLT).

A hypocrite/cheater can be so good at being phony or cheating and taking advantage of people that some people will never know or won’t ever realize they’ve been tricked or cheated until it’s too late. “…This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come . For men shall be lovers of their own selves, … unholy,… false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,… men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. …. evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived…”(2 Timothy 3:1-13 KJV). “…Ye shall know them by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV).

 Why do hyopcrites/cheaters get away with this? “…Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily …the HEART of the sons of men is fully set in them… to do evil….” (Ecclesiastes 8:11 KJV).

Hypocrites/cheaters ARE NOT listening to God. “…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).

The hypocrite/cheater, like a false prophet, can become a harmful and misleading attachment. “…Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves…” (Matthew 7:15 KJV). “…Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many….” (Matthew 24:11 NASB).

Others won’t know until they have spent their good, youthful years, given away or linked most of their material possessions to the hypocrite/cheater, or invested much of their livelihood to them, or risked their physical health for them, or lost sight of their spiritual journey and their Creator.

“…Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. Honor him in your youth before you grow old and say, “Life is not pleasant anymore.” Remember him before the light of the sun, moon, and stars is dim to your old eyes, and rain clouds continually darken your sky. Remember him before your legs—the guards of your house—start to tremble; and before your shoulders—the strong men—stoop. Remember him before your teeth—your few remaining servants—stop grinding; and before your eyes—the women looking through the windows—see dimly. Remember him before the door to life’s opportunities is closed and the sound of work fades. Now you rise at the first chirping of the birds, but then all their sounds will grow faint. Remember him before you become fearful of falling and worry about danger in the streets; before your hair turns white like an almond tree in bloom, and you drag along without energy like a dying grasshopper, and the caperberry no longer inspires sexual desire. Remember him before you near the grave, your everlasting home, when the mourners will weep at your funeral. Yes, remember your Creator now while you are young, before the silver cord of life snaps and the golden bowl is broken. Don’t wait until the water jar is smashed at the spring and the pulley is broken at the well.For then the dust will return to the earth, and the spirit will return to God who gave it…” (Ecclesiastes 12:1-7 NLT).

A hpopcrite/cheater slowly, but surely kills, steals and destroys the other person while making themselves an indispensable stronghold (entrenchment, domination, fortified place, etc.“…The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy…” (John 10:10 KJV).

The hypocrite/cheater is sufficiently benefitted at the other person’s expense. “…They …serve ….their OWN belly…” (Romans 16:18 KJV).

A hypocrite/cheater will break ALL the ethical, moral, spiritual, or unwritten rules of conduct in their relationship with others if it gets them what they want. “..You rise at dawn and hurry to carry them out (cheating plots), simply because you have the power to do so. When you wanta piece of land, you find a way to seize it. When you want someone’s house,you take it by fraud and violence. You cheat a manof his property, stealing his family’s inheritance. …” (Micah 2:1-3 NLT).

It matters nothing to hypocrites/cheaters that what they want is obtained through deceit or dishonesty. “…Don’t do as the wicked do, and don’t followthe path of evildoers. Don’t even think about it don’t go that way. Turn away and keep moving.For evil people can’t sleep until they’ve done their evil deed for the day. They can’t rest until they’ve caused someone to stumble. They eat the food of wickedness and drink the wine of violence!”(Proverbs 4:14-17 NLT).

A hypocrite/cheater is commonly linked to infidelity. Infidelity, however, also refers to cheating, betrayal, disloyalty, thieving (stealing), robbing, or unfaithfulness. “…if you fail to keep your word, then you will have sinned against the Lord, and you may be sure that your sin will find you out…” (Numbers 32:23 NLT). “…You have also heard … ‘You must not break your vows; you must carry out the vows you make to the Lord…” (Matthew 5:33 NLT). “… to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin…” (James 4:17 KJV). “….Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, YE HAVE DONE IT TO ME…” (Matthew 25:40 KJV).

A hypocrite/cheater doesn’t cheat ALL the time, but will rely on cheating when necessary to gain or sustain his or her dishonest advantage. After all, they are a HYPOCRITE and CHEATER. “…They lie awake at night, hatching sinful plots. Their actions are never good. They make no attempt to turn from evil…” (Psalms 36:4 NLT).

A HYPOCRITE IS FAKE and A CHEATER CHEATS. They are basically phony and they will CHEAT you out of respect, honor, dignity, true love, the truth, the ability to trust, and the innate right to dwell safely or peacefully in God’s world.

A hypocrite/cheater is ALWAYS dishonest. There is NOT a “little” dishonesty; dishonest “IS” dishonest. “…Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much…” (Luke 16:10 KJV).

 “…Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. The commandments “You shall not steal (cheat, rob),”… and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor…” (Romans 13:8-10 KJV).

“….But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people…” (Ephesians 5:3 KJV).

“…You know the commandments…. ‘you shall not steal (cheat, rob), …you shall not defraud (fake out)…”(Mark 10:19 KJV).

“…The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery …selfish ambition, dissensions  …and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God…” (Galatians 5:19-21 KJV).

“…Their actions are never good. …” (Psalms 36:4 NLT). “…Ye shall know them by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV).

Hypocrites/cheaters have unique fruit or traits that distinguish them from other people. Identifying a hypocrite/cheater can be a preventive from getting involved with one. “…Ye shall know them by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV).

Let's look at some of the traits that are the most damaging and destructive to others:

Hypocrites/cheaters are emotional thieves and robbers

Hypocrites/cheaters are master manipulators.

Hypocrites/cheaters are liars or compulsive liars.

Hypocrites/cheaters are selfish, greedy, and make a practice of exploiting people.

Hypocrites/cheaters are never satisfied.

Hypocrites/cheaters are jealous thinking people are being dishonest like they are.

Hypocrites/cheaters don’t have all the traits mentioned above, if any, or maybe none so obvious, but they are ALL thieves and robbers. “…Their actions are never good. …” (Psalms 36:4 NLT).

Hypocrites/cheaters are thieves and robbers because they secretly and wrongfully steal or rob the emotional property of another person through dishonesty, lies, manipulation, phoniness, seduction, or exploitation. “…They …serve ….their OWN belly…” (Romans 16:18 KJV).

A hypocrite/cheater is a thief, just like the devil, because he or she secretly steals the emotional health of another person. “…The thief (hypocrite/cheater) cometh not, but for to steal (take, rob, fake out, cheat, etc;), and to kill, and to destroy…” (John 10:10 KJV).

A hypocrite/cheater is a robber, just like the devil because he or she threatens to rob the emotional health of another person through deathly conduct and destructive behaviors. “…The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill (the other person’s  emotional health), and to destroy (the other person’s spiritual health)…” (John 10:10 KJV).

Hypocrites/cheaters are not always obvious to their victims, but are often blatant to others on the outside looking in. What is a HYPOCRITE/CHEATER?

A HYPOCRITE is FAKE and a CHEATER CHEATS  in one way or another. A hypocrite/cheater is “ANYBODY” who behaves in fake or dishonest ways, on any level (financially, emotionally, spiritually, or physically) in order to gain some selfish advantage. “…They …serve ….their OWN belly…” (Romans 16:18 KJV). AND ARE “…like wolves ravening the prey …to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain…” (Ezekiel 22:27 KJV).

A hypocrite/cheater gains his or her dishonest advantage by deliberately and intentionally deceiving, tricking, misleading, being sexual unfaithful, swindling, defrauding, and eluding others. “…Like wolves ravening the prey …to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain…” (Ezekiel 22:27 KJV).

A HYPOCRITE is a FAKE and a CHEATER CHEATS……

Dr. Pensacola H. Jefferson

YOU HAVE LEFT YOUR FIRST LOVE... REPENT & GO BACK

 

“…I KNOW THY WORKS, AND THY LABOR, AND THY PATIENCE, AND HOW THOU CANST NOT BEAR THEM WHICH ARE EVIL: AND THOU TRIED THEM WHICH SAY THEY ARE APOSTLES, AND ARE NOT, AND HAS FOUND THEM LAIRS… REMEMBER THEREFORE FROM WHENCE THOU ARE FALLEN …”(REVELATION 2:2, 5 KJV).

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IF your works, labor, and patience is based on a duty-bound, boring, drudgery of dictatorship-type religious obligations performed by self-effort: “…You have fallen away from God’s GRACE…” (Galatians 2:21 NLT). “… REMEMBER THEREFORE FROM WHENCE THOU ARE FALLEN …” (REVELATION 2:2 KJV).

Salvation is a FREE gift. Some of God’s people have forgotten they were SAVED by GRACE, which means they did not earn it, deserve it; nor were they worthy of it, but it was an act of GRACE fueled by God’s LOVE. “…for BY GRACE have ye been saved THROUGH FAITH; 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).

Salvation is a GIFT of God and “NOT” obtained from man’s WORKS. God started this WORK of GRACE “IN” you and will empower it THROUGH you by the indwelling Holy Spirit, for the duration of the relationship. “…HE WHICH HATH “BEGUN” A GOOD “WORK” IN [YOU]… “WILL” “PERFORM” IT “UNTIL” the day of Jesus Christ…” (Philippians 1:6 KJV).

GRACE is like a SEAL that God SEES, and it reminds FIRST LOVE (God) that your EVERY sin has been atoned for through Jesus Christ. “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins…” (1 John 2:2 NIV). “...Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of GRACE … and find GRACE to help in time of need…” (Hebrews 4:16 KJV).

Many people are trying to keep themselves righteous, before God, by depending upon their OWN efforts. “…We will continue to live as we want to … following our own evil desires …” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).

They do not realize they have cut themselves OFF from God and FALLEN away from His GRACE. “…If you are trying … [in your OWN effort] … to make yourselves right with God (or gain special favors) by keeping the … [commandments], you have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God’s GRACE…” (Galatians 2:21 NLT).

To go from depending upon the indwelling POWER of the Holy Spirit to depending upon one’s OWN effort is a FALL away God’s GRACE. YOU have willfully chosen to DO Christianity on by OWN efforts.

 “I do not treat the GRACE of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law (through self-effort) could make [YOU ]…right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die…” (Galatians 2:21 NLT). “…by the GRACE of God [you are what you are]…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV). “…Jesus Christ IS IN YOU…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “… [You]… live [a Godly life empowered]… bythe faith (by depending upon the faith) of the Son of God.  …” (Galatians 2:20 KJV).Therefore, “… [You] can [only] do all [Godly]…things through Christ which strengtheneth [you]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).  

God’s send his Son as the WAY to express and demonstrate his love for you. “…God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son…” (John 3:16 KJV).  “Jesus saith…I am the way…” (John 14:6 KJV).

The WAY marks you with the SEAL of GRACE. The seal of Grace gets you into the the door in which we all MUST choose to enter in order to receive and access ALL the rich blessings of his love. “…BY GRACEhave ye been saved…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). “…We … [depend upon]… the GRACE of the LordJesus Christ [and]… we shall be SAVED…” (Acts 15:11 KJV).

Sin is an unpayable debt. If you live a thousand lifetimes you would NEVER be able to pay the debt off. GRACE is NOT a normal response when it comes to the repayment of debt.  However,“…BY GRACE have ye been saved (your debt of sin PAID in FULL)…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).

Further, sin makes mankind SO sick they become perpetually disabled from repaying the mounting debt they owe to God anyway. “…I want to dowhat is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t….I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

Sin-sickness is terminal and leads to death. Every man and woman has THIS disease. “…All have sinned…” (Romans 3:23 KJV). “…The wages of sin is DEATH…” (Romans 6:23 KJV). “…ALL unrighteousness IS SIN…” (1 John 5:17 KJV).  “…ALL wicked actions ARE SIN…” (1 John 5:17 NLT).

“…As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:” (Romans 3:10 KJV). “… [ALL have become]…..unclean and [their] righteousnesses are as filthy rags….” (Isaiah 64:6 KJV).  

Every person, without a cure, will DIE from the terminal illness of SIN. “…the wages of sin is DEATH…” (Romans 6:23 KJV). “…Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law [of God]: for sin is the transgression of the law….” (1 John 3:4 KJV).

However, God sent a cure. If you choose his cure; you will be healed. “…BY GRACEhave ye been saved (cured)…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).

“BY GRACE” means you realized the same thing Apostle Paul realized. “….I am carnal … [and it is]… sin (that terminal disease) that dwelleth in me. … I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no GOOD thing: ….” (Romans 7:14-23 KJV). “…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by (the terminal disease of) SIN? Thank God! The answer (cure) is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

Nothing from the old sin-sick, terminally ill nature is useful for the new, cured life in Christ. Not your “good” deeds, not your “good” gifts and “good” talents, and not your learned, carnal standard ways of “goodness.” NOTHING. It ALL has to GO! “…the FLESH (disease infected nature) profiteth NOTHING…” (John 6:63 KJV).

You can no longer depend upon self-effort or the sinful nature; it is USELESS in the LABOR and WORK of the Holy God.

“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). “…I WILL GIVE you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. …” (Ezekiel 36:26 NLT). “…It is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). 

I AM A NEW CREATION! “…By the GRACE of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).“… [Therefore]… we all … are changed into the same image [of Christ] from glory to glory …” (2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV).

God’s GRACE cures the terminally ill and restores them to a WHOLE and HEALTHY condition through Jesus Christ.  HOW? “…BY GRACE have ye been saved…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV)

God’s LOVE fueled him to send a CURE, for the terminal illness and it canceled the death penalty of sin. “…We … [depend upon]… the GRACE of the LordJesus Christ [and] …we shall be SAVED…” (Acts 15:11 KJV).

What do you OWE God for cancelling the penalty of SIN? Nothing, just DEPEND UPON his provision of salvation by GRACE. God says, “…“My grace is all you need. …” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT).

God’s LOVE fuels his acts of GRACE: “…God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV). “...Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation(substitute, intervention) for our sins.” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God …” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV).

God’s GRACE is the unmerited and undeserving treatment for the terminal disease of SIN, especially for those who can’t afford a cure, who don’t deserve it, who couldn’t ever earn it, and who weren’t worthy of it. “…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).  “…“My grace is all you need. …” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT). “… My grace is sufficient for thee: …” (2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV).

Even after being cured through salvation, many of God’s people STILL act as if they’re sin-sick. Yet God says “…I WILL heal their apostasy, I will love them freely, For My anger has turned away from them.…” (Hosea 14:4 KJV). “…Where sin increased, [My]...grace abounded all the more…” (Romans 5:20 NASB). God’s “…grace is sufficient for you…” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NASB).  His “…love covereth a multitude of sins…” (Proverbs 10:12, 1 Peter 4:8 ASV). His “…Mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB).

When you live as if you are still sin-sick; God’s GRACE is endlessly faithful and just to forgive you.  “…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).

God’s love-fueled GRACE doesn’t keep a record of your sins or even remember them. “…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).

God’s love-fueled GRACE gives witness to a HOLY goodness unknown to mankind. In comparison to his HOLY goodness mankind falls “WAY” short!!! “For I say, through the grace given unto me, [and]... to every man (woman) that is among you, not to think of himself (herself) MORE HIGHLY than he (she) ought to think; but to think soberly…”(Romans 12:3 NIV). “…there isNONE GOOD but one, that is, God” (Mark 10:18 KJV). “… [Mankind had become]…..unclean and [their so-called] righteousnesses (goodnesses) …as filthy rags….” (Isaiah 64:6 KJV).  “…There is none righteous, no, not one:” (Romans 3:10 KJV).

God’s love-fueled GRACE provided treatment for mankind’s terminal illness without merit on their part. They were CURED UNDESERVINGLY. “…Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” “Tell me, teacher,” he said. “Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?” Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.” “You have judged correctly,”Jesus said. Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet.You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little…” (Luke 7:40-47 KJV).

When you truly and authentically experience God’s GRACE you will love like the woman did too. “WE LOVE, because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19 ASV). "…For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he (she) who is forgiven little, loves little…" (Luke 7:47 NASB).

“…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).

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

God’s LOVE fuels his many acts of divine GRACE. God’s “…love is patient … [God’s]…love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. … [God’s grace-filled]…love never fails” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV).

God’s “…GRACE is sufficient for you…” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NASB). You are NOT perfect. You make mistakes. You say things you shouldn’t say. You are finite. As long as you are on earth and in this sinful body; you will need God’s GRACE.

You can’t always gleam grace from your fellow human beings and sometimes that is challenging to overcome emotionally. It truly hurts the heart, when you make an unrepairable mistake, and you are sincerely sorry, but no grace is extended to you. I am sorry for those of you who are experiencing that kind of pain right now.

God’s Grace, however, is redeeming, restoring, and reconciling. “...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).

God’s GRACE is fueled by love. His “…love covereth a multitude of sins…” (Proverbs 10:12, 1 Peter 4:8 ASV). “…I will forgive …and will remember their sins no more…" (Hebrews 8:12 NIV).

It is often hard to solicit grace, redemption, and forgiveness from other human beings. Humans have a habit of keeping records of your EVERY wrong, and sometimes you simply can’t undo your mistakes no matter how hard you try.

But God’s GRACE is always available and immutably sufficient for you. “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV).

God WILL always respond with LOVE, which is demonstrated through the RICHNESS of his endless ACTS of GRACE!! If God’s GRACE says to you: “…I will restore…and I will heal thee of the wounds, saith the Lord…” (Jeremiah 30:17 KJV).  His GRACE WILL DO IT!!!

God is a “…restorer of thy life…” (Ruth 4:15 KJV). “….The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.  He restoreth my soul….” (PSALM 23:1-3 NLT).God’s “…grace is sufficient for you…” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NASB).

ONLY “…BY THE GRACE of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV). BECAUSE OF GOD’S GRACE, “…I am what I am…”

The fall from God’s GRACE is a FALL to a limited sufficiency based on self-effort of the sinful flesh. . “…Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency isof God…” (2 Corinthians 3:5 KJV). “…I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t….I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

“… REMEMBER THEREFORE FROM WHENCE THOU ARE FALLEN …” (REVELATION 2:2 KJV).

To FALL, in this book, refers to departing from a HIGH position of Godly favor and falling down to a LOW position of disfavor. Or to leave, separate, or depart from the lofty height of FIRST LOVE (CHOICE and freedom) and return to a lowly depth of DARK LOVE (DICTATORSHIP and bondage of sin).“… Take heed, brethren, lest there bein any of you an evil heart of unbelief (NOT depending upon the indwelling of the Holy Spirit), in departingfrom the living God…”(Hebrews 3:12 KJV).

To FALL will also refer to departing from the elevated position of being a child of God, declining to depend upon the empowerment of the indwelling Spirit, and willfully falling away from God’s GRACE.

 “…an evil heart of unbelief (NOT depending upon the indwelling Holy Spirit) ... ( or choosing NOT to DEPART) ... from the living God…” (Hebrews 3:12 KJV). “…The Lord said to Moses, “How long will these people treat me with contempt (disrespect)? How long will they refuse to believe in me(TRUST IN or DEPEND UPON me), in spite of all the signs I have performedamong them?...” (Daniel 14:11 NIV).

To FALL will also refer to returning to a state of darkness, needing to repent again, and becoming spiritually depleted from disconnecting with the Source. “… Let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith (our trust and dependence upon or) in God…” (Hebrews 6:1 NLT).

Clearly, people can “FALL” from, or “DEPART” from, or “LEAVE” their FIRST LOVE (God). The church of Ephesus (God’s people) had “LEFT” their FIRST LOVE (God) “…I HAVE SOMEWHAT AGAINST THEE…” (REVELATION 2:2 KJV). “…. THOU HAST “LEFT” THY FIRST LOVE….” (REVELATION 2:4 KJV).

God is complaining to them that they had, by choice, departed from him, their FIRST LOVE, which he explained, meant they had FALLEN. “… REMEMBER THEREFORE FROM WHENCE THOU ARE FALLEN …” (REVELATION 2:2 KJV).

Obviously, God’s people can FALL. In fact, God tells them to REMEMBER, just how far DOWN they have fallen and turn back to HIM. “… REMEMBER THEREFORE …” (REVELATION 2:2 KJV).

The consequence of departing from God starts a process of FALLING from his GRACE. “…You have fallen away from God’s GRACE…” (Galatians 2:21 NLT).

God calls his people to REMEMBER where they have FALLEN from in order to repent and RETURN to the HIGHER position. . “… REMEMBER THEREFORE…repent and do the first works …” (REVELATION 2:2 KJV).

Revelation Chapter 2 verses 1 through 6 is describing the consequences of departing from FIRST LOVE (God). It defines the consequence of departure as a “FALLEN” experience. “…THOU ARE FALLEN …” (REVELATION 2:2 KJV).

The “FALLEN” experience is something God’s people go through when they LEAVE their FIRST LOVE (God).“…. THOU HAST “LEFT” THY FIRST LOVE….” (REVELATION 2:4 KJV).  “… REMEMBER THEREFORE FROM WHENCE THOU ARE FALLEN …” (REVELATION 2:2 KJV).

The “FALLEN” experience is a departure from the enlightenment of the truth, from the riches of heaven, from the nourishment of the Word of God, and from the empowerment of the indwelling POWER of the Holy Spirit.  “… REMEMBER THEREFORE FROM WHENCE THOU ARE FALLEN …” (REVELATION 2:2 KJV).

“… For it is impossible to bring back to repentancethose who were once enlightened—thosewho haveexperienced the good things of heaven and shared in the Holy Spirit,  who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the power of the age to come— and whothen turn away from God. It is impossible to bring such peopleback to repentance;by rejecting the Son of God, they themselves are nailing him to the cross once again and holding him up to public shame. …” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT).

This “FALLEN” experience may lead to the possibility of NOT being able to be renewed again to repentance. “… For it is impossible to bring back to repentance those who were once enlightened—…” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT).

The church of Ephesus STILL has a chance to REPENT, which makes the COMPLAINT something important to consider. “…Thou hast LEFT thy FIRST LOVE. Remember, therefore, from whence thou art FALLEN, and repent and DO the first works…” (Revelation 2:5 KJV).

The FALLEN experience describes God’s people who have FAILED to CHOOSE to depend upon the indwelling Holy Spirit to empower them to DO the WORK of FAITH. “… I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless…” (Galatians 2:21 NLT). “…Apart from [Jesus], you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). “… he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

They have CHOOSEN to depend upon themselves to live the Christian life, which has inadvertently returned them to a dictator-type lifestyle (ruled by sinful flesh) they had prior to the indwelling Holy Spirit. “…Apart from [Jesus], you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). “… he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

Depending upon your SELF or your sinful FLESH is a FALLEN experience that produces a FORM of Christlike behavior since it rejects the empowerment of the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. “… holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these…” (2 Timothy 3:5 NASB). “… They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!...” (2 Timothy 3:5 NLT). “…It is the SPIRIT who gives “LIFE”; the flesh profits nothing…” (John 6:63 NASB).

The ENTIRE Christlike journey and lifestyle is TOTALLY depended upon the empowering of the indwelling Holy Spirit. “…For it is God who worketh in you, both to will and to do of His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).  “…I can do all things through Christwhich strengtheneth me…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

God’s people choose to place their TRUST and DEPENDENCY uponGod’s indwelling Holy Spirit to SECURE their salvation, their eternal life, and their day by day walk of faith. “…Apart from Me (the indwelling Holy Spirit), you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

“God … worketh in [his people], both to will and to do of His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “…the Father that dwelleth in… [them], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “… I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law (through self-effort) could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die…” (Galatians 2:21 NLT).

“…Apart from Me (the EMPOWERMENT of indwelling Holy Spirit), you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). “…When the ground soaks up the falling rain and bears a good crop for the farmer, it has God’s blessing.  But if a field bears thorns and thistles, it is useless. The farmer will soon condemn that field and burn it…” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT).

The rain represents God’s GRACE and it falls upon the good crop, which represents God’s people who depend upon him, and puts them in the right position to receive the rain; they produce God’s BLESSINGS!

Some of God’s people genuinely trust and depend upon the indwelling Holy Spiritand RECEIVE God’s blessings. Others don’t trust and depend upon the indwelling Holy Spirit and DON’T RECEIVE God’s blessings.

Whatever is NOT done, for God’s GLORY, by faith (trust and dependence upon HIM) is sin. “… whatsoever is not of faith (trust and dependence upon God) is sin.…” (Romans 14:23 KJV).

SIN always separates YOU from FIRST LOVE (God) and his GRACE. “…It’s YOUR SINS that … cut you off from God…” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT). “…Your INIQUITIES … separated … you and your God…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). “…you have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God’s GRACE…” (Galatians 2:21 NLT).

FIRST LOVE (God) NEVER changes. “…I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). FIRST LOVE (God) NEVER leaves you. “… “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV). FIRST LOVE (God) will NEVER force you to choose him. “Jesus saith…I am the way, the truth, and the life…” (John 14:6 KJV). “…Choose LIFE, …” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…Choose youthis day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “…It shall be done to you according to your faith (according to WHAT you choose to depend upon)…" (Matthew 9:29 NASB).

The same rain fell upon thorns and thistles (which represent God’s people who live independent of him), but the lack of trust and dependency upon God put them in the WRONG position to RECEIVE the rain ( God’s blessings).

Thus, they cannot produce spiritual fruit or display God’s POWER and become USELESS instead. "....The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [y]our lives …” (Galatians 5 NLT).“…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).“…God ...does the work IN AND THROUGH all of us who are his (people)… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

“….Apart from [the indwelling Holy Spirit]…, you (God’s people) can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). “…if a field bears thorns and thistles, it is useless. The farmer will soon condemn that field and burn it…” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT).

God GRACE is CLEARLY upon those who trust and depend upon HIS indwelling Holy Spirit, but those who choose self-effort have fallen away from that grace and will NOT produce or display the blessings of God. “…it is useless. The farmer will soon condemn that field and burn it…” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT).

The good crop depends upon the empowerment of the indwelling Holy Spirit to produce fruit and display God’s glory as well as DO the work of Faith. This POSITION also enables them to RECIEVE  blessings from God. “…When the ground soaks up the falling rain and bears a good crop for the farmer, it has God’s blessing…” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT). “God … worketh in [his people]…” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). 

“…the Father that dwelleth in… [them], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “… I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law (through self-effort) could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die…” (Galatians 2:21 NLT).

The thorns and thistles represent God’s people who depend upon self-effort through the empowerment of the flesh to do the SPIRITUAL work of God, which cuts them off from God’s GRACE. “…[They]… have been cut off from Christ! [They]… have fallen away from God’s GRACE…” (Galatians 2:21 NLT).

God’s GRACE works for HISHIS people that expect and receive his BLESSINGS. When God’s people are SERVING HIS PURPOSE God HELPS them and EMPOWERS them through his indwelling Holy Spirit. “…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). “…God ...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).  “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

They are AWARE of and depend upon the LOVE God expressed to them in his WORD. God has “….loved [them]...with an everlasting love….” (Jeremiah 31:3 KJV).

There is “… [No]….greater love…than this…” (John 15:13 KJV).“…This is the confidence that [God’s people]... have in him, that, if [they]... ask any thing according to his will, he heareth [them]…” (1 John 5:14 KJV). “…He has granted to [his people]… His precious and magnificent promises…” (2 Peter 1:4 NASB). “…As many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes …also … Amen …” (2 Corinthians 1:20 NASB). “…Not one of the good promises which the Lord had made … failed; all came to pass…” (Joshua 21:45 NASB). God is “…watching over [his[… word to perform it…” (Jeremiah 1:12 NASB). “…So shall [his]… word be that goeth forth out of [his]… mouth: it shall not return unto [him]… void, but it shall accomplish that which [God]… please[s], and it shall prosper in the thing whereto [God]… sent it…” (Isaiah 55:11 KJV). “…The Father (the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT)that dwelleth in [YOU] he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…My grace is sufficient for you…”(2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV).  

God’s Grace does not work for HIS people that expect they will be BLESSED through they OWN self-efforts. No “man(woman) should glory” or boast that they did ANYTHING to obtain salvation, produce spiritual fruit, or display his Glory. “…BY GRACE have ye been saved through… FAITH; and that NOT OF YOURSELVES, it is the gift of God; NOT OF WORKS, that no man should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).

Self-effort will NOT produce the BLESSINGS or God’s GLORY expressed in God’s WORD. Everything in God’s KINGDOM is received ONLY by faith and dependence upon the indwelling Holy Spirit that DOES the WORK of empowering, producing spiritual fruit, and displaying God’s GLORY “IN” and “THROUGH” HIS people. “…The …HOLY SPIRIT …is the SOURCE of [all blessings]. …it is …God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of us who are his. The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

By GRACE through faith and dependence upon his Holy Spirit can a person be SAVED, have ETERNAL LIFE, produce spiritual fruit, display God’s GLORY and be inspired to have expectant HOPE in FIRST LOVE’S (God’s) BLESSINGS and PROMISES. “…BY GRACE have ye been saved through… FAITH(dependence upon)…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).

RECIEVING from God produces God’s BLESSINGS and NOT RECIEVING from his GRACE results in uselessness. “…My grace is sufficient for you…”(2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV).  “….Apart from [the indwelling Holy Spirit; an act of GRACE]…, you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

The church of Ephesus proves there are two types of lifestyles God’s people can choose to live. They both involve DOING God’s work, they demonstrate patience endurance, they involve a hate for evil, and are intolerance of hypocrites, but one depends upon the enablement of FIRST LOVE (God) and the other does NOT. “….Apart from [the indwelling Holy Spirit; an act of GRACE]…, you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

However, God LOVES his people and expresses that LOVE by ENCOURAGING them to REPENT by going BACK to the position of GRACE from which they have obviously FALLEN. God is merciful. “…The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth…” (Exodus 34:6 KJV). “…Don't you see how wonderfully kind …God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can't you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?” (Romans 2:4 NLT). “…He is being patient for YOUR SAKE. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent…” (2 Peter 3: 9 NLT).

He lovingly encourages them to COME BACK to the position of dependence upon HIS indwelling Holy Spirit so they can AGAIN become EMPOWERED to DO the first WORKS. FIRST LOVE (God) cares for his people. “...He careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “…What isimportant [to God is his indwelling Holy Spirit of] Faith expressing[his LOVE by empowering his people to get into the right position to RECEIVE his BLESSINGS]…” (Galatians 5:6 NLT).

God is not pleased when his people choose a life of duty-bound, boring, dictatorship, slavery type of service to HIM. He DIED that they might have life more abundantly. “…That they might have life … more abundantly…” (John 10:10 KJV).

He wants his people to CHOOSE to repent and do the first works, which were from genuine devotion. “…Jeremiah, say to the people, ‘This is what the Lord says: “‘When people fall down, don’t they get up again? When they discover they’re on the wrong road, don’t they turn back?Then why do these people stay on their self-destructive path?Why do the people of Jerusalem refuse to turn back They cling tightly to their lies and will not turn around. I listen to their conversations and don’t hear a word of truth. Is anyone sorry for doing wrong? Does anyone say, “What a terrible thing I have done”? No! All are running down the path of sin as swiftly as a horse galloping into battle! Even the stork that flies across the sky knows the time of her migration, as do the turtledove, the swallow, and the crane. They all return at the proper time each year. But not my people! They do not know the Lord’s laws. “‘How can you say, “We are wise because we have the word of the Lord,” when your teachers have twisted it by writing lies? These wise teachers will fall into the trap of their own foolishness, for they have rejected the word of the Lord. Are they so wise after all? ...” (Jeremiah 8:20 NLT).

“…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).

Eventually TIME passes and people WILL start to realize they have lost chance after chance to REPENT.“...The Lord said, My spirit shall not always strive with man…” (Genesis 6:3 KJV). “…They DID NOT like to retain God in theirknowledge, GOD GAVE THEM OVER to a reprobate mind…” (Romans 1:28 KJV). “… I will remove they candlestick out of his place…” (Revelation 2:5 KJV).

However, if you are still breathing, you have a chance. God “… is able TO DO exceeding abundantly ABOVE all that we ask or think…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV). “…The things which are impossible with men are POSSIBLE with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV).  “…I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV).  God is“... RICH IN MERCY…” (Ephesians 2:1-5 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).

God prefers for his people to CHOOSE a life of devotion where his FIRST immutable LOVE (God) for them forever EMPOWERS the bond between them. “…love, which is the perfect BOND of unity...”(Colossians 3:14 NASB). “…He that is joined unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT…”  (1 Corinthian 6:17 KJV).

He is FOREVER “BONDED” to you by his PLEDGE of SPIRITUAL LOVE, but YOU willfully and voluntarily CHOOSE to stay bonded with him. “…Choose youthis day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

Falling away from FIRST LOVE (God) and from GRACE describes a believer who has chosen to reject the dependence upon the Holy Spirit. “…My people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).

Choosing to reject the dependence upon the indwelling Holy Spirit is choosing NOT to accept the REQUIRED provision for the WORK of GRACE done “IN” and “THROUGH” believers; which “IS” the indwelling Holy Spirit. “…by the grace of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).“…I WILL GIVE you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. …” (Ezekiel 36:26 NLT). “…It is God which worketh in you…” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).  “… [Therefore]… we all … are changed into the same image [of Christ] from glory to glory …” (2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV). “…by the GRACE of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).

God is admonishing the believer to remember the ROLE GRACE plays in the SERVICE for God. “…by the GRACE of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV). . “…Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

When FIRST LOVE communicated to sinful man through his WORD; he drew him or her to himself by GRACE, through FAITH (dependence upon him). “…BY GRACE have ye been saved through… FAITH (dependence upon)…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).

All biblical evidence support the reality that GRACE sustains the believer throughout their entire lifetime of service to God and within the relationship with Him. God says. “…My grace is sufficient for you…” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV).  “…NOT that we are sufficient OF OURSELVES to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God…” (2 Corinthians 3:5 KJV). “…I will supply all your NEED…” (John 12:32 KJV).

God’s LOVE fuels his acts of immutable GRACE forever. “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).   His acts of GRACE are meant to reveal to his people all the things he has favorably and freely given to them in Christ Jesus. “… [God, through Christ]… freely give us all things?...” (Romans 8:32 KJV). “Jesus Christ is the sameyesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV).

God’s LOVE fuels his acts of GRACE. God’s acts of GRACE empowers his people to RECEIVE all things necessary for life and godliness through his indwelling Holy Spirit. “…His DIVINE POWER hath given unto us ALL THINGS that pertain unto life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV). “…Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are your's [in Christ]…” (1 Corinthians 3 KJV).

A believer’s life empowered by self-effort through the sinful flesh will, in many ways, closely mirror those who are cursed. “…that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned…” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NASB).

A believer’s life empowered by self-effort through the sinful flesh teaches that God’s people can FORGET about the GRACE of FIRST LOVE (God). “… [YOU]… FORGOT all about ME,” says the Lord…” (Hosea 2:13 NLT). “…For years on end my people have FORGOTten ME…” (Jeremiah 2:32 NLT).  “…They ABANDONED the Lord… they turned their backs on him….” (2 Chronicles 29:6 NLT).

They are actually forfeiting eternal rewards by NOT depending upon the indwelling Holy Spirit to do the WORK of God “IN” and “THROUGH” them. “… Because of God’s grace to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ. Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials—gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value. If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames. Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:10-16 NLT).

A believer’s life of self-effort highlights a life that CHOOSES to serve God from a place of duty-bound, religious obligation which results in USELESS and FRUITLESS WORKS which will BURN up at judgement.

Any believer who does NOT depend upon the indwelling Holy Spirit is on the PATH of those who have LEFT FIRST LOVE (God), have FORGOTTEN FIRST LOVE (God), and have DEPARTED from his GRACE.

They are in the PROCESS of FALLING AWAY by NOT depending upon his indwelling Holy Spirit over their OWN self-effort. “… REMEMBER THEREFORE FROM WHENCE THOU ARE FALLEN …” (REVELATION 2:2 KJV). “….Apart from [the indwelling Holy Spirit; a provision of GRACE]…you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

 “…I KNOW THY WORKS, AND THY LABOR, AND THY PATIENCE, AND HOW THOU CANST NOT BEAR THEM WHICH ARE EVIL: AND THOU TRIED THEM WHICH SAY THEY ARE APOSTLES, AND ARE NOT, AND HAS FOUND THEM LAIRS… …” (REVELATION 2:2 KJV).

Yet, “…You have fallen away from God’s GRACE…” (Galatians 2:21 NLT). “… REMEMBER THEREFORE FROM WHENCE THOU ARE FALLEN …” (REVELATION 2:2 KJV). “...REPENT AND DO THE FIRST WORKS…” (REVELATION 2:2, 5 KJV).

THE GOVERNMENT THAT GOVERNS GOD'S PEOPLE (CITIZENS)

YOUR SOURCE FOR GOVERNMENT

“[God’s] …Holy Spirit …is the SOURCE [of it ALL]…” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

*

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

“...On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: king of kings and lord of lords...” (Revelation 19:16 NIV). “...In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus (the LIVING WORD of God), who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you to keep this command (governing authority) without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and ONLY RULER, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen...” (1 Timothy 3:13-16 NIV).“...May all kings bow down to him and all nations serve him...” (Psalms 72:11 NIV). “...Give thanks to the Lord of lords...” (Psalms 136:3 NIV). “...Thank God! He deserves your thanks. His love never quits. Thank the God of all gods, His love never quits. Thank the Lord of all lords. His love never quits...” (Psalms 136:1-3 MSG).

Further, the bible tells his people the ultimate responsibility of government is upon HIS shoulders, which means the authority of CONDUCT, for the citizens of heaven, is established by God, and God alone.“...God, the blessed and ONLY RULER, the King of kings and Lord of lords... To him be honor and might forever. Amen...” (1 Timothy 3:13-16 NIV). “...For to us a child is born, to us a son (God’s LIVING WORD) is given,  and the government will be on his shouldersAnd he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace...” (Isaiah 9:6 NIV).

From the beginning of creation, God established, made, or administered “governing authorities” that were meant to GOVERN the actions of behavior established by God’s HOLY LAWS (HIS WORD). “…In the beginning was the Word (established authority),and the Word (established authority) was with God (the holy spirit), and the Word (established authority) was God (the holy spirit). He (Jesus, his LIVING Word and established authority) was in the beginning with God (the Holy Spirit). All things came into being through [the established authority], and apart from [the established authority] nothing came into being that has come into being … (John 1:1-4 NASB)

God was ALWAYS and STILL IS the governing RULE over “HIS” people, the citizens of heaven. God’s people, the citizens of heaven, are part of HIS KINGDOM and the “governing authorities” are HIS WORD. “...He’ll take over the running of the world. His names will be: Amazing Counselor, Strong God, Eternal Father, Prince of Wholeness, His ruling authority (his WORD) will grow, and there’ll be no limits to the wholeness he brings. He’ll rule from the historic David throneover that promised kingdom. He’ll put that kingdom on a firm footing and keep it going With fair dealing and right living, beginning now and lasting always. The zeal of God-of-the-Angel-Armies will do all this...” (Isaiah 9:6 MSG).

The Kingdom of God is RULED by God, the Holy Spirit, whose POWER is NOT limited by human laws or restrictions made by mankind or those chosen and put into positions of authority through an election by the populace. “...his kingdom ruleth over all...” (Psalms 103:19 KJV).  “...[Jesus] went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing (revealing) the glad tidings (good news) of the kingdom of God...” (Luke 8:1 KJV).

Jesus, God’s LIVING WORD and “governing authority”, established and announced the Kingdom of God had come to earth. “...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).

“... 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).

Most people, including God’s people, have come to believe that “governing authorities” are merely human beings who are part of political parties, or organization, or other entities who have been PUT into man-made POSITIONS of authority to govern temporarily.

God, the “governing authority” told King Nebuchadnezzar, the mere man - who was PUT into a temporary POSITION of authority- THIS:“…Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed. It may be that then your prosperity will continue…” (Daniels 4 NLT).

Nebuchadnezzar DIDN’T listen. .“...God, the blessed and ONLY RULER, the King of kings and Lord of lords... To him be honor and might forever. Amen...” (1 Timothy 3:13-16 NIV).:

SO “...This is what is decreed (by God’s Word & governing authority) for you, King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you. …” (Daniel 4 NLT).

 “… Immediately what had been said (through God’s Word & governing authority) about Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled …” (Daniel 4 NLT).

God’s people know the devil ONLY comes to STEAL, kill, and destroy, so it’s no surprise that he has STOLEN the concept of “governing authorities” and reduced it to MERE flesh.“…The thief cometh not, but to STEAL, and to KILL, and to DESTROY…” (John 10:10 KJV). “… ONE sinner (the devil) destroy[ed]… MUCH GOOD…”(Ecclesiastes 9:18 NASB).

Because Apostle Paul in Romans 13 tells God’s people that “governing authorities” were God’s idea and established by HIM. However, they, like everybody else, SEE the “governing authority” as a MERE human being and NOT God, the Holy Spirit’s, WORD.

“...Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God...” (Romans 13:1 NIV).

“…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). God is the Holy Spirit. He told HIS people: “…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).

“...Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities...” (Romans 13:1 NIV).

“...there is no authority except that which God has established...” (Romans 13:1 NIV).

“...The authorities that exist have been established by God...” (Romans 13:1 NIV).

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), “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “....the Word (established authority) was God (the holy spirit)… (John 1:1-4 NASB).

Jesus had another name. “… His name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB).“....the Word  was God… (John 1:1-4 NASB). Jesus, the Word said: “… I and my Father are ONE (Jesus and God’s were the SAME)…” (John 10:30 KJV). Jesus also said: “…All authority has been given to [HIM, God’s WORD)in heaven and on earth … [therefore,] the powersof heaven and the peoples of the earth [submit to HIS WORD (the governing authority) too] …” (Matthew 28:18 NASB &Daniel 4 NLT).

From the beginning God GAVE mankind his “governing authority” to assist in GOVERNING righteous and holy behavior. The “governing authority” was NOT a human being, but it was God’s HOLY STANDARDS for mankind’s CONDUCT upon earth.

The WORD of GOD was the “governing authority.” God, the Holy Spirit GAVE the first LAW ever! “…of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: BUT of the tree of the knowledge of good and evilTHOU SHALT NOT EAT OF IT …[or] … thou shalt surely die…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV).

God’ standard of holy and righteous behavior was NOT to eat of the” tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” They were to SUBMIT, by choice, to the “governing authority,” because God had established the holy law and it existed because HE had established it! “...All things (governing authorities) came into being through [God, the Holy Spirit’s, established authority], and apart from [the established authority] nothing came into being that has come into being … (John 1:1-4 NASB).

The Hebrew Boys were perfect examples of submitting to the “governing authority,” which is God’s WORD and NOT to those who were merely PUT into temporary POSITIONS of authority

God’s WORD, the “governing authority” in the LIVES of the Hebrew Boys SAID THIS:  “...Thou shalt have no other gods before me...” (Exodus 20:1-4 KJV). “...Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth...” (Exodus 20:1-4 KJV).

The MERE human who was PUT in a temporary POSITION of authority REQUIRED THIS of the Hebrew Boys: “...Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?...” (Daniel 3:13-19 KJV).

The Hebrew Boys’ conduct was GOVERNED by the “governing authority” of God’s HOLY LAWS (his WORD) and answered: “...Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up...” (Daniel 3:13-19 KJV). 

IN ANOTHER SCRIPTURE: “...We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.” Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God [and his Word (his governing authority)]... rather than human beings! The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross...” (Acts 5:28-30 NIV). “...Peter and the apostles answered, “It’s necessary to obey God rather than men. The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, the One you killed by hanging him on a cross. God set him on high at his side, Prince and Savior, to give Israel the gift of a changed life and sins forgiven. And we are witnesses to these things. The Holy Spirit, whom God gives to those who obey him, corroborates every detail...” (Acts 5:30-32 MSG).

Therefore, “...Let everyone (of God’s people) be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God...” (Romans 13:1 NIV).

“…[ALL] power belongs to God (not humans)…” (Psalms 62:11 NASB).

“...Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves...” (Romans 13:2 NIV). According to bible scholars there are over 600+ laws of God in the Old Testament, which include the ten commandments and the Mosiac laws.

“...Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar (the mere man who was PUT in a temporary POSITION of authority as a king)...[let]...it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up...” (Daniel 3:13-19 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit, instituted laws that instructed his people on HOW to GOVERN themselves in life and worship. God told them: “…“IF” you refuse to LISTEN to the Lord your God and do not obey all the commands and decrees (governing authorities), …all these curses will come and overwhelm you:…” (Deuteronomy 28 NLT). Most of God’s people DIDN’T listen.

“…My people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). “…The people replied, “Don’t waste your breath. We will continueto live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).

“… Again and again he rescued them, but they chose to rebel against him, and they were finally destroyed by their sin…” (Psalms 106:42-48 NLT).

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

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

“... REPENT AND RETURN, “SO” that your sins may be wiped away…” (Acts 3:19 NASB). “ ... Return ... to the Lord ... [your] ... God... [AND HE] ... will heal [your] ... apostasy ....” (Hosea 14:1-4 NLT). “…EXCEPT YE REPENT, ye shall all likewise PERISH…” (Luke 13:3 KJV).

“...Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves...” (Romans 13:2 NIV).  

.“...God, the blessed and ONLY RULER, the King of kings and Lord of lords ... To him be honor and might forever. Amen...” (1 Timothy 3:13-16 NIV).

“...For RULERS (established governing authorities) hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended...” (Romans 13:3 NIV).

“… REPENTand TURN TO God (THE ONE IN AUTHORITY) …” (Acts 26: 20 NASB).  “….IF YE BELIEVE NOT THAT I AM HE, YE SHALL DIE IN YOUR SINS…” (John 8:24 KJV). “…HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT IS CONDEMNED ALREADY, because HE HATH NOT BELIEVED in the name of the only begotten Son of God.…” (John 3:18-20 KJV). “…REPENT ye therefore, and BE CONVERTED, that your sins may be blotted out…” (Acts 3:19 KJV). “…Whosoever believeth in him SHOULD NOT PERISH, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).  “...[The]... rulers (God’s Word, the established governing authorities) hold no terror for those who do right,...” (Romans 13:3 NIV).

“...I’ll tell you whom to fear. Fear God, who has the power to kill you and then throw you into hell. Yes, he’s the one to fear...” (Luke 12:5 NLT). “...Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell...” (Matthew 10:28 NLT). “...There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy...” (James 4:12 NIV).  “...God alone, who gave the law, is the Judge. He alone has the power to save or to destroy...” (James 4:12 NLT). “...For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king (president, rule, government); it is he who will save us...” (Isaiah 33:22 NIV). “...For the LORD is our judge, our lawgiver, and our king. He will care for us and save us...” (Isaiah 33:22 NLT). “...It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God...” (Hebrew 10:31 NASB). “...Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended...” (Romans 13:3 NIV). “...God, the blessed and ONLY RULER, the King of kings and Lord of lords ......” (1 Timothy 3:13-16 NIV). “… [Jesus, God’s Word and “governing authority” came]…NOT … to be served, but to serve...” (Matthew 20:28 KJV).

 “...For the one in authority (God’s WORD) is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers (God’s WORDS, the governing authorities) do not bear the sword for no reason. They (God’s WORDS) are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer...” (Romans 13:4 NIV).

“… [Jesus’]... name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “....the Word  was God… (John 1:1-4 NASB). Jesus, the Word said: “… I and my Father are ONE (Jesus and God’s were the SAME)…” (John 10:30 KJV). Jesus also said: “…All authority has been given to [HIM, God’s WORD)in heaven and on earth …” (Matthew 28:18 NASB & Daniel 4 NLT).

“... Now the deeds of the flesh, [IF practiced by God’s people or anyone else, will be]... evident ....I forewarn [my people and others], just as I have forewarned [my people and others “before], that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God...” (Galatians 5:19-21 NASB).

“…The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who CHOOSE that way. …” (Matthew 7:13-14 NLT).  “…choose LIFE…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

The Hebrew Boys said: “...[let]...it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up...” (Daniel 3:13-19 KJV).

“...And in hell [the unrepentant rich man]... lift[ed]... up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.  And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame...” (Luke 16:19-22 NIV).

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

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

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

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

“...It has happened to them according to the true proverb, “A dog returnsto its own vomit,” and, “A sow, after washing, returns to wallowing in the mire...” (2 Peter 2:20-23 NASB). “...They (God’s WORDS) are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer...” (Romans 13:4 NIV).

“…The law (God’s governing authorities and servants) of the LORD is perfect(mature), restoring the soul; The testimony (governing authorities and servants) of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts (governing authorities and servants) of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment (governing authorities and servant) of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments (governing authorities and servants) of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether. They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them Your servant is warned. In keeping them there is great reward …” (Psalm 19:7-11 NASB).

“All scripture (governing authorities and servants) is given by INSPIRATION of God, and is PROFITABLE for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness…” (2 Timothy 3:16 KJV). “…For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God SPAKE as they were MOVED BY THE HOLY GHOST…” (2 Peter 1:21 KJV). “...For the one in authority (God’s WORD) is God’s servant for your good....” (Romans 13:4 NIV).

“...Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the (governing]...authorities (and servants of God), not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience...” (Romans 13:5 NIV).“...These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead...” (Hebrews 4:1-2 NLT). “…[They]... will continue to live as [they] WANT TO, stubbornly (rebelliously) following [their] own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).

However, the bible says: “…Abide in Me, and I in you…” (John 15:4-6 NASB). “…If you love me, you will keep my commandments…” (John 14:15). “…not My will, but Yours be done…" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV).“…I do nothing of myself…” (John 8:28 KJV).

“…O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water.I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory. Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you!I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. YOU SATISFY ME more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy…” (Psalms 63:1-5 NLT). “...Therefore ,,,,submit to the (governing]...authorities (and servants of God) ...as a matter of conscience...” (Romans 13:5 NIV).

What GOD’S PEOPLE know, without a doubt, is ALL POWER and AUTHORITY belongs to God, the Holy Spirit, period. “…[ALL] power belongs to God (not humans)…” (Psalms 62:11 NASB). “…All authority has been given to [HIM, God’s WORD)in heaven and on earth …” (Matthew 28:18 NASB &Daniel 4 NLT).

God, the Holy Spirit, appointed HIS WORD to be the “governing authorities” as well as arranged them, and established them for HIS people.

God allows human beings to be PUT into POSITIONS of authority, but they are NOT the “governing authority” HIS WORD continues to be SOVEREIGN.

EVIL RULERS are NOT the “governing authorities” they are PUT or are allowed to be PUT into POSITIONS of authority.

God IS and has ALWAYS been the KING of kings, the LORD or lords, and PRESIDENTS of presidents, but HIS “own” people REJECTED his POSITION as their KING, LORD, and/or PRESIDENT and asked for a HUMAN BEING instead. “...So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah. They said to him, “You are old, and your sons do not follow your ways; now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have.” But when they said, “Give us a king to lead us,” this displeased Samuel; so he prayed to the Lord. And the Lord told him: “Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king(leader, Lord, President, etc.,)....” (1 Samuel 8:4-8 NIV).

God ALLOWED HIS people to CHOOSE to PUT into POSITION a HUMAN king (leader, lord, president, etc.,).“…The highway to hellis broad, and its gate is wide for the many who CHOOSE that way. …” (Matthew 7:13-14 NLT).  “…choose LIFE…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

"…I hate divorce (APOSTASY)," says the LORD, the God of Israel..." (Malachi 2:16 NASB). “…[Yet]...GOD GAVE THEM OVER to a reprobate mind to do those things which are convenient...being filled with all unrighteousness...” (Romans 1:28 KJV).

God ALLOWED them to PUT into POSITION a HUMAN leader, but he also WARNED them of the consequences of their CHOICE.  “...Samuel told all the words of the Lord to the people who were asking him for a king. He said, “This is what the king who will reign over you will claim as his rights: He will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots and horses, and they will run in front of his chariots. Some he will assign to be commanders of thousands and commanders of fifties, and others to plow his ground and reap his harvest, and still others to make weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. He will take your daughters to be perfumers and cooks and bakers. He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his attendants. He will take a tenth of your grain and of your vintage and give it to his officials and attendants.Your male and female servants and the best of your cattle and donkeys he will take for his own use.  He will take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves will become his slaves.When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, but the Lord will not answer you in that day...” (1 Samuel 8:10-18 NIV).

HUMAN leaders are PUT into POSITIONS of authority by PEOPLE who ELECT or CHOOSE them on their OWN volition. When God’s people make a mere MAN their king instead of HIS “governing authorities,” God concedes to their choice and no longer answer them since he is no longer their KING. “...When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, but the Lordwill not answer you in that day...” (1 Samuel 8:10-18 NIV).

The MESSAGE is crystal clear, God’s people are ALLOWED to PUT mere, finite men in POSITIONS of authority, but they are not to become their “governing authority”

When a mere man becomes the “governing authority” for God’s people they have REJECTED God as their KING and his established “governing authorities.”

Every CHOSEN leader PUT into a POSITION of authority may or may not be SELECTED by God, the Holy Spirit, but God allows his people to CHOOSE whom they want to SERVE.  “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “...GOD GAVE THEM OVER to a reprobate mind to do those things which are convenient...being filled with all unrighteousness...” (Romans 1:28 KJV).

God does GIVE his people leaders to PUT in POSITIONS of authority. “…No one takes the honor to himself, but receives it when he is called by God, even as Aaron was.…” (1 Peter 2:17 KJV). “…He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers …[and other leaders]...” (Ephesians 4:11 NASB). “…I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding…” (Jeremiah 3:15 NIV).  “…He gave some …..pastors and teachers…” (Ephesians 4:11 NIV). “…I will set up shepherdsover them which shall feed them… saith the LORD…” (Jeremiah 23:4 KJV).“…I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, evenmy servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd…” (Ezekiel 34:23 KJV).

Others were PUT into POSITIONS of authority, such as false prophets, that God did NOT choose.“...Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit...” (Ezkiel 13:3 KJV). “...This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says to his people: “Do not listen to these prophets when they prophesy to you, filling you with futile hopes. They are making up everything they say. They do not speak for the LORD!...” (Jeremiahs 23:27 NLT).

Every man or woman PUT into POSITIONS of AUTHORITY God DID NOT “GIVE” or “APPOINT.” “...They (those PUT into POSITIONS of authority by themselves or other humans) do not speak for the LORD!...” (Jeremiahs 23:27 NLT). “… [Those PUT into POSITION by themselves or mankind]… are such [that]… serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly…” (Romans 16:18 KJV). “..[A]... prophet (PUT into a POSITION of authority by themselves or other humans) who presumes to speak a word in My name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die...” (Deuteronomy 18: 20 KJV).

.“...God, the blessed and ONLY RULER, the King of kings and Lord of lords .....” (1 Timothy 3:13-16 NIV). “...the government will be on his shoulders..” (Isaiah 9:6 NIV). God’s GOVERNMENT exists because of his CITIZENS, those in heaven and those who resided upon earth.

While residing upon earth “...[God’s people]... are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through [them]....” (2 Corinthians 5:20 NIV). “...[their]... citizenship is in heaven. And [his citizens]... eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ...” (Philippians 3:20 NIV). “…[The REDEEMED]... are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. [They]... are members of God’s family.…” (Ephesians 2:19-20 NLT).

Evil leaders PUT in POSITIONS of authority by themselves or other humans will have to ANSWER to God, the Holy Spirit. “... The great day of judgment [is coming] ...Sodom and Gomorrah and their neighboring towns, which were filled with immorality and every kind of sexual perversion. Those cities were destroyed by fire and serve as a warning of the eternal fire of God’s judgment...” (Jude 1 NLT). 

“... These things happened as a warning to us ...These things happened to them as examples for [those living in the present times]. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age...” (1 Corinthians 10:9-11 NLT).

God’s GOVERNMENT and his “governing authorities” were put in place for the good of HIS PEOPLE (citizens of heaven, ambassadors, etc.,), especially while residing upon earth. “...For the one in authority (God’s WORD) is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers (God’s WORDS, the governing authorities) do not bear the sword for no reason. They (God’s WORDS) are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer...” (Romans 13:4 NIV).

God’s “governing authorities” are servants for good when ALLOWED to GOVERN one’s conduct by suppressing evil, maintaining justice, keeping sin in check, demonstrating God’s love and care, and protecting one from harm.

It is through the “governing authorities” that GOVERN the conduct of God’s people, citizens of heave, and members of his heavenly family that let the WORLD “know” God’s Kingdom has come to earth. 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).

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

Jesus preached the Kingdom of God and it drew the LOST, OPPRESSED, and NEEDY to God, the Holy Spirit. “...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).

The righteous works came throughJesus, but were performed by God, the Holy Spirit. He DOES the WORK. “… God  … work[ed] … in … [Jesus] … what is pleasing to him [to him]…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…the Father... [that DWELLS 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).

“…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(NATION, COUNTRY, DESTINY, ETC.,)…” (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit is the KING of kings, the LORD of lords, the PRESIDENT of presidents who HATES evil, loves GOOD, and establishes JUSTICE.“...Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts. Perhaps the Lord God Almighty will have mercy on the remnant of Joseph...” (Amos 5:15 NIV).

“…In this world we are LIKE JESUS…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). “…God anointed  (as his living word & governing authority) Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost (His indwelling presence and goodness)and WITH POWER (His working power). [And he]...went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for GOD (the indwelling Holy Spirit) WAS WITH HIM. And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).

“...[Jesus] went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God...” (Luke 8:1 KJV). “.. [Jesus, the WORD is a) Light of revelation...” (LUKE 2:32 NASB). “...[Jesus, the WORD]... has revealed God to us…” (John 1:18 NLT). “… [The WORD] ...reveals [God’s]... thoughts to mankind…” (Amos 4:13 NLT).

“… GROW (develop, transform) in the GRACE and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…” (2 Timothy 3:18 NIV). “… [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).

“…O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right (hate evil), [love good,]... to love mercy (maintain justice), and to walk humbly with your God…” (Micah 6:8 NLT).

“…He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8 KJV).

God’s people, who were sent to the United States, don’t want the nation to be judged. God’s people are to be GOVERNED by the “governing authority” of God’s Word. “…He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8 KJV).

God’s people submit to the “governing authority” that says: “...to do justly, and to love mercy...” (Micah 6:8 KJV).

The privilege and responsibility to vote, while upon earth, allows God’s people to contribute to SEEING justice DONE and MERCY, which God’s delights, in EXPRESSING.

“…He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8 KJV).

“…I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth …I DELIGHT in these things…” (Jeremiah 9:23-24 NLT). “…HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…” (Micah 7:18 KJV). “…MERCY triumphs over judgement…” (Romans 5:20, James 2:13 NASB).

“...Let everyone [of God’s people]... be subject (submit) to the governing authorities (God’s WORDS), for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.  Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.  For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience...” (Romans 13:1-5 NIV).

.“...God, the blessed and ONLY RULER, the King of kings and Lord of lords .....” (1 Timothy 3:13-16 NIV). “...the government will be on his shoulders...” (Isaiah 9:6 NIV).  “…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS THE GOVERNMENT THAT GOVERNS THE CITIZENS OF HEAVEN (GOD'S PEOPLE). “…the … HOLY SPIRIT … is the source of [EVERYTHING, even GOVERNMENT] …” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

 

HIDING BEHIND WALLS CAN'T HIDE YOU FROM GOD WHO "STILL" SEES THE HEART

 

YOUR SOURCE OF TRUTH

GETTING TO “KNOW” Y O U, Part 3 WRITTEN BY GAYLE L. WALLACE

 

“…Therefore if any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a NEW creature …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “… All things are … [MADE] … NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “... I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me...” (Galatians 2:20 KJV). 

*

Third, a MIRROR VIEW of who I really WAS meant I needed to STOP defending the OLD ME every time God revealed the sin STILL hidden within my heart.

In the flesh, defensiveness is often a natural response to criticism. If people grew up in an abusive, dysfunctional situation, they may be riddled with low self-esteem and feelings of unworthiness. “...Behold, I was shapen in iniquity (THE OLD ME)....” (Psalm 51:5-6 KJV).

If a person is riddled with low self-esteem and feelings of unworthiness, they were, most likely, unaccepted and invalidated by their surrounding environments. “...Behold, I was shapen in iniquity (THE OLD ME)....” (Psalm 51:5-6 KJV).

People who were unaccepted and invalidated by their surrounding environments will put up with offensive, abusive, and provocative treatment and verbal put-downs from others.“…The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to [low self-image and feelings of unworthiness].…I don’t really understand myself, for I want to [be accepted and validated] …but I don’t [know how]... Instead, I do what I hate....” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). 

Some of their motives for allowing others to treat them with such disrespect, or trespass upon their boundaries, or treat them as though they have no rights, or flood them with negative comments is usually to “keep the peace,” “sidestep conflicts,” and to  “avoid criticisms.”“...I want to [be accepted and validated) … [which]… is right, BUT I CAN’T...” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). 

People who are traumatized by dysfunctional experiences often become people-pleasers.“…What shall it profit a man (woman), if he (she) shall gain the whole world [by people pleasing], and lose his (her) own soul?...” (Mark 8:36 KJV).

 People pleasers, most likely, have internalized dysfunctional experiences to the point they feel completely unworthy, unlovable, undeserving of happiness or kindnesses, and completely unaccepted or validated even after they’ve accepted Christ as Savior.“...You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language...” (Colossians 3:6-8 NLT). “...once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light!  For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true...” (Ephesians 5:7-9 NLT).  “... thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or [those who]...are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God. Some of you were oncelike that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God...” (1 Corinthians 6:10-11 NLT).

“... [god’s children/people are]... crucified with Christ.” (Galatians 2:20 KJV).  “…old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

People SUFFER for many years feeling unworthy UNTIL they meet Jesus, God’s TRUTH. Accepting Jesus, God’s TRUTH, as SAVIOR, is a radical, life-changing experience for EVERYONE. “…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by ..[people pleasing, feelings of unworthiness, or feeling unacceptable and invalidated]?…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “...Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord (God’s TRUTH)…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).  

Jesus, God’s TRUTH, is also the GREATEST LOVE of all and CARES for each of his children, so tenderly, that low self-image and unworthiness is progressively eradicated through the cleansing POWER of God’s TRUTH. “…There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life…” (John 15:13 NLT). “…Thy Word (Jesus) is TRUTH…”(JOHN 17:17 KJV). “…If the Son (Jesus, God’s TRUTH) therefore shall make you free, you SHALL be free indeed (without a doubt!!)…” (John 8:36 KJV).

“…Christ (Jesus, God’s TRUTH) ….loved the church (HIS children/people), and GAVEhimself for it; That he might SANCTIFY and CLEANSE it, with the washing of water by the word (God’s TRUTH)….”(Ephesians 5:25-25 KJV). “…The God of peace Himself SANCTIFY [his children] ENTIRELY…” (1 Thessalonians 5:23 NASB). “...God has chosen [his people] from the beginning for SALVATION through SANCTIFICATION by the Spirit and faith in the TRUTH…” (2 Thessalonians 2:13 NASB “….[God’s children/people] are SANCTIFIED…in the name of the Lord Jesus (God’s TRUTH), and by the SPIRITof our GOD…” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11 KJV). “...He careth for [HIS children/people]...” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV).

Jesus, God’s Word and God’s TRUTH plays a VERY important ROLE in the painful, but necessary introspective healing from low self-image/esteem as well as feelings of unworthiness, unacceptability, or invalidation. “...Be gracious to me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; According to the greatness of Your compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquityAnd cleanse me from my sin.  For I know my transgressions, And my sin is ever before me.Against You, You only, I have sinned And done what is evil in Your sight, So that You are justified when You speak And blameless when You judge. Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity And in sin my mother conceived me. Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being, And in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom. Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness, Let the bones which You have broken rejoice. Hide Your face from my sins And blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And sustain mewith a willing spirit...” (Psalms 51:1-12 KJV).

 “...O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar. You scrutinize my path and my lying down, And are intimately acquainted with all my ways. Even before there is a word on my tongue, Behold, O Lord, You know it all... [So go ahead and]....search me, O God, and know my heart;Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way...”(Psalms 139 KJV).

“...[Go ahead and]....search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts;  And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way...”(Psalms 139 KJV).

It is much easier to defend the existence of one’s shortcomings than allow Jesus, God’s TRUTH to dig out the ROOTS of problems within the heart. God is YOUR DEFENDER. “...[Go ahead and]....search me, O God, and know my heart...”(Psalms 139 KJV).

 Let God, the Holy Spirit HEAL YOU. He is, “…Your rock and Yourfortress, your deliverer, Your GOD, Your rock,in whom [you can] … take refuge; Yourshield (DEFENDER) and the horn of Your salvation, YOURstronghold.…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB).

 “...God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalms 46:1 KJV). “..... so shall I be saved from mine enemies (low esteem, unworthiness, being unaccepted or invalidated)…” (Psalms 18:1-3 KJV).

“...He (she) that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. [God’s people]... will say of the Lord ...is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust ...” (Psalm 91 KJV).

“...Surely he shall deliver thee ... his truth shall be thy shield (DEFENDER) and buckler...” (Psalm 91 KJV).

“...Thou shalt not be afraid ... Because thou hast made the Lord (God’s truth) , which is my refuge , even the most High, thy habitation...” (Psalm 91 KJV).

“...There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways ...” (Psalm 91 KJV).

“...Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him : I will set him on high , because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him : I will be with him in trouble ; I will deliver him , and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him , and shew him my salvation... ” (Psalm 91 KJV).

“...My defence is of God, which saveth the upright in heart...” (Psalms 7:10 KJV).“...[Go ahead and]....search me, O God, and know my heart...”(Psalms 139 KJV).

The PROCESS of being delivered from the ROOTS of one’s problems is PAINFUL, but liberating and leads to a FREE, joyful life in Christ Jesus. “...And see if there be any hurtful way in me,And lead me in the everlasting way...”(Psalms 139 KJV).  “... ye have been called unto liberty...” (Galatians 5:13 KJV).  “…The [Holy]...Spirit of the Lord [was].. upon [Jesus, God’s TRUTH], because he hath anointed [him]… … to set at libertythem that are bruised [by unworthiness, invalidation, feelings of being unacceptable, etc.,]…” (John 4:16-21 KJV).

“ “…where the Spirit of the Lord (Jesus, God’s TRUTH) is, there is liberty (freedom)...” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV). Where is the Spirit of the Lord? “…The Spirit of God dwell in [God’s children/people]…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).  

“... It was for freedom that Christ (jesus, God’s TRUTH) set [his children] free;...” (Galatians 5:1 NASB). “... [God’s children are to]...stand fast therefore in the libertywherewith Christ (God’s TRUTH) hath made [them]... free...” (Galatians 5:1 KJV). “...If the Son (God’s TRUTH) therefore shall make [his children]... free, [they]... SHALL be free indeed” (John 8:36 KJV).

I said all of that to say this: We have looked at who God’s people WERE in light of who they are, right now, in Christ. We have discussed “opening the DOOR of your HEART” and letting God’s TRUTH speak to you.

However, once Jesus, God’s TRUTH starts speaking it is important to let down any WALLS OF DEFENSE.

People build emotional walls to protect themselves from being vulnerable to their surrounding environments, especially if there has been a LONG history of emotional abuse and mistreatment. “...For I willrestore you to health (mental and emotional health too). And I willheal you of your wounds (wounds from negative images and esteem),' declares the LORD, 'Because they have called you an outcast ..."' (Jeremiah 30:17 NASB).  “...He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds ... (Psalms 147:3 NASB). “...[God, the Holy Spirit]...heals all your diseases ...” (Psalms 103:3 NASB). “...For You have delivered my soul from death, Indeed my feet from stumbling, So that I may walk before God In the light of the living (as a NEW CREATION)...” (Psalms 56:13 NASB). “...O LORD my God, I cried to You for help, and You healed me...” (Psalms 30:2 NASB).

Eventually, a person gets TIRED of being hurt, brokenhearted, rejected, mistreated, or abused. “…I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God…” (Psalms 69:3 KJV).“…Since I am afflicted and needy, Let the Lord be mindful of me. You are my help and my deliverer; Do not delay, O my God… (Psalms 40:17 NASB). “…Hope deferred  (delayed) makes the heart sick, …” (Proverbs 13:12 NASB).“…Unrelenting disappointment leaves you heartsick…” (Proverbs 13:12 MSG). “…How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me?” (Psalms 13:1 NASB).

Building WALLS of DEFENSE actually cuts a person off from others, isolates them, and starts them on the LONG road to loneliness. They usually TRUST “no one” and if they do get into relationships with others trust won’t exist.

God created mankind with the ability to connect with HIS Holy Spirit and others on very intimate levels. “…God is not human …” (Numbers 23:19 NIV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…the Spirit of God dwell in you (dwells in his children/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).

God reconciles his children, to himself, in order to have a “covenant unity” relationship with THEM, again, which INTIMATELY connects the HOLY SPIRIT and the soul together, “in” Christ.

Together this UNION is called a “LIVING (God, the Holy Spirit) SOUL (you), again. “….and man (woman) became a living soul (soul, again)…” (Genesis 2:7 KJV).

BUILDING WALLS destroy the possibility of connecting with God or others. “… MUCH GOOD … [was destroyed]…” (Ecclesiastes 9:18 NASB).  Before accepting Jesus Christ, the lost soul separated from God, the Holy Spirit, which created a BARRIER (like a WALL) between them too.

This barrier (WALL) is also known as a CHASM, which separates the natural realm from the supernatural realm. It also creates impenetrable boundaries between sinful mankind and the HOLY God. They cannot have a “covenant unity” relationship “... And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm (barrier) has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us…” (Luke 16:22-25 NASB).

This chasm is a spiritual, emotional, and mental separation that cuts mankind off from God and sets impenetrable boundaries. They are in two different realms, “…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).

 A person tucked safely behind a WALL of DEFENSE would whether let a person, they could possibly connect with, GO whether than let their WALLS down; because it’s SAFER.

Without CONNECTIONS people experience ongoing loneliness, pain, and personal suffering. CONNECTING with God and others was a NATURAL God-gifted ability. “…It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make …a helpmeetfor him”…” (Genesis 2:18 KJV). “…He that is joined (restored, reconciled) unto the Lord (Jesus) is ONE spirit … [or in a covenant relationship with God again]...” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).

Abusive past experiences can cause this NATURAL God-gifted ability to become completely dysfunctional.“...The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin (dysfunction)... I want to do what is good, but I don’t. …I [am] …a slave to the sin that is … withinme …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

Having a WALL of DEFENSE is safe to those who have it and it becomes a familiar lifestyle that works for them so they HOLD tightly to it. “…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). “...and man (woman) became a living soul (soul) ... [AGAIN] …” (Genesis 2:7 KJV).

Even while talking with Jesus, God’s TRUTH some people won’t LISTEN and aren’t willing to let their WALLS of DEFENSE down, which CREATES a problem with the close, intimacy needed to establish a “covenant unity” with God, the Holy Spirit. “…My people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). “…You skillfully ….hold on to your own tradition...” (Mark 7:9 NLT). “… We will continue to live as we want to…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).

A WALL of DEFENSE is usually built as a way to survive one’s surrounding environments, whatever it was. It enabled them to STAY SAFE and COPE with negative situations.“...In that day I will also make a covenant for them ....And will make them lie down in safety. “I will betroth you to Me forever; Yes, I will betroth you to Me in righteousness and in justice, In lovingkindness and in compassion. And I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness ... Then you will know the Lord...And I will say to those who were not My people, ‘You are My people!’ And they will say, ‘You are my God!’...” (Hosea 2:14-23 NLT).

In compassion and with empathy for a person who BUILDS WALLS of DEFENSE, they did what they had to do, especially if there were a lot of boundary trespassing, disrespect, negating of one’s rights, criticism, invalidation, or other abuses.

This means their personal space was OFTEN violated when they were young, innocent, open, or vulnerable, without ANY protection. They may have felt TRAPPED and without OPTIONS, so they BUILT a WALL of DEFENSE.

However, over time, without HEALING, the WALL of DEFENSE leaves them full of pain, lonely, and emotionally separated from people.

They take the WALL of DEFENSE pattern into ALL situations and continually experience the same loneliness, isolation, and separation over and over again, which becomes the way life “is” for them.

When a person with a WALL of DEFENSE accepts Jesus, God’s TRUTH as SAVIOR, the “covenant unity” relationship DOES NOT fit into their narrative or reality about associations with people. “…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” [YOUR HEART]…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB “…Jesus Christ is IN YOU…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV).

“… His name Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us (he is with the person behind the wall of defense)…” (Matthew 1:23 NASB). “…God has said “Never will I leave you (without my PRESENCE); never will I forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV). “…I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, to the very end…"(Matthew 28:20 NIV).  “…Behold, I AM WITH… [YOU] … and  … I WILL NOT LEAVE [YOU] …." (Genesis 28:15 ASV). “… The LORD thy God …will not fail thee, nor forsake thee…” (Deuteronomy 31:6 KJV).  “… Behold, I am with … [you] and will keep … [you] whithersoever [you]… goest…I will not leave [you] ..." (Genesis 28:15 ASV).

Jesus, God’s TRUTH, wants to HELP them deal with the WALL of DEFENSE. God is COMMITTED to HELPING his children.“…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). “…The Lord who made you and helps you says: Do not be afraid …my servant …my chosen one…” (Isaiah 44:2 NLT). “… The Holy Spirit helpsus in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT). “…You are my helper and my savior…” (Psalms 40:17 NLT).

The WALL of DEFENSE, after many years, goes from being protective to being preventative. It prevents you from experiencing LOVE and TRUTH. LOVE makes one feel ALIVE and TRUTH sets one FREE. “…Thy WORD (Jesus) is truth…” (JOHN 17:17 KJV). “….THE WORDS that I speak unto you, they are SPIRIT…” (John 6:63 KJV). “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). God is the HOLY SPIRIT of LOVE. “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). “... APART FROM [the Holy Spirit of LOVE]... [mankind]... can do nothing  …” (John 15:1-11 NASB).

SOME people who live behind WALLS of DEFENSE have some interesting thoughts that come from within their hearts. MANY are ANGRY, INSECURE, and OVERLY critical or JUDGMENTAL of others. “… from within, out of the heart of man, proceed evil thoughts …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…” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV).  

The JUDGMENTAL ones have made ALL their observation, of others, from behind their WALL of DEFENSE, but feel justified because they THINK their judgements are true.

“…from within, out of the heart of man (woman), proceed evil thoughts… wickedness…” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV).“…All these evil things come from within, and defile a person.” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV).

“...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). “…No one needed… to tell him about human nature, for he knew what was in each person’s heart…” (John 2:24-25 NLT). “…Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men…” (Acts 1:24 KJV). “… He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth. The Lordexaminesboth the righteous and the wicked…” (Psalm 11:4-5 NLT).

ALL JUDGMENTAL attitudes reveal a person’s HEART. "…Offspring of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man, out of his good treasure, brings forth good things, and the evil man, out of his evil treasure, brings forth evil things." (Matthew 12:34-35).

Living behind a WALL of DEFENSE can make some people PRIDEFUL. God looks at the “…hidden man (woman) of the heart…” (1 Peter 3:4 KJV). It is“… from within, out of the heart of man (woman), proceed evil thoughts … [PRIDE] … these … come from within, and defile a person.” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV). “…everything he (God, the Holy Spirit) does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble...” (Daniel 4 NIV).

Without realizing it, a person’s hurt, angry, and lack of love for themselves and others can make them judgmental. “...Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?  Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye...” (Matthew 7:1-5 KJV).

The bible says there is NONE righteous, not even those who LIVE and HIDE behind WALLS of DEFENSE. “…There is none righteous, no, not one:” (Romans 3:10 KJV).“…There is not a just man (woman) upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not…” (Ecclesiastes 7:20 KJV). “…ALL HAVE SINNED and fallen short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:23). “… [ALL have become]…..unclean and [their so-called] righteousnesses (efforts to BE good is) as filthy rags….” (Isaiah 64:6 KJV).

A judgmental person is WAY too eager to be OVERTLY or EXCESSIVELY critical of others, but are often unwilling, or too prideful to accept God’s TRUTHS about their OWN conduct, attitude, or character. “...Judge not, that ye be not judged...” (Matthew 7:1 KJV).

People who BUILD WALLS of DEFENSE USE their JUDGMENTAL  attitudes about others as excuses to keep people away and avoid forming long-term emotional relationships with them. “...If someone has enough money (or emotional wealth) to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person? Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions...” (1 John 3:17-18 NLT).

JUDGING others repels people, which suits the person behind the WALL of DEFENSE just fine. “...we can tell who are children of God and who are children of the devil. Anyone(NO EXCEPTIONS) who does not live righteously and does not love other believers does not belong to God...” (1 John 3:7-10 NLT).

Even if the judgements are true, they use TRUTH as a weapon to hurt the person or destroy their self-worth whether intentional or unintentional. “...Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It’s easy to see a smudge on your neighbor’s face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, ‘Let me wash your face for you,’ when your own face is distorted by contempt? It’s this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor...” (Matthew 7:1-5 MSG).

The JUDGMENTAL actually BECOME the SAME kind of person they tried to PROTECT themselves from.“...And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?  ...” (Matthew 7:1-5 KJV).

“...Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye...” (Matthew 7:1-5 KJV).

The person behind the WALL of DEFENSE knows, first hand, what it’s like to be criticized and judged simply by your actions and without grace or mercy.

The person behind the WALL of DEFENSE has forgotten what it was LIKE to have their self-worth beaten to a pulp until it no longer exists. “...Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication. Attend unto me, and hear me: I mourn in my complaint, and make a noise; Because of the voice of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked: for they cast iniquity upon me, and in wrath they hate me.  My heart is sore pained within me: and the terrors of death are fallen upon me.  Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me. And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest.  Lo, then would I wander far off, and remain in the wilderness. Selah. I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest. Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues: for I have seen violence and strife in the city. Day and night they go about it upon the walls thereof: mischief also and sorrow are in the midst of it. Wickedness is in the midst thereof: deceit and guile depart not from her streets. For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him: But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company...” (Psalms 55:1-14 KJV).

They are behind their self-made WALL of DEFENSE because they, themselves, are ANGRY and WOUNDED inside by HOW someone mistreated and criticized them. “...Open your ears, God, to my prayer; don’t pretend you don’t hear me knocking. Come close and whisper your answer.I really need you. I shudder at the mean voice, quail before the evil eye, As they pile on the guilt,  stockpile angry slander.  My insides are turned inside out; specters of death have me down. I shake with fear, I shudder from head to foot. “Who will give me wings,” I ask— “wings like a dove?” Get me out of here on dove wings; I want some peace and quiet. I want a walk in the country, I want a cabin in the woods. I’m desperate for a change from rage and stormy weather. Come down hard, Lord—slit their tongues. I’m appalled how they’ve split the city Into rival gangs prowling the alleys Day and night spoiling for a fight, trash piled in the streets,Even shopkeepers gouging and cheating in broad daylight. This isn’t the neighborhood bully mocking me—I could take that. This isn’t a foreign devil spitting invective—I could tune that out. It’s you! We grew up together! You! My best friend! Those long hours of leisure as we walked arm in arm, God a third party to our conversation. [In my ANGER I sometimes feel like saying:]...Haul my betrayers off alive to hell—let them experience the horror, let them feel every desolate detail of a damned life...” (Psalms 55:1-15 MSG).

 Their HEARTS are becoming COLD waning itself of love, compassion, and empathy. They HARSHLY criticize others, unconsciously, taking out upon them someone else’s past mistreatment. .“...dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God. You must warn each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God...” (Hebrews 3:12-13 NLT).

“...But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin..” (Hebrews 3:12-14 KJV).

“...This fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah that says, ‘When you hear what I say, you will not understand. When you see what I do,you will not comprehend. For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes— so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and let me heal them...” (Matthew 13:1-18 NLT).

A judgmental person behind a WALL of DEFENSE reveals a HEART that is slowly starting to LACK love or respect for others. “...And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold...”(Matthew 24:12 KJV).

Some even begin to THINK they are superior to the people they are criticizing. Looking down on others is a PRIDE issue. “…do not think of yourself more highly than you ought…” (Romans 12:3 NIV).“...Wherefore let him (her) that thinketh he (she) standeth take heed lest he (she) fall...” (1 Corinthians 10:12 KJV).  “...If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall...” (1 Corinthians 10:12 NLT). “...Pride goethbefore destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall...” (Proverbs 16:18 KJV). “...Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall...”(Proverbs 16:18 NLT).

Jesus, God’s TRUTH comes to HEAL the person behind the WALL of DEFENSE through self-reflection, realizing their own faults and shortcomings, and forgiveness. “…Create in me a clean heart, O God…” (Psalms 51:10 KJV). “…Christ ….loved the church, and GAVEhimself for it; That he might SANCTIFY and CLEANSE it, with the washing of water by the word (of god)….”(Ephesians 5:25-25 KJV).

If a person is STILL behind a WALL of DEFENSE they, most likely, have NOT forgiven the person or persons who WRONGED them. “...Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?...” (Matthew 5:42-47 KJV).

Letting GO of hurts, angry and past offenses LEADS to TRUTH and TRUTH leads to FREEDOM. “… The Spirit of truth …will guide you into all the truth. …” (John 16:13 NIV). “…Thy WORD is truth…” (JOHN 17:17 KJV). “...ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free...” (John 8:32 KJV).

If you are EXTREMELY critical and judgmental of others nine times out of ten you have the SAME problem.“...Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man (woman), whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things...” (Romans 2:1 KJV).

The person behind the WALL of DEFENSE uses judgment of others to avoid LOOKING at the SAME sins hidden within their own HEARTS.“...Those people are on a dark spiral downward. But if you think that leaves you on the high ground where you can point your finger at others, think again. Every time you criticize someone, you condemn yourself. It takes one to know one. Judgmental criticism of others is a well-known way of escaping detection in your own crimes and misdemeanors. But God isn’t so easily diverted. He sees right through all such smoke screens and holds you to what you’vedone...” (Romans 2:1 MSG).

People behind the WALL of DEFENSE and many others judge other people’s sins HARSHLY while DEFENDING their OWN.“... whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things...” (Romans 2:1 KJV).

The more you criticize others, the more you reveal your own heart. A MIRROR VIEW of who you really are BEHIND your WALL of DEFENSES, when communing with God, the Holy Spirit, means you CHOOSE to STOP defending the OLD YOU every time HE reveals the sin STILL hidden within your heart.  “...Behold, I was shapen in iniquity ...” (Psalm 51:5-6 KJV). “…be conformed to the image of his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).

“… Be transformed by the renewing of your mind….”(Romans 12:2 KJV).

“...Be … imitators of [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).