Pensacola Helene Jefferson's Blog, page 33

IT IS SINCERE LOVE THAT MAKES FAITH WORK

LOVE MAKES FAITH WORK

 “…that they might KNOW…..the only true God and Jesus Christ…” (John 17:3)

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 “...God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…Faith which worketh by love…” (Galatians 5:6 KJV). “...Jesus … said…This is the work of God (who is LOVE): that ye believe on him [have faith in him] whom he hath sent...” (John 6:29KJV).

EMPOWERING FAITH enables God’s people to trust in and depend upon HOLY LOVE, who “IS” God.“...God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV).

Trusting in and depending upon HOLY LOVE, who is God, allows HIM to personally express and demonstrate his immutable lovingkindness to his redeemed people. “…Faith (trusting in and depending upon God) which worketh by love (God is love)…” (Galatians 5:6 KJV).

When you KNOW someone LOVES you, that LOVE will empower your FAITH in them to WORK. Do you trust in and depend upon the following expressions of God’s HOLY love?

I WILL PUT my laws in your mind so you will understand them. I WILL WRITE them on your heart so you will obey them. Do you have faith in God do to this? “...This is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people...” (Hebrews 8:10).

I WILL WORK in you to motivate and empower you to do the things that please me. Do you have faith in God to do this? “...For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose...” (Philippians 2:13 NIV).

I WILL REVEAL to you what is the correct attitude to have. Do you have faith in God do to this? “...I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as are perfect (mature), have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you...” (Philippians 3:15 NASB). “...By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back. So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it...”Philippians 3:15 MSG).

I WILL INSTRUCT and TEACH you the way you should go. Your steps will be ordered by me. Do you have faith in God do to this? “...The steps of a good man (woman) are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his (her) way...” (Psalms 37:23 KJV). “…I will instruct thee  and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will  guide thee with mine eye…” (Psalms 32:8 KJV). “… Teach me the way in which I should walk …” (Psalms 143:8 NASB).

I WILL COUNSEL you with my eyes upon you. Do you have faith in God do to this? “…he shall direct thy paths...”(Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “… I will guidethee with mine eye…” (Psalms 32:8 KJV). “… Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel…” (Psalms 73:74 KJV).

I WILL lead you in ways you have never known.  I WILL personally guide you. Do you have faith in God do to this? “...I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along “unfamiliar” paths I will guide them...” (Isaiah 42:16 NIV).

I WILL TURN the dark situations and circumstances you are facing into light. Do you have faith in God do to this? “..I will turn the darkness into light before them...” (Isaiah 42:16 NIV).

I WILL TURN all the rough places into level ground. Do you have faith in God do to this? “...I will ...make the rough places smooth...” (Isaiah 42:16 NIV).

I WILL DO these things by completely taking care of everything that concerns and I WILL NOT FORSAKE you. Do you have faith in God do to this? “…[God, the Holy Spiri],  “WILL” accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [his people]…” (John 14:31 NASB). “...These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them...” (Isaiah 42:16 NIV). “…God has said “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV).

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

I AM WITH you always. Do you have faith in God to always be with you? “…I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, to the very end…"(Matthew 28:20 NIV). 

I WILL NEVER change. Do you have faith in God to be immutable in his character? “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  “Jesus Christ is the sameyesterday and today and forever...” (Hebrews 13 :8 NIV).

I LOVE YOU with an everlasting love. Do you have faith in God’s unending love for you? “… [God has]... loved [you]...with an everlasting love….” (Jeremiah 31:3 KJV).

I LOVE YOU with a love that never ceases. Do you have faith that God’s love never ceases for you? “...This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope.The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,..” (Lamentations 3:21-24 NASB).

I LOVE YOU with a committed love. Do you have faith in God’s committed love toward you? “...Great is Your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I have hope in Him...” (Lamentations 3:21-24 NASB).

I WILL SHOW you MERCY that never ends and is renewed every day. Do you have faith in God’s endless mercy? “...His compassions (MERCY) never fail. They are new every morning...” (Lamentations 3:21-24 NASB).

I AM FAITHFUL to you. My very name is FAITHFUL. Do you have faith in God’s faithfulness toward you? “...  Know therefore that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments...” (Deuteronomy 7:9 NASB).“...He (Jesus) who sat on it is called Faithful and True...” (Revelation 19:11 NASB).“… Indeed, He loves the people…” (Deuteronomy 33:3 NASB). “… he remains faithful[to his people], for he cannot deny who he is…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT).

I KNOW you better than anyone else. Do you have faith in God’s knowledge of you, your needs, and what’s best for you? “...O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord ...” (Psalms 139:1-6 NLT).

I WILL DELIVER YOU. Do you have faith in God to deliver out of troublesome situations? “…Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him...” (Daniel 3:8-30 KJV).

I WILL PROTECT YOU. Do you have faith in God to protect you while going through troublesome situations? “...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 3:8-30 KJV).

I WILL PROMOTE AND BLESS YOU. Do you have faith in God to work your troublesome experiences together for good? “...there is no other God that can deliver after this sort… Then the king PROMOTED Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, in the province of Babylon…” (Daniel 3:8-30).

I, the FAITHFUL one, CALLED you and CHOOSE you. Do you have faith in God that he called and chose you, particularly, to be his child? “...Faithful is He who calls you ...”(Thessalonians 5:24 NASB)."…You did not choose me but I chose you…” (John 15:16 ASV).  “…ye are a chosen generation…” (1 Peter 2:9 KJV). “...For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth...” (Deuteronomy 7:6). “...you are a chosen people…” (1 Peter 2:9 NIV). “…The God of our fathers hath chosen thee…” (Acts 22:14 KJV). "… I have chosen you….” (John 15:16 KJV). WHY? "... I (God, the Holy Spirit) chose ...[MY PEOPLE], and appointed ...[them]... that ...[they]... should go and bear fruit...” (John 15:16 ASV). 

I STRENGTHEN you with power. Do you have faith in God to strengthen you when you are weak? “…[You] can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth [you]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).  “…Jesus Christ IS IN YOU…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV).

I WILL FILL your weakness with my strength. Do you have faith in God to empower you with his strength through the indwelling Holy Spirit? “…My grace is sufficient for you, for MY POWER IS MADE PERFECT IN WEAKNESS…” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV). “...[By faith]...their weakness was turned to strength...” (Hebrews 11:1-35 NLT). “…I will supply all your NEED…” (John 12:32 KJV). “...I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong..” (2 Corinthians 12:10 KJV).

I WILL MAKE you sufficient for whatever task I’ve given you. Do you have faith in God do to this?  “…NOT that we are sufficient OF OURSELVESto think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God…” (2 Corinthians 3:5 KJV).“…[You]… can do all things THROUGH Christ (the WORD) which strengtheneth [you]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “…It is God who worketh IN YOU, both to will and to do ….” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).  “…the Father that dwelleth in [YOU], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

I WILL NOT CONDEMN you. Do you have faith in God do to this? “…He (she) that believeth on him is not condemned …” (John 3:18-20 KJV). “…There is …no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1 NIV).

I WILL GIVE you FAITH. Therefore, I have ASSIGNED you a measure (quantity, portion) of gifted faith. Do you have this faith that God’s says, in his word, he’s given you?.“…God hath dealt (given, allotted, gifted, etc.) to EVERY man(woman) the measure of faith...”(Romans 12:3 KJV). “…The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, ALONG WITH FAITH and love that are in Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 1:13-14 NIV). “...[One of] the fruit of the Spirit is …faith…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV) “….IT IS THE “GIFT” OF GOD…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).

I have CHOSEN you to be a rare and unique people for myself (Deuteronomy 14:2). Do you have faith that God, the Holy Spirit CHOSE you specially? “…HE CHOSE [each person]... in Him before the foundation of the world…” (Ephesians 1:4 NLT). "…[They]... did not choose [God, the Holy Spirit]... but [god, the holy spirit]... chose [them], and appointed [them to] “bear” [spiritual]...fruit…” (John 15:16 ASV).  “..thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth...” (Deuteronomy 7:6).

I have CHOSEN you to love and bear my fruit. "…[They]... did not choose [God]... but [god]... chose [them], and appointed [them to] “bear” [spiritual]...fruit…” (John 15:16 ASV).  “…Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that HE LOVED US...” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “We love, because HE FIRST LOVED US…” (1 John 4:19 ASV). “For God SO LOVED the world, that he GAVE…” (John 3:16). God “…SPARED NOT his own Son, but delivered him up FOR US ALL…” (Romans 8:32 KJV).

EMPOWERED, God-gifted faith, therefore, is an expression of God’s HOLY love for EACH of his people. Through EMPOWERED, God-gifted faith, God’s people, are enabled to trust and depend upon his immutable CAREGIVING. “… the Lord your God, …teaches you what is best for you, [and]…directs you in the way you should go.” (Isaiah 48:17).  “..Thus says the Lord that delivered you, the Holy One of Israel; I am your God, I have shown you how you should find the way in which you should walk…” (Isaiah 48:17). “I will instruct you and guide you in the way you should go; I will fix My eyes upon You…” (Psalm 32:8).

“…The just (God’s people, his dependents, etc.) shall LIVE BY “HIS” (gifted) FAITH…” (Habakkuk 2:4 NASB). AND thus, “…may the Lord (God’s WORD) DIRECT [their]… hearts TO the (HOLY) love of God ...” 2 Thessalonians 3:5 NASB).

God loves his people and wants their sincere love back; not their religious practices. “...I’m after love that lasts, not more religion. I want you to know God, not go to more prayer meetings. You broke the covenant—just like Adam! You broke faith with me—ungrateful wretches!...” (Hosea 6:6 NLT). “...For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings...” (Hosea 6:6 KJV).

Just like with Israel, God “…did not set His love upon you nor choose you….” for any of your particular qualities, abilities, outward appearances, or performances, “…but because [He] loved you…..” Deuteronomy 7:7-8).

All honor and respect goes to God’s sovereignty over all things and people. God is, without a doubt, in control, but he is not controlling. God’s people CHOOSE, through human will, to serve God through willful obedience. “…Choose you (through human will) this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “… His name (Jesus) is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB).“... Jesus saith…I am (the WORD is) ...the life…” (John 14:6 KJV).“... choose LIFE…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV).  

FOLLOWING GOD IS COSTLY! “...One day when large groups of people were walking along with him, Jesus turned and told them, “Anyone who comes to me but refuses to let go of father, mother, spouse, children, brothers, sisters—yes, even one’s own self!—can’t be my disciple....” (Luke 14:25-35 MSG). Job said: “...though he slay me, yet will I trust in him…” (Job 13:15 KJV).

FOLLOWING GOD IS A CHOICE. “...Anyone who won’t [choose to] ... shoulder his (her) own cross and follow behind me can’t be my disciple...” (Luke 14:25-35 MSG).  “… I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore [YOU]…choose life…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV).  “…Choose LIFE…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…Jesus said… I am the LIFE…..” (John 11:25 KJV). “…Choose youthis day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

FOLLOWING GOD IS A COMMITMENT. “...Is there anyone here who, planning to build a new house, doesn’t first sit down and figure the cost so you’ll know if you can complete it? If you only get the foundation laid and then run out of money, you’re going to look pretty foolish. Everyone passing by will poke fun at you: ‘He started something he couldn’t finish.’  “Or can you imagine a king going into battle against another king without first deciding whether it is possible with his ten thousand troops to face the twenty thousand troops of the other? And if he decides he can’t, won’t he send an emissary and work out a truce? ...” (Luke 14:25-35 MSG). “…The faithful followers of the Lord … keep their promises even when it hurts…” (Psalm 15:4 NLT).

FOLLOWING GOD IS A SACRIFICE OF SELF. “…‘[I’ve]… given up everything to follow you…” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT). “...Simply put, if you’re not willing to take what is dearest to you, whether plans or people (or self), and kiss it good-bye, you can’t be my disciple...” (Luke 14:25-35 MSG).

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

“Reasonable service” is one that is equitable, just, and fair or the “least” you can do; considering what God has done for YOU. “…The LORD has done great things for us …” (Psalms 126:3 NIV). LOVE serves willingly and voluntarily. “...He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less...” (John 3:30 NLT).

“...He ... is called Faithful ...”(Revelation 19:11 NASB). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).   “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). “… he remains faithful [IN HOLY LOVE for his people], for he cannot deny who he is…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT).

This kind of HOLY love is often taken for granted and abused. It is easy to become too familiar in the wrong way, unappreciative, and mistake God’s holy love as something COMMON. In the biblical past God’s people abandoned and forsook him.“… [YOU]… FORGOTall about ME,” says the Lord…” (Hosea 2:13 NLT). “…They ABANDONED the Lord… they turned their backs on him….” (2 Chronicles 29:6 NLT).

“…We will continue to live as WE WANT TO, stubbornly following our own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).

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

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

God is love and has made a loving commitment with his people, but maybe his people have not made one with God. “...people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching....” (2 Timothy 4:3-4 NLT).“...They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear...” (2 Timothy 4:3-4 NLT). “...They will reject the truth and chase after myths...” (2 Timothy 4:3-4 NLT).

.“...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).

“...God’s promise of entering his rest still stands, so we ought to tremble with fear that some of you might fail to experience it...” (Hebrews 4:1 NLT).

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

 “…It’s [THEIR continual practice of] SINS that have cut [them] offfrom God. …” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT). “......piercing ... asunder ...soul and spirit(the covenant unity)....” (Hebrews 4:12 NASB).“…[they]... have been cut offfrom Christ! …” (Galatians 5:4 NLT).

Just like in a human relationship; you must interactive with love, faithfulness, and respect toward one another by working together to keep the commitment you made to each other. “… [YOU]… FORGOT all about ME,” says the Lord…” (Hosea 2:13 NLT). “…They ABANDONED the Lord… they turned their backs on him….” (2 Chronicles 29:6 NLT). “…They kept doing whatever they wanted…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).

“…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “…I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). “…If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful,for he cannot deny who he is…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT). It is God’s LOVE and FAITHFULNESS that has REMAINED unchanged.

GOD’S UNCONDITIONAL FAITHFULNESS CAUSES HIM TO FORGIVE AND FORGIVE, HIS PEOPLE, OVER AND OVER AGAIN. “…once again we have ABANDONED your commands!” (Ezra 9:10 NLT).

“…And many nations shall pass by this city, and they shall say every man to his neighbour, Wherefore hath the Lord done thus unto this great city?Then they shall answer, Because they have forsakenthe covenant of the Lord their God, and worshippedother gods, and served them…” (Jeremiah 22:8-9 KJV).

“… [Yet] … in your great mercy, you did not destroy them completely or abandon them forever. What a gracious and merciful God you are!”(Nehemiah 9:31 NLT).

“…The Lord says, “Then I will heal you of your faithlessness (apostasy); my (MERCIFUL) love will know no bounds,for my anger will be gone forever….” (HOSEA 14:4 NLT).

“... herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation(substitute, intervention) for our sins.” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life…” (John 15:13 NLT).

“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]…love never fails…” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV).

“…It is of the Lord's MERCIESthat we are not CONSUMED, because his compassions FAIL NOT. They are NEW EVERY MORNING: great is thy faithfulness…”(Lamentations 3:22-23 KJV).

When God’s people TURN AWAY, by choice, eventually their part in the relationship stops and dies out. .“…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “…My people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). “... If we (god’s people) sin willfully AFTER... [they]... have received the knowledge of THE TRUTH, there remaineth NO more sacrifice for sins...” (Hebrews 10:26 KJV).  

The “covenant unity” relationship CAN be broken, by his people, if they do not choose to willingly trust in, depend upon, or abide with God through Christ. “…[MY PEOPLE] ... broke [THEIR] ... covenant ..[WITH ME], though I (GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT) loved them as a husband loves his wife,” says the Lord…” (Jeremiah 31:32 NASB). “…They kept doing whatever they wanted…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).

“… For it is impossible to bring back to repentancethose ...who... turn away from God…” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT).

The “covenant unity” relationship with God is the BEST place for God’s people to develop their own, sincere love for Him, “…We love [God], BECAUSE, he first loved us…” (1 John 4:19 KJV).

Learning, through the “covenant unity” relationship HOW God loves YOU develops YOUR love for HIM and others. “…A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.  …” (John 13:34-35 KJV). “...By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another…” (John 13:34-35 KJV).  “…[AND They are to] ...love the Lord [their] ...God with all [their] ...heart and with all [their]... soul and with all your strength and with all your mind…” (Luke 10:27 KJV).

You cannot truly love God until you learn, study, and know “HOW” he loves you. For instance, God “…spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all….?” (Romans 8:32 KJV). “…God so loved the world that HE GAVE his only begotten Son…” (John 3:16 KJV). “...[Jesus]... said, It is finished…” (John 19:28-30 KJV). “… I...[have willingly]... lay down my life... [FOR YOU] …” (John 10:17-18 KJV).  Jesus did “…not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many...” (Matthew 20:28 KJV). “… My righteous servant (Jesus, God’s PLAN of SALVATION) ... [made]... it possible for many to be counted righteous,for he [bore] ... all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT).   “... Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and SENT His SON to be the propitiation (substitute, intervention) for our sins.” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…There is no greater love …” (John 15:13 NLT).

“….neither death, nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate [you]… from the love of God which is “in” Christ Jesus our Lord…” (Romans 8:38-39 KJV). “... [God’s]…love never fails…” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV).  

When we TRULY understand how God loves us, we will love others in the SAME way. “...By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another…” (John 13:34-35 KJV).  “…A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.  …” (John 13:34-35 KJV).

“...our hearts....knit together in love...” (Colossians 2:2 KJV). “...with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing (like a servant towards) one another in love...” (Ephesians 4:2 KJV).

“…[God has]loved [you]...with an EVERLASTING love….” (Jeremiah 31:3 KJV “...be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children...” (Ephesians 5:1 KJV). “...fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind...” (Philippians 2:2 KJV).

“...but the fruit of the [indwelling] Spirit [produces]... love...” (Galatians 5:22 KJV). “...by love serve one another. For ALL the [holy] law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shall love they neighbour as thyself...” (Galatians 5:13-14 KJV).

“...Owe no man(woman) any thing, but to love one another: for he(she) that loveth another hath fulfilled the law...(EXAMPLE)...Thou shall not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love they neighbour as thyself...Love worketh no ill to his (her) neighbour: therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law...” Romans 13:8-10 KJV). “...[Add]...to godliness brotherly kindness, and [add] to brotherly kindness charity (love)...” (2 Peter 1:7 KJV).

“...Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected (matured) in us. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect (matured), that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love We love him, because he first loved us. If a man (woman) say, I love God, and hateth his brother (sister), he(she) is a liar: for he(she) that loveth not his(her) brother(sister) whom he(she) hath seen, how can he(she) love God whom he(she) hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he(she) who loveth God love his(her) brother(sister) also...” (1 John 4:7-21 KJV).

“…A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.  …” (John 13:34-35 KJV). “...By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another…” (John 13:34-35 KJV). “...Charity (LOVE) edifies (builds up)...” (1 Corinthians 8:1 KJV).

God’s HOLY love is one of continual sacrifice for his people. It is THIS kind of love that GOVERNS God’s DIVINE character in the “covenant unity” relationship with HIS people. A “…Love …[that] … never FAILS….” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV). “...God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “… I AM WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).   

“…Faith which worketh by love…” (Galatians 5:6 KJV). IT IS LOVE THAT MAKES FAITH WORK. IT IS EASIER TO BELIEVE IN SOMEONE WHO LOVES YOU WITH A HOLY , IMMUTABLE LOVE LIKE GOD DOES.

WITHIN THE COVENANT RELATIONSHIP, WHATEVER YOU NEED, FROM GOD, COMES BY FAITH.

THE COVENANT RELATIONSHIP WHATEVER YOU NEED COMES BY FAITH

 “…that they might KNOW…..the only true God and Jesus Christ…” (John 17:3)

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The KEY to enjoying ALL the multiple benefits of the “covenant unity” relationship with God is BYFAITH. “...If you listen obediently to the Voice of God, your God, and heartily obey all his commandments that I command you today, God, your God, will place you on high, high above all the nations of the world. All these blessings will come down on you and spread out beyond you because you have responded to the Voice of God, your God... (Deuteronomy 28:1-2 MSG).

“...If a man (woman) abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned....” (John 15:1-10 KJV).

SALVATION is a FREE gift.“… [The] Good News about Christ (GOD’s LIVING WORD)… It is the power of God at work, saving  everyone who believes, (has faith, trusts, and depends upon HIS WORD)…” (Romans 1:16 NLT).

“..Believe onthe Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved…” (ACTS 16:31 KJV).   

“…BY GRACE have ye (the redeemed) been saved through… FAITH…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).

“...[The redeemed have]...a place among God’s people, who are set apart by faith in (or dependency upon) me (the Word)...” (Acts 26:18 NLT).

“…YE ARE “ALL” CHILDREN OF GOD BY FAITH “IN” CHRIST JESUS…” (Galatians 3:26-28 KJV).

“…Christ [dwells] in your hearts by faith…” (Ephesians 3:17 KJV).

“…[The WORD purifies your]… hearts by faith ...” (Acts 15:9 KJV).

“... it is this Good News that saves you “if” you continue to believe (have faith in) the message...” (1 Corinthians NLT).“…abide in me (the Word), and I in you…” (John 15:4 KJV). “... continue in the faith... grounded and settled...” (Colossians 1:22-23 KJV). “...be not moved away ...” (Colossians 1:22-23 KJV).“... “...HE (SHE) THAT “SHALL” (WILL) ENDURE UNTO THE END SHALL (WILL) BE SAVED...” (Matthew 24:13 KJV). “... by faith ye stand...” (2 Corinthians 1:24 KJV).

SALVATION is a gift that reconciles God’s people BACK into a “covenant unity” relationship with HIM and it takes FAITH to receive it, sustain it, and endure it.. “…a right relationship with God …comes by faith…” (Romans 4:13 NASB).

SALVATION is a gift that makes God’s people his dependents again. Those who walk by faith in God, the Holy Spirit, through the “covenant unity” relationship will enjoy ALL the benefits of being HIS child. “…live by faith, not by sight….” (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV).

Manifold blessings are readily available when God’s people are joined together in the proper “covenant unity” relationships referenced in the Holy Bible. Biblical marriage is an example of a human “covenant unity” relationship. “...male and female created he them…”(Genesis 1:27 KJV).“…It is not goodthat the man should be alone…” (Genesis 2:18 KJV).“...I will make him an help meet for him....” (Genesis 2:18-23 KJV).

“.... And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof...” (Genesis 2:18-23 KJV). “...And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man....” (Genesis 2:18-23 KJV). “...And Adam said, This (woman) is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh:...” (Genesis 2:18-23 KJV).“...she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man...” (Genesis 2:18-23 KJV).

“...Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh...” (Genesis 2:24 KJV).

“...God blessed them (adam and eve, the male and female), and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have DOMINION overthe fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth….” (Genesis 1:26-28 KJV).

“...Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge...” (Hebrews 13:4 KJV).  “...Honor marriage, and guard the sacredness of sexual intimacy between wife and husband. God draws a firm line against casual and illicit sex...” (Hebrews 13:4 MSG).

“…Be ye NOT unequally yoked together with unbelievers...” (2 Corinthians 6:14-15 KJV).

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

“... By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of GOD...” (1 John 3:7-10 NASB).

Thus, when God’s people become parents, they are encouraged to raise their children in the admonition and nurture of the Lord (the Word of God).“...bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord....” (Ephesians 6:4 KJV). “...Train up a child in the way he (she) should go: and when he (she) is old, he(she) will not depart from it...” (Proverbs 22:6 KJV). “...I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him (God) to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just...” (Genesis 18:19 NIV).

When biblical parenting is ministered, a child has a better opportunity to lead a spiritual life guided by God’s Word. “...We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done...” (Psalm 78:4 NIV). “…come and follow me…” (Matthew 19:21 KJV). “… Jesus saith unto him, I am the way …” (John 15:5- 6 KJV).“...choose life, so that you and your children may live...” (Deuteronomy 30:19 NIV).

When a child is in right standing with their parents, they normally enjoy a long, blessed life upon earth. “...If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth...” (Ephesians 6:4 NLT). “...Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, that your days may be prolonged and that it may go well with you on the land which the LORD your God gives you...” (Deuteronomy 5:16 NIV). “...Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. "Honor your father and mother"--which is the first commandment with a promise...” (Ephesian 6:1-2 NIV).

God STILL desires for his children to “…. be fruitful …. multiply…. replenish the earth …. subdue [the earth] …. and … have dominion...” (Genesis 1:28 KJV). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  

God, out of his awesome holy love, predestines a purpose, for every one of HIS people, through similar directives he gave Adam. “…..being predestined according to the purpose of him (God, the Holy Spirit) who worketh  all things after the counsel of his own will (rule, authority, dominion)...” (Ephesians 1:11 KJV).

Those original directives were God’s plan and destiny for Adam’s life on earth. “…. be fruitful …. multiply…. replenish the earth …. subdue [the earth] …. and … have dominion...” (Genesis 1:28 KJV).

His intention were for Adam (Eve) to enjoy an abundant life by replenishing the earth with habitation, to enjoy cultivating it, to enjoy making it prosperous, to enjoy taking authority, and to rule over it on a daily basis. “…I am come that THEY MIGHT have life, and that THEY MIGHT have it more abundantly…” (John 10:10 KJV). “…NOW UNTO HIM THAT IS “ABLE” to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the POWER that worketh in us…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).

God CHOSE and made Adam (Eve) and YOU for a purpose. "…You did not choose… (God, the Holy Spirit]...” (John 15:16 ASV).  God says, "… I chose you….” (John 15:16 ASV).   “... [God, the Holy Spirit] ...chose ...[you] ...” (Ephesians 1:11 NLT). “...many are called (chosen to come)...” (Matthew 22:14 KJV).  “… AS MANYas received him, to them GAVE HE POWER TO BECOME THE SONS OF GOD (the REDEEMED)…” (John 1:12 KJV). “…SALVATION is found in no one else…” (Acts 4:12 NIV).

“ ...if I (Jesus, the PLAN of SALVATION) be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men (women) unto me” (John 12:32 KJV). “… [The] Good News about Christ (the PLAN of SALVATION and the WORD of GOD)… is the power of God at work (miraculously), saving (redeeming) everyone who believes…” (Romans 1:16 NLT). “…BY THE WORD of the Lord [you are DRAWN to God, the Holy Spirit]…” (Psalms 33:6 NASB).

“...the just for the unjust, that he might bring us [back] to [HIMSELF]…” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV). “… I will bring them home again,” says the Lord….” (HOSEA 11 NLT). “… Indeed, He loves the people…” (Deuteronomy 33:3 NASB). "… I have chosen you….” (John 15:16 KJV).

Solomon solidifies these directives from God when he says we are to find satisfaction in our purposes, destinies, labors and tasks because they, “... [are] a gift of God…” (Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 KJV).“…Now GOD GIVES [his people] many kinds of special abilities (and gifts) … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

“… The ... Holy Spirit ... is the source of ... all ... [his people’s special abilities and gifts]… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…There are different kinds of service to God …but it is the same GOD WHO “DOES” THE WORK IN AND THROUGH ... [redeemed people]... who are his… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…The Holy Spirit “displays” God’s power THROUGHeach [his people]… … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…It is the ... Holy Spirit who gives [his people]... all these gifts and powers, deciding which each one of [them] should have… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). 

In Genesis, God was the sole provider and caregiver in the “covenant unity” relationship. He was generously to his dependents needs and didn’t begrudge his responsibilities toward them. “...God blessed them and said to them, “...Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it ...RULE OVER (have dominion over).... Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food ...And it was so...” (Genesis 1:28-31 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 (including a human will) that God hasn’t given you?...” (1 Corinthians 4:7 NLT).

 “…God will supply all [HIS people need]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “…my cup runneth over (with God’s provisions)…” (Psalms 23:5 KJV). “…God will generously PROVIDE all [his people] need. Then [they] will always have everything [they] needand plenty left over to “SHARE” WITH OTHERS…” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT).

“…his divine power hath given unto [his people] ALL THINGS that pertain unto life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV).His provision(through his divine powers), for Adam and Eve, included the whole earth (animals, herbs, vegetation, etc. ;), a luscious home (the Garden of Eden), increase in family (through the fruit of the womb), purpose (subduing the earth), and authority (dominion) over his stuff.

There were many benefits of God’s provisional blessings, such as constant and ongoing love, peace, goodness, kindness, laughter, health, prosperity, soul satisfaction, contentment, safety, righteousness, and holiness.

“…BLESSED be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who HATH BLESSED us with all spiritual blessingsin heavenly places in Christ…” (Ephesians 1:3 KJV). “… [Your heavenly Father] ... will supply all your [need]… according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB).

“...  God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness..” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT).

 “...God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God...” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT).

“...even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness,..” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT).

“…The GIFT by grace……” (Romans 5:15 KJV).

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

“…The GIFT of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ ….” (Romans 6:23 KJV).  “….ye shall receive the GIFT of the Holy Ghost…” (Acts 2:38 KJV).

“…the GIFT of righteousness…” (Romans 5:17 KJV).

“…I am leaving you with a GIFT—peace of mind and heart...” (John 14:27 KJV).

“… 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 hath his proper GIFT of God...” (2 Corinthians 7:7 KJV).

“… It is … [the]...Holy Spirit who gives all these gifts and POWERS… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).  

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

God’s REDEEMED people are “…those [who have been given GIFTS from heaven, and] ...have [also]... experienced the good things of heaven …” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT).

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

“…[People will]… know (witness) that everything [His REDEEMED people have]… IS A GIFT “FROM” [God]…” (John 17:6-9 NLT). “…by the GRACE of God...[they are what, the bible, say they are and they have what, the bible, say they have]…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV). 

God’s redeemed people enjoy these gifts and blessings by faith, when they trust in and depend upon God, for “….every good gift and every perfect gift [which]... is from above, cometh down from (HIM) the Father of lights…..” (James 1:17 KJV). 

Provision is the way God lets his creation know what they mean to him and how deeply they are loved. “…the world is mine, and the fulness thereof…(Psalm 50:12 KJV). “…all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine…” (1 Chronicles 29:11 KJV).

Jesus said: “…All mine are thine, and THINE ARE MINE…” (John 17:10 KJV). THEN God says: “....[through Christ, i]… freely give [my people]... all things…” (Romans 8:32 KJV). “… For all things are...[theirs]... [in Christ]…” (1 Corinthians 3 KJV). “… “…[God, the Holy Spirit’s]... divine power hath GIVEN unto..[his people]... “ALL” THINGS that pertain unto life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV).

God has a commandment that expresses his thoughts about human Caregivers and husbandmen, “… if any does not provide for his (her) own, and those of his(her) own house, he(she) hath denied the faith and is worse than an infidel (unbeliever)...” (1 Timothy 5:8 KJV). 

Nothing says “I love you” or “you are meaningful to me” as one who lovingly provides for YOU. “… Indeed, He loves the people…” (Deuteronomy 33:3 NASB).“… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “…I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). “…I will … supply ALL your NEED…” (John 12:32 & Philippians 4:19 KJV).

 “…As many as are the promises of God, in Him (Jesus) they are yes …also … Amen …” (2 Corinthians 1:20 NASB). “...And this is the confidence that we have in him (Jesus), that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us…” (1 John 5:14 KJV). “…You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it...” (John 14:12-14 NLT).  “…Not one of the good promises which the Lord had made … failed; all came to pass…” (Joshua 21:45 NASB).  “…He has granted to [you]… His precious and magnificent promises…” (2 Peter 1:4 NASB).“… For all things are your's [in Christ]…” (1 Corinthians 3 KJV). “…God will generously PROVIDE all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to “SHARE” WITH OTHERS…” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT).

“… Indeed, He loves the people…” (Deuteronomy 33:3 NASB).“… “I AM WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “…I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

God created the “covenant unity” between himself and Adam. He took upon himself the role of husbandman as well as the responsibility of the position. He said EVERYTHING he created was GOOD. “….God saw every thing he had made……and, behold, it was very good” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).  

There were no flaws at all in anything God created. “… there is none good but one, that is, God” (Mark 10:18 KJV).“…for the lord is GOOD…” (Psalm 100:5 KJV). “…Oh how great is thy GOODNESS… (Psalm 31:19 KJV). “…GOOD and upright is the Lord…” (Psalm 25:8 KJV). “…For thou, Lord, is GOOD…” (Psalm 86:5 KJV). “…O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is GOOD… ” (Psalms 106:1 KJV). “…O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is GOOD; for his mercy endureth for ever” (1 Chronicles…” 16:34 KJV).“…Everything he does is right (good) and all his ways are just...” (Daniel 4 NIV).

God had a family. He may have been looking forward to being in their presence, walking in the cool of the day and sharing an “covenant unity” relationship with Adam and Eve. “...And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden...” (Genesis 3:8 KJV).

God didn’t create man out of a personal need; He simply wanted to LOVE them and have a family. “…God is love…” (1 John 4:8 KJV).“...We are his; we are HIS PEOPLE...” (Psalms 100:3 KJV).“...This [also]...means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become [one of God’s redeemed people]...” (2 Corinthians 5:14-18 NLT). “...[Everyone]… who believe the Good News...[and are REDEEMED]... BELONG TO CHRIST JESUS…” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT).  “...We are HIS PEOPLE...” (Psalms 100:3 KJV).

“….God saw every thing he had made (including mankind)……and, behold, it was very good” (Genesis 1:31 KJV). 

God said “…it was… good”! The establishment of the “covenant unity” relationship between God and man was the crowning glory of all his creation. “...and man became a living soul (soul)…”(GENESIS 2:7 KJV). “….God saw every thing he had made……and, [said] … it was VERY GOOD…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).

“...and man[kind]... became a living soul (soul)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). From this perspective, this is the first “covenant unity” between God and man. “...a living (god) soul(mankind) …” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).

God and mankind BONDED through the UNITY of HOLY LOVE.“…Love… the perfect BOND of UNITY...” (Colossians 3:14 NASB).

God and mankind CONNECTED through the HOLY SPIRIT.“…He that is joined unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT…[with God, the Father through Jesus Christ, our Lord] …”  (1 Corinthian 6:17 KJV).

God and mankind hearts were KNIT together in HOLY LOVE.“...our hearts....knit together in love...” (Colossians 2:2 KJV).

God and mankind SERVED each other with HOLY LOVE. “...with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing (like a servant, serve) one another in love...” (Ephesians 4:2 KJV).

“….God saw every thing he had made……and, [said] … it was VERY GOOD…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).

ALL covenants are God’s idea and not man’s. Covenants are unique to God and are his holy pattern for establishing relationships between himself and man throughout history. “…And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground (body), and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life(Holy Spirit);and man became a living soul(soul)…”(GENESIS 2:7 KJV). “….God saw every thing he had made……and, [said] … it was VERY GOOD…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).  

God always initiates and establishes his covenant with man and not the other way around. He made a covenant with Noah, “...behold, I establish my covenant with you, and with your seed after you...” (Genesis 9:9 KJV). With Abram. “... On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram...” (Genesis 15:9-21 NLT). In regard to New Testament believers: “... I will make a covenant of peace with them...” (Ezekiel 37:26 KJV).

“…. Again and again he rescued them ... he pitied them in their distress and listened to their cries. He remembered his covenant with them and relented because of his unfailing love…” (Psalms 106:42-48 NLT).

God initiated a covenant with man (Adam & Eve) to be fruitful, multiply, replenish, subdue, and take dominion in their role and he would be husband/owner in his role.

God fulfilled his role as CAREGIVER and Adam (Eve) fulfilled their roles as DEPENDENTS for a while. They were “one Spirit” with God, provided for, and safe.  “and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (Holy Spirit); and man became a living soul…”(GENESIS 2:7 KJV).

“...God blessed them and said to them, “...Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it ...RULE OVER (have dominion over).... Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food ...And it was so...” (Genesis 1:28-31 KJV).“…Every good GIFT and every perfect GIFT is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights…” (James 1:17 KJV).

“…[God is]...with … [his people] and will keep … [them] whithersoever [they]… goest…I will notleave [them] ..." (Genesis 28:15 ASV).  

God initiated the “covenant unity” relationship in Genesis, with promises, blessings, and gifts too and said:  “….it was very good…”

First, God said, “….let us make man in our image, after our likeness; …” (Genesis 1:26 KJV). THEN, “...[God, the Holy Spirit]... breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (Holy Spirit);and man became a living soul…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). NEXT, “...God blessed them...And it was so...” (Genesis 1:28-31 KJV).

All mankind had to do was CHOOSE, through human will,  to KEEP God’s instructions. In the beginning, God, the Holy Spirit, or the husbandman made a loving appeal to Adam as a way to maintain their “covenant unity”. “….of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it; for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die...” (Genesis 2:16-17).

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

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

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

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

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

“…through one [hu]man [being’s independent choice to follow Satan’s lies]... (or transgress against God’s instructions) sin entered into the world, and [spiritual] DEATH THROUGH SIN ...“(Romans 5:12 KJV).

“...and so [spiritual] death passed to “all” men(women)—“(Romans 5:12 KJV).  

NOW “…All have sinned (all are born spiritually dead) and fallen SHORT of the GLORY of God (all are born without the Holy Spirit)…” (Romans 3:23).

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

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

“.... At that moment their eyes were opened (opened to a life SEPARATE from God, the Holy Spirit)…” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT). 

The moment, they transgressed the holy law “…[their] ...INIQUITIES … separated … [them from] ... God (the breath of life, the Holy Spirit, GOODNESS)…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). “…It’s [THEIR] SINS that  ...cut [them] off from God…” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT).

From the very beginning, mankind had the ability to CHOOSE, through human will. They could choose to live independently of God, the Holy Spirit, or they could choose to trust in and depend upon God, the Holy Spirit or CAREGIVER by  “…walk[ing].... by faith...” (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV).

“…[God’s redeemed people]... shall LIVE BY “HIS” FAITH…” (Habakkuk 2:4 NASB). Living by faith is not about following rules and regulations, being moral through self-effort, or doing a bunch of church or religious duties.“…Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity…” (Matthew 7:22-23 KJV).

When God’s  “covenant unity” people live by faith they are EMPOWERED by  the indwelling Holy Spirit to trust and depend upon HIM.  “…I WILL supply all your NEED…” (John 12:32 & Philippians 4:19 KJV).

EMPOWERED faith supplied by the indwelling Holy Spirit, who produces the spiritual fruit of faith actually enables God’s people to trust and depend upon HIM.  "....The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [y]our lives ....[FAITH] …” (Galatians 5 NLT). “… [God] work[s] IN [you]… what is pleasing to him…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “….Without faith it is impossible to please God…” (Hebrews 11:6 KJV).

“…It is God which worketh in you…” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).  “… [He doeth the work] according to the POWER that worketh in [his people]…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).“…God …work[s] in [his people]... what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).

The GIFT of FAITH is an EXPRESSION of God’s HOLY LOVE. “…There is NO GREATER LOVE than to lay down one’s life…” (John 15:13 NLT).

FAITH in the CAREGIVER is the LIFESTYLE of the DEPENDENT within “covenant unity” relationship between God and his people.“…The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, ALONG WITH FAITH and love that are in Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 1:13-14 NIV).

 “…God hath dealt (GIVEN)… to every man THE measure of FAITH…” (Romans 12:3 NIV). “…it is the gift of God …” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). “… [One of]… the fruit of the Spirit… is…FAITH…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).

A DEPENDENT is someone who RELIES on another for some kind of support assistance, or supply. The dependent can’t rely on their strength, alone, to meet their own needs. A dependent also has to rely on the voluntary and willful assistant of some else’s benevolence.

A dependent, therefore, is, most likely, at the mercy of a caregiver to supply their needs.

ALL of God’s people are A DEPENDENTS. Depending on God, the Holy Spirit and CAREGIVER, by walking by faith, empowered through Jesus Christ, is pleasing to God. “….Without faith it is impossible to please God…” (Hebrews 11:6 KJV).  “…Trust in [and depend upon]... the Lord (his word) with all thine heart…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).

The bible informs God’s people, “… [they] can do all things THROUGH Christ which strengtheneth [them or empowers them]…”(Philippians 4:13 KJV). “…The righteous will live by his faith [who’s faith?] (jesus’ faith reproduced through the holy spirit)…” (Habakkuk 2:4 NASB).“… [You] live bythe faith of the Son of God.   …” (Galatians 2:20 KJV). “…the Father that dwelleth in [you] he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

“…The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, ALONG WITH FAITH and love that are in Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 1:13-14 NIV).

“…a right ...[“covenant unity”] ... relationship with God …comes,[is sustained, and endures]... by faith…” (Romans 4:13 NASB).

 

YOU ARE NOT "MERELY" IN A RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD, BUT A COVENANT

THE COVENANT RELATIONSHIP

 “…that they might KNOW…..the only true God and Jesus Christ…” (John 17:3)

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God’s is the husbandman in the “covenant unity” relationship with EACH of HIS people.  Each of HIS people are HIS dependents. “...my Father is the husbandman...” (JOHN 15:1 KJV).

“…He … remains faithful (WE ARE SECURE IN THE COVENANT RELATIONSHIP)…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  

Within the “covenant unity” relationship, God will be responsible for meeting their every need, showing unchanging, holy, lovingkindness, and providing consistent, ongoing, immutable care. “...my Father is the husbandman...” (JOHN 15:1 KJV).

“…He … remains faithful (WE ARE SECURE IN HIS FAITHFUL COMMITMENT TO HIS PEOPLE)…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT). “Jesus Christ is the sameyesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV).

God, the Father and Holy Spirit, is the DIVINEhusbandman whose every Word and action is GOVERNED by HOLY LOVE.

Those that abide in Christ, he faithfully attends to them - whose hearts he has planted the “good seed,” - to ensure they produce, through HIS Living water, spiritual fruit. “… God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son (HIS WORD, the good seed) into [y]our hearts...” (Galatians 4:6 NASB).  “…The sower (God) SOWETH THE WORD (the good seed) …The (spiritual) seed (is Jesus, who) is the WORD OF GOD….. THE WORD …was sown in [THE] HEARTS [of God’s people]... (symbolic of the ground; earth)…” (Mark 4:14-15 & Luke 8:11 KJV).

Jesus is the “spiritual SEED” and when the earth (also the human heart) receives and accepts the SEED, the SEED WILL always produce a fruitful crop when properly WATERED with LIVING WATER. “…The seed that fell on good soil ...  [will]... produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted... ” (Matthew 13: 18-23 NLT). “…The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…” (Galatians 5:22 NLT).

The SEED is WATERED by the HOLY SPIRIT, so it can GROW and produce spiritual fruit that empowers transformation. “…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). God, the Holy Spirit represents a type of water and is referred to as a “...spring of living water...” (Jeremiah 2:13 KJV).

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

“…God ...the … HOLY SPIRIT ... is the SOURCE of ...[LIVING WATER]…it is …God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of ...[HIS people]... The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s [working] power (to produce spiritual fruit) THROUGH each of [his people, when they water the “seed”] … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…the Father … he doeth the works...[of cultivating and producing spiritual fruit]…” (John 14:10 KJV).

AND, “…The Holy Spirit [will produce]... this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…” (Galatians 5:22 NLT). A good husbandman ensures ALL “HIS” crops are fruitful.

Jesus clarifies, this truth, when he says he is “THE TRUE VINE.” “... I am thetrue vine..” (JOHN 15:1 KJV). “...my Father is the husbandman...” (JOHN 15:1 KJV).

Jesus, as the TRUE VINE, leads God’s people to the importance of the indwelling presence. “… apart from [HIM, the indwelling presence], you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). “… [God’s people] … can do all things through Christ (the indwelling presence) which strengtheneth … [or empowers them]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “…It is God (the indwelling presence) who works in [his people]… to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13 NIV).

 God, the Holy Spirit’s indwelling presence restores the “covenant unity” relationship, empowers righteous living, and produces spiritual fruit. Jesus saith…I am the way, the truth, and the life…” (John 14:6 KJV).“…There is … one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).  

The roots of a grape vine nourishes and sustains its branches so they can grow and develop their fruit. “… apart from [HIM, the true vine], [the branches]... can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

The indwelling Holy Spirit nourishes, his people, through Jesus who reconciled them to God so they grow and develop to produce spiritual fruit.“…[He sent the] …one … who can reconcileGod and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).“…The Holy Spirit  produces  (through the good seed)...[spiritual]... fruit in [the lives of HIS people when the SEED is watered]….” (Galatians 5 NLT). 

“…The branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you (God’s people) abide in Me (Jesus, the word). …” (John 15:4-6 NASB). The branches can NOT bear fruit, without abiding in the vine. In fact, if the branches are cut-off from the vine, it dies and can no longer produce fruit.

“… I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit,…” (John 15:4-6 NASB).

God’s people are totally dependent upon the indwelling Holy Spiritto produce spiritual fruit. “…The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…” (Galatians 5:22 NLT).

It is the “covenant unity” between God’s people (with the good seed planted within their hears) and God, the indwelling Holy Spirit, who is the source of LIVING WATER, that enables the production of spiritual fruit. “… apart from Me you can do nothing…” (John 15:4-6 NASB). “…The Holy Spirit produces (through the GOOD seed and LIVING water) ...[spiritual]... fruit in [the] lives [of his people]…” (Galatians 5:22 NLT).

However, it is through, choosing to stay connected BY FAITH (trusting in and depending upon God), that spiritual fruit is produced. “…I am the vine, you are the branches…” (John 15:1-11 NASB). “…abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me…” (John 15:4 KJV).“… [YOU CHOOSE]... this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

Jesus literally admitted: “…I do nothing of myself…” (John 8:28 KJV).  “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…He (she(the branches)) who ABIDES in [ the true vine] and [true vine in them,]… bears much fruit… ” (John 15:1-11 NASB). "… [The]… Father is glorified (his presence is made known or witnessed) by this, that “[HIS PEOPLE, the branches]” bear much fruit, and so PROVE to be [his]… disciples” (John 15:8 NIV).

“…[God’s people) shall [be known]… by [their]… fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…All men will knowthat you are My disciples, if you have love for one another…" (John 13:35 NASB). “[God’s] …Holy Spirit …is the SOURCE [of it ALL]…” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “… he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

Adam was a predestined idea of God, the Holy Spirit’s. He wanted to start a family. It is similar to a couple deciding to have a baby and giving him/her a name before conception even takes place. God said, “….LET US MAKE man … after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV). “…in his own image…..male and female created he them…” (Genesis 1:27 KJV).

When couples decide to have a family they are also committing to love the children and be responsible for their care. “...God said (to his children, his dependents, Adam and Eve), Behold, I have given youevery herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have givenevery green herb for meat: and it was so...” (Genesis 1:29-30 KJV).

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

“…His DIVINE POWER hath given unto [his people] ALL THINGS that pertain unto life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV). “…[God promises HE] will supply all [their]... NEED…” (John 12:32 KJV). ). “...He careth for [them]...” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV).“…The LORD (the indwelling Spirit) “WILL” accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [you]…” (John 14:31 NASB). “…God (the holy spirit) is the one who provides …” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV).  “…God (the Holy Spirit) will generously PROVIDE all you need…” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT).

Not only was it God’s desire and predestined purpose to make himself a family in his “own image” and after his “likeness,’ but he also planned to let them “have dominion” over the  things in the sea, the air, and the things that moved upon the earth. “….LET US MAKE man … after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV). “…in his own image…..male and female created he them…”(Genesis 1:27 KJV).

“...God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have DOMINION overthe fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth….” (Genesis 1:26-28 KJV).

Two things stand out here “image” and “dominion”. When we think of imagewe must keep in mind that God is Spirit and being created in his image or likeness (Latin for imago Deo) has to do with HIS Spirit. “…in his own image…..male and female created he them…” (Genesis 1:27 KJV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).

Couples having a baby are usually hoping to see some aspect of their own image or likeness in the child. God did too. “….… after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV). “…created he t

MAKE man[kind] in our image, after our likeness…”(Genesis 1:26 KJV).  “…And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground (body),and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (Holy Spirit); and man became a living soul (soul)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). 

In addition, when a couple has a child, the child enjoys everything that belongs to his or her parents (caregivers) and the parents (caregivers) usually, freely share their possessions generously with their children. “… [God, through Christ]… freely give [his children]... all things…” (Romans 8:32 KJV). “…God will supply all [their need]… according to His richesin glory in Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB).  

When we think of dominion we think of authority or rule.  God generously and freely SHARES his authority with his redeemed people too, through Jesus, his LIVING WORD (the good seed). “… The Son of Man (the WORD) has authority on earth to forgive sins...” (Matthew 9:6 NASB). “… Jesus (the WORD) …SPOKE to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Mein heaven and on earth…” (Matthew 28:18 NASB).

 “…God, who ha[s]... given such authority to men (his people through jesus]…” (Matthew 9:8 NASB). “… Jesus (THE WORD, the GOOD seed) ….gave them power and authority to cast out all demons and to heal all diseases…” (Luke 9:1 NASB). “… I (JESUS, THE WORD, the GOOD seed has) ...given [God’s people]... authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you…” (Luke 10:19 NASB).

“…[God’s people]... can ask for anything in my name (in god’s word which has “all” authority), and I will do it...” (John 14:12-14 NLT).

“….[god’s people]... may ask for anything [they]... want…”(JOHN 15:7 NASB).  “...[if they]...ask...[by faith]... it will be given to ...[them]…” (Matthew 7:7 NIV). “…everyone...[of his children]... who asks receives…” (Matthew 7:8 NIV).

“…[god]... will do whatever ...[his people]...ask in my name (god’s word, god’s authority), so that the Father may be glorified (revealed or witnessed through his presence, goodness, and working power) in the Son (the WORD, the GOOD seed)…” (John 14:13 NIV).

“…And this is the confidence that ...[God’s people]... have in him (Jesus, the WORD, the GOOD seed), that, if [they]... ask any thing according to his will (his word), he heareth us…” (1 John 5:14 KJV).

“…Jesus (the WORD, the GOOD seed)…said, “Father (Holy Spirit), thank you for hearing me (the WORD of God).You always hear me (the WORD of God)….” (John 11:41-42 NLT).

“… [God’s people] … Receive from him anything ...[they]... ask, because ...[they]... keephis commands (follow HIS instructions] and dowhat pleases him…” (1 John 3:22 NIV).

“...he (the indwelling holy spirit) work “IN [them]” what is pleasing to him,through Jesus Christ (the Word, the Good seed)…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…the Father (the living water) … doeth the works (of empowering his people’s authority)…” (John 14:10 KJV).

“…May he (God, the Holy Spirit continue to) work in [his people]... what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ (the Word of God, the GOOD seed)…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…If [God’s people]... know that HE hears [them]—whatever [they]... ask—[they]... know that [they]... havewhat [they] asked of him…” (1 John 5:15 NIV). “…Jesus (the WORD)…said, “Father (Holy Spirit)… You always hear me(the WORD of God)….” (John 11:41-42 NLT).

The POWER and AUTHORITY God gives to his people, through Jesus, his WORD, empowers them to be his witnesses and give him glory. “...you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere...” (ACTS 1:8 NLT).

 “… I tell you the truth, anyone (of God’s people) who has faith (trust & dependency) in me (the Word of God) will do what I (Jesus, the WORD) have been doing.  He(she) will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.  And I will do whatever [they]... ask in my name,(in Jesus, the WORD and God’s authority) so that the Son ( the WORD OF GOD) may bring glory (revelation and confirmation of his presence, goodness, and working power) to the Father (God, who is the HOLY SPIRIT).  [God’s people]... may ask [HIM, the Holy Spirit]... for anything in my name,(the WORD and God’s authority) and I will do it...”  (John 14:12-14 NIV).

God, the Holy Spirit, gave Adam(Eve) rule and authority when he gave them dominion over the things in the sea, air, and moving things upon earth. “…over the fish of the sea and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the face of the earth” (Genesis 1:28 KJV). 

God took full responsibility as caregiver to his family by freely and lavishly sharing his possessions. “…the world is mine, and the fulness thereof…” (Psalm 50:12 KJV). “…Thine, O Lord is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine…” (1 Chronicles 29:11 KJV).“…The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein…” (Psalm 24:1 KJV).

“… [ALL] power (in heaven and upon earth)belongs to God (the Father, Holy Spirit, Husbandman, Caregiver, Living Water, etc.)…” (Psalms 62:11 NASB). God GAVE authority to Jesus.

Jesus said: “…All mine are thine, and THINE ARE MINE…” (John 17:10 KJV). THEN God GAVE authority to his redeemed people through Jesus. The bible says: “....[God, through Christ]… freely give us all things…” (Romans 8:32 KJV). “… For all things are...[theirs]... [in Christ]…” (1 Corinthians 3 KJV). “… “…[God, the Holy Spirit’s]... divine power hath GIVEN unto..[his people]... “ALL” THINGS that pertain unto life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV).

God FIRST said, “….let us make man in our image, after our likeness; and let them have dominion”(Genesis 1:26 KJV). Adam (Eve) were predestined to have dominion.

Predestination reveals or gives witness to God’s authority and rule over what will or will not happen in heaven and upon earth. “…The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein…” (Psalm 24:1 KJV).

 “…..being predestined according to the purpose of him (God, the Holy Spirit) who worketh  all things after the counsel of his own will (rule, authority, dominion)...” (Ephesians 1:11 KJV).

God predestined to make mankind in his image and likeness. And it was HIS purpose and from his OWN counsel to let them have dominion “….according to [His]... purpose…” (Ephesians 1:11 KJV).   “...all things after the counsel of his own will...” (Ephesians 1:11 KJV). “...God blessed them, and God said unto them ...have DOMINION ...” (Genesis 1:26-28 KJV).

A couple plans for the child by deciding and preparing to CARE for them, provide for their needs and love them. So does God.“…I will supply all your NEED…” (John 12:32 KJV). “…God will generously PROVIDE all you need…” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT). “...He careth for ...[his people]....” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). ). “…The LORD “WILL” … [take care of]…that which concerns … [you]…” (John 14:31 NASB). “…the Lord loves His people …” (2 Chronicles 2:11 NASB).

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

God spoke everything else into existence, yet he personally decided to shape or mold man with his own loving, gentle hands. “…BY THE WORD of the Lord the heavens were made,..” (Psalms 33:6 NASB). “…All things [COME] into being through Him (the WORD of GOD), and apart from [the WORD] nothing [COMES] into being that [WILL] come into being … (John 1:1-4 NASB). “... I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul (my existence) knows it very well …” (Psalms 139: 7:14 NASB). “…by the GRACE of God I AM (you are) what I AM (you are)…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).

Mankind was God’s special creation above all other creations. They are  “... fearfully and wonderfully made …” (Psalms 139: 7:14 NASB). They are one of God’s truly WONDERFUL works (Psalm 139:14).  “... Wonderful are Your works…” (Psalms 139: 7:14 NASB).

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

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

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

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

At this time in history, God, the Holy Spirit and Adam(Eve) were in a “covenant unity” relationship UNITED through spiritual LIFE. They were both was spiritual and human beings. When God saw his family (Adam(Eve) he saw his image and likeness and called them a LIVING SOUL. “...and man[kind]... became a living soul...” (Genesis 2:7 KJV).

Just like a couple’s newborn child would reflect the image and likeness of both parents. So did God’s family (Adam/Eve) reflect his image and likeness and God thought it was GOOD.“….God saw every thing he had made……and, [said] … it was VERY GOOD…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).

In addition, predestined in the creation of Adam was God’s predestined idea of a future helpmet for Adam. “…..being predestined according to the purpose of him (God, the Holy Spirit) who worketh  all things after the counsel of his own will (rule, authority, dominion)...” (Ephesians 1:11 KJV).

God knows the plans he has for his people. God said it wasn’t good for Adam to be alone, so he planned for him to experience a “covenant unity” relationship with Eve. “…The plans [God has]…for you

… [are]… plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).

God’s said to Adam, “…it is not good that the man should be alone; I will make …a helpmeet [to have a covenant relationship with] ... him...” (Genesis 2:18 KJV).

God’s puts a plan into action. He puts Adam into “…a deep sleep... [takes] one of his ribs …..[and makes him] a [physical] woman, and … [brings] her [to him]” (Genesis 2:21-22 KJV).

What we see in Genesis is the “covenant unity” relationship between God and man, then, the first “covenant unity” relationship between man and woman (God and Adam; Adam and Eve).

The creation of Adam(Eve) and their marriage was all DONE “….according to [His] purpose….”“...[and],,, after the counsel of his own will...” (Ephesians 1:11 KJV).

On purpose and from his OWN counsel, “God blessed them...” (Genesis 1:28 KJV).

Being blessed by God means he intends to shower his family with endless and sufficient gifts, prosperities, health, happiness, peace, favors, and endless lovingkindnesses.

“Blessing” in Hebrew, according to Strong’s concordance, is berakah and means gift, peace, prosperity, or to bestow happiness and well-being. “…God blessed them…” God, the Holy Spirit, STILL blesses, his children(people) today!  “…THY BLESSING is upon THY PEOPLE…” (Psalms 3:8 KJV).

“…YOU MAKE … [THEM] … “MOST” BLESSED forever; …” (Psalms 21:6 NASB).“…You surround … [THEM] … WITH FAVOR as with a shield…” (Psalms 5:12 NASB).

 “… [His children,]… enjoy the promise of blessings because THEY BELONG TO CHRIST JESUS…” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT).   “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  

God is more than ABLE and ready to serve the needs of his children. “…God is the one who provides…” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV). “… God will supply all [their need]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB).  

“….The Lordis my shepherd; I shall not want. ….” (PSALM 23:1-3 NLT). Newborn babies usually have so many gifts and blessings they never even know about them all. “…God will generously PROVIDE all [his people] need. Then [they]... will always have everything [they]... need and plenty left over to “SHARE” WITH OTHERS…” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT).

When the “covenant unity” relationship with God is NEW, his people spend ample time with HIM, long for his company, and commune with him regularly all the while trusting and depending upon his love and care. “...As the deer pants for the water brooks, So my soul pants for You, O God...” (Psalm 42:2 NASB).“...My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God...” (Psalm 42:2 KJV). “...My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God...” (Psalm 84:2 KJV). “...My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times...” (Psalm 119:20 KJV).  “...I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments...” (Psalm 119:131 KJV).“...Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters...” (Isaiah 55:11 KJV). “…He restoreth my SOUL…” (Psalm 23 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit, is ABLE to be the ALMIGHTY Caregiver to his people, because he NEVER, EVER leaves them ALONE or without HIS PRESENCE.“…God has said “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV). “…Behold, I AM WITH… [YOU] and  … I WILL NOT LEAVE [YOU] …." (Genesis 28:15 ASV “…Behold, I am with … [you] and will keep … [you] whithersoever [you]… goest…I will not leave [you] ..." (Genesis 28:15 ASV).

Not only is God, the Holy Spirit ALWAYS with his people, but their needs are ALREADY supplied. “…my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory (which is his presence, goodness, and working power which are) in Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 4:19 KJV). “…Jesus Christ is IN YOU…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV).

“…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” OUR HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…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).

“ …We have this treasure  (the indwelling Holy Spirit) “in” earthen vessels…” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV).

“…The Spirit of God dwelleth in you” (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV). “…The [Holy] Spirit of God dwellin you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?...” (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV). “…God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people…” (2 Corinthians 6:16 KJV). . “…God is not human …” (Numbers 23:19 NIV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…the Spirit of God dwell in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).

God’s people are to be his family and his dependents that trust and depend upon by following his instructions. “...And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God...” (Deuteronomy 28:1-2 KJV).

When God’s people follow his instructions, by faith, he will KEEP them through ALL his POWERFUL love, care, and spiritual blessings. “...[God’s people]... are protected by the power of God through faith (trusting in and depending upon HIM)...” (1 Peter 1:5 KJV). “...[For God’s people]... through [their]... faith, God is protecting [them]... by his power...” (1 Peter 1:5 NLT). “...Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.  I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned....” (John 15:1-10 KJV).

God’s people are UNDER his protective CARE as long as they CHOOSE to STAY with HIM.“...Abide in me, and I in you...for without me ye can do nothing...” (John 15:1-10 KJV). “...If a man (woman) abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned....” (John 15:1-10 KJV).

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

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

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

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

“…Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God…” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11 KJV).

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

LIKE JESUS, SAY WITH CONFIDENCE "I AND MY FATHER ARE ONE!"

I AND MY FATHER ARE “ONE”

“…that they might KNOW…..the only true God and Jesus Christ…” (John 17:3)

*

Jesus’ relationship with God during his life on earth was both as a Son and servant. Jesus said, "...I and my Father are one..." (John 10:30 KJV). Yet, “…[Jesus] ... made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and ...became obedientunto death, even the death of the cross…” Philippians 2:6-8 KJV).

Like the old Adam, Jesus was subject to and servant to God. “...I seek not mine own will…but the will of the Father which hath sent me...” and while on earth, he acknowledged his total allegiance to serving God’s will. “…the Son can do nothing of himself …I can of mine own self do nothing…...” (John 5:19, 30 KJV). 

Jesus was not simply “close” to God, but he said he was “one” with God, the Holy Spirit. “...I and the father are one...” (John 10:30 KJV).

Even though Jesus and the God, the Father were uniquely joined together, Jesus reveals himself as both an individual and yet “one” with God. He was a Son and a servant. He was both divine and human. The bible says, “...Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men...” Philippians 2:6-7 KJV).

Christ had all the rights of his Father in heaven and could take advantage of those rights if he CHOSE to, but he didn’t. “…[Jesus] ... made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and ...became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross…” Philippians 2:6-8 KJV).

In other words, like Adam and Eve, he had the freedom to CHOOSE, through human will, independent of God’s instructions. God had given him the privilege to choose too. “… I lay down my life... [FOR YOU] …” (John 10:17-18 KJV). “….the Son of Man came (was sent and prepared as an earthen vessel) ….TO GIVE his life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28 NIV). “… I lay down my life (my earthen vessel)... No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. …” (John 10:17-18 KJV).

He willfully decided not to use the privileges of his divine connection, but instead remained servant/subject to God.  “…..nevertheless, not my will, but thine, be done…” (Luke 22:42 KJV)

He had supernatural privileges as God’s Son.  If human fathers are rich or wealthy their children may have privileges that other children don’t have. “...Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God...” Philippians 2:6-7 KJV).  “...Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion...” (Philippians 2:5-8 MSG).

Jesus’ Father is divine and holy,  and OWNS everything in heaven and earth.  “…The earth is ... [god, the holy spirit’s] and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein…” (Psalm 24:1 KJV). “…the world is mine (God, the Holy Spirit’s), and the fulness thereof…” (Psalm 50:12 KJV). “…for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine (God, the Holy Spirit’s)…” (1 Chronicles 29:11 KJV).

Christ had excess to all the privileges of HIS Father’s wealth and all the authority too.  “……. [Jesus’ Father] … does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT). “…[ALL] power belongs to God (jesus’ father)…” (Psalms 62:11 NASB). “…All authority has been given to [JESUS) in heaven and on earth … [therefore,] the powersof heaven and the peoples of the earth [submit to Jesus] …” (Matthew 28:18 NASB & Daniel 4 NLT).

Jesus could freely CHOOSE, through human will, to live independently from God’s instructions for his life, but followed after God instead. “...Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God...” Philippians 2:6-7 KJV).  “...He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion...” (Philippians 2:5-8 MSG).

This is the crux of the story and where the first Adam and last Adam part ways. Jesus humbled himself in obedience to God’s word and God’s will for his life by becoming a willful, personal servant. “…[Jesus] ...became obedientunto death, even the death of the cross…” Philippians 2:6-8 KJV). “… I lay down my life (my earthen vessel)... No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. …” (John 10:17-18 KJV).

It is important to know Jesus was just as human as you and I when he was “…made in the likeness of men… ” (Philippians 2:7 KJV).

Jesus took on human flesh and he lived a human experience without sin “...[God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus, can]… be touched with the feeling of [y]our infirmities...” (Hebrews 4:15 KJV).

He suffered in human flesh too, yet, he remained a loving, obedient, servant Son “… [God’s] Son, yet learned he obedience by the things he suffered…” (Hebrews 5:8 KJV).

It demonstrates Jesus’ love for God. It also witnesses to all of God’s redeemed people how keeping God’s instructions is a SERVICE of LOVE in the “covenant unity” relationship. “...If you love me, you will keep my commandments...” (John 14:15). 

Jesus also witnesses to all of God’s redeemed people how “they” are to behave “in” the relationship with God. “…God anointed Jesus of Nazareth (HOW?)with the Holy Ghost (God IS SPIRIT) and WITH POWER: (WHAT DID THE HOLY SPIRIT & GOD’S POWER CAUSE JESUS TO DO?) [HE]... went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for GOD[who is SPIRIT] WAS WITH HIM…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).

“…[GOD, who is SPIRIT]... anointed [ENDOWED him (Jesus, the Word) with the POWER] 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). “…Ye shall know [God’s people]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV).

Further, Jesus witnesses to God’s redeemed people how CHOOSING, through human will, to KEEP God’s instructions GIVES God GLORY or reveals his presence, goodness, and working power, upon earth.  “…he that hath seen me (Jesus or God’s redeemed people) hath seen the Father (God, the Holy Spirit)…” (John 14:9-10 KJV).

The “covenant unity” relationship between God, the Holy Spirit and Jesus is the purist form of “oneness” where hearts are “knit together” and they are SERVING each other “in love.” “...We love, because he first loved us...” (1 John 4:19 ASV). “...our hearts....knit together in love...” (Colossians 2:2 KJV). “...with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing (like a servant towards) one another in love...” (Ephesians 4:2 KJV).

Jesus lived and died for God’s redeemed people to enjoy a reconciled “covenant unity” relationship with God, the Holy Spirit. “…, my righteous servant (Jesus) ... [made]... it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT). “…[He sent the ] …one … who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).“…Jesus Christ maketh thee whole (AGAIN)…” (Acts 9:34 KJV).

If Christ’s life witnessed the “covenant unity” he SHARED with his Father, God, the Holy Spirit; so should God’s redeemed people. Jesus said: “…he that hath seen me hath seen the Father…” (John 14:9-10 KJV). “…In this world we are LIKE JESUS…” (1 John 4:17 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).

 God’s redeemed people are to GROW and DEVELOP into the image of Jesus, who was God’s EXACT representation.“… GROW (develop, transform) in the GRACE and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…” (2 Timothy 3:18 NIV).  Jesus said: “…he that hath seen me hath seen the Father…” (John 14:9-10 KJV). “…In this world we are LIKE JESUS…” (1 John 4:17 NIV).

Whether we are aware of it or not, many of God’s redeemed people claim they are in a “covenant unity,” (YADA), but STILL practice sinful lifestyles and WALK in darkness.  “…If we “SAY”that we have fellowship with him, and WALK IN DARKNESS (unrepentent), WE LIE, and DO NOT THE TRUTH…” (1 John 1:6 KJV).

“…Bring forth therefore fruits (such as spiritual fruit) worthy of REPENTANCE (that comes from an authentic “covenant unity” with God), and begin NOT to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then? He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none…” (Luke 3:8-11 KJV). “…REPENT…” (Acts 17:30 KJV).

You can only establish a true WITNESS of the “covenant unity” with God, the Holy Spirit by actually experiencing the relationship. “…Ye shall know them by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV).

“…The fruit of the [indwelling Holy]… Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “ ...The Holy Spirit (through “covenant unity”) produces this kind of fruit in our lives…” (Galatians 5 NLT). "…My Father is glorified by this (when God's redeemed people witness his presence, goodness, and working power that empowers them to) ...bear much fruit, and so PROVE to be [God’s]... disciples...” (John 15:8 NIV).

The more TIME God’s redeemed people spend with God, in the “covenant unity” relationship, the more of a witness they become of his presence, his goodness, and his working power (or HIS GLORY). “...Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works...” (John 14:9-10).

 When God’s redeemed people SPEND time with God within the “covenant unity” relationship, it will show up in their thinking, feelings, spiritual practices, what they say, and what they do. “...He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed...”(Proverbs 13:20).

That’s how Jesus became so much like his Father in Heaven. He was a carbon copy of his IMAGE and LIKENESS. WHY?. He spent time watching and LEARNING what God SHOWED him. “…what he seeth the Father doing … these the Son also doeth in like manner” (John 5:19 ASV) and he boasted that “….the Father loveth the Son, and showeth him all things that he himself doeth...” (John 5:20 ASV).

 If you spend time with God you can also boast like Jesus and even do greater things than he did. “...Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father...” (John 14:12).

“...Believe me: I am in my Father and my Father is in me. If you can’t believe that, believe what you see—these works. The person who trusts me will not only do what I’m doing but even greater things, because I, on my way to the Father, am giving you the same work to do that I’ve been doing. You can count on it. From now on, whatever you request along the lines of who I am and what I am doing, I’ll do it. That’s how the Father will be seen for who he is in the Son. I mean it. Whatever you request in this way, I’ll do...” (John 14:11-14 MSG).

Let’s look at the first relationship between God and man in the book of Genesis. In the first relationship between God and man, in the book of Genesis, God is the husband of both Adam/Eve. “...my Father is the husbandman...” (JOHN 15:1 KJV).

In this context husbandman is not understood in terms of gender as many have come to know it, but relates, first, to the Hebrew word “Baal” which means “owner.”

God as “owner” refers to HIS role and position of responsibility in the “covenant unity” relationship with HIS redeemed people. 

The term “husbandman” meant a lot of things in both the old and new testaments. The meaning most people are familiar with is the definition of husbandman as farmer, worker of the land, or a producer of crops.

The husbandman as farmer, worker of the land, or a producer of crops refers to one who does husbandry or manages the production, development, and fruition of crops.

          Adam was called to be this kind of husbandman. He was to care for and work the land in the garden of Eden. “...The Lord God took the man (Adam) and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it...” (Genesis 2:15 NIV).

          To care for and work the land meant that one of the duties of Adam was to manage the crops. Adam was blessed and was given special dominion skills, from God, to do work of a husbandman. “...God blessed them and said to them, “...Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it ...RULE OVER (have dominion over).... Then God said, “I give youevery seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food ...And it was so...” (Genesis 1:28-31 KJV).

          In the 21st century, a husbandman or farmer STILL manages the production of crops by preparing the fields for planting seeds and checking to ensure it is the right season to plant.

Husbandmen make sure the crops are cared for properly, at all times. They keep abreast of weather conditions in case the crops need special care or protection. They check to make sure they are planting seeds in the proper soil. They keep the fields watered, fertilized, purged, free of animals or pests, and free of competing weeds.

Throughout, their growth and development, the husbandmen also try to prevent weather or climate from ruining the crop. And when the time comes, they make sure the crops are harvested in a timely manner.

The husbandman shoulders the whole responsibility of managing the planting, cultivating, tending, purging, and harvesting of the crops from start to finish.

The husbandman may hire helpers, but he is ultimately responsible for the success of every individual crop. Under, the husbandman’s instructions, the helpers may be given the task of watering the fields, helping with planting, fertilizing, cultivating, and/or the harvesting of the crop.

The good husbandman, however, will work WITH his helpers to care for his “own” crops. He will work alongside his workers to plant the crops, cultivate them, purge them, and harvest them.

A good husbandman also EXPECTS his crops to produce its FRUIT, especially when the husbandman KNOWS that the seeds are well equipped to grow and flourish. The husbandman planted a SEED in the garden of the earth. “…The Kingdom of Heaven (or the coming of Jesus) is like a farmer who planted good seed in his field(upon the earth)...’” (Matthew 13:24-30 NLT). “...The seed is the word of God...” (Luke 8:11 KJV).“… His name (Jesus) is called The Word of God (the SEED)…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB).

God, the Holy Spirit, as husbandman, plants a GOOD seed, in the heart(earth) of every one of his redeemed people, which is PROOF of the “covenant unity” they share.“…The sower (God, the husbandman) SOWETH THE WORD …The seed (Jesus) is the WORD OF GOD ….. THE WORD (the good seed) …was sown in THEIR HEARTS (the ground; earth)…” (Mark 4:14-15 & Luke 8:11 KJV). Jesus had another name.“… His name is called The Word of God (the “good” seed)…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB).

“…GOD, [the Holy Spirit] IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…God [the Holy Spirit SENDS] … forth the Spirit of His Son (the good seed) “INTO” [Y]OUR HEARTS (earth, ground)…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…God [the Holy Spirit] has given [you] HIS Spirit as PROOF (evidence)  … he [dwells]…in [you]…” (1 John 4:13 NLT).“ …[God’s people]... have this treasure  (this good seed) “in” earthen vessels…” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV). 

Jesus is the good seed and ALWAYS produces good crop “…The seed that fell on good soil ...  [will]... produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted... ” (Matthew 13: 18-23 NLT). "....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 (the REDEEMED)… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

The good SEED is WATERED by the HOLY SPIRIT, so it can GROW and produce spiritual fruit that empowers and transforms. “…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). God, the Holy Spirit represents a type of water and is referred to as a “...spring of living water...” (Jeremiah 2:13 KJV).

The bible says, “....I (God, the Holy Spirit) will pour my Spirit upon THY SEED...” (Isaiah 44:3 KJV). “… …The [good]...seed is the [Jesus, the]....WORD OF GOD …” (Mark 4:14-15 & Luke 8:11 KJV). “...The [good] seed …sown in [YOUR]... HEARTS (the ground; earth)…” (Mark 4:14-15 & Luke 8:11 KJV).

“…When the ground soaks up the falling rain and bears a good crop for the farmer (husbandman), it has God’s blessing.  But if a field bears thorns and thistles, it is useless. The farmer (husbandman) will soon condemn that field and burn it…” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT).

The same rain fell upon the ground, which produced a good crop as it did on the ground that produced thorn and thistles. “... Their minds are full of darkness (unrepentant); they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him...” (Ephesians 4:8 NLT). “... encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called “Today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin...” (Hebrews 3:13 NASB).

The ground is symbolic for the human heart. Like hardened earth, a hardened heart, hardened by sin, will produce thorns and thistles. “…Today when you hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts as Israel did when they rebelled…” (Hebrews 3:15 NLT). “...  "Today," saying through David after so long a time just as has been said before, "TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS..."(Hebrews 4:7 NASB).

“…mypeople would not listen to me...” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). .“… They keptdoing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts...” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).

“...They went backward instead of forward...” (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).

A person willfully and voluntarily CHOOSES to harden their hearts when acting independently of God’s instruction by deciding NOT to keep his commandments. “... the people replied, “…We will continue to live as WE WANT TO, stubbornly following our own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).“…My people would not listen to me. They KEPT DOING WHATEVER THEY WANTED, following the stubborn desires of their [OWN] evil hearts…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).

When the RAIN falls, the harden heart will not receive God, the husbandman’s gracious, holy love and tender care for them, through the rain. Thus, in hardened areas of one’s heart, they cannot and will not produce spiritual fruit, but will, instead, become USELESS. “….Apart from [God, the husbandman’s love and care]… [God’s people will not and cannot]..do nothing (or produce anything)…” (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 choose to receive and soak up his love and care. “…When the ground soaks up the falling rain and bears a good crop for the farmer (husbandman), it has God’s blessing.   …” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT).

Those who have hardened their hearts, have fallen away from that GRACE, through their own volition, and will no longer be fruitful.  “…if a field bears thorns and thistles…” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT). “…it is useless. The farmer will soon condemn that field and burn it…” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT).

A good crop or spiritual fruitfulness is a result of the ground or human heart that chooses to trust in and depend upon God, the indwelling Holy Spirit and husbandman to DO the work “IN” them (planting Jesus, the seed) and “THROUGH” them (producing fruitfulness). “…When the ground (where the good seed is planted) soaks up the falling rain (God’s LIVING water) and bears a good crop (becomes fruitful)for the farmer (God, the husbandman), it has God’s blessing (serves his purpose by giving God GLORY)…” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT). “...God [the husbandman] … worketh in [his people]…” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “…the Father [the husbandman] ...that dwelleth in… [the hearts of his people], he doeth the works (of cultivating righteous works and spiritual fruit)…” (John 14:10 KJV).

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

 “…God [the husbandman through LIVING water] ...does the work IN AND THROUGH all of us who are his… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). "....The [indwelling seed or ]...Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [y]our lives …” (Galatians 5 NLT)

“…The Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE (by planting Jesus, the seed into our hearts)…” (John 3:6 NLT). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).  “…The Spirit of God dwell[s]… in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…Ye shall know [those with the indwelling Holy Spirit]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV).

“… His name (Jesus), [also]...called The Word of God (the “good” seed)…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB).  “…The Lord (the Word, the seed) is that Spirit (too)…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV). “…Jesus Christ is IN YOU…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…[You] CAN DO all things (produce fruit, display God’s fruit, and do righteous works) THROUGH Christ which strengtheneth [empowers you]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “….Apart from [the GOOD seed or indwelling Holy Spirit]… [God’s people cannot]..do nothing [spiritual or spiritually fruitful]…” (John 15:5 NIV).

The thorns and thistles represent what a human heart, hardened by the ongoing PRACTICE of SIN will produce. Becoming cut-off or cut away, or hardened from the LIVING water of the Holy Spirit is a CHOICE. “…[You]… have been cut off from Christ! …” (Galatians 5:4 NLT). “…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).

It is the “covenant unity” relationship that God, through Jesus, and his redeemed people SHARE that is a WITNESS of God’s GLORY (his presence, his goodness (holy love and care) and his working power).“... Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he (the husbandman) taketh away ...If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned....” (John 15:1-10 KJV).

Jesus said with the UTMOST confidence: "...I and my Father are one..." (John 10:30 KJV). Because, “…[Jesus] ... made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and ...became obedientunto death, even the death of the cross…” Philippians 2:6-8 KJV).

“…God SHOWS NO FAVORITISM.  In every nation HE ACCEPTS those who fear him and do what is right…” (Acts 10:34-36 NLT). “…In this world [God’s people]... are like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV).

 “…God anointed (miraculously empowered) Jesus of Nazareth (HOW?) with the Holy Ghost and WITH POWER (what did Jesus do?)...  went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil …(HOW?) GOD (through the “covenant unity” relationship) WAS WITH HIM…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).

“…The works that [Jesus did], shall [HIS people]... do also; and GREATER WORKS (not different works, but greater) than [these]...shall [they]... do; because I go unto my Father…” (John 14:1 KJV).

Jesus said, "...I and my Father are [not simply close, but]…one..." (John 10:30 KJV). “…In this world [God’s people]... are like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV).

 “…that they (God’s redeemed people) may all be one (Spirit);even as You, Father, are in Me …” (John 17:21-23 NASB). “…He (she) that is joined unto the Lord (Jesus) is ONE SPIRIT…[with God, again]...”  (1 Corinthian 6:17 KJV).

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

“…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “…the [“covenant unity” relationship with God, the] … HOLY SPIRIT … is the source of [EVERYTHING]. …” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). SAY WITH CONFIDENCE: "...I and my Father are one..." (John 10:30 KJV).

 

 

 

GOD'S HOLY SPIRIT AND MAN'S SOUL EQUALS A "LIVING" SOUL!

          

A LIVING SOUL

“…that they might KNOW…..the only true God and Jesus Christ…” (John 17:3)

*

Even though God says he created evil; he created YOU. You are not evil per se, but your ability to CHOOSE, through human will often reveals an evil thinking heart; (…out of the human heart come evil thoughts… (Matthew 15:19).

 “...the people replied, “…We will continue to live as WE WANT TO, stubbornly following our own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).

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

Evil is not a person or a thing; it is the absence of God. An evil heart is absent of God. “...[God, the Holy Spirit is]... GOOD…there is none good but one, that is, God[, THE HOLY SPIRIT]...” (Nahum 1:7 & Mark 10:18 KJV). “…apart from Me (Jesus) you can do nothing (you can’t be good)…” (John 15:4-6 NASB).

Adam and Eve ate the apple, the “covenant unity” relationship between them and God, the Holy Spirit was cut asunder, and immediately their “eyes were opened,” to his ABSENCE. “.... At that moment their eyes were opened (opened to a life SEPARATE from God, the Holy Spirit)…” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).  The moment, they transgressed the holy law “…[their] ...INIQUITIES … separated … [them from] ... God (the breath of life, the Holy Spirit, GOODNESS)…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). “…It’s [THEIR] SINS that  ...cut [them] off from God…” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT).

Therefore, like God, the Holy Spirit, said, they died, spiritually, immediately “THOU SHALT SURELY DIE”…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV).

As you can see, immediate death was not the physical death where the soul is separated from the body, but was the spiritual death where the “Holy Spirit” is separated from the body and soul. “…the body without (apart from) the [holy] ...spirit is dead…” (James 2:26 KJV). “…[Their]... INIQUITIES (choice to violate God’s holy instructions) ....separated (divided them asunder)...between [them] and [their] God…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV).

Adam and Eve were originally created with a body, soul, and Spirit, but the Spirit separated from them. “…And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground (body),and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (Holy Spirit); and man became a living soul (soul)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). 

They were originally created in God’s “image,” who IS Spirit, but were now SEPARATED from Spirit and fell short of the glory or presence of God, the Holy Spirit.“...LET US MAKEman in our (God, the Holy Spirit’s) image…”(Genesis 1:26 KJV). ). “…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV).  “…And man became a living (Spirit)soul (soul)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). 

However, “…[THEIR] SINS   ...cut [them] offfrom God…” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT).

So, “...[God, the Holy Spirit]... sent His Son...” (1 John 4:10 KJV).

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

“…The Son (Jesus Christ) is the RADIANCE (likeness) ofGod’s Glory (his IMAGE) and the EXACT representation of his being (Holy nature)…” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV).

“...whosoever believeth in him (Jesus), should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV).

“...Therefore if any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “…Therefore, since [lost souls]... have been justified through faith (through trust and dependency upon God’s WORD), [they]... have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ…” (Romans 5:1 KJV).

Therefore, “…In this world [God’s people are to be]... LIKE JESUS…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). “… [God’s people are to change or 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).

All humanity is born with the same problem. “….I was born a sinner (I was born without the indwelling Holy Spirit)—yes, from the moment my mother conceived me….” (Psalms 51:5 NLT). NOW“… all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God (All of humanity is born without the presence of the indwelling Holy Spirit)…” (Romans 3:23 KJV).

“... [Therefore,] ...through one man sin entered (physical life without the indwelling Holy Spirit entered) into the world, and [spiritual] ...deaththrough sin, and so [spiritual] death passed to all men, for that all sinned (all have been born without the indwelling Holy Spirit]—“(Romans 5:12 KJV). “…All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:23).

Your soul is lost and  your body is dead when God’s Holy Glory (Spirit) is not present. “…the body without (apart from) the [holy] ...spirit is dead…” (James 2:26 KJV).

I will use an analogy that helped me understand this better. When you blow up a balloon it is full of air, but if you let the air out, the balloon becomes deflated. The balloon is still available, but its useless or dead until someone fills it up again.

God told Adam and Eve they would “surely die” (Genesis 2:17 KJV). The Spirit or “breath of life” was let out of them and they became immediately deflated, spiritually.

Therefore, just like Adam and Eve, a man or woman without God’s Holy Spirit is spiritual dead or deflated.

God is Spiritual Life and anyone separated from God, the Holy Spirit, is “…dead in trespasses and sin (imprisoned in the sinful nature, forever)...” (Ephesians 2:1 KJV).

However, like a balloon can be filled with air again, the breath of life can fill a man or woman with spiritual life again when they “choose” to accept Jesus Christ, into their hearts, as Lord and Savior.

“…Jesus Christ maketh thee whole (SAVES, RESTORES, AND MAKES YOU WHOLE YOU AGAIN)…” (Acts 9:34 KJV). “…God (the Holy Spirit) ... Himself SANCTIFYyou entirely; and may [HIS indwelling Holy]... Spirit and [your]... soul and body be preserved [together]... complete…” (1 Thessalonians 5:23 NASB).“…A living (Spirit)soul(soul)…”(GENESIS 2:7 KJV). 

God makes you spiritually “…alive with Christ…” (Colossians 2:13 NIV).

There is nothing you can do on your own to be restored to a “LIVING SOUL” or reverse spiritual death; only God’s mercy can save you through Jesus “...he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit...” (Titus 3:5 NIV).

God spent the whole Old Testament trying to restore the relationship with his people through prophetic messages and warnings. “…The Lord loves His people …” (2 Chronicles 2:11 NASB). “…For I will forgivetheir 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).

“…. Again and again he rescued them...” (Psalms 106:42-48 NLT).

“….he pitied them in their distress and listened to their cries.” (Psalms 106:42-48 NLT).

“...He remembered his covenant with them and relented because of his unfailing love. He even caused their captors to treat them with kindness...” (Psalms 106:42-48 NLT).

“...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).\

“…[In HIS] ... love and in His mercy He redeemed them (again)…” (Isaiah 63:9 NASB). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

The people’s sinful choices caused distance or exile between themselves and God over and over again. .“…We will continueto live as WE WANT TO, stubbornly following our own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT). “…They defiled themselves by their evil deeds, and their love of idols was adultery in the Lord’s sight. That is why the Lord’s anger burned against his people, and he abhorred his own special possession. He handed them over to pagan nations,and they were ruled by those who hated them. Their enemies crushed them and brought them under their cruel power. Again and again he rescued them, but they chose to rebel against him, and they were finally destroyed by their sin…” (Psalm 106:39-43 NLT).

Mankind’s inability to freely choose, through human will, to live holiness and righteousness became the enemy of the “oneness,” "COVENANT UNITY"  relationship with God.

Freedom implies a man or woman is not oppressed by anything or anyone. However, freedomin Hebrew, according to Strong’s dictionary, means freedom from oppression.

Mankind’s freedoms are NOT free from the oppression of sin, through the sinful nature.“…The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to [the sin nature]. …I want to [be free from sin) … [which]… is right, BUT I CAN’T…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). 

 Because of that oppression of sin they can’t make themselves right with God through human effort …the flesh profiteth nothing…” (John 6:63 KJV).

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

“…The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).  “...If the Son therefore shall make you free, you SHALL be free indeed…” (John 8:36 KJV). “….Apart from [jesus],.. [you]… can do nothing (you can’t be free from the sinful nature)…” (John 15:5 NIV).  

In addition, “….the whole world lies in the (oppressive) power of the evil one…” (1 John 5:19 ASV). Without Jesus, no human is FREE from the oppression of sin, but are in fact under the control of Satan, the evil one. “…Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” (Romans 6:16 KJV).

This relationship between God and mankind was a “covenant unity” relationship where God is in the role of Caregiver or husbandman and his people are in the role of dependents. “…[MY PEOPLE]... broke [THEIR] ... covenant [WITH ME, BY CHOICE,], though I loved them as a...[righteous]... husband loves his wife,” says the Lord…” (Jeremiah 31:32 NASB). “… [THEY]… FORGOT all about ME,” says the Lord…” (Hosea 2:13 NLT). “…They ABANDONED the Lord… they turned their backs on him….” (2 Chronicles 29:6 NLT).

“…. THOU HAST “LEFT” ...[ME]...THY FIRST LOVE….” (REVELATION 2:4 KJV).

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

Nonetheless, God’s own people gave up on the “covenant unity” relationship by choosing, through human will, a way independently from God’s Word. “…We will continue to live as WE WANT TO, stubbornly following our own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT). “…My people would not listen to me. They KEPT DOING WHATEVER THEY WANTED, following the stubborn desires of their [OWN] evil hearts…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).

 “… [YOU]… FORGOTall about ME,” says the Lord…” (Hosea 2:13 NLT). “…They ABANDONED the Lord… they turned their backs on him….” (2 Chronicles 29:6 NLT).  

Yet, God loved mankind so much he didn’t give up on them and continues to pursue humanity. “…For years on end my people have FORGOTten ME…” (Jeremiah 2:32 NLT).“…. Again and again he rescued them, but they chose to rebel against him...Even so, he pitied them in their distress and listened to their cries. He remembered his covenant with them and relented because of his unfailing love…” (Psalms 106:42-48 NLT).

“…If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, …” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT). “...He loves the people…” (Deuteronomy 33:3 NASB). “…[Nothing]…will be able to separate [his people] from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord…”(Romans 8:31-39 NASB).

“...He remembered his covenant with them and relented because of his unfailing love…” (Psalms 106:42-48 NLT). “… I will bring them home again,” says the Lord….” (HOSEA 11 NLT). So“...Christ also died for sins ONCE for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us...[BACK]... to God...” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB).

God lovingly sent the “last Adam” in Jesus Christ to restore the “covenant unity” relationship. “And so it is written, "The first man Adam was made a living being; the last Adam was made a quickening (life-giving) spirit...” (1 Corinthians 15:45 (KJV).

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

God promised and provided a way to redeem mankind back to him-self and restore the relationship he deeply desired. What a great love!!! “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV). “… my righteous servant (Jesus) ... [made]... it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT).  

“…[He sent the] …one … who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT). “…Jesus Christ maketh thee whole (AGAIN)…” (Acts 9:34 KJV).“…[Choose to]… receive the word (Jesus, the GOOD seed) implanted,which is able to SAVE YOUR SOULS….” (James 1:21 NASB).  

The last Adam was the greatest gift of all in restoring mankind back to the relationship with God and enabling them to, again, freely choose, through human will, to KEEP God’s loving commands.

“…[He sent the] …one … who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT). “…[Choose to]… receive the word (Jesus, the GOOD seed) implanted,which is able to SAVE YOUR SOULS….” (James 1:21 NASB).  “… [YOU CHOOSE]... this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

Thus being free to choose, through human will, enables you to keep your part of the YADA relationship by faith“…YE ARE “ALL” CHILDREN OF GOD BY FAITH “IN” CHRIST JESUS …” (Acts 10:34-36 NLT).

Thus, “…Christ [Jesus, the GOOD seed, dwells] in your hearts by faith …” (Ephesians 3:17 KJV). “... Jesus is the one who guarantees this better covenant with God...” (Hebrews 7:22 NLT).

God provided a way, through the finished work of Christ on the cross, to redeem man’s freedoms and their “covenant unity” relationship with him. "... he said, IT IS FINISHED…” (John 19:28-30 KJV).  “…HIS divine power hath given unto us ALL THINGS that pertain unto life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV).

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

“…Jesus Christ maketh thee whole …” (Acts 9:34 KJV). “... It was for freedom that [god, through]...Christ set us free; therefore.... do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery...” (Galatians 5:1 NASB).

Jesus spoke of the “covenant unity” relationship he had with God and the one God may have originally wanted with the first Adam. Now all God’s redeemed people can enjoy a “covenant unity” relationship with God again, too.

"...I and my Father are one..." (John 10:30 KJV). “…that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us…” (John 17:21-23 NASB). POWERFUL!

Therefore, Jesus Christ is the forerunner for the “covenant unity” relationship with God."...I and my Father are one (spirit)..." (John 10:30 KJV). By faith - in Jesus’ finished work on the cross – God’s redeemed people can also have a “covenant unity” or “ONE SPIRIT” relationship with God through Christ. “…He that is joined unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT…”  (1 Corinthian 6:17 KJV).What an opportunity. Hallelujah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jesus was “one” with God and their relationship is frequently referenced throughout the New Testament. "...I and my Father are one (spirit)..." (John 10:30 KJV).

This biblical picture of their relationship is both an example and invitation for you to enjoy the same kind of oneness Jesus did. “…that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You…” (John 17:21-23 NASB). “…He that is joined unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT…”  (1 Corinthian 6:17 KJV).

God loves you and have sacrificed his Son just so he can have a YADA relationship with you. God “…spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all….?” (Romans 8:32 KJV). “…God so loved the world that HE GAVE his only begotten Son…” (John 3:16 KJV). “...[Jesus]... said, It is finished…” (John 19:28-30 KJV). “… I lay down my life... [FOR YOU] …” (John 10:17-18 KJV).  Jesus did “…not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many...” (Matthew 20:28 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). “…There is no greater love …” (John 15:13 NLT).

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

No matter where you look or who you turn to you will never have or experience a love like God has for you. “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…There is no greater love …” (John 15:13 NLT). “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).

Not even from your parents, siblings, children, grandparents, family, spouses, friends, drugs, food, alcohol, sex or any other connection will love you like God. “…There is no greater love …” (John 15:13 NLT).

Without God, even what you believe are the best, loving relationships or connections are limited. Without God, the human experience of love, as we know it, will be incomplete. “…There is no greater love …” (John 15:13 NLT). “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).

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

God’s love is guaranteed to transform you for your very good. “... Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent His Son....” (1 John 4:10 KJV).

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

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

.“…The sower (God, the Holy Spirit). SOWETH THE WORD …The seed is the WORD OF GOD ….. THE WORD …was sown in THEIR HEARTS…” (Mark 4:14-15 & Luke 8:11 KJV). “…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son (the GOOD seed) “INTO” OUR HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB).

“…I will put a new spirit in you. …” (Ezekiel 36:26 NLT).

“…Therefore if any man(woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a NEW creature …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “…The invisible [Spirit]…from the creation of the world is …clearly seen, being understood by the things that are MADE …” (Romans 1:20 KJV). “… All things are … [MADE] … NEW…” ( “… All things are … [MADE] … NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).  2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).  

“…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). In heaven, “…the former things are passed away……” (Revelation 21:3-4 KJV).

“... AS MANY as receivedhim (Jesus, into their hearts), to themGAVE HE [God, the] ... POWER TO BECOME THE SONS OF GOD…” (John 1:12 KJV). “... In him (Jesus) we (his people) live (have spiritual life), and move (produce spiritual fruit), and have [their] being (existence or have a spiritual identity as a new creations) ...[They]... are ... his offspring...” (Acts 17:28 KJV).

The “covenant unity” relationship with God, the Holy Spirit restores mankind to God’s image and likeness. God said, “….let us make man in our image, after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV).  “…..God created man in his own image…..male and female created he them…” (Genesis 1:27 KJV). “….God formed man of the dust of the ground (body), and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (Spirit); and man became a living soul (soul)…” (Genesis 2:7 KJV).

“…God is not human …” (Numbers 23:19 NIV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…the Spirit of God dwell in you (dwell in his people)…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).“…He (she) that is joined unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT (with God, the Holy Spirit, again)…”  (1 Corinthian 6:17 KJV).

It is the “covenant unity” relationship with God, the Holy Spirit, that makes YOU (his people) a “LIVING (God, the Holy Spirit) SOUL (you), again. “….and man (woman) became a living soul (soul)…” (Genesis 2:7 KJV).

 

OUR HEARTS KNIT TOGETHER, IN HOLY LOVE, WITH GOD'S AND EACH OTHERS

               
KNIT TOGETHER IN LOVE

“…that they might KNOW…..the only true God and Jesus Christ…” (John 17:3)

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When we TRULY understand how God loves us, we will love others in the SAME way. “...By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another…” (John 13:34-35 KJV).  “…A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.  …” (John 13:34-35 KJV).

“...our hearts....knit together in love...” (Colossians 2:2 KJV). “...with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing (like a servant towards) one another in love...” (Ephesians 4:2 KJV).

“…[God has]loved [you]...with an EVERLASTING love….” (Jeremiah 31:3 KJV “...be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children...” (Ephesians 5:1 KJV). “...fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind...” (Philippians 2:2 KJV).

“...but the fruit of the [indwelling] Spirit [produces]... love...” (Galatians 5:22 KJV). “...by love serve one another. For ALL the [holy] law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shall love they neighbour as thyself...” (Galatians 5:13-14 KJV).

“...Owe no man(woman) any thing, but to love one another: for he(she) that loveth another hath fulfilled the law...(EXAMPLE)...Thou shall not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love they neighbour as thyself...Love worketh no ill to his (her) neighbour: therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law...” Romans 13:8-10 KJV). “...[Add]...to godliness brotherly kindness, and [add] to brotherly kindness charity (love)...” (2 Peter 1:7 KJV).

“...Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected (matured) in us. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect (matured), that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love We love him, because he first loved us. If a man (woman) say, I love God, and hateth his brother (sister), he(she) is a liar: for he(she) that loveth not his(her) brother(sister) whom he(she) hath seen, how can he(she) love God whom he(she) hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he(she) who loveth God love his(her) brother(sister) also...” (1 John 4:7-21 KJV).

“…A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.  …” (John 13:34-35 KJV). “...By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another…” (John 13:34-35 KJV). “...Charity (LOVE) edifies (builds up)...” (1 Corinthians 8:1 KJV).

God’s HOLY love is one of continual sacrifice for others. It is THIS kind of love that GOVERNS God’s DIVINE character in the “covenant unity” relationship with HIS people. A “…Love …[that] … never FAILS….” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV). “...God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “… I AM WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  

“…A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.  …” (John 13:34-35 KJV). Let me share with you, about God’s HOLY love, from my own personal experience.

“...God’s love covers over a lot of offenses. His love is fully forgiving and doesn’t keep a record of another person’s wrongs towards you.

God’s love is enduring. God’s love suffers long, because God deeply desires to give a person a chance to get it right with Him.

God’s love is faithful and loyal. God’s love makes a sacrifice and therefore is costly.

God’s love continues, even if it does not receive anything in return. God’s love does not come with a wage attachment, where the person has to somehow earn it.

 It does not come with a partiality tag, where the person has to be worthy of it. It does not come with a merit tag, where they even have to be deserving of it.

God’s love is freely unconditional towards the recipient of it and will not demand anything in return.

God’s love won’t change, even if the recipient changes, walks away, rejects it, follows after another,  is unfaithful, offends,  or totally forgets about His love altogether...” (Pensacola H. Jefferson).

I learned, through experience, that this is the kind of love God has for me and the kind of love I am to show to others. “…A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.  …” (John 13:34-35 KJV).

God will never go against his nature of Divine Love. Love GOVERNS his every word and action; he never changes and remains, forever, faithful to who he is. “...God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “… I AM WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “…He remainsfaithful …” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT).

Love is who God is at the core of His DIVINE being. If there were such a thing as spiritual DNA, love would be God’s DNA. “...God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV).  

Further, God’s ways of loving are not human ways of loving. His thoughts of love are not human thoughts of love. God’s ways of being loving and thinking of love are higher than human ways. “… my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways…..as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than you ways and my thoughts than your thoughts…” (Isaiah 55:8-9 ASV).

God’s HOLY love pursued mankind when mankind was pursuing their idols and adulteries. “…God demonstrates his …love for us in this: While we were STILL sinners, Christ died for us…” (Romans 5:8 KJV).

Mankind’s reasons for allowing distance between themselves and God are no different than that of Adam and Eve’s. It’s a CHOICE. “...Jesus saith…I am the way ....and the life…” (John 14:6 KJV). “… I have set before you LIFE and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose LIFE…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

It is a great possibility that, right now, you have been deceived by the enemy too and have “fallen away” from the loving God. “...every man (woman) is tempted, when he (she) is drawn away of his (her) own lust, and enticed...” (James 1:14 KJV).

The further away you are from God, the easier it is for the enemy to broaden the distance in the “covenant unity” relationship with God, the Holy Spirit. “….Apart from [Jesus, the Word]…[you can]..do nothing …” (John 15:5 NIV).

God loves you so much, even when you blame him for all the evil in the world and participate in the evil yourself. “…The Lord loves His people …” (2 Chronicles 2:11 NASB). “…For I will forgivetheir 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).

 “…They defiled themselvesby their evil deeds, and their love of idols was adultery in the Lord’s sight ...Again and again he rescued them, but they chose to rebel against him…” (Psalm 106:39-43 NLT).

“…. he pitied them in their distress and listened to their cries...” (Psalms 106:42-48 NLT).

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

“…[In HIS] ... love and in His mercy He redeemed them (again)…” (Isaiah 63:9 NASB). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

God loves you, even when your ways move you away from him and you shut him completely out of your life. Ouch. God would still say to the backsliding sinner that even though you betrayed me; if you want another chance; “...I will heal your unfaithfulness...”(Hosea 14:4).

God never gives you up on loving you. In other words, God doesn’t stop his LOVINGKINDNESS toward his people EVER. “... I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee...” (Jeremiah 31:3 KJV). “...Yes, I will betroth you to Me in righteousness and in justice, In lovingkindness and in compassion...Then you will know the Lord...” (Hosea 2:14-23 NLT).

Though NOTHING will ever separate, his people, from his HOLY love, he will concede to their stubborn choice to willfully practice sin. God, the Holy Spiritconcedes to his people’s human will. "… I hate divorce (SEPARATION)," says the LORD, the God of Israel..." (Malachi 2:16 NASB). “…, …We will continue to live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT). “…my people have stubborn and rebellious hearts. They have turned away and ABANDONED me….” (JEREMIAH 5:23 NLT). “…They kept doing whatever they wanted…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). “…[Therefore,]...GOD GAVE THEM OVER to a reprobate mind to do those things which are convenient...being filled with all unrighteousness...” (Romans 1:28 KJV).

Nothing hurts worse than loving someone who says they love you, yet continually choose something or someone over you. God’s love will still continue and remain faithful, even if his people DON’T. “...they (his People)... have forsaken the covenant of the Lord their God…” (Jeremiah 22:8-9 KJV).“…I am with you always, to the very end…"(Matthew 28:20 NIV). God will “…Never leave nor forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 KJV).  “…Behold, I am with … [you] and will keep … [you] whithersoever [you]… goest…I will not leave [you] ..." (Genesis 28:15 ASV).

What an awesome, incredible love!!!!  God’s love also takes responsibility for evil by saying, “….I… create evil…” (Isaiah 45:7 KJV).

Let me explain this a little as I understood it. After people have raised their children, eventually they become independent of their parent’s moral teachings.

If they choose to go against the moral teachings of their parents; the grown child will have to take responsibility for whatever they do.

The grown child fell away from the moral teachings they had been taught and now they must suffer the consequences.

They used their independence to stray away from the safeguard of their parent’s moral teachings. The same thing happens when God’s children stray away from the safeguard of his Word and holy teachings.

Thus, the further you are away from God’s righteous teachings, the further away you are from God’s protective care.

When grown, human children stray from their moral upbringing sometimes the parents are blamed; just like people blame God for the evils of the world. However, the right perception is everything.

Evil is not a person or thing; it is the absence of God. Just like darkness is the absence of light and cold is the absence of heat. Evil is the absence of God.

At one time, Adam and Eve had the freedom to be good, pure, and holy and full of the Spirit of liberty. There was no need to live independent of God’s ways.

Adam and Eve’s freedoms led them to stray away from God’s holy ways and they willfully chose to respond independently to Satan’s ways instead.

God takes responsibility for creating evil since he created MANKIND with a human will.

God created mankind whose “freedom to choose,” through human will, distanced them from God, the Holy Spirit and, of course, from his presence. Evil is the absence of God. “….I… create evil…” (Isaiah 45:7 KJV).

Adam and Eve were originally created to “freely choose,” through human will, within the natural and supernatural realms.

When you accept Christ as Lord and Savior your “ability to choose,” freely to the natural and supernatural realms, through human will, is restored.

God wants his people to freely choose to trust in and depend upon his love for them on their own volition and not out of force, or obligation, or legalism.

God’s people CHOOSE to love him, because they KNOW how he LOVES them. Thus, their LOVE for God is an ACT of the human will. Just like God has LOVED them through Jesus, they also choose to love God in self-sacrificing ways deliberately and on purpose.

Loving others, as God has loved them, is an active witness of true discipleship. God is love, which means the kind of love spoken of in scripture is also holy.

That’s why God restores, opens, and frees your ability to choose, through human will, to those “IN” Christ Jesus. His people, now, truly have” free will” to choose righteous and holy love.  

A “free will” that can respond to the natural and supernatural world.  It once was easy to do both, but now it’s a challenge to respond to the supernatural realm of God.“…The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to [the sin nature]. …I don’t really understand myself ... I want to [live free from sin] … [which]… is right, BUT I CAN’T…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by [the sin nature and its practices]?” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). 

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

Believers have the freedom right now to choose, through human will, between the natural and the supernatural realms through faith. “...If the Son therefore shall make you free, you SHALL be free indeed…” (John 8:36 KJV). “... It was for FREEDOM that Christ set us FREE; therefore keep standing firm (choosing righteousness and good) and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery...” (Galatians 5:1 NASB).  “... Stand fast (choosing God’s ways) therefore in the libertywherewith Christ hath made us FREE, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage...” (Galatians 5:1 KJV).

Remember God, through Jesus, the indwelling power, will HELP YOU by empowering you to choose righteousness and good. .“…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).

“…God…works in you … TO ACT (TO actually choose righteousness and good) in order to fulfill his good purpose…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “ … God … equip you (with the indwelling Holy Spirit and) with everything good for doing his will…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…Apart from [the indwelling Holy Spirit]… [you cannot]... do nothing [you cannot be righteous or good]…” (John 15:5 NIV).

If God has restored your ability to choose righteousness and good, through human will, like Lydia, then it’s not God creating the distance. “...A woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple fabrics, a worshiper of God, was listening; and the Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken (God’s Word) by Paul...” (Acts 14:16 NASB).

It is easy to judge God for everything that goes wrong in life, but you are finite and God is infinite. You can’t always understand his supernatural, loving, and divine ways “...O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? Or who hath been his counsellor?...” (Romans 11:33-34 KJV).

God does things from a holy perspective and not a human one. Many things God does makes no sense to the human understanding. “…God is not human “…God is Spirit …Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill…” (Numbers 23:19 NIV & John 4:24 KJV). “…THE WORDSTHAT I SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT…”(John 6:63 KJV). God SAYS: “… my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways…..as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than you ways and my thoughts than your thoughts…” (Isaiah 55:8-9 ASV).

A relationship with God will always take you BEYOND human understanding. God does not want his relationship with you to be limited by human, finite understanding. All throughout scripture God frees, liberates, and opens “… [the] eyes…[the] understanding…the scriptures…” (Luke 24:31, 32, &45, Mark 7:34-35).“… BY FAITH (trusting and depending upon God) we understand that THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE WAS FORMED at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.” (Hebrews 11 NLT).

“….When we tell you these things, we DO NOT use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words GIVEN TO US by the Spirit, using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths. But people who aren’t spiritual CAN’T RECEIVE these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and THEY CAN’T UNDERSTAND IT, for only those who are spiritual CAN UNDERSTAND what the Spirit means…” (1 Corinthians 2 NLT).

“...To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge...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).

The bible says, “Trust in (and depend upon) the Lord (God’s word) with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight (understanding). In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths...” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).

When God makes no “human” sense Jesus says, “…..be not afraid….only believe...” (Mark 5:36 KJV).

When God works in your life or answers you, your human understanding can often limit or hinder you if you allow it to. “...Now unto him who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh within us…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV). “…The plans [God has]…for you (his people)….[are]… plans to prosper [them]... and not to harm [them], plans to give [them]... hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV). “…Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for [his people]... that love him...” (1 Corinthians 2:9 KJV).

Sometimes you must, “…only believe (trust and depend upon God, the Holy Spirit)...” (Mark 5:36 KJV). And accept some of HIS “… ways [are]… past finding out…” (Romans 11:33-34 KJV).

It takes faith. You won’t always humanly understand his holy ways or what he may have prepared for you. “…walk BY FAITH...” (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV). “…not by sight…” (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV).

Everything God does is holy and righteous whether you agree or not. “…All he does (God, the Holy Spirit) is just and good, and all his [WORDS] are TRUSTWORTHY….” (PSALMS 111:7 NLT).

Therefore, if God allowed for mankind to freely choose the life they want whether they chose HIM or not, is God’s prerogative and no one else’s. God said: “….let us make man … after our likeness…”(Genesis 1:26 KJV). “… [God]… does as he pleases… No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT). “… Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish…” (Isaiah 46: 9-10 NLT).

Thus, “…A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. …” (John 13:34-35 KJV).

“...be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children...” (Ephesians 5:1 KJV). “...our hearts....knit together in love...”(Colossians 2:2 KJV).

WHEN YOU CAN'T MAKE IT, BY FAITH, HE WILL "EMPOWER" YOU TO ENDURE!

EMPOWERED TO ENDURE

“…that they might KNOW…..the only true God and Jesus Christ…” (John 17:3)

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The struggle is between using the FREED human will to make a choice between following the sinful nature or the indwelling Holy Spirit. “…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.… Oh, what a miserable person I am!…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by... [my own weaknesses]...?” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

“…Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).“…if the Son (Jesus Christ, the indwelling Holy Spirit)…shall make you FREE, ye shall be FREE indeed.” (John 8:36 KJV).

God’s people CAN choose righteousness and good NOW, because they are EMPOWERED by Jesus (the indwelling power, the LIGHT, the good SEED, the LIVING Word, etc.). “…Jesus Christ is IN YOU…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…[You] CAN DO all things (live righteous, endure, make it through, & do Holy good) THROUGH Christ which strengtheneth [you]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

In the beginning of one’s journey with God, it seems easier and more familiar to follow the sinful nature, however, the sinful nature continually leads God’s people right back into sinful practices over and over and over again. “…The sinful naturewants to do ... the opposite of what the Spirit wants  …” (Galatians 5 NLT). “...so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. ……” (Galatians 5 NLT). “…[God’s people]... kept doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts. They went backward instead of forward...” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).

The solution is to trust and depend upon the indwelling Holy Spirit to strengthen you and empower you to choose to RESIST the devil. “…I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

“…Who will free me from this lifethat is dominated by (the old sinful nature and its unhealthy habits) SIN? …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “… The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord (the indwelling Holy Spirit)…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

“…I can do ALL THINGS throughChrist which strengtheneth me…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “…apart from Me (Jesus) you can do nothing…” (John 15:4-6 NASB). “…He will keep you strong to the end…” (1 Corinthians 1:8 NLT). “…When [you are] weak, then [Jesus, the empowering, indwelling Holy Spirit is]... strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10 KJV). “…[God’s] strength is made perfect (matured, empowered) in weakness...” (2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV).

God’s people cannot restrain themselves from sin through the sinful nature, without the empowering HELP of the indwelling Holy Spirit. “…I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

Even when God’s people CHOOSE to trust and depend upon God, the indwelling Holy Spirit, they are often concerned whether they will return to INDULGING in the habits, they enjoyed, through the sinful nature. “…The Lord who made you and helps you says: Do not be afraid …my servant …my chosen one…” (Isaiah 44:2 NLT).

God WILL heal them and help them. “...O LORD my God, I cried to You for help, and You healed me(you healed me from weaknesses)...” (Psalms 30:2 NASB). “…Jesus Christ (the HEALER) is IN YOU…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “… [God] … is Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer …" (Psalms 18:3 NASB). “…  your healer…” (Exodus 15:26).

“…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). “… The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT). “…You are my helper and my savior…” (Psalms 40:17 NLT).

God’s people can CHOOSE to ENTRUST their WEAKNESSES to God, the Holy Spirit. They don’t need an agenda, a plan, or rules or regulations. “…The LORD will accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [his people]…” (John 14:31 NASB). “…The steps (to being strong) of a good man(woman) are ordered (DIRECTED) by the Lord: …” (Psalms 37:23 KJV). “… THE LORD … is Your rock and Yourfortress, your deliverer (and “healer”)…” (Psalms 18:3 NASB).

All, his people, need is to keep the faith and to submit themselves to HIS CARE for their STRENGTH needs by following his instructions: “...He said to him, "Follow Me!" And he got up (he chose) and followed Him (action)....” (Matthew 9:9 NASB). “…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).

God loves each of us and desires to restore our “freedoms,” God gave mankind freedom, in the beginning, and he returns those FREEDOMS to HIS people through Jesus. “... It was for FREEDOM that Christ set us FREE...” (Galatians 5:1 NASB).  “... Stand fast ...in the liberty...” (Galatians 5:1 KJV).

Even though God knew, free human will, could potentially lead them away from him - which is what happened with Adam and Eve – he still gifted them with it. “...It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that’s how freedom grows. For everything we know about God’s Word is summed up in a single sentence: Love others as you love yourself. That’s an act of true freedom. If you bite and ravage each other, watch out—in no time at all you will be annihilating each other, and where will your precious freedom be then?...” (Galatians  5:13 MSG).  “...brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another...” (Galatians 5:13 KJV). 

“...Make the Master proud of you by being good citizens. Respect the authorities, whatever their level; they are God’s emissaries for keeping order. It is God’s will that by doing good, you might cure the ignorance of the fools who think you’re a danger to society. Exercise your freedom by serving God, not by breaking the rules. Treat everyone you meet with dignity. Love your spiritual family. Revere God. Respect the government...” (1 Peter 2:16 MSG). “...As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God...” (1 Peter 2:16 KJV).

Adam and Eve didn’t simply choose between right and wrong per se, but they used their FREE human will to respond to Satan’s lies.

GOD SAID: “…of every tree of the garden THOU MAYEST FREELY EAT: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou  SHALT NOT EAT of it; for in THE DAY THAT THOU EATEST thereof THOU SHALT SURELY DIE…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV).

The EVIL ONE SAID: “…ye shall not surely die.…” (Genesis 3:4-5 KJV).

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

THE WOMAN used her human will to act independently of god’s word and freely “choose” to eat the fruit. “...So she took some of the fruit and ate it ...” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).

Think about it, God allowed Adam and Eve to “freely choose” between his truth about the tree of life and Satan’s lies. God is in control, but God is not controlling. “...So she (FREELY) took some of the fruit and ate it ...” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT). “...Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and HE (FREELY) ATE IT, too …” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).

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

Godly love is not controlling. “…Love ...does not dishonorothers….” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV). “…God honors [his people]…” (Psalms 37:34 NLT). “…you are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you…” (Isaiah 43:4 NLT).  

God is an honorable God. He gifted you with human will to choose the life you want, even if you DON’T choose HIM. “…Choose you (MAKE A CHOICE with your human will) this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

“… I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “Jesus saith…I am ...the life…” (John 14:6 KJV).

God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.… …love never fails…” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV). “… “I AM WHO I AM’ …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  

“… I have set before you life and death ... choose life...” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV).  If NOT, “…There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus…” (Romans 8:1 KJV). “…There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. ….” (John 3:18 NLT). “…Mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB).

God GRANTS, RESPECTS, and HONORS his people’s CHOICES. “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). However, “…If we are unfaithful, he remainsfaithful, for he cannot deny who he is…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT).“…God...[is]...with [his people, even if they choose to LEAVE him]…” (Matthew 1:23 NASB).

Adam and Eve USED their HUMAN will to CHOSE death. “…thou shalt surely die…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV). They could have also chose LIFE, which is God’s Word. “…therefore choose life…” (Deuteronomy 30:19). God “…does whatever pleases him…” (Psalms 115:3 NIV).  “….let us make man… after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV). “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

The bible is full of stories that reveal how God’s people abandoned him and forgot all about HIM. “….They ABANDONED the Lord, the God of their ancestors, who had brought them out of Egypt. They went after other gods …” (Judges 2:12 NLT).

“…Ever since I brought them from Egypt they have continually ABANDONED ME and followed other gods…” (1 Samuel 8:8 NLT). “…They ABANDONED the Lordto serve Baal …” (Judges 2:13 NLT). “…They ABANDONED the Lord… they turned their backs on him….” (2 Chronicles 29:6 NLT). “… [They] became proud and FORGOT [God]….” (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).

“…I called my son (children) out of Egypt. But the more I called to [them[, the farther [they] moved from me, offering sacrifices to the images of Baal and burning incense to idols. I myself taught Israel how to walk, leading [them] along by the hand. But [they don’t] know or even care that it was I who took care of [them[. I led Israel along with my ropes of kindness and love. I lifted the yoke from [their] neck, and I myself stooped to feed [them]. “But since my people refuse to return to me, they will return to Egypt (a type of bondage) and... [The bondage] will destroy them, trapping them in their own evil plans. For my people are determined to desert me. They call me the Most High, but they don’t truly honor me. “Oh, how can I give you up, Israel? How can I let you go? How can I destroy you …My heart is torn within me, and my compassion overflows. No, I will not unleash my fierce anger. I will not completely destroy Israel, for I am God and not a mere mortal. I am the Holy One living among you, and I will not come to destroy. For someday the people will follow me. I, the Lord, will roar like a lion. And when I roar, my people will return …And I will bring them home again,” says the Lord….” (HOSEA 11 NLT).

THEY SAID: “...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 [own] ...sin. …” (Psalms 106:42-48 NLT).

“...Even so, he pitied them in their distress and listened to their cries. He remembered his covenant with them and relented because of his unfailing love…” (Psalms 106:42-48 NLT).

“…[Nothing]…shall be able to separate [you]… from the love of God which is “in”Christ Jesus our Lord…” (Romans 8:38-39 KJV).  “….The…faithful love of the Lord, never ends...!”(Lamentations 3:22-23 NLT).  “…[God has] loved [you]...with an EVERLASTING love….” (Jeremiah 31:3 KJV). A “…Love …[that] … never FAILS….” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV).

CHOICE, through human will, is a POWERFUL thing. People have, continually, chosen to abandon previously held beliefs (vows) made to each other and God. When they do, they have decided to defy or rebel against the practice of those same beliefs or vows.“...dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving (not trusting in and depending upon God), 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).

“...God’s promise of entering his rest still stands, so we ought to tremble with fear that some of you might fail to experience it...” (Hebrews 4:1 NLT).

The reason for ABANDONING GOD, varies, but could entail anything from a desire to continue to practice a sinful lifestyle to spiritual infidelity. “... They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear...” (2 Timothy 4:3-4 NLT). “...They will reject the truth and chase after myths...” (2 Timothy 4:3-4 NLT). “…For years on end my people have FORGOTten ME…” (Jeremiah 2:32 NLT).  “…They ABANDONED the Lord to serve Baal (other objects of faith)…”(Judges 2:13 NLT). “…Ever since I brought them from Egypt they have continually ABANDONED ME and followed other gods (other objects of faith)…” (1 Samuel 8:8 NLT). “…For my people have ABANDONED ME and offered sacrifices to pagan gods (other objects of faith)…” (2 Kings 22:17 NLT).

In the instant of ABANDONMENT, God, the Holy Spirit, does NOT want to forsake the covenant relationship. "… I hate divorce," 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). “…, …We will continue to live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT). “… my people have stubborn and rebellious hearts. They have turned away and ABANDONED me….” (JEREMIAH 5:23 NLT). “…They kept doing whatever they wanted…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).

God, the Holy Spirit may concede to his people’s willful CHOICE, but he will REMAIN faithful. “…If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful,…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT). “…[Nothing]…shall be able to separate [you]… from the love of God which is “in”Christ Jesus our Lord…” (Romans 8:38-39 KJV).   

Many times God has said: “…my people have ABANDONED ME…” (2 Kings 22:17 NLT). BUT, “...he remains faithful,…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT).

God’s faithful, HOLY love is forgiving towards his people over and over again. We witness it ALL throughout biblical history. “…once again we have ABANDONED your commands!” (Ezra 9:10 NLT). “…And many nations shall pass by this city, and they shall say every man to his neighbour, Wherefore hath the Lord done thus unto this great city? Then they shall answer, Because they have forsaken the covenant of the Lord their God, and worshipped other gods, and served them…” (Jeremiah 22:8-9 KJV).

“… [Yet] … in your great mercy, you did not destroy them completely or abandon them forever. What a gracious and merciful God you are!”(Nehemiah 9:31 NLT).

“…The Lord says, “Then I will heal you of your faithlessness (abandonment); my (MERCIFUL) love will know no bounds,for my anger will be gone forever….” (HOSEA 14:4 NLT).

 “... herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent His Son...” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life…” (John 15:13 NLT).

“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]…love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It alwaysprotects, always trusts, alwayshopes, alwaysperseveres, [God’s]…love never fails…” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV).

“…It is of the Lord's MERCIESthat we are not CONSUMED, because his compassions FAIL NOT. They are NEW EVERY MORNING: great is thy faithfulness…”(Lamentations 3:22-23 KJV).

Never get used to hearing about God’s love and never assume you’ve heard everything you need to hear about God’s love, because you haven’t. If God’s love has become common to you; you need to study it again. “….The…faithful love of the Lord, never ends...!”(Lamentations 3:22-23 NLT).  “…[God has] loved [you]...with an EVERLASTING love….” (Jeremiah 31:3 KJV). A “…Love …[that] … never FAILS….” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV).

Someone or something only becomes common when you stop placing or seeing the VALUE of it or them. “...God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). .“…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV). He is “…majestic in holiness…” (Exodus 15:11 KJV). “… His … [Holiness] … is above earth and heaven…” (Psalms 148:13 NASB). “… I AM WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).

God’s love is your most valuable possession and without it, YOU HAVE NOTHING no matter what, miraculous or sacrificial, or talent you have or can do. “…If I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but have not love (God is LOVE), IT PROFITETH ME NOTHING…” (1 Corinthians 13:2-3 ASV)."…

Nothing you possess or anybody else possesses IS more valuable than THE LOVE OF GOD!!! “...God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). .“…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).

You will never exhaust the study of God’s love in your lifetime. “...God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “...And this is the real and eternal life That they know you, The one and only true God, And Jesus Christ, whom you sent...” (John 17:3 MSG) “...And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent...” (John 17:3 KJV). Therefore, “...Grow in the GRACE and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ… Amen” (2 Timothy 3:18 NIV).

“...seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness...” (Matthew 6:33 KJV).“... You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly...” (Psalms 63:1 NLT).

Learn something about God’s love every day. It is a rich, engulfing, majestic, holy, bonding, unifying, and unconditional love bestowed upon HIS people from the depth of God’s heart. “…love, which is the perfect BOND of unity...”(Colossians 3:14 NASB).

We love because God first loved us. “...We love, because HE FIRST LOVED US…” (1 John 4:19 ASV). “… Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us...” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “… he first loved us…” (1 John 4:19 ASV).

Because of his HOLY LOVE, God WILL KEEP from falling away or separating from HIM. “... Now unto HIM (Jesus Christ) that is ABLE to KEEP you from falling (away), and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy...” (Jude 1:24 KJV).

So, “…[YOU CHOOSE]...  this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “…[You choose to]... abide in [jesus], and [jesus] in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine…” (John 15:4 KJV). “…If a man (woman) abide NOT in me (or chooses “not” to abide in me), ‘he(she) is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned…” (John 15:6 KJV). “…apart from Me you can do nothing…” (John 15:4-6 NASB).

“… The Holy Spirit helps [his people]... in [their]... weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT).

Thus, “…This makes it clear that [his people’s]... great power (TO ENDURE the “covenant unity” relationship with God, the Holy Spirit, TO THE END) is from God, not from ourselves…” (2 Corinthians 4:5-7 NLT). “…the Father that dwelleth in [his people], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

“...HE (SHE) THAT “SHALL” (WILL) ENDURE [the “covenant unity” relationship with God, the Holy Spirit]... UNTO THE END SHALL(WILL) BE SAVED...” (Matthew 24:13 KJV).

 

GOD SAYS TO HIS PEOPLE, "DAILY," LET'S STAY TOGETHER, FOREVER

STAYING TOGETHER AND CHOOSING TO BECOME INSEPARABLE FROM God, the Holy Spirit

“…that they might KNOW…..the only true God and Jesus Christ…” (John 17:3)

*

When God made man in his image, the bible says he created them “male and female” God said, “….LET US MAKE man … after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV). “…in his own image…..male and female created he them…” (Genesis 1:27 KJV).

When God spoke to the man he’d created, he spoke to “them,” the male and female, even though Eve had not yet been bodily manifested “...God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth...” (Genesis 1:27-28 KJV). 

Then God said to THEM: “…of every tree of the garden THOU MAYEST FREELY EAT: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou  SHALT NOT EAT of it; for in THE DAY THAT THOU EATEST thereof THOU SHALT SURELY DIE…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV).

After, God blessed THEM and gave THEM instructions, THEN EVE was manifested in her earthen vessel in Chapter 2. “...And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. And out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof. And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him. And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man...” (Genesis 2:18-23 KJV).

Eve wasn’t manifested until God took a rib from Adam and made her into a woman. The woman is known in the biblical community as “…the weaker vessel …” (1 Peter 3:7d).

The idea of being a “weaker vessel” doesn’t support any foolishness that women are weaker emotionally, intellectually, spiritually, or as co-heirs of God’s grace. It says, weaker “vessel,” which means body and most likely refers to differences in physical make-up.

I would like to offer another perspective in order to explore a different view of why Satan went to Eve and not Adam to destroy the “covenant unity” relationship between “the male and female” and God, the Holy Spirit.

There are many speculations about the Adam and Eve story. The Christian community, however, has several traditional views of this Genesis story. I would like to add another view that moves away from tradition and looks at the story THROUGH the creation order: man, then woman, then children....

For example, the actions of the “weaker vessel”- according to the philosophy of the biblical times in Genesis - is said to be connected with the creation order and not gender.

Eve was created from Adam. Adam was created from God. From this perspective, some scholars feel this implies that Eve’s image or likeness of God was more distant than Adam’s as a result of the creation order.

There was a philosophical term prevalent during the Old Testament era, called “emanations,” which means “emerges from.”  This term also suggests that created things are subject (servant) to and weaker than the thing from which it was originated or emerged from.

Adam was created by God, thus subject (servant) to God and weaker than God. Eve was created by God also, but from Adam and thus was subject (servant/helper) to Adam and weaker (vessel) than Adam. "…The head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God..." (1 Corinthians 11:3 KJV).  

This potential explanation makes Adam closer to God (his image, his likeness) in the Genesis created order and therefore, was not a good “direct” target for Satan’s tactics.

This view offers a rich and refreshing explanation of why Eve was chosen to be tempted and not Adam. Satan KNEW he would not have as much influence on Adam who EMERGED moredirectly from God’s image.

Again, gender, from this perspective, is not the issue here. What is outstanding is Adam’s “oneness” with God. God literally breathed into his nostrils. God and Adam came into the human vessel together. God, the Holy Spiritand Adam, the soul man was a “covenant unity”. Adam was called a “LIVING” soul. “….God ....breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (SPIRIT); and man became a livingsoul (SOUL)…” (Genesis 2:7 KJV). “… HE Himself GIVES to all people LIFE (spiritual life) and BREATH (existence) and all things…” (Acts 17:25 NASB).    “… In Him we (souls)...exist…” (Acts 17:28 NASB). “… in him we (souls)... have our being… “ (Acts 17:28 KJV).

That shared intimacy with God protected Adam from the direct “wiles” of the devil. “…  I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, [Adam could say:]... my [LIVING]...soul (MY EXISTENCE) knows it very well…” (Psalms 139:14 NASB).

In the 21st century, the one Satan deems farthest away from God is a better target. Satan knew Eve’s knowledge or understanding of God’s word or instructions were not exact either. “…My people are destroyed for lack of (personal) knowledge…” (Hosea 4:6 NIV).

“...Study this story of the farmer planting seed. When anyone hears news of the kingdom and doesn’t take it in, it just remains on the surface, and so the Evil One comes along and plucks it right out of that person’s heart. This is the seed the farmer scatters on the road. “The seed cast in the gravel—this is the person who hears and instantly responds with enthusiasm. But there is no soil of character, and so when the emotions wear off and some difficulty arrives, there is nothing to show for it. “The seed cast in the weeds is the person who hears the kingdom news, but weeds of worry and illusions about getting more and wanting everything under the sun strangle what was heard, and nothing comes of it. “The seed cast on good earth is the person who hears and takes in the News, and then produces a harvest beyond his wildest dreams...” (Matthew 13:18-23 MSG).

Eve was a little vague on God instructions too. God said not to “eat of” the tree and he called it the “tree of the knowledge of good and evil.”  Eve said God’s instruction were:  “…the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, 'Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall you touch it, lest ye die...” (Genesis 3:3 KJV).

What God actually said was, “….of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it; for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die...” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV).

 It is good to “know about” something through others, but God is too important NOT to know HIM for yourself through personal experience. “...I admit I once lived by rumors of you; now I have it all firsthand—from my own eyes and ears! I’m sorry—forgive me. I’ll never do that again, I promise! I’ll never again live on crusts of hearsay, crumbs of rumor...” (Job 42:5-6 MSG).  “...I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee.Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes...” (Job 42:5-6 KJV). “....many more believed because of his own word;And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world...” (John 4:41-42 KJV). “...A lot more people entrusted their lives to him when they heard what he had to say. They said to the woman, “We’re no longer taking this on your say-so. We’ve heard it for ourselves and know it for sure. He’s the Savior of the world!...” (John 4:41-42 MSG).

Satan DID NOT care that Eve was newly created or whether she had any experience with his lies, trickery, or wiles. He pounced upon her without concern or compassion. The Word of God is a shield and a guard against Satan who only comes around “… to steal, and to kill, and to destroy…” (John 10:10 KJV).

The bible warns: “...Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour...” (1 Peter 5:8 KJV).

Satan will use your distance from God’s Word or lack of knowledge of his word to further broaden that distance. He will also use you to impact others in your “sphere of influence” to distant their relationship with God as well.

GOD SAID: “…of every tree of the garden THOU MAYEST FREELY EAT: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou  SHALT NOT EAT of it; for in THE DAY THAT THOU EATEST thereof THOU SHALT SURELY DIE…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV).

The EVIL ONE SAID: “…ye shall not surely die.…” (Genesis 3:4-5 KJV). HE LIED, BECAUSE THEY DIED SPIRITUALLY, IMMEDIATELY!

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

SPHERE OF INFLUENCE: “...Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and HE ATE IT, too …” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).

Adam and Eve didn’t just fall into sin, but they fell away from the “COVENANT UNITY” relationship with God, the HOLY SPIRIT. At that moment, “…[their] ...INIQUITIES … separated … [them from] ... God (who is the HOLY SPIRIT of LOVE)…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV).

I imagine, also, at that moment, that “fall” away from God was heard around the world and in all of heaven. “…THE DAY THAT THOU EATEST thereof “THOU SHALT SURELY DIE”…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV).

“.... At that momenttheir eyes were opened (to an existence WITHOUT God)…” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).  “…It’s YOUR SINS that … [will] ...cut you off from God…” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT).

The “fall”away from God, the Holy Spirit of Love separated humanity from the “covenant unity” relationship. “…[their] ...INIQUITIES … separated … [them from] ... God (who is the HOLY SPIRIT of LOVE)…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV).

This separation from God is experienced by every human being born into the world to this present day. “….I was born a sinner (I was born without the indwelling Holy Spirit)….” (Psalms 51:5 NLT). “…All have sinned (all are born with a sin nature only, thus is a sinner) and fallen short of the glory of God (are born without the indwelling holy spirit)…” (Romans 3:23).

Every human being born, into the world, without the Holy Spirit, is a DEAD soul (existence).“…the body without (apart from) the spirit is dead…” (James 2:26 KJV).

The greatest tragedy of the whole Genesis account is not simply “original sin” as is usually the focus. “...So she took some of the fruit and ate it ...” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT). “...Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and HE ATE IT, too …” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).

The TRUE TRAGEDY is the cutting asunder of the greatest “covenant unity” relationship between God and humanity ever experienced until Jesus Christ. “…[their] ...INIQUITIES … separated … [them from] ... God (who is the HOLY SPIRIT of LOVE)…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV).The bible says, “…Be ye not unequally yoked together...” (2 Corinthians 6:14-15 KJV). God, the Holy Spirit follows his own Word.

“... Everyone who practices sin (including Adam and Eve) also practices lawlessness ...  the one who practices sin is of (with) the devil ...  anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of (with) GOD...” (1 John 3:7-10 NASB).  “... the word of God (said to adam and eve, if you eat from the tree “....thou shalt surely dead...” and when they did, the word begin)...piercing ....to the dividing asunder of [their] soul and [god’s holy] spirit....” (Hebrews 4:12 NASB). They DIED spiritually.

God is HOLY. “… 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 and LOVE.

HOLINESS is God’s standard for his DIVINE character and he WILL NEVER compromise his standards, EVER“…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).   “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).

Practicing sin means you willingly chose to rehearse it over and over again, on purpose and are not trying to live righteous in that area. “... Everyone who practices sin ...” (1 John 3:7-10 NASB).   

A mistake or the struggle to overcome sin means you errored, but willingly chose to continue to make an effort to live righteous. “...a just man (made right through Jesus) falleth seven times, and riseth up again...” (Proverbs 24:16 KJV). “...Since Jesus went through everything you’re going through and more, learn to think like him. Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way. Then you’ll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want...” (1 Peter 4:1 MSG). “...Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he (she) that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin...” (1 Peter 4:1 KJV).

“... Everyone who practices sin [transgresses god’s holy commandments] (Adam and Eve and anyone else)...” (1 John 3:7-10 NASB).  “…It’s YOUR SINS that … [will] ...cut you off (cut you asunder) from God…” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT).

Humanity has not been able, on their own, to get BACK together with God since Genesis. There was a BARRIER, made by sin, and mankind’s practice of sin, separated them from the God who LOVES them. “... Everyone who practices sin [transgresses god’s holy commandments] ...” (1 John 3:7-10 NASB).  

This separation is a CHASM between the natural realm and the supernatural realm. It is an impenetrable chasm that prevents sinful mankind and the HOLY God from having a “covenant union” “... And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm(barrier) has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us…” (Luke 16:22-25 NASB).

This chasm separates mankind from God, cuts them off from him, permanently, and because they are in two different realms, he can’t even accept or support them, or hear or answer them, or look upon them with any kind of favor. “…[God, the Holy Spirit] can not look on wickedness with favor…” (Habakkuk 1:13 NASB). “…[God, the Holy Spirit’s]... eyes are too pure to approve (accept or support) evil…” (Habakkuk 1:13 NASB). “…Because of YOUR SINS, [God, the Holy Spirit has] … turned away and can… not listen anymore [because he is in the spiritual realm and YOU are not]…” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT).

God DOES NOT compromise his HOLINESS by giving the DEVIL any opportunity! “...Neither give place (opportunity) to the devil...” (Ephesians 4:27 KJV).

HOLINESS simply can NOT bond, MIX, UNITE, or be yoked together with SIN on ANY level (big or small). SIN creates a REAL chasm. “…Be ye NOT unequally yoked together with unbelievers for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?” (2 Corinthians 6:14-15 KJV). “... And besides all this, between us and you [there] a great chasm (barrier) …” (Luke 16:22-25 NASB).

Without Jesus, there “WILL” ALWAYS remain an impenetrable BARRIER or CHASM between mankind (SIN/oil) and God (HOLY/water). “... You have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God’s GRACE…” (Galatians 2:21 NLT). “…[God, the Holy Spirit] can not look on wickedness with favor…” (Habakkuk 1:13 NASB). “…[God, the Holy Spirit’s]... eyes are too pure to approve evil…” (Habakkuk 1:13 NASB). “... APART FROM [Christ]... you can do nothing (you cannot UNITE with the HOLY God) …” (John 15:1-11 NASB).

“… 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). “… “I AM WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).

However, The HOLY SPIRIT’s standard of LOVE is HOLY and therefore REDEEMABLE for the sinner. God made a PLAN of SALVATION to REUNITE himself with mankind. “… [He sent the] …one… who can reconcileGod and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT). “… apart from [Jesus[, you can do nothing (you cannot REUNITE with God, the Holy Spirit)…” (John 15:5 NIV).“… [You] … can...through Christ which strengtheneth (empowers) … [you to REUNITE with God, the Holy Spirit]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

“…It is Godwho works in [people to REUNITE them to himself]… to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). Jesus saith…I amthe way, the truth, and the life…” (John 14:6 KJV).

“…Jesus Christ maketh thee whole (REUNITES YOU with God, the Holy Spirit. AGAIN)…” (Acts 9:34 KJV).

“….Jesus Christ (the WORD of GOD) maketh thee WHOLE (AGAIN)…” (Acts 9:34 KJV). “... and man[kind, through Jesus Christ]... became ...living soul[s], [again] …” (Genesis 2:7 KJV).

Mankind’s soul is LOST and is being dominated, imprisoned by, and in bondage to the sinful nature. “…The Son of man (God’s PLAN of SALVATION) came to seek and to save THAT WHICH WAS LOST…” (Luke 19:10 KJV).

Lost souls are“…separated from the [spiritual]... LIFE of God…” (Ephesians 4:18 NIV). “…[Lost souls are]... DEAD in trespasses and sin (trapped within the sinful nature)…” (Ephesians 2:1 KJV).

Spiritually DEAD souls are slaves to the sinful nature. “…The sin of my SOUL…” (Micah 6:7 KJV). “...I want to do what is good, but I don’t …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

The bible refers to the soul as a person, a who, or a self. “...Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore ... for WHOsoever doeth any work therein, THAT SOUL shall be cut off from among his people...” (Exodus 31:14 KJV). “...and souls of men...” (Revelation 18:13 KJV).“.. and man(woman) becamea living soul (soul)…”(GENESIS 2:7 KJV).

Jesus came to earth to SAVE SOULS, the lost SOUL. “…The Son of man came to seek and to save THAT WHICH WAS LOST…” (Luke 19:10 KJV). “...Believeon the Lord Jesus Christ (God’s living Word), and thou shalt be saved…” (ACTS 16:31 KJV).  “...receive the word ...which is able to save your souls...” (James 1:21 KJV). “...those (people) who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls...” (Acts 2:41 KJV).

God encourages, the righteous to WIN SOULS too. “...he (she) that winneth SOULS is wise...” (Proverbs 11:30 KJV). “...he (she) who turns a sinner (leads that person to Jesus) from the error of his (her) way will save his(her) soul from death...” (James 5:20 KJV).

Let’s talk about the SOUL for a minute. The bible is repeatedly referring to these souls as people or persons. When God finished the creation of Adam, he called him “a living soul.” After God breathed into his nostrils Adam BECAME “a living soul.”

When a SOUL is saved, that soul RETURNS or REUNITES to the SHEPHERD of that SOUL! “...ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls...” (1 Peter 2:25 KJV). “...Behold, all souls are Mine(God, the Holy Spirit’s)...” (Ezekiel 18:4 KJV). “…the world is mine, and the fulness thereof…(Psalm 50:12 KJV). “…all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine…” (1 Chronicles 29:11 KJV).

The SOUL then is the SELF of the male and female, which God, the Holy Spirit CREATED. The SELF or the SOUL, together with God, the Holy Spirit, BECOMES spiritual ALIVE. “.. and man(woman) became a living soul (soul)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).

The spiritually DEAD soul, thus, is heavily affected by carnality. “….When you (the soul) follow the desires (influences) of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life WILL NOT inherit the Kingdom of God. …” (Galatians 5:22-23 NLT).

Adam and Eve’s fall may have been similar to that of Satan’s which Jesus speaks of in Luke 10:18, “...I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven...” Isaiah 14:12 says: “...How art thou fallen from heaven… how art thou cut down to the ground (the body or flesh was made from the dust of the ground and without the indwelling Holy Spirit that’s ALL mankind is a body made from the dust)….”

Adam and Eve probably experienced the same immediate type of fall once their eyes were opened “…God asked the woman, “What have you done?” (Genesis 3:7-13 NLT).

“.... At that momenttheir eyes were opened (opened to a life SEPARATE from God, the Holy Spirit cut down to MERELY ground)…” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).  The moment, they transgressed the holy law, “…[their trangression] ... separated … [them from] ... God (the breath of life, the Holy Spirit, GOODNESS)…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). “…It’s [THEIR] SINS that  ...cut [them] off (cut them asunder) from God (the Holy Spirit of LOVE…” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT).

Luke 10:18, “...I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven...” Isaiah 14:12 says: “...How art thou fallen from heaven… how art thou cut down to the ground….”

Eve demonstrates how people are tempted when they are drawn away by what they want, at the moment, and NOT the MORE God ALWAYS has prepared for them. “...every man (woman) is tempted, when he (she) is drawn away of his (her) own lust, and enticed...” (James 1:14 KJV).

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

“....this sort (serpent-like people) are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women (men) ... away with divers lusts...” (2 Timothy 3:6 KJV).

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

“….God saw everything he had made……and, [said] … it was VERY GOOD…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV). “...The lord is GOOD…there is none good but one, that is, God...” (Nahum 1:7 & Mark 10:18 KJV).  This means there is NONE “good” without God, the Holy Spirit.

Adam and Eve’s CHOICES destroyed MUCH GOOD (in fact, all the GOOD they had, which was God). “…God asked the woman, “What have you done?” (Genesis 3:7-13 NLT). “… ONE sinner destroy[ed]… MUCH GOOD…” (Ecclesiastes 9:18 NASB). “…through one man (Adam and Eve were ONE) SIN entered into the world, and DEATH THROUGH SIN,and so death passed to “all” men—“(Romans 5:12 KJV).  NOW “…All have sinned and fallen SHORT of the GLORY of God…” (Romans 3:23).

Eve was DRAWN AWAY from God’s Word and CONVINCED of a LIE. “...every man (woman) is tempted, when he (she) is drawn away of his (her) own lust, and enticed...” (James 1:14 KJV).

“…The woman [became] ... convinced [to eat from the tree, anyway]...” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).

The heart is deceitful ABOVE all things. The heart (mind) “…is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked…who can know it [except God?]…” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV). “...God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD LOOKS AT THE HEART (mind)…”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB). God zooms in on the “…hidden man (woman) of the heart (mind)…” (1 Peter 3:4 KJV).

God knows it is “…from within, out of the heart (mind) of man (woman), proceed evil thoughts… [lusts that draws you away from God)…All these evil things come from within, and defile a person.” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV).

It was in the secret tabernacle of Eve’s HEART, first and foremost, that she willingly chose Satan’s LIES over God’s HOLY instructions. GOD SAID: “…THE DAY THAT THOU EATEST thereof THOU SHALT SURELY DIE…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV). The EVIL ONE SAID: “…ye shall not surely die.…” (Genesis 3:4-5 KJV). “…The woman [became] ... convinced  ( within her heart by the serpent) to eat from the tree, anyway... ...” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).

All the DEVIL ever NEEDS is an OPPORTUNITY to RUIN the “covenant unity” between God and HIS people IN “ANY” area. “...Neither give place (opportunity) to the devil...” (Ephesians 4:27 KJV).

Eve was CONVINCED of the DEVIL’s LIES. They SEEMED right, at the moment, but in the END she DIED spiritually. She became SEPARATED from God, the Holy Spirit of LOVE. “….The way of a fool is right in his (her) own eyes…” (Proverbs 12:15 KJV). “…There is a way which seemeth right unto a man (woman), but the end thereof arethe ways of death...” (Proverbs  14:20 KJV).

. “Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe…” (Proverbs 28:26 NIV). “….human desire (personal lusts that draws you away from God) is NEVER SATISFIED…” (Proverbs 27:20 NLT). “… [God, the Holy Spirit] … will supply all [your need no matter what it is]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “… [God, the Holy Spirit, ALONE will]… satisfy …and refresh everyone …” (Jeremiah 31:25 NASB). “…Apart from [the indwelling Holy Spirit]… [mankind cannot]... do nothing (can’t find satisfaction)…” (John 15:5 NIV).

Eve HAD everything that PERTAINED to life and godliness. God was the ALL the WISDOM she needed. “…God shall supply ALL YOUR NEEDaccording to his riches in glory …” (Philippians 4:19 KJV). “…God will generously PROVIDE all you need…” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT). “…His DIVINE POWER hath given unto [his people] ALL THINGS that pertain unto life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV). “...He careth for [them]...” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV).

Eve traded, through disobedience, the “covenant unity” relationship with God, the Holy Spirit of Love to become in bondage to Satan. “…Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto (spiritual) death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” (Romans 6:16 KJV).

“…The [flesh]...nature ... never did obey God’s laws, and it never will…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). NOW, “...the whole world lies underthe power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19 RSV).

Eve could no longer CHOOSE to be RIGHTEOUS or GOOD. She was in BONDAGE to the SERPENT. He had DOMINION over everything God had FREELY given her, including her soul. “...I am all too human, a slave to sin (through the sinful nature) ...I want to dowhat is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. …I [am] …a slave to the sin (through the sinful nature) that [has its influence]  … withinme (within my heart, mind, etc.)…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).  “…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by SIN? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

“…The ... [flesh]... nature ...never did obey God’s laws, and it never will.…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).  “…Who will free me from this [imprisoned]...life [where my soul]...is dominated by SIN [through the sinful nature]...? …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

There is NO goodness in the SINFUL nature. There is NO goodness within mankind without the indwelling Holy Spirit. “...I want to do what is good, but I don’t. …I [am] …a slave to the sin (activated through my sinful nature) …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).  

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

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

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

“...The lord is GOOD…there is none good but one, that is, God...” (Nahum 1:7 & Mark 10:18 KJV). “… [ALL of mankind have become]…..unclean and [their so-called] righteousnesses (efforts to BE good is) as filthy rags….” (Isaiah 64:6 KJV).

Man’s concept of GOOD is FLAWED and UNHOLY most of the time. They are conditioned to rationalize GOODNESS as merely a GESTURE whether than an EXPRESSION of the HEART. “...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 need[s]… to tell him (God) about human nature...[God knows what is]...in each person’s heart…” (John 2:24-25 NLT). “…[God, the Holy Spirit].... 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).

The heart (which can make you believe DOING good is the same as BEING good, it) “…is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked…who can know it…” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV).  "… out of the abundance of the heart ...The good man(woman) (empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit) ...brings forth good things..." (Matthew 12:34-35). “...The lord is GOOD…there is none good but one, that is, God...” (Nahum 1:7 & Mark 10:18 KJV).

You can’t trust in or depend upon the human heart devoid of god, the holy spirit. The heart (which can make you believe DOING good is the same as BEING good, it) “…is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked…who can know it…” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV).

The bible WARNS: “...[about]... hypocrites! ...which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness… ” (Matthew 23:27 KJV).

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

“... APART FROM [God, the Holy Spirit of LOVE]... you can do nothing  …” (John 15:1-11 NASB).“…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…every one that loveth …. KNOWETH God. He that loveth NOT KNOWETH NOT God; for God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV).

GOD IS LOOKING “DIRECTLY” AT the HEART of HIS people!! “...God seesnot as man (woman) sees, for man (woman) looks at the outward appearance (the DOING), but the LORD looks at the heart (the BEING)…” (1 Samuel 16:7 NASB).

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

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

ONLY “...The lord is GOOD…there is none good but one, that is, God...” (Nahum 1:7 & Mark 10:18 KJV).

Thus, there is NONE truly GOOD without being in “covenant unity” with God’s indwelling Holy Spirit.

“Good” people who trust in their “own” goodness and not God’s are often the ones whom others believe are going to bust hell wide open. Without God, all of “your” goodness is as “filthy rags” in God’s sight “… [ALL of mankind have become]…..unclean and [their so-called] righteousnesses (efforts to BE good, without God, is) as filthy rags….” (Isaiah 64:6 KJV).

There is no goodness apart from God. Goodness is God’s established HOLY standard and not man’s. “...there is none good but one, that is, God...” (Nahum 1:7 & Mark 10:18 KJV).

God is the ONLY one who can give you a clean heart and renew a right spirit within you in order for you to bear the fruit of goodness at all “…Create in me a clean heart, O God…” (Psalms 51:10 KJV). “…Renew a right spirit…” (Psalms 51:10 KJV).

“…the Holy Spirit gives birth to (right spirit or a) SPIRITUAL LIFE [of goodness]…” (John 3:6 NLT).  “…It is …God [the indwelling Holy Spirit] ... who does the work [of goodness] IN and THROUGH [his people]… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…Ye shall know [those with the indwelling Holy Spirit]… by their fruits [like GOODness]…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “…The [indwelling]...HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power [to empower goodness] THROUGH [his people] … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “...the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [his people’s]... lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control…” (Galatians 5 NLT).

Only God’s Spirit produces the fruit of goodness “...the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [his people’s]... goodness…” (Galatians 5 NLT). “…God (the Holy Spirit) anointed (empowered) Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit (his indwelling presence) and POWER,and …he went around ...[producing spiritual fruit by]... doing good... (HOW?)...because …God was with him…” (Acts 10:38 NIV).

The GOODNESS of God’s people are SHAPED and EMPOWERED by HIS indwelling spiritual fruit of goodness. God called his people to BECOME, holy human BEINGS; not human DOINGS.  “...BE (become) ...holy; for I am holy...” (1 Peter 1:16). “...Be(come) … imitators of [Jesus]…”(Hebrews 12:14; Ephesians 5:1 ASV). “… growing in every way more and more like Christ…” (Ephesians 4:14-16 NLT). “…In this world we are [to become] like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). “...The lord (Jesus) is GOOD...” (Nahum 1:7 & Mark 10:18 KJV). “….Apart from Me (Jesus), you can do nothing (you can’t be or become GOOD)…” (John 15:5 NIV).  

Real goodness, therefore, come from the “covenant unity” relationship with God, the indwelling Holy Spirit. The indwelling Holy Spirit produces and displays the spiritual fruit of goodness“in” and “through” his people. “...But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law...” (Galatians 5:22-23).

“…It is God who works in [his people]…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…The God of peace … that great Shepherd of the sheep … work[s] in [his people] what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…The God of peace … that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip[s his people] with everything good for doing his will…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “… [God] grant[s]… [his people]… to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man (woman)…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV). “...God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of [his people]. The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power [to produce the fruit of goodness] THROUGH each of [his people] …” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

Eve’s “eating of the apple” may seem small compared to the devastating results. A little bit of sin is still SOME sin and SOME sin, no matter how small, is a deviation from God’s standard of HOLINESS.

God is HOLY. “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). HOLINESS is God’s standard for his DIVINE character and he WILL NEVER compromise his standards, EVER“…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).

Satan will use anything, big or small, to move a person further and further away from God. In our relationships with others one incident, one wrong word, or one really bad misunderstanding can cause the relationship to end in a devastating way. “…Lying lips are abomination to the Lord…” (Proverbs 12:22 KJV). “…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).

“..though he (God) slay me (or it feels like he’s killing me), yet will I trust in him (and depend upon him)…” (Job 13:15 KJV). “….All the days of my appointed TIME will I WAIT, till my CHANGE come…” (Job 14:14 KJV). “…The faithful followers of the Lord … keep their promises (to abide with HIM by trusting and depending upon HIM) even when it hurts…” (Psalm 15:4 NLT).

Eve was dependent upon God, the Holy Spirit and his LOVING care; it was all she’d ever known.

Satan deceived Eve by convincing her there was MORE she could gain and choose from, outside of God’s holy LOVE, CARE, and PROTECTION. “…[Satan is]...like wolves ravening the prey …to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain…” (Ezekiel 22:27 KJV).

 Satan’s “dishonest gain” was that he knew it would DESTROY the “covenant unity” relationship with God, Eve, and her husband.  .“…The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy…” (John 10:10 KJV). “…[Satan serves his]…OWN belly (purpose)…” (Romans 16:18 KJV).

Satan’s intentions were to “…to destroy…” the relationship with God and to remove them from the safeguard of God’s care as HE had been removed. “…They (evil people like Satan) lie awake at night, hatching sinful plots. Their actions are never good. They make no attempt to turn from evil…” (Psalms 36:4 NLT).

God’s intentions were to protect Adam and Eve from “….the knowledge of good and evil…” through his loving, divine, PROTECTIVE instructions to them.

God, the Holy Spirit is truth and Satan, the serpent, is a LIAR. Satan wanted to be LIKE God, but he couldn’t, he was ALWAYS a LIAR, from the very beginning.  “...there is “NONE” good but...God...” (Nahum 1:7 & Mark 10:18 KJV). “…he (satan, the evil one) is a liarand the father of lies…” (John 8:44 NASB). “…He was a murderer from the beginning…” (John 8:44 NASB).

Satan was “VERY” DISHONEST. “...the father of lies…” (John 8:44 NASB).  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).

As long as God’s people trust in and depend upon JESUS, the LIVING Word, they will ABIDE in him and HE will ABIDE within them. It is important that THEY CHOOSE to STAY TOGETHER and become inseparable from God, the Holy Spirit in order to SUSTAIN the “covenant unity.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT OF LOVE JUST WANTS TO SHARE A MEAL WITH YOU

 

THE INTIMACY OF SHARING A MEAL TOGETHER WITH GOD

“…that they might KNOW…..the only true God and Jesus Christ…” (John 17:3)

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In the beginning, God, the Holy Spirit, or the husbandman made a loving appeal to Adam as a way to maintain their oneness. “….of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it; for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die...” (Genesis 2:16-17).

“...thou shalt surely die...” (Genesis 2:16-17).

“...thou shalt surely die [spiritually]...” (Genesis 2:16-17). 

 “...thou shalt surely die [when the body separates from god’s spirit]...” (Genesis 2:16-17).

“...thou shalt surely die [if you choose not to follow god’s instructions]...” (Genesis 2:16-17).

“...thou shalt surely die [and destroy much good]...” (Genesis 2:16-17).

“...thou shalt surely die [and sin will enter into the world]...” (Genesis 2:16-17).

“...thou shalt surely die [and your children will be born sinners without my holy spirit]...” (Genesis 2:16-17).

“...thou shalt surely die [if you choose to trust the enemy’s words over god’s instructions]...” (Genesis 2:16-17).

“...thou shalt surely die [if you willingly choose to violate god’s holy instructions]...” (Genesis 2:16-17).

“...thou shalt surely die [when your transgression against god’s holy instructions separate you from his holy spirit]...” (Genesis 2:16-17).

“...thou shalt surely die...” (Genesis 2:16-17).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

They decided, on their OWN volition, to ACT independently against God’s WORD. “… His name (JESUS) is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “… [YOU CHOOSE]... this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “… I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore…choose…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV).

“…Choose LIFE…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…Jesus (the Word) said… I am the LIFE (spiritual life)…..” (John 11:25 KJV).

As you CHOOSE, remember, “….you [will become] ... slaves of the one you obey (the one you choose to trust and depend upon)…” (Romans 6:16 NIV).

God, the Holy Spirit is the Caregiver in the “covenant unity” relationship and has the responsibility to care for the dependent. “…The LORD will accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [his people]…” (John 14:31 NASB). “...Christ cares for the church (his people)...” (Ephesians 5:29 NLT).

“..I who took care of [my people]. I led Israel along with my ropes of kindness and love. I lifted the yoke from [their] neck, and I myself stooped to feed [them]. ….” (HOSEA 11 NLT). “...He careth for [his people]....” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV).

God’s people are the dependents in the “covenant unity” relationship and have the responsibility to trust and depend upon God’s care. “…Trust in (and DEPEND UPON) the Lord (god’s word) with all thine heart; and lean not unto (don’t start trusting in and depending upon) thine own [human] understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths...” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “…The steps of a good man(woman) are ordered (DIRECTED) by the Lord: …” (Psalms 37:23 KJV). “… THE LORD … is Your rock (your unchanging Caregiver) and Yourfortress, your deliverer …” (Psalms 18:3 NASB).

“…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

HIS people, however, freely CHOSE to do the opposite of what God’s Word instructed them to do. “… [YOU CHOOSE]... this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

“... the people replied, “…We will continue to live as WE WANT TO, stubbornly following our own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT). “…My people would not listen to me. They KEPT DOING WHATEVER THEY WANTED, following the stubborn desires of their [OWN] evil hearts…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT)

Choices have consequences and God fully disclosed to them what those consequences will be if they CHOSE “NOT” to listen to his Word. Thus, “…whatsoever a man (woman) soweth, that shall he(she) also reap….” (Galatians 6:7 KJV). “….For he(she) that soweth to his(her) flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption…” (Galatians 6:8 KJV). “…my people would not listen to me ...They went backward instead of forward”” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NOW, “...I want to do what is good, but I don’t …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

God became ONE with Adam when he breathed into his nostrils the breathe of life. The LIVING soul “IS” the visual witness of the FIRST “covenant unity” between God and mankind.

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

The “dead” soul is NOT spiritually ALIVE, but is a witness of the divorce and separation between God and mankind. “…the body without (apart from) the [holy] spirit is dead…” (James 2:26 KJV). “…[The body without the Holy Spirit is]....DEAD “IN”trespasses and sin (within the sinful nature)...” (Ephesians 2:1 KJV).

“…[Adam and Eve chose to live independent of God and decided to violate his commandments. Their] ...INIQUITIES … separated … [them from] ... God…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV).  “… [Their] … iniquities (transgressions) …separated [them]… from God (the breath of LIFE)…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). “…[They became] ... DEAD in trespasses and sin (souls trapped within the sinful nature)…” (Ephesians 2:1 KJV). They no longer belonged to God, the Holy Spirit. “… (And remember that those who do nothave the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.)….” (Romans 8:8-11 NLT).

The bible says, “…Be ye not unequally yoked together...” (2 Corinthians 6:14-15 KJV). God, the Holy Spirit follows his own Word.

“... Everyone who practices sin (including Adam and Eve) also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness ...  the one who practices sin is of (with) the devil ...  anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of (with) GOD...” (1 John 3:7-10 NASB).  “... the word of God (said to adam and eve, if you eat from the tree “....thou shalt surely dead...” and when they did, the word begin)...piercing ....to the dividing asunder of [their] soul and [god’s]  spirit....” (Hebrews 4:12 NASB). They DIED spiritually.

God is HOLY. “… 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 and LOVE.

HOLINESS is God’s standard for his DIVINE character and he WILL NEVER compromise his standards, EVER“…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).   “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).

What this tells God’s people about his character is that he GIVES “no” opportunity to the devil whatsoever.“...Neither give place (opportunity) to the devil...” (Ephesians 4:27 KJV).

God’s people rationalize and overlook certain sinful behaviors, which makes them THINK God does the same thing. HE DOES NOT!  “…God is not human (he is not a body, the flesh, or a soul)…” (Numbers 23:19 NIV). “…“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine … my ways are higher … my thoughts higher…” (Isaiah 55:5-9 NLT). “...[God’s people have mistakenly]...thought that...[God, the Holy Spirit, was human like them]....” (Psalm 50:21 KJV). God says, “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).

“… 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). “… “I AM WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).

God lives a SPIRITUAL LIFE “without” and “free” from any and all sin. “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). Holiness is God’s standard and ONLY God knows what it is LIKE to live and BE free from SIN. “...There is none holy as the Lord…” (1 Samuel 2:2 KJV).   

In addition, HOLINESS can NOT and will NOT “EVER” MIX with SIN. SIN and HOLINESS SEPARATES; just like oil and water. “…It’s YOUR SINS that have cut you off from God (who is HOLY)…” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT).

“…[ONLY the ONE who remains] ... joined unto the Lord (Jesus) is ONE Spirit… [united with the HOLY God]” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).  “... in Him (not outside of him or apart from him) there is no sin. No one who abides in Him sins; no one who sins ... knows Him... [IN HIM he] ...is able to keep youfrom falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy ... [Therefore,] ... little children, make sure no one deceives you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous;  the one who practices sin is of the devil;...” (1 John 3:7-10 NASB & Jude 1:24 KJV).

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

ONLY Jesus “CAN” miraculously enable the HOLY God and SINFUL mankind to JOIN or UNITE together, again, in an intimate, “covenant unity” relationship through the “breathe of life” or the “indwelling Holy Spirit, “through Jesus, the LIVING Word.” “…He that is JOINEDunto the Lord (Jesus) is ONE Spirit [with God, the Holy Spirit, again[…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). God’s “…Love … is [also]... the perfect BOND of unity...” (Colossians 3:14 NASB).

 “…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).

There was a BARRIER or SEPARATION, made by sin, and mankind, whom HE LOVED. This separation is A CHASM between the natural realm from the supernatural realm. It creates an impenetrable chasm for sinful mankind and the HOLY God, which means they cannot have a “covenant union” “... And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm(barrier) has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us…” (Luke 16:22-25 NASB).

This chasm separates mankind from God, cuts them off from him, permanently, and because they are in two different realms, he can’t even approve of them, or hear them, or look upon them with any kind of favor. “…[God, the Holy Spirit] can not look on wickedness with favor…” (Habakkuk 1:13 NASB). “…[God, the Holy Spirit’s]... eyes are too pure to approve evil…” (Habakkuk 1:13 NASB).“…Because of YOUR SINS, [God, the Holy Spirit has] … turned away and can… not listen anymore [because he is in the spiritual realm and YOU are not]…” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT).

HOLINESS simply can NOT bond, MIX, UNITE, or be yoked together with SIN on ANY level (big or small). SIN creates a REAL chasm. “…Be ye NOT unequally yoked together with unbelievers for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?” (2 Corinthians 6:14-15 KJV). “... And besides all this, between us and you [there] a great chasm (barrier) …” (Luke 16:22-25 NASB).

Remember the biblical story of the poor man and the rich man? “…The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s bosom; and the rich man also died and was buried. In Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried out and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus so that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue, for I am in agony in this flame.’ But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your life you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus bad things; but now he is being comforted here, and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm(barrier) has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us…” (Luke 16:22-25 NASB).

Without Jesus, there “WILL” ALWAYS remain an impenetrable BARRIER or CHASM between mankind (SIN/oil) and God (HOLY/water). “... You have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God’s GRACE…” (Galatians 2:21 NLT). “…[God, the Holy Spirit] can not look on wickedness with favor…” (Habakkuk 1:13 NASB). “…[God, the Holy Spirit’s]... eyes are too pure to approve evil…” (Habakkuk 1:13 NASB). “... APART FROM [Christ]... you can do nothing (you cannot UNITE with the HOLY God)  …” (John 15:1-11 NASB).

“… 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). “… “I AM WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  

However, The HOLY SPIRIT is LOVE and therefore he made a PLAN to REUNITE himself with mankind. “… [He sent the ] …one… who can reconcileGod and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT). “… apart from [Jesus[, you can do nothing (you cannot REUNITE with God, the Holy Spirit)…” (John 15:5 NIV).“… [You] … can...through Christ which strengtheneth (empowers) … [you to REUNITE with God, the Holy Spirit]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

“…It is Godwho works .. [to REUNITE mankind to himself in order]… to willand to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). Jesus saith…I am the way, the truth, and the life…” (John 14:6 KJV).

“…Jesus Christ maketh thee whole (REUNITES YOU with God, the Holy Spirit. AGAIN)…” (Acts 9:34 KJV).

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

 “...  there is a great difference between Adam’s sin and God’s gracious gift. For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought [spiritual] death to many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ. And the result of God’s gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man’s sin. For Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God (being restored, reunited with the Holy Spirit again), even though we are guilty of many sins..[through the sin nature]. For the sin (transgression of God’s holy law) of this one man, Adam, caused [spiritual]...death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ...” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT).

“…, my righteous servant (Jesus) ... [made]... it possible for many to be counted righteous,for he will bear all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT).

“… 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). “… “I AM WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).

The HOLY SPIRIT of LOVE spared no expense to REUNITE with those HE LOVED. “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). “…[The HOLY]...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 [the HOLY]...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 (God’s RECONCILER)...suffered for sins ...that he might bring us [back] to God …” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV). “…[God]...spared not his own Son, [from suffering upon the cross]... but delivered him up for us all?...” (Romans 8:32 KJV).

“… Indeed, He loves the people…” (Deuteronomy 33:3 NASB). “… I will bring them home again,” says the Lord….” (HOSEA 11 NLT).“…[God]...spared not his own Son...” (Romans 8:32 KJV).“...the just for the unjust, that he might bring us [back] to [HIMSELF]…” (1 Peter 3:18 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). “… “I AM WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).

God is the HOLY SPIRIT of LOVE and HE made a WAY to bring mankind back into a “COVENANT UNITY,” through spiritual WHOLENESS, with HIM, the Holy Spirit, AGAIN.

 “…[Mankind was]...  dead in [their] sins[too] and ... [NOW]…God made [HIS PEOPLE]... ALIVE with Christ. He forgave [them]… all [their]… sins…” (Colossians 2:13 NIV). God “….made [HIS PEOPLE]… ALIVE with Christ …when [they]… were DEAD in transgressions…” (Ephesians 2:5 NIV). “….God SHOWED HIS GREAT LOVE FOR [mankind] by sending Christ to die for [them] while [they] were still sinners…” (Romans 5:7-9 NLT). “...because HE  LOVED [them]…” (1 John 4:19 ASV). Like the prodigal son, “… [they were]…. DEAD and [have been made]… ALIVE AGAIN; [HIS PEOPLE were]… lost and [have been]… found…” (Luke 15:24 NIV).

“… 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). “… “I AM WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).

God, the HOLY SPIRIT is LOVE, which means his standard of LOVE is PURE, SINCERE, UNCHANGING, and HOLY for mankind and without SIN. “… [Nothing]…will be able to separate [mankind] from the [holy, unchanging] love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (his LIVING Word)…” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). God, the HOLY SPIRIT of LOVE has “….loved [mankind]...with an everlasting  … [holy, unchanging] love….” (Jeremiah 31:3 KJV). “…God is … [holy, unchanging] love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…There is no greater  … LOVE …” (John 15:13 NLT).

“… 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). “… “I AM WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).

God the HOLY SPIRIT of LOVE went through ALL this trouble, not even SPARING his own SON, to RECONCILE with HIS PEOPLE. This is WHO God is. This is his HOLY standard of LOVE.“... Herein is [god’s holy] love...[HE] ...loved [his people] and sent His Son to be the propitiation for [their]... sins...” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…the just for the unjust, that he might bring ...[his people back] to God (the holy spirit of love) …” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV). “..[The redeemed]... were reconciled to God by the death of his Son...” (Romans 5:10 KJV).

Jesus knew God, the HOLY SPIRIT of LOVE, would be pleased. He couldn’t WAIT to see the JOY upon GOD’S FACE. “…keeping our eyes on Jesus (God’s PLAN of SALVATION) ...Because of the JOY awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame…” (Hebrews 12:2 NLT).

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

 Jesus SERVED his FATHER without complaint, so he could be REUNITED with HIS PEOPLE. “…Father …not Mywill, but Yours be done…" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV). “…I do nothing of myself…” (John 8:28 KJV). “….Christ pleased not himself…” (Romans 15:3 KJV). “...Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends..” (John 15:13 KJV).  “...He (gave Himself over to Him (God, the Holy Spirit of LOVE) ...” (1 Peter 2:23 KJV).

“… [Jesus made]... it possible for many to be counted righteous…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT). “...Look! [God stands]... at the door [of their hearts] and knock. If you (HIS people) hear [his] voice and open the door, [God]... will come in, and [they] will share a meal together as friends...” (Revelations 3:20 NLT). “...I will come in to him (her), and will sup with him (her), and he (she) with me...” (Revelation 3:20 KJV). “...I’ll come right in and sit down to supper with you(each of HIS people)...” (Revelation 3:20 MSG). “...I will come in to him (her) and will dine with him (her), and he(she) with Me...” (Revelation 3:20 NASB).

God loves his people and desired to be reconciled to them, again, so he could enjoy a close intimate, “covenant unity” relationship that included fellowship, sharing meals, and heart to heart conversations. “...I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends...” (Revelations 3:20 NLT).

“… 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). “… “I AM WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).

Mankind’s concept of HOLINESS is flawed and tainted at best and their view of God, the Holy Spirit of LOVE is seriously weakened.

When God’s people really begin to realize the opportunity of a lifetime they’ve been given to know God, the HOLY SPIRIT of LOVE, they will never, again, compare anything else with the infinite value of getting to KNOW HIM. “… everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus [our]… Lord...” (Philippians 3:8 NLT). “…For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ” (Philippians 3:8 NLT). “...Whom have I in heaven but You(God, the Holy Spirit)? And besides You, I desire nothingon earth...” (Psalm 73:25 NASB)

Thus, “... acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths...” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).  Let his WORD and SPIRIT “...  direct your hearts into the love of God...” (2 Thessalonians 3:5 KJV). 

God, the HOLY SPIRIT of LOVE is infinite. “...He (God, the Holy Spirit) careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “…[God, the Holy Spirit]...will supply all your NEED…” (John 12:32 KJV). ).  “…The LORD (the LIVING Word) “WILL” accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [HIS people]…” (John 14:31 NASB).

 “... he (Jesus, the LIVING Word) shall direct thy paths...” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).  “...   into the love of God [through the “covenant unity”]...” (2 Thessalonians 3:5 KJV).  It’s a RELATIONSHIP with God, the HOLY SPIRIT of LOVE.

THE GOOD SEED PLANTED WITHIN THE HUMAN HEART NEEDS WATER TO GROW

THE GOOD SEED PLANTED WITHIN THE HUMAN HEART NEEDS WATER

“…that they might KNOW…..the only true God and Jesus Christ…” (John 17:3)

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Jesus is the GOOD SEED that God planted upon the earth. Jesus is also called the TRUE VINE, which has produced many branches. “…The Kingdom of Heaven (or the coming of Jesus) is like a farmer who planted good seed in his field (upon the earth)...’” (Matthew 13:24-30 NLT). “… the explanation of the parable about the farmer planting seeds...  ” (Matthew 13: 18-23 NLT). “...[FIRST,]...The seed is the word of God...” (Luke 8:11 KJV) “… His name (is Jesus, AND he) is called The Word of God (the good SEED)…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB).

The seed entrusted its CARE to the husbandman. “...He (Jesus, the Word, the GOOD SEED) gave Himselfover to Him (God, the father, the Holy Spirit, and the husbandman who is always) judging justly...” (1 Peter 2:23 KJV).

The husbandman ensures the SEEDS have everything they need through constant attention, care, and cultivation. The husbandman KEEPS the crops full of the nourishment necessary to thrive, grow, reach its God-given potential, and serve its purpose. “…I (Jesus, the GOOD seed) do nothing of myself…” (John 8:28 KJV). “…the Fatherthat dwelleth in me (Jesus), he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). HOW? “…God (the husbandman and Holy Spirit) anointed (empowered) Jesus of Nazareth (the WORD, the GOOD seed) with the Holy Spirit and POWER, …” (Acts 10:38 NIV).

This is the dynamics of the “covenant unity” relationship between God and Jesus. “...He (Jesus) gave Himself over to Him (God who is always) judging justly...” (1 Peter 2:23 KJV). “...He (Jesus) gave (entrusted) Himself (his life) over to Him (God, the Holy Spirit, the husbandman, etc.) ...” (1 Peter 2:23 KJV).

God cared for Jesus while upon earth, nurtured his life, empowered his activities, and was ALWAYS with him. “…God (the husbandman) anointed (empowered) Jesus of Nazareth (the true vine) with the Holy Spirit and POWER,and …he went around ...[producing spiritual fruit by]... doing good and healing all  (HOW?)...because …God [the husbandman]… was with him…” (Acts 10:38 NIV).

“…The [Holy] ...Spirit (the husbandman, the LIVING Water) of the Lord (the Good seed) … anointed [watered him, which empowered JESUS] to preachthe gospel to the poor ... [watered him, which 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 watered and EMPOWERED by the Holy Spirit and he] went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; [BECAUSE] ...GOD [THE HUSBANDMAN, the LIVING WATER] ...WAS WITH HIM…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).

 While God TENDED to Jesus’ CARE, Jesus totally trusted and depended upon HIM, because he KNEW his divine character was absolutely trustworthy. “…Father …not My will, but Yours be done…" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV). “…I (Jesus, the GOOD seed) do nothing of myself…” (John 8:28 KJV). “…the Father(God, the husbandman) that dwelleth in me (Jesus), he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “...He (Jesus) gave Himself over to Him (God, the husbandman) ...” (1 Peter 2:23 KJV).

Jesus had absolute, unshakable confidence, faith in, and dependency upon God, the Holy Spirit, even when he told him he would DIE a physical death, but would RISE again. “... it is written, [that]... Christ... [would suffer and]....rise from the dead the third day...” (Luke 24:46 KJV). “...he is risen...” (Matthew 28:6 KJV). “...After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered he had said this, and they believed both the Scriptures and what Jesus had said...” (John 2:22 NLT).

The GOOD seed HAD to DIE. “...I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain...” (John 12:24 KJV). “...That which you sow does not come to life unless it dies...” (1 Corinthians 15:36 KJV). “...When you put a seed into the ground, it doesn’t grow into a plant unless it dies first...” (1 Corinthians 15:36 NLT). “…, my righteous servant (Jesus, the GOOD seed) ... [made]... it possible for many to be counted righteous…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT).

Jesus SAID after he ROSE again. “...I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore...” (Revelation 1:18 KJV). “...he is risen...” (Matthew 28:6 KJV). “...We are sure of this because Christ was raised from the dead, and he will never die again. Death no longer has any power over him...” (Romans 6:9 NLT).

Knowing God, the Holy Spirit’s immutable, divine character, his LOVE, and unrelenting CARE for him, removed any FEAR Jesus might have had. “...We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love (like the GOOD seed did). God is love ...Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love...” (1 John 4:16-18 NLT).

“...[Therefore,]....I will fear no evil: for thou art with me...”(Psalms 23 KJV). “…[God, the husbandman is]…Your rock and Yourfortress, your deliverer, Your GOD, Your rock, in whom [you can] … take refuge; Yourshield and the horn of Your salvation, YOURstronghold.…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB). “...He careth for [each one of HIS people]...” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “…The LORD “WILL” accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [his people]…” (John 14:31 NASB). “…God..[the husbandman]... is the one who provides [for his people]…” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV).

God loves his people and he won’t EVER disappoint them. “…God (the Holy Spirit and HUSBANDMAN) is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV).  “…the Lordloves His people …” (2 Chronicles 2:11 NASB). “…the Scripture says, "WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM  (trust in and depends upon him) WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED…" (ROMANS 10:11 NASB). “…In You they trusted (had faith, depended upon, etc.,) and WERE NOT DISAPPOINTED…. (PSALMS 22:5 NASB).

Jesus was a dependent in the “covenant unity” relationship with God and he willingly CHOSE to trust and depend upon God’s CARE and LOVING instructions. Jesus chose to lay down his life for God’s purpose. “… I [laid]... down my life... No one [took]... it from me, but I [laid]... it down of my own accord (my own choice). I [was given]... authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command (authority, choice) I received from my Father…” (John 10:17-18 KJV).

Jesus demonstrated unwavering FAITH in God even when he sent him to the cross, allowed him die a criminal’s death, and was buried in a borrowed grave. “...Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners...” (1 Timothy 1:15 NLT).  “...Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him...” (Hebrews 7:25 NLT). Jesus came “…to giveHis life a ransom for many…” (Matthew 20:28 NIV). “...He (Jesus) [entrusted]... Himself over to [God] ...” (1 Peter 2:23 KJV).

Jesus KNEW God was NOT trying to HARM him and totally entrusted himself to God’s plans for his life. “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…Love does NO HARM to his neighbor…” (Romans 13:10 NASB). “…The plans [God has]…for you (His people)….[are]… plans to prosper you and not to harm you...” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV). “…Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man (woman), the things which God hath prepared for them that love him...” (1 Corinthians 2:9 KJV). “...I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster...” (Jeremiah 29:11 NLT). “... I know the thoughtsthat I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end...” (Jeremiah 29:11 KJV).

“... But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush him (allow him to go through the trials and tribulations) and cause him grief ... his life [was made]... an offering for sin...” (Isaiah 53:10-11 NLT). “...That which you sow does not come to life unless it dies...” (1 Corinthians 15:36 KJV). “…my righteous servant (Jesus, the good seed) ...[made] ... it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he [bore]... all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT).

Jesus did “…not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many...” (Matthew 20:28 KJV).   “...That which you sow does not come to life unless it dies...” (1 Corinthians 15:36 KJV). “…God intended... [JESUS’ trials and tribulations]... for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives...” Genesis 50:20 NIV). “… I [laid] down my life... [AS YOU COMMANDED, HEAVENLY FATHER] …” (John 10:17-18 KJV).  

 Jesus “… give His life a ransom for many...” (Matthew 20:28 KJV). “… HE WAS [spiritually] RICH, yet for your sakes he became [spiritually] poor, that ye through his poverty might be [spiritually] RICH…” (2 Corinthians 8:9 KJV).“… I [laid] down my life... No one [took] it from me, but I [laid] it down of my own accord (my choice). …” (John 10:17-18 KJV). “….Christ pleased not himself…” (Romans 15:3 KJV).  “…[HE WENT “ALL IN”] ...to give His life a ransom for many...” (Matthew 20:28 KJV).

Jesus demonstrated what Job felt when he said: “… though he (God) slay me, yet will I trust in [and depend upon] ...him…” (Job 13:15 KJV). “...That which you sow does not come to life unless it dies...” (1 Corinthians 15:36 KJV). “…Father …not My will, but Yours be done…" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV). “...He(Jesus, the good seed) gave Himself over to Him (God, the Holy Spirit and husbandman) ...” (1 Peter 2:23 KJV).

Jesus KNEW God, the Holy Spirit’s divine character. He knew HE was “… 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). 

Jesus absolutely and unequivocally trusted and depended upon God. “…I (Jesus, the GOOD seed) do nothing of myself…” (John 8:28 KJV). “…the Father(God, the Holy Spirit) that dwelleth in me (Jesus), he doeth the works [and Jesus trusted and depended upon HIM]…” (John 14:10 KJV).

Because of personal experience with God, the Holy Spirit, Jesus says to the branches: “…abide in me (jesus, his living word), and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me…” (John 15:4 KJV).

Jesus lets the BRANCHES know, by experience, that ABIDING in JESUS, God’s LIVING Wordand the TRUE VINE it is a WIN-WIN situation. “…God (the Holy Spirit, the husbandman, etc.)... is love…” (1 John 4:8 KJV). “…The …HOLY SPIRIT (God, the Holy Spirit, the husbandman, etc.) …is the SOURCE of [HIS people’s CARE] …it is …God who does the work IN and THROUGH [his people]. The HOLY SPIRIT [will DISPLAY] God’s power THROUGH each of ...[HIS people] … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

 “...He (the husbandman) careth for [each one of HIS people]...” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “... thou (God, the Holy Spirit) art with [his people]...”(Psalms 23 KJV). “…[I can confidently say to each of God’s people HE is]…Your rock and Yourfortress, your deliverer, Your GOD, Your rock, in whom [you can] … take refuge; Yourshield and the horn of Your salvation, YOURstronghold.…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB). “...He careth for you (his people).” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “…The ...[husbandman] ...“WILL” accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [his people]…” (John 14:31 NASB). “…God...[the husbandman]... is the one who provides [for his “own’ people] …” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV).

 “…I (God, the Holy Spirit and the husbandman) will instruct thee (my people) and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I (God, the Holy Spirit) will guide thee (my people) with mine eye…” (Psalms 32:8 KJV). “…[god’s] Presencewill go with [his people]…” (Exodus 33:14 NIV). “…I (GOD) am with you (my people ) always, to the very end…"(Matthew 28:20 NIV). “…[I, GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL] ... Never leave nor forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 KJV).

“…I (GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT) am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). “…he (God, the Holy Spirit) remains faithful…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NIV).

“...He (God, the Holy Spirit) careth for you (his people)...” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV).“…[God, the Holy Spirit has] ...loved [his people]...with an everlasting love….” (Jeremiah 31:3 KJV). “…By the grace of God (the Holy Spirit) I am (you are) what I am (you are)…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).

By the GRACE of God, trusting and depending upon HIM, Jesus BECAME what he was MEANT to be. “….the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve othersand TO GIVE HIS LIFE as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28). “... I the LORD (jesus) am thy Saviour …” (Isaiah 60:16 KJV). “…You (Jesus) are ... my savior…” (Psalms 40:17 NLT).

“…the Father [God, the Holy Spirit] that dwelleth in me (Jesus), he doeth (empowers) the works (of making Jesus, the SAVIOR)…” (John 14:10 KJV). “... my Father is the husbandman. (the CAREGIVER of all mankind)..” (JOHN 15:1 KJV).

When God’s people are LIKE Jesus, trusting and depending upon him, HE will ALSO make THEM what they are MEANT to be as well. HOW? “…In this world we (God’s people) are like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). “…If any man(woman) be in Christ, he(she) is a NEW CREATURE …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “… [New creations]… are HIS (God’s) workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works …” (Ephesians 2:10 KJV). “…it is God (the Holy Spirit and husbandman) which worketh in [new creations]…” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “…NOT that [new creations]… are ADEQUATE IN [THEMSELVES]… to consider anything as coming from [themselves]… but [THEIR]… ADEQUACY IS FROM GOD (the Holy Spirit and the husbandman)…” (2 Corinthians 3:5 NASB). “…Now GOD (the Holy Spirit and husbandman) GIVES [new creations] many kinds of special abilities … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “… The ... Holy Spirit (and the husbandman) ... is the source of ... all ... [spiritual growth, development, pruning, or cultivation of new creations]… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…There are different kinds of service to God …but it is the same GOD (Holy Spirit, husbandman) WHO “DOES” THE WORK IN AND THROUGH ... [new creations]... who are his… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…The Holy Spirit “displays” God’s power THROUGHeach [new creation]… … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…It is the ... Holy Spirit who gives [new creations]... all these gifts and powers, deciding which each one of [them] should have… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

 “…It is God(the Holy Spirit and husbandman) who works IN YOU (HIS people)…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). His people can say: “…by the grace of God I am what I am (they are what they are)…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).

“… [New creations]… are HIS (the Holy Spirit husbandman’s) workmanship (husbandry), created in Christ Jesus (the GOOD seed, planted in their hearts) unto good works (through watering it with the LIVING water) …” (Ephesians 2:10 KJV).

May God’s people CRY OUT to God, the Holy Spirit these words: “…work IN and THROUGH ...[me indwelling Holy Spirit] … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

“…DISPLAY [your] ...power THROUGH [me indwelling Holy Spirit]... … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

“…[Indwelling]...HOLY SPIRIT …[you are] the SOURCE of [my spiritual growth, development, and spiritual fruit] … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

“…[I]...belong to him (god, the holy spirit and husbandman), …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).

“…Father …not Mywill, but Yours be done…" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV).

“... It is God (the Holy Spirit) which worketh in you (through Jesus, the GOOD seed) both to will and to do of hisgood pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “…not My will, but Yours be done…" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV).

“… the God of peace… that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, …” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).“… the God of peace… that great Shepherd of the sheep ...may he (the Holy Spirit) work in [his people] … what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ (the good seed)…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “... my Father is the husbandman (the living water that makes the seed grow)...” (JOHN 15:1 KJV).

“...In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust[and dependency]...” (Psalm 31:1 KJV). “... It is God (the Holy Spirit) which worketh in you (through Jesus) both to will and to do of hisgood pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “…Christ (the GOOD seed) liveth in [you]…” (Galatians 2:20 KJV).

“...God, the Holy Spirit is a “...spring of living water...” (Jeremiah 2:13 KJV). “....I (God, the Holy Spirit) will pour my Spirit upon THY SEED...” (Isaiah 44:3 KJV).

“…The Holy Spirit (the LIVING water) produces this kind of fruit in our lives [through Jesus, the GOOD seed]: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control…” (Galatians 5 NLT).

BECAUSE “... my Father is the husbandman (the living water)...” (JOHN 15:1 KJV). “... God [the Holy Spirit and LIVING WATER will work within his people through Jesus, the GOOD seed]... both to will and to do of hisgood pleasure...” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “… God ...equip[s his people] ...with everything good for doing his will…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).“ ...may he (God, the Holy Spirit and Living Water continue to) work in [his people] … what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ (the GOOD seed)…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).