Pensacola Helene Jefferson's Blog, page 36

INSIDE THE PANDEMIC OF JESUS': THE OUTBREAK OF SINFUL BEHAVIOR CAUSED AN EPIDEMIC OF TROUBLE FOR HIM

INSIDE THE PANDEMIC OF JESUS' TROUBLES: JESUS WAS TREATED CRUELLY BY EVIL PEOPLE, HE “LITERALLY” DIED UPON THE CROSS, AND WENT TO THE GRAVE.

 “Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe. And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands….Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man! When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him. But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar. Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away…” (John 19:1-16 KJV). “..After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished : and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost” (John 19:28-30 KJV).“…For I have come down from heaven  ... TO DO ...THE WILL of him who sent me …” (John 6:38 NIV). “…The ... works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father has sent me...” (John 5:36 KJV).*Jesus came DOWN from heaven to do God’s will, whatever the cost.“…For I have come down from heaven  ... TO DO ...THE WILL of him who sent me …” (John 6:38 NIV).Jesus KNEW he would have to go INSIDE a STORM in order to become the ransom. “…For I have come down from heaven  ... TO DO .…” (John 6:38 NIV). “ ...TO GIVE [MY]... LIFE as a ransom for many " (Matthew 20:28).  “...Jesus explained: "My nourishment (fulfillment) comes from doing the will of God (serving God's purpose), who sent me, and from finishing his work...” (John 4:34 NLT).Jesus willingly “became” God’s personal servant, from his heart, INSIDE the STORM. “...Though he were a Son, ...he ...[learned]... obedience by the things he suffered…” (Hebrews 5:8 KJV). “… The faithful followers of the Lord… keep their promises even when it hurts …” (Psalm 15:4 NLT). INSIDE the STORM of his life, Jesus carried a heavy wooden cross across the city, sweated so heavy it was like drops of blood, had nails hammered into his hands and feet, hung upon the cross for days, and died a criminal's death.“... Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe. And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands…. they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him...” (John 19:28-30 KJV).He came to earth to give his life a ransom for many.“… to give His life a ransom for many…” (Matthew 20:28 NIV).  “… Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures …” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4 KJV). Jesus choose to laid 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).“ ... he ...[learned]... obedience by the things he suffered (inside the storm)…” (Hebrews 5:8 KJV). “...He was despised and rejected— a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care. Yet it was our weaknesses he carried ; it was our sorrows that weighed him down . And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! But he was pierced f or our rebellion , crushed for our sins . He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed . All of us, like sheep, have strayed away... Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all ...” (Isaiah 53:3-6 NLT). “ …Christ…suffered for us in the flesh … ” (1 Peter 4:1-3 KJV).EVEN THOUGH he was JESUS CHRIST, God, the Holy Spirit’s son, he went INSIDE a STORM. “… [God’s] Son, ... learned ... obedience (to follow God’s instructions) by the things he suffered (inside the storm)…” (Hebrews 5:8 KJV).Jesus suffered inside the storm, yet he GAVE his LIFE to serve HIM anyway and DO the will of God, the Holy Spirit. “…. Christ pleased not himself …” (Romans 15:3 KJV).  “…For I have come down from heaven  ... TO DO ...THE WILL of him who sent me …” (John 6:38 NIV). “….the [reason the]... Son of Man came ...[was]...TO GIVE HIS LIFE as a ransom for many..." (Matthew 20:28). Jesus went ALL “IN” to secure your SALVATION, which was the REASON God sent him to earth. “... But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush him (allow him to go through the storm) and cause him grief ... his life [ was made ]... an offering for sin ... ” (Isaiah 53:10-11 NLT). “… my righteous servant (Jesus) ...[made] ... it possible for many to be counted righteous , for he [bore]... all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT). It COST Jesus’ EVERYTHING, inside the storm, to become GOD’S SALVATION PLAN: the atoning sacrifice for mankind’s sin, or an offering for sin, or a RANSOM for many. “… the graceof our Lord Jesus Christ .. though HE WAS [spiritually] RICH, yet for your sakes he became [spiritually] poor, that ye through his poverty might be [spiritually] RICH…” (2 Corinthians 8:9 KJV). “... h is life [was made]... an offering for sin... ” (Isaiah 53:10-11 NLT). “...Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners...” (1 Timothy 1:15 NLT).  “...Therefore he is able, once and forever , to save those who come to God through him ...” (Hebrews 7:25 NLT). Jesus came “… to give His life a ransom for many…” (Matthew 20:28 NIV). God knew Jesus would go INSIDE a STORM and yet, he “…spared not his own Son [from going inside the storm], but delivered him up for us all….?” (Romans 8:32 KJV).Jesus SERVED GOD, the Holy Spirit, faithfully INSIDE the STORM. A Hebrew word for serve is sharath and one of its definitions mean to become a “ personal servant to .” “…For I have come down from heaven  ... TO DO ...THE WILL of him who sent me …” (John 6:38 NIV).Jesus did “…not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many....” (Matthew 20:28 KJV). Jesus was wholeheartedly God’s personal servant while upon earth.  It is clear that INSIDE THE STORM Jesus humbly submitted to GOD’S PURPOSE. Jesus confidently said, “…The ... works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father has sent me...” (John 5:36 KJV). HOW COULD HE BE SO SURE? “… the Father... [that DWELT within JESUS]… he doeth the works …” (John 14:10 KJV).AND “… Jesus of Nazareth ... went around ... doing good and healing all  (HOW?)... because …God [the invisible holy spirit]… was with him …” (Acts 10:38 NIV). “…The [invisible Holy] ...Spirit  … anointed [empowered JESUS] to preach the gospel to the poor ... [empowered him] to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at libertythem that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord …” (John 4:16-21 KJV).“…The ... works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father has sent me...” (John 5:36 KJV). “... he doeth the works …” (John 14:10 KJV).Jesus was God’s personal servant, no matter the cost. It was INSIDE the STORM, that Jesus became“…a ransom for many...[by humbly surrendering to God's INSTRUCTIONS and]… [by] bec[oming] obedient unto death, even the death of the cross...” (Matthew 20:28 & Philippians 2:8 KJV). Jesus demonstrates how God’s people are to SERVE God INSIDE the STORMS of LIFE and continue to ENTRUST themselves to him. “…Christ …entrusted himself to him who judges justly…” (1 Peter 2:20-23 NIV).  “…I camedown from heaven, not to do mine own will but the will of him that sent me ...” (John 6:38 KJV). “…The ... works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father has sent me...” (John 5:36 KJV). “... he doeth the works …” (John 14:10 KJV).Even INSIDE the STORMS of LIFE God’s people continue to SERVE his purpose and ENTRUST their lives to him. “…Christ …entrusted himself to him who judges justly…” (1 Peter 2:20-23 NIV). One of God’s most important PURPOSES for every follower is to “… be conformed to the image of His Son …” (Romans 8:29 KJV).  “…LEARN from me, for Iam gentle and HUMBLE in heart…” (Matthew 11:29 KJV). Therefore, “… be transformed by the renewing of your mind ….” (Romans 12:2 KJV). “… In this world we are LIKE JESUS …” (1 John 4:17 NIV). WHAT WAS JESUS LIKE? “… Jesus of Nazareth ... went around ... doing goodand healing all  (HOW?)... because …God [the invisible holy spirit]… was with him …” (Acts 10:38 NIV). “… [JESUS WAS SENT]... 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).All of God’s people, just like Jesus, are EMPOWERED, by the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT to do what they are called to do. “… I can do ALL THINGS through Christ  …” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).They are also NEW CREATIONS. “…If any man (woman) be in Christ , he(she) is a NEW creature …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).  “... The old life is gone ...” (2 Corinthians 5:14-18 NLT). “… [because] … all things are … [MADE] … NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “…God is not human …” (Numbers 23:19 NIV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “… t he Spirit of God dwell in [new creations who are now God’s people] …” (Romans 8:9 KJV).When God’s people are SERVING HIS PURPOSE God HELPS them and EMPOWERS them through his indwelling Holy Spirit. “… He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). “… God ... does the work IN and THROUGH all of us who are his . …… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “… The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us …… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).  “… the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works …” (John 14:10 KJV). “… God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy [Spirit] and WITH POWER…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV). “… Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miraclesand wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you…” (Acts 2:22 KJV). “… The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us … … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). God, the Holy Spirit, was WITNESSED, through Jesus by signs and wonders. “… God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and WITH POWER: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for GOD WAS WITH HIM. And we are witnesses of all things which he did …” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV). “… I do nothing of myself …” (John 8:28 KJV).“… the Father that dwelleth in [Jesus], he doeth the works …” (John 14:10 KJV). “… [The Father] ...anointed … [Jesus] … to preach the gospel to the poor; he … sent … [him] … to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord…” (John 4:16-21 KJV). “… the Father that dwelleth in [Jesus], he doeth the works …” (John 14:10 KJV). God does NOT change. “… I am the Lord, I change NOT … ” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).   In the New Testament, God’s GLORY (his presence, his goodness, and his power) was witnessed through his people over and over. “…Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and POWER (God’s GLORY or his indwelling Holy Spirit), performed great wonders and signs among the people …” (Acts 6:8 NIV).  “… God did extraordinary MIRACLES (God’s GLORY or by the indwelling Holy Spirit) through Paul …” (Acts 19:11 NIV). “…I persevered in demonstrating among you the marks of a true apostle, including signs, wonders and MIRACLES (God’s GLORY or the WORK of the Holy Spirit) …” (2 Corinthians 12:12 NIV). “… the Father that dwelleth in [HIS PEOPLE], he doeth the works …” (John 14:10 KJV).It is “… God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of us who are his . The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us …… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). . “… I am the Lord, I change NOT … ” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).   God SENDS, his people,  the indwelling Holy Spirit, to empower them do the same things Jesus DID. “…God … sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” OUR HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…It is God who works in you to will (to want to do it) and to act (to actually do it) in order to fulfill his good purpose...” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…Now may the God of peace, … that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory (God’s presence, power, and goodness) for ever and ever. Amen...” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV)Jesus suffered, INSIDE his STORM, too because he took on “the likeness of sinful flesh…,” (Romans 8:3 KJV).Jesus DEMONSTRATES, how to continually choose to SERVE “in” and “through” the STORM. “ … In the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared ; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;And being made perfect (spiritually mature), he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;…” (Hebrew 5:7-8-9 KJV). INSIDE the STORM Jesus was being MADE spiritually mature and it EMPOWERED him to BECOME his PURPOSE. The STORM was challenging to Jesus too, but he CHOSE to endure it anyway. “ … In the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared …” (Hebrew 5:7-8-9 KJV). “… He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them and knelt down and prayed, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done..." (Luke 22:42-43 NIV).Jesus personally KNOWS what it is like INSIDE the STORMS of LIFE. “ … he ...offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears ... and was heard in that he feared …” (Hebrew 5:7-8-9 KJV). “… take this cup from Me ... " (Luke 22:42-43 NIV).“...We do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted (inside the storm) in every way, just as we are--yet he did not sin...” (Hebrews 4:15 NIV). Thus, Jesus demonstrated how to voluntarily, willfully, and lovingly choose to humbly submit to GOD INSIDE your STORMS. “…not My will, but Yours be done..." (Luke 22:42-43 NIV).The INDWELLING Holy Spirit is there to HELP YOU do the same thing too. “…It is Godwho WORKS IN YOU …” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “… the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works …” (John 14:10 KJV). “… He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). “… The Lord helps them , …” (Psalms 37:40 NLT). “… You are my helper and my savior …” (Psalms 40:17 NLT).

WHAT GIVES YOU THE POWER TO BE "MADE" INTO GOD'S IMAGE?

BUY THE BOOK THE GOD IMAGE “….let us make man in our image, after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV).  “…..God created man in his own image…..male and female created he them…” (Genesis 1:27 KJV). “…. God formed man of the dust of the ground (body), and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (HIS Spirit or His IMAGE); and man became a living soul (soul)…” (Genesis 2:7 KJV).“….let us make man in our image, after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV).“…God is not human (he is not a body, he is not a self, or the flesh, or a soul)…” (Numbers 23:19 NIV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “… t he Spirit of God dwell in you (and dwelt in Adam and Eve) …” (Romans 8:9 KJV).“… abide in me, and I in you …” (John 15:4 KJV).                                            * “... Everyone 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).“... Everyone who sins is breaking God’s law, for all sin is contrary to the law of God. And you know that Jesus came to take away our sins, and there is no sin in him. Anyone who continues to live in him (ABIDE WITH HIM) will not sin. But anyone who keeps on sinning does not know him ... who he is. Dear children, don’t let anyone deceive you about this: When people do what is right, it shows that they are righteous, even as Christ is righteous. But when people keep on sinning, it shows that they belong to the devil, who has been sinning since the beginning. But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil. Those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, because God’s [SPIRITUAL] ... life is in them. So they can’t keep on sinning, because they are children of God. So now we can tell who are children of God and who are children of the devil . Anyone (NO EXCEPTIONS) who does not live righteously and does not love other believers does not belong to God ...” (1 John 3:7-10 NLT).Many God’s people quote the cliché that “ONCE SAVED; “ALWAYS” SAVED”, and many USE the following scriptures to SUPPORT their CLAIM: “... In Him ,.. you WERE SEALED ...WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT OF PROMISE.…” (Ephesians 1 NLT).  “... Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption...” (Ephesians 4:30 NASB). “...after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise...” (Ephesians 1:13 KJV). “... Do not quench (extinguish, put out, remove, cut off) the [Holy]... Spirit...” (1 Thessalonians 5:19 NASB).Yet, the WORD of GOD “ALSO” says SIN SEPARATES YOU from God, the “HOLY” Spirit and his GRACE. “… Your INIQUITIES … separated … you and your God…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV).  Even through, “... In Him,.., you WERE SEALED IN HIM WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT OF PROMISE.…” (Ephesians 1 NLT).  YET, “... the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword , piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit,....” (Hebrews 4:12 NASB). You ARE sealed, but the WORD of God can CUT asunder the SEAL between the SOUL AND SPIRIT when it TELLS you “SIN” will put a separation between YOU and God. Particularly, the continual PRACTICE of SIN will CUT you OFF from God, the Holy Spirit and cut asunder the SEAL. “… You have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God’s GRACE …” (Galatians 5:4 NLT). “… Your INIQUITIES … separated … you and your God…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). God NEVER changes. “… I change NOT … ” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). “… It’s YOUR SINS that … [will] ... cut you off from God…” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT). “… Your INIQUITIES … separated … you and your God…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). “…what fellowshiphath 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). “... In Him ... you WERE SEALED ...WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT OF PROMISE.…” (Ephesians 1 NLT).  However, “... the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit ,....” (Hebrews 4:12 NASB). “… you have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God’s GRACE …” (Galatians 5:4 NLT).Two oxen can be joined together with a wooden bar called a yoke and together they pull whatever load they are given as a team.However if one oxen is stronger, taller, weaker, shorter, smaller, or bigger than the other oxen they will be unequally yoked. If the oxen are unequally yoked they will not be able to fairly share the load or finish the task they’ve been given. The two oxen can end up being completely off balance or going around in redundant circles. “… Thou shalt not plow with an ox and an ass together…” (Deuteronomy 22:10 KJV).The bible says, “… Be ye not unequally yoked together . with unbelievers. ..” (2 Corinthians 6:14-15 KJV).Some of God’s people have chosen NOT to listen to him and have moved to the opposite team, away from God, the Holy Spirit, which means they have NOTHING in common any more. “…They …serve ….their OWN belly (self)…” (Romans 16:18 KJV).  “...We will continue to live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires...” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT). “… What part hath righteousness with unrighteousness ? ...” (2 Corinthians 6:14-15 KJV). We are NOT talking about MISTAKES, STRUGGLES, OR WEAKNESSES. We are talking about people who have willfully and voluntarily DECIDED TO DEPART from God and RETURN to AN ongoing LIFESTYLE of PRACTICING SIN. “...For if, after they have escaped   ... they are again entangled in them (their former sinful lifestyles) ... it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness , than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment ... It has happened to them according to the true proverb, “A dog returns to its own vomit,” and, “A sow, after washing, returns to wallowing in the mire...” (2 Peter 2:20-23 NASB).RETURNING to a lifestyle of practicing sin WILL ALWAYS CREATE a separation or BARRIER between YOU and SPIRT(God). “... Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness ; and sin is lawlessness ...  the one who practices sin is of the devil ...  anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of GOD ...” (1 John 3:7-10 NASB). THE WORD SAYS: “… Your INIQUITIES … separated … you and your God…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV).  THUS, “... the word of God...[can pierce] ....to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit....” (Hebrews 4:12 NASB). “...It has happened to them according to the true proverb, “A dog returns to its own vomit,” and, “A sow, after washing, returns to wallowing in the mire...” (2 Peter 2:20-23 NASB).“… I change NOT … ” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). The HOLY “SPIRIT” can NOT and will NOT “EVER” MIX with SIN or its practice. SIN and SPIRIT(God) SEPARATE; just like oil and water. “… It’s YOUR SINS that have cut you off from God (who is SPIRIT and 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).  “…[ONLY the ONE who continues to]... abide in me (spirit), and I(spirit) in you …” (John 15:4 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).Jesus miraculously enables the HOLY SPIRIT (God) and SINFUL mankind to UNITE together, again, in an intimate, covenant relationship and become ONE SPIRIT. “…What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate …” (Mark 10:9 NASB). “… Love … is the perfect BOND of unity ...” (Colossians 3:14 NASB). “…He that is JOINED unto the Lord is ONE Spirit…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “… Let no one split apart what God has joined together…” (Mark 10:9 NLT). However, “... the word of God...[is powerful enough] ....to  [divide] asunder [the] ...soul and spirit....” (Hebrews 4:12 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). “...It has happened to them according to the true proverb, “A dog returns to its own vomit,” and, “A sow, after washing, returns to wallowing in the mire...” (2 Peter 2:20-23 NASB). THE FIRST GOD IMAGE “…And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground (body), and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (spirit); and man became a living soul (soul)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). HOW THE GOD IMAGE WAS LOST. “… Your INIQUITIES … separated … you and your God…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV).HOW THE GOD IMAGE WAS RESTORED.  “… [He sent the ] … one … who can reconcile God and humanity— the man Christ Jesus …” (1 Timothy 2:5 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). “… Jesus Christ maketh thee whole ( SAVES, RESTORES , AND MAKES YOU WHOLE YOU AGAIN ) …” (Acts 9:34 KJV).HOW THE GOD IMAGE IS SUSTAINED. “... abide in me (spirit), and I(spirit) in you (HIS PEOPLE) …” (John 15:4 KJV). WHAT KIND OF SOUL ARE YOU WITHOUT SPIRIT(THE GOD IMAGE)? “…the body without (apart from) the spirit is dead…” (James 2:26 KJV). WHAT KIND OF SOUL ARE YOU WITH SPIRIT (THE GOD IMAGE)? ).  “…Therefore if any man(woman) be in Christ, he(she) is a NEW creature …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “… All things are … [MADE] … NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).  “… GOD IS SPIRIT …” (John 4:24 KJV). When a man’s or woman’s soul ABIDES in a covenant UNION with SPIRIT (THE God IMAGE), they“…[become]... a living soul (again)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).  OR “...It has happened to them according to the true proverb, “A dog returns to its own vomit,” and, “A sow, after washing, returns to wallowing in the mire...” (2 Peter 2:20-23 NASB). “…the body without (apart from) the spirit is dead…” (James 2:26 KJV). “… Your INIQUITIES … separated … you and your God…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). “... the word of God...[is powerful enough] ....to  [divide] asunder [the] ...soul and spirit....” (Hebrews 4:12 NASB).THEREFORE, remember “… GOD IS SPIRIT …” (John 4:24 KJV). “... abide in me (spirit), and I(spirit) in you (HIS PEOPLE) …” (John 15:4 KJV).  “…[You’ll become]... a living soul (again)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). “…Ye shall know [those with the indwelling Holy SPIRIT]… by their fruits …” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “…A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another…” (John 13:34-35 KJV). “… [THE PEOPLE]... who ABIDES in Me (SPIRIT) and I in him ... bears much fruit … ” (John 15:1-11 NASB). "…My Father is glorified by this, that “YOU” bear much fruit, and so PROVE to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV).  “… The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “... The Holy SPIRIT (the God IMAGE) produces this kind of fruit in our lives …” (Galatians 5 NLT). WHEN THE GOD IMAGE RETURNS AND REUNITES WITH A LOST SOUL; EVERYONE WILL BE ABLE TO WITNESS IT BY THE SPIRITUAL FRUIT PRODUCED BY THE SPIRIT (GOD). “… GOD IS SPIRIT ( THE GOD IMAGE ) …” (John 4:24 KJV).

WHAT DOES HAVING "THE GOD IMAGE" REQUIRE?

THE GOD IMAGE:  “….let us make man in our image, after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV).  “…..God created man in his own image…..male and female created he them…” (Genesis 1:27 KJV). “…. God formed man of the dust of the ground (body), and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (HIS Spirit or His IMAGE); and man became a living soul (soul)…” (Genesis 2:7 KJV).“….let us make man in our image, after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV).“…God is not human (he is not a body, he is not a self, or the flesh, or a soul)…” (Numbers 23:19 NIV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “… t he Spirit of God dwell in you (and dwelt in Adam and Eve) …” (Romans 8:9 KJV).“… abide in me, and I in you …” (John 15:4 KJV).           *When God(SPIRIT) is reunited with the soul it means that God is WITH you. He is with his people. The bible says he is “WITH US,” which means God will be an active participant or presence in your life. You are “IN” his presence and his presence is also “within” you. “… His name Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us…” (Matthew 1:23 NASB). The bible says Immanuelmeans GOD is with you. “…Behold, I AM WITH… [YOU ] and  … I WILL NOT LEAVE [YOU] …." (Genesis 28:15 ASV).  Jesus says: “… I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, to the very end …" (Matthew 28:20 NIV). “…God has said “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you …” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV). How is Immanuel WITH YOU? “… Christ in you (SPIRIT) …” (Colossians 1:27 KJV).   “… t he SPIRIT of God dwell[s] in you …” (Romans 8:9 KJV).“… “God ...[is]...with us (YOU)…” (Matthew 1:23 NASB).Obviously, an intimate, covenant relationship is important to God; God NEVERleaves his children, male or female, ALONE!  “… His name Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us…” (Matthew 1:23 NASB).“…God has said “ Never will I leave you (without my PRESENCE ) ; never will I forsake you …” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV). “… I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS , to the very end …"(Matthew 28:20 NIV).  “…Behold, I AM WITH… [YOU] … and  … I WILL NOT LEAVE [YOU] …." (Genesis 28:15 ASV). “ … The LORD thy God …will not fail (leave) thee, nor forsake thee … ” (Deuteronomy 31:6 KJV).  “… Behold, I am with … [you ] and will keep … [you] whithersoever [you]… goest… I will not leave [you] ..." (Genesis 28:15 ASV).This is God’s commitment and loyalty to you.  “… [Immanuel] … is faithful , by whom ye were called unto the fellowship (covenant relationship) … [with]… his Son Jesus Christ our Lord …” (1 Corinthians 1:9 KJV).Immanuel is WITH YOU and takes FULL responsibility of HEADSHIP or AUTHORITY in the relationship. “… the HEAD  of EVERY man (woman) (believer) is Christ ...” (1 Corinthians 11:3 KJV). “… Christ is the HEAD of the church (believers) …” (Ephesians 5:23 KJV).Immanuel is WITH YOU and as HEAD he establishes a foundation for the covenant relationship. “… be holy , because I am holy…” (1 Peter 1:16 KJV). He will lead the way. “... b e … imitators of [Jesus]…”(Hebrews 12:14; Ephesians 5:1 ASV).God encourages you to stick with him and trust him as HEAD. “… I AM THE VINE AND YE ARE THE BRANCHES …” (JOHN 15:1, 5 NIV).  “…Abide in Me, and I in you…” (John 15:4-6 NASB). “ …Apart from Me you can do nothing …” (John 15:4-6 NASB).God is WITH YOU by choice and he wants you to be WITH HIM by choice. “…“God with us…” (Matthew 1:23 NASB). “… Choose (spiritual) LIFE …” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “… Jesus said… I am the (spiritual) LIFE …..” (John 11:25 KJV). “…“God with us…” (Matthew 1:23 NASB). God commits himself to you through the ONE SPIRIT UNION. “…He that is joined unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT…[with God, the Father through Jesus Christ, our Lord, again] …”  (1 Corinthian 6:17 KJV).There are THREE absolute, immutable WAYS in which God PROMISES to be WITH YOUFOREVER. “…“God with us…” (Matthew 1:23 NASB). “… [I will] … never leave nor forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 KJV).1.      God BONDSto the believer through immutable LOVE. “… love , which is the perfect BOND of unity ...”(Colossians 3:14 NASB). “….[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). 2.      God CONNECTSto the believer through his immutable INDWELLING SPIRIT. “…He that is joined (connected) unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT … ” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “… Christ [is]… in you …” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). “…The Spirit of God dwell[s]… in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).3.      God SUSTAINSthe relationship with the believer through his immutable AMAZING GRACES. “…In him(Jesus) ALL THINGS  (the covenant relationship) …hold together …” (Colossians 1:7 NIV). “… [Jesus is]…sustaining ALL THINGS (the covenant relationship)… by his powerful word …” (Hebrews 1:3 NIV). “…. Apart from Me (Jehovah Immanuel), you can do nothing …” (John 15:5 NIV). “… the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works …” (John 14:10 KJV). “… God is able to make all GRACEabound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things …” (2 Corinthians 8:9 KJV). God’s LOVE never alters. God’s ATTACHMENT never loosens. God’s GRACES never cease. “… God...[is]... with us …” (Matthew 1:23 NASB). “… 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).No matter what YOU do; He will NEVER leave YOU alone. .“… God with us …” (Matthew 1:23 NASB). “…If we are unfaithful, he remainsfaithful, for he cannot denywho he is…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT).“… The … FAITHFUL love of the Lord, [for you], NEVER ENDS ...!”(Lamentations 3:22-23 NLT). “… I am with you always, to the very end …"(Matthew 28:20 NIV). “… God with us …” (Matthew 1:23 NASB). God will BE there to SHARE every challenge, defeat, victory, heartbreak, delight, belief, doubt, strength, weakness, and routine days; whether you acknowledge him or not. God will “… never leave nor forsake you …” (Hebrews 13:5 KJV).God knows and has said: “… Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor.For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. …” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NASB).Therefore, “…I AM WITH… [YOU] and  … I WILL NOT LEAVE [YOU] …." (Genesis 28:15 ASV).“… God...[is]...with us …” (Matthew 1:23 NASB). Though God is WITH YOU always; your personal freedom is NEVER compromised. “… I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore…[you]… choose life…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV).The believer REMAINS free to CHOOSE to STAY in the covenant relationship with God or LEAVE - without judgment, condemnation, or shame. “…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). The believer’s commitment to the covenant relationship is ALWAYS by CHOICE just like God’s commitment is by choice. “… 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 us …” (Matthew 1:23 NASB).Every biblical promise is God’s commitment to you; not necessarily YOUR commitment to him. STAYING in the covenant relationship with God is a CHOICE. “… Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).God lovingly respects the believer’s right to choose their OWN way. “… God..[is]...with us …” (Matthew 1:23 NASB).   “…He that is joined unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT …”  (1 Corinthian 6:17 KJV). YET, “… Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).The believer often selfishly EXERCISES his or her human will and does whatever he or she PLEASES. “… Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).The believer also CHOOSES his or her OWN way, often, without regard to God’s PRESENCE. “… God...[is]...with us …” (Matthew 1:23 NASB). “…The Lord said to Moses, “ How long will these people treat me ( my PRESENCE ) with contempt (disrespect)?” (Daniel 14:11 NIV). “… My people would not listen to me . They kept doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts (own agendas)…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). Regardless of what you do, God NEVER changes his position. “… God...[is]...with us …” (Matthew 1:23 NASB). “… 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). “… he remains faithful …” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT).God has ENDURED the unfaithfulness and abandonment of his people for years!! Biblical history informs us that God’s people repeatedly abandoned him and the covenant relationship. “… They ABANDONED MEand did not obey my word ….” (JEREMIAH 16:11 NLT). “…The Lordreplies, “This has happened because my people have ABANDONED MY INSTRUCTIONS ; they have refused to obey what I said….” (JEREMIAH 9:13 NLT). “… They ABANDONED the Lord … they turned their backs on him….” (2 Chronicles 29:6 NLT). “… he remains faithful …” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT).Thus, the modern-day believer CHOOSES, at liberty, what commitment he or she wants to take in the relationship with God through Christ. “…The people replied …We will continue to live as we want to , stubbornly following our own evil desires (own evil choices)… ” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT). “… They … [too abandon] … the Lord … [and] … turned their backs on him….” (2 Chronicles 29:6 NLT). YET, “… he remains faithful …” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT).God’s people are CHOOSING their OWN way to this very day. “…The people replied …We will continue to live as we want to (we will continue to choose and go our own way)… ” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).Believers are CHOOSING to follow after the ways of the world and are becoming spiritually weakened. “…I want to do what is right, but I can’t . I want to do what is good , but I don’t…. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway . …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…We will continue to live as we want to … following our own evil desires … ” (JEREMIAH 18:12 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).God is WITH THEM through Jesus Christ and REMAINS faithful.  God’s people DO NOT lose their personal freedom, through human will, to make their OWN choices. “… I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore [YOU]…choose life…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). The covenant relationship is God’s idea and he says in his Word: “… Two are better than one …” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NASB). “IN” the covenant relationship, God provides for his people and has set them up to have an abundant LIFE. “… That they might have life … more abundantly …” (John 10:10 KJV). However, his people CHOOSE to ENJOY abundant life, safety, refuge, protection, more than enough provisions, stability, the Savior, a healthy environment, the riches of God’s glory, or the indwelling Holy Spirit. “… God is the one who provides …” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV). “… God will supply all [your need] …” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “…I am come that THEY MIGHT have life, and that THEY MIGHT have it more abundantly …” (John 10:10 KJV). ONLY within the covenant relationship with God is the believer’s life elevated and filled with his benevolent kindnesses. “… How great is [God’s benevolent kindness ], which [He lays] up for them that fear [Him]… [or] for them that take refuge in [Him]…” (Psalm 31:19-20 KJV). “….He is good [and deeply caring] ...  “ALL” the time…” (1 Chronicles 16:34, Ezra 3:11, and Psalm 107). “... Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you …” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “… Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).ONLY within the covenant relationship with God are God’s people supported. Being “in” the covenant relationship with God through Christ, they are made functional, healthy, balanced, and whole. “…May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together—spirit, soul, and body—The One who called you is completely dependable. If he said it, he’ll do it !”(1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 MSG). “…He was beaten so we could be WHOLE. He was whipped so we could be HEALED…” (Isaiah 53:5 NLT). “….Jesus Christ maketh thee WHOLE…” (Acts 9:34 KJV).ONLY within the covenant relationship with God are God’s people equipped to do his will. “…That great Shepherd of the sheep, EQUIP you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).  ONLY within the covenant relationship with God are God’s people enabled to be strong and spiritually empowered. “… [God] … grant[s]… you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV).God EXPLAINS, in his word, how the outcome from a healthy relationship with two commitment people is better. “… Two are better than one  … if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? …”(Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NASB).The covenant relationship with God promotes how mutual cooperation with him  ADDS an EXTRA blessing when HE is there HELPING you DO the tasks you’ve been given in life. “ …God … works in you TO WILL and TO ACT in order to fulfill his good purpose…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…. apart from Me (JESUS), you can do nothing …” (John 15:5 NIV). “… I can do ALL THINGS through Christ which strengtheneth me…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).Your human will is necessary, because it is a witness of the personal, voluntary commitment YOU have made to the covenant relationship with God, which also serves to prove the CHOICE you’ve made to abide with God or NOT. “Jesus saith…I am the way, the truth, and the life …” (John 14:6 KJV). “… choose LIFE …” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “… A bide in Me …” (John 15:4-6 NASB). Sin separated God from mankind, as witnessed with Adam and Eve, so an atoning sacrifice was needed. “ … [HE]…SENT HIS SON AS AN ATONING “SACRIFICE” FOR OUR SINS….” (1 John 4:10 NIV). “…Christ also died for sins ONCE FOR ALL, THE JUST FOR THE UNJUST…” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB).  “…GOD SHOWED HIS GREAT [SACRIFICAL]…LOVE for us by SENDING CHRIST TO DIE FOR US WHILE WE WERE STILL SINNERS…” (Romans 5:7-9 NLT). God CHOSE to voluntarily and willfully demonstrate his LOVE for mankind by sending his SON.   “ …God SO LOVED the world that HE GAVE HIS “ONLY ” BEGOTTEN SON …” (John 3:16 KJV). “… Herein is love ...” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…THIS IS LOVE …[HE]…SENT HIS SON ...” (1 John 4:10 NIV). “… 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).. After God established a “plan of salvation” to restore the covenant relationship with mankind he made VOWS and PROMISES to NEVER leave them ALONE again. “…God has said “NEVER will I leave you; NEVER will I forsake you   …” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV).  “… I am with you always , to the very end of the age …"(Matthew 28:20 NIV).God is FOREVER “BONDED” to you by his PLEDGE of LOVE. “… God...[is]...with us …” (Matthew 1:23 NASB). “…(HIS) love ... is the perfect BOND of unity ...”(Colossians 3:14 NASB). God is FOREVER “CONNECTED” to you by his PLEDGE of indwelling SPIRIT. “… God...[is]...with us …” (Matthew 1:23 NASB). “…The Spirit of God dwell[s]… in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).God is FOREVER “SUSTAINING” the “bond” and “connection” with HIS people by his AMAZING GRACE. “… God...[is].... with us …” (Matthew 1:23 NASB). “…In him(Jesus) ALL THINGS  (the covenant relationship)…hold together …” (Colossians 1:7 NIV). “… [Jesus is]…sustaining ALL THINGS (the covenant relationship)… by his powerful word …” (Hebrews 1:3 NIV). “… God is able to make all GRACE abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things …” (2 Corinthians 8:9 KJV).He is FOREVER “PROVING” his commitment to you through his constant PRESENCE and by his PRODUCTION of SPIRITUAL FRUIT  in YOUR LIFE!! “…“God..[is]...with us…” (Matthew 1:23 NASB). “… He who ABIDES in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit … ” (John 15:1-11 NASB). "…My Father is glorified by this, that “YOU” bear much fruit, and so PROVE to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV). “… Ye shall know [those in the covenant relationship with God]… 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). “…The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives (the lives of HIS people) …” (Galatians 5 NLT). “… Apart from [the covenant relationship with God, you] can do nothing….” (John 15:5 KJV).Immanuel means “… God...[is]...with us …” (Matthew 1:23 NASB). “…God has said “ Never will I leave you ; never will I forsake you …” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV). “… I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS , to the very end …"(Matthew 28:20 NIV).  “…Behold, I AM WITH… [YOU] and … I WILL NOT LEAVE … [YOU] …." (Genesis 28:15 ASV). “ … The LORD thy God …will not fail (leave) thee, nor forsake thee … ” (Deuteronomy 31:6 KJV).  “…Behold, I am with … [you ] and will keep … [you] … whithersoever … [you]… goest… I will not leave [you] .. ." (Genesis 28:15 ASV).“… I change NOT … ” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). He is Jehovah immanuel!!! However, the abiding presence of THE SPIRIT IS A BLESSING FOR THE SOUL. WHEN THE SOUL IS REUNITED WITH THE SPIRIT, IT IS NO LONGER LEFT TO ITSELF, BUT BECOMES a new creation with the god image. “…  those who were once enlightened—those who haveexperienced the good things of heaven and shared in the Holy Spirit,  who have tasted the goodness of the Word of God and the power of the age to come …” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT). ALL will remain WELL WITH THE SOUL as long as “that” soul chooses to stay abiding with God, the holy spirit (the god image).  “… Apart from [SPIRIT, the God IMAGE, you] can do nothing….” (John 15:5 KJV). “… abide in me, and I in you …” (John 15:4 KJV).   “... it is this Good News that saves you IF' you continue to believe the message...” (1 Corinthians NLT). “... continue in the faith... grounded and settled ...” (Colossians 1:22-23 KJV). “...be not moved away ...” (Colossians 1:22-23 KJV).

HOW ARE "YOU" MADE IN THE IMAGE OF GOD?

THE GOD IMAGE:  “….let us make man in our image, after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV).  “…..God created man in his own image…..male and female created he them…” (Genesis 1:27 KJV). “…. God formed man of the dust of the ground (body), and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (HIS Spirit or His IMAGE); and man became a living soul (soul)…” (Genesis 2:7 KJV).“….let us make man in our image, after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV).“…God is not human (he is not a body, he is not a self, or the flesh, or a soul)…” (Numbers 23:19 NIV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “… t he Spirit of God dwell in you (and dwelt in Adam and Eve) …” (Romans 8:9 KJV).*          Remember an image is a mental or visual representation, you have, of yourself or someone else. A representation or representative of that image is something that or someone who reveals or demonstrates what that “image” is like.A representation or representative also reveals or demonstrates the likeness of a particular image such as a picture, sculpture, painting, drawing, or carbon copy. Thus, a likeness of an image, is NOT “the” image, but it will resemble that image, in some way. The resemblance of an image provides a, visual or mental depiction, or idea, or description of what that image is like.The God Image is not a mental or visual representation of God as we understand it, but it would be a spiritual representation or representative of God. A spiritual representation or representative of God would provide an understanding of his LIKENESS. For instance, it is by faith that God’s people understand, that the whole world was created by God. “… BY FAITH (trusting in and depending upon God) ...[they]... understand that THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE WAS FORMED at God’s command...” (Hebrews 11 NLT). It is also by faith, they understand, what God is LIKE. “… BY FAITH (by trusting in and depending upon God) ...[they]... understand ....that what ...[they]... now see did not come from anything that can be seen ...” (Hebrews 11 NLT). The first man, Adam (Eve), was created “in” HIS IMAGE “after” his LIKENESS! “…. LET US MAKE man … after our likeness (to resemble or represent us) …” (Genesis 1:26 KJV). “…in his OWN image (resemblance or representation) ...male and female created he them …”(Genesis 1:27 KJV). “…And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground (body), and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (spirit); and man became a living soul (soul)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). In order to understand what that likeness IS; you must first understand what GOD’S IMAGE “IS”. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).God’s image was breathed into Adam, which made Adam a representative of his image. “…And the LORD God ...breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (His Spirit or image)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). “….let us make man in our image, after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV). “…God is not human (he is not a body, he is not a self, or the flesh, or a soul)…” (Numbers 23:19 NIV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “… t he Spirit of God dwell in you (and dwelt in the first male and female) …” (Romans 8:9 KJV). Thus, Adam and Eve were originally, created to resemble or be representatives of HIS IMAGE (which is SPIRIT). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). Since God is Spirit. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” so is HIS IMAGE (John 4:24 KJV). Again, God’s IMAGE is SPIRIT. “…God is not human …” (Numbers 23:19 NIV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV)."… that which is born (starts to exist) of the Spirit is spirit…” (John 3:6 KJV). “…And the LORD God ...breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (His Spirit or image)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). When Adam and Eve was born or came into existence, they came with HIS IMAGE, which is SPIRIT.“… BY FAITH we understand that ...[Adam and Eve]... WAS FORMED at God’s command...” (Hebrews 11 NLT).They resembled God, the Holy Spirit, because they were able, through his “breath of life” or indwelling Holy Spirit to represent HIS IMAGE. “…And ...man became a living soul (a soul with the God IMAGE)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). The bible says God’s likeness is clearly WITNESSED by the things HE creates. “… since the creation of the world His invisibleattributes, His eternal power and divine nature , have been clearly seen , being understood through what has been made … (he MADE mankind “IN” his IMAGE)...” (Romans 1:20 NASB).Adam and Eve were MADE by God and initially resembled HIS IMAGE (which is SPIRIT). HIS IMAGE, however, was not and could not be a BODY IMAGE or a self-IMAGE, because God is SPIRIT. “…God is not human (not body; not self) …” (Numbers 23:19 NIV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV)."… that which is born (is created) of the Spirit is spirit…” (John 3:6 KJV). “…And the LORD God ...breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (His Spirit or image)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).“… since the creation of the world His invisibleattributes, His eternal power and divine nature , have been clearly seen , being understood through what has been made …” (Romans 1:20 NASB).“… since the creation of the world His invisibleattributes, His eternal power and divine nature , have been clearly seen , being understood through what has been made ( through the “making” or creating of adam and eve ) …” (Romans 1:20 NASB).“… BY FAITH we understand that ...[Adam and Eve]... WAS FORMED at God’s command...” (Hebrews 11 NLT). His command was: “…. LET US MAKE man … after our likeness …”(Genesis 1:26 KJV).“…in his OWN image (Spirit IMAGE)…..male and female created he them …”(Genesis 1:27 KJV). “…And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground (body), and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (His Spirit or IMAGE); and man became a living soul (soul)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). A “living” soul was a soul MADE in HIS IMAGE and LIKENESS through his breathe of life or Spirit.The God IMAGE is the SPIRITUAL likeness someone HAS (such as his INDWELLING Holy Spirit) that makes them RESEMBLE, REVEAL, or DEMONSTRATE what God is LIKE. “…And the LORD God ...breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (His Spirit or image)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).“…. LET US MAKE man (woman) … after our likeness (to resemble God, to demonstrate God, to reveal God, to represent what God is like, etc.) …”(Genesis 1:26 KJV).The bible clearly informs us that when God, originally, made mankind, he made with a body, the breathe of life (his IMAGE), and a soul.Because they were “living” souls, with the “breathe of life” they “resembled” HIS IMAGE. “... LET US MAKE man in our image, after our likeness…”(Genesis 1:26 KJV).  “…And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground (body),and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (Holy Spirit); and man became a living soul (soul)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). “… HE Himself GIVES to all people LIFE and BREATH and all things …” (Acts 17:25 NASB).  However, “…the body without (apart from) the spirit is dead…” (James 2:26 KJV). “… It is the SPIRIT who gives “LIFE” ; the flesh profits nothing…” (John 6:63 NASB). People who are physically alive have breathe and exist, but they are not spiritually alive without God’s indwelling Holy SPIRIT.   What happened to God’s original creation of mankind? According to the bible, God said to Adam and Eve: “…of every tree of the garden THOU MAYEST FREELY EAT: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou  SHALT NOT EAT of it; for in THE DAY THAT THOU EATEST thereof THOU SHALT SURELY DIE…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV).They were in a covenant relationship with God and all they needed to do was willfully “choose” to  “keep his commandment.” Instead, they willfully choose to eat the fruit. They died spiritually, immediately, just as God’s word said they would. “….So she took some of the fruit and ATE IT. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and HE ATE IT, too …” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT). “…THE DAY THAT THOU EATEST thereof “THOU SHALT SURELY DIE” …” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV).“.... At that moment their eyes were opened … ” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).  At that moment, “… [their] ...INIQUITIES … separated … [them from] ... God (who is SPIRIT)…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). “… It’s YOUR SINS that … [will] ... cut you off from God…” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT).A willful, voluntarily, and FREE human decision to NOT keep his commandment cut them OFF or SEPARATED them from God, the Holy Spirit. “… It’s YOUR SINS that … [will] ... cut you off from God…” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT).Adam and Eve, who were FREE from sin, at the time, and FREE to CHOOSE, decided, on their OWN volition, to NOT keep his commandment. “… [YOU CHOOSE]... this day whom ye will serve ….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).They freely CHOSE to do the opposite of what God’s Word instructed them to do. Choices have consequences and God fully disclosed to them what those consequences will be if they CHOSE “NOT” to listen to his Word. “... THE DAY THAT THOU EATEST thereof THOU SHALT SURELY DIE …” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV).SIN, the rejecting of God’s HOLY instructions, separated them from God, the Holy Spirit. “… [Their] ...INIQUITIES … separated … [them from] ... God(Spirit)…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). From that time, until NOW, everyone, born into the world, is born without the indwelling Holy Spirit. “… All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:23). “…. I was born a sinner (I was born without the indwelling holy spirit) ….” (Psalms 51:5 NLT).Everyone is born with ONLY a sin nature (a body without the SPIRIT). Everyone will eventually become a SLAVE to sin, and they cannot, on their own, be restored to WHOLENESS or REUNITE with God, the Holy Spirit, without an act of God’s GRACE. The sinful nature ONLY knows how to SIN (guaranteed). Sinful behaviors are the symptoms of the terminal condition of “that” nature. “…. I was born a sinner ….” (Psalms 51:5 NLT).  “... I want to 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 (the symptoms of the terminal condition of the sin nature)…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “… the wages of sin (the symptoms of the terminal condition) is death …” (Romans 6:23 KJV). “… For all have sinned (all have this terminal condition) …” (Romans 3:23 KJV). “… all have ... come short of the glory of God (all are born WITHOUT the indwelling Holy Spirit) …” (Romans 3:23 KJV).Unfortunately, the soul and SPIRIT are cut ASUNDER by SIN. NOT keeping God’s commandment was the catalyst that bought SIN into the world which resulted in spiritually death.“... sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death passed to all men, for that all sinned —“(Romans 5:12 KJV).  “… SIN, when it is finished, BRINGETH FORTH (spiritual) DEATH…” (James 1:13-15 NLT).  SIN is the violation of God’s Holy standards (commandments) (big or small). “…Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the [HOLY] …law (commandments): for sin is the transgression of the [HOLY] …law(commandments)….” (1 John 3:4 KJV). “…Everyone who sins is breaking God’s [HOLY] …law(commandments), for all sin is contrary to the...[HOLY] ...  law (commandments) of God….” (1 John 3:4 NLT).When the bible says mankind is born a sinner, it is not because of anything they did or didn’t do, but it’s because of their NATURE, which is now a SINFUL nature, without God’s SPIRIT.  “…ALL HAVE SINNED and fallen short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:23).The soul has NO power over the sinful nature without God’s SPIRIT and thus becomes a prisoner of the sinful nature and inadvertantly a slave to SIN.The ONLY prognosis is eternal death or damnation. “…the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23 KJV). What CAN free the SOUL?  “…Who will free me (my SOUL) from this life that is dominated by SIN? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). The HOLY SPIRIT separates from SIN and SINNERS. “… It’s YOUR SINS that have cut you off  from God (who is SPIRIT and HOLY) …” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT). How can God help? “…He loved us and sent his Son…” (1 John 4:10 NIV).  “… [He sent the] … one … who can reconcile God and humanity— the man Christ Jesus …” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT). Adam and Eve was originally CREATED WHOLE (body, soul, and Spirit (the breathe of life)). “…And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground (body),and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (Holy Spirit); and man became a living soul (soul)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). “….God saw every thing he had made……and, [said] … it was VERY GOOD…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV). But SIN separated them from God (SPIRIT). “...Wherefore, as through one man sin entered into the world , and (spiritual) death through sin, and so (spiritual) death passed to all men, for that all sinned (all are born without SPIRIT)—“(Romans 5:12 KJV). “For all have sinnedand fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23 KJV). But God had a PLAN. “…The plans [God has]…for you…. [are]…plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you HOPE and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).“…Since it is through God’s kindness …[and] not by [your] good works. For in that case, God’s GRACE (unmerited favor)would not be what it really is— free and undeserved …” (Romans 11:5 NLT).  “… He did this , not because we DESERVED it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time …” (2 Timothy 1:9 NLT).JESUS CHRIST was part of God’s PLAN of salvation for humanity. “… [Thus, HE sent the ] … one … who can reconcile God and humanity— the man Christ Jesus …” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT). “… Jesus Christ maketh thee whole ( SAVES, RESTORES , AND MAKES YOU WHOLE YOU AGAIN ) …” (Acts 9:34 KJV). JESUS became and “IS” the WAY to be RESTORED to the IMAGE OF GOD, his SPIRIT. “...For Christ also died for sins ONCE for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us...[BACK]... to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB).  “… [YOUR] … iniquities (sin) … separated [YOU]… from God… …” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). Now, if you “… confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and … BELIEVE IN THINE HEART that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be SAVED …” (ROMANS 10:9 KJV). “… Jesus Christ maketh thee whole (RESTORES YOU AGAIN to God’s spirit) …” (Acts 9:34 KJV). NLT). “…The GIFT of God is eternal life (SPIRIT) through Jesus Christ ….” (Romans 6:23 KJV). “ … God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son , that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV). “... Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation(substitute, intervention) for our sins.” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…Christ (the HEALING solution or CURE) also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us [back] to God …” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV). That he might bring us back into UNITY and WHOLENESS with God, the Holy Spirit. “... When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought [spiritual] ... death, so [spiritual] ... death spread to everyone , for everyone sinned (is born without the indwelling Holy Spirit) ... But there is a great difference between Adam’s sin and God’s gracious gift. For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought [spiritual] death to many. But EVEN GREATER is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ. And the result of God’s gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man’s sin . For Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God ( being restored, reunited with the Holy Spirit again), even though we are guilty of many sins. For the sin of this one man, Adam , caused ... [SPIRITUAL] ... death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness , for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ ...” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT). “… my righteous servant (Jesus) ... [made]... it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT).  ALL THE SOULSTHAT ACCEPT, JESUS, THE SACRIFICE, Will BE RESTORED AND REUNITED WITH THE SPIRIT. “… [He sent the ] … one … who can reconcile God and humanity— the man Christ Jesus …” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT). “… Jesus Christ maketh thee whole ( SAVES, RESTORES , AND MAKES YOU WHOLE YOU AGAIN through God’s HOLY SPIRIT ) …” (Acts 9:34 KJV). “… Confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and … BELIEVE IN THINE HEART that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be SAVED (restored, reunited, whole again, etc) …” (ROMANS 10:9 KJV). By the POWER of the Word of GOD, The SPIRIT AND the soul CAN REUNITE. “… [The] Good News about Christ (GOD, the WORD)… It is the power of God at work , saving  everyone who believes (WHO DEPENDS UPON HIS WORD ) …” (Romans 1:16 NLT). “… [JESUS, THE WORD,  IS THE] … one … who can reconcile God and humanity— the man Christ Jesus …” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).“… Jesus Christ maketh thee whole ( AGAIN ) …” (Acts 9:34 KJV). WHEN the SPIRIT is reunited, by the POWERFUL WORD OF GOD, with the SOUL again it is MADE WHOLE.“… Jesus Christ maketh thee whole ( AGAIN ) …” (Acts 9:34 KJV). The soul is made WHOLE when it reunites with God, the Holy SPIRIT through Jesus Christ.  “… He [or she]… that is joined unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT ….” (1 Corinthians 6:17). THE SOUL and BODY, without the SPIRIT is dead. A physically alive person can only experience natural life, but not spiritual life. Only the Holy SPIRITcan restore spiritual life to a person.“… the Holy Spirit gives birth to (or restores) SPIRITUAL LIFE … ” (John 3:6 NLT).  God is a “… restorer of thy life …” (Ruth 4:15 KJV). “… He restoreth my SOUL …” (Psalm 23 KJV). “…The law of the LORD (the WORD of God) is perfect (mature, fully capable, etc. of), restoring the SOUL …” (Psalm 19 NASB). “…. He (the WORD OF GOD) restoreth my soul ….” (PSALM 23:1-3 NLT). “… I (God, the holy spirit) will restore …” (Jeremiah 30:17 KJV).  “….Jesus Christ (the WORD of GOD) maketh thee WHOLE (AGAIN)…” (Acts 9:34 KJV). “... and man became a living soul …” (Genesis 2:7 KJV). THIS REUNION WITH THE SPIRIT IS A BLESSING FOR THE SOUL AND GIVES “THAT” SOUL A RENEWED UNITY, CONNECTION, KINSHIP, INTIMACY, ATTRACTION, OR AFFINITY TOWARD THE LIVING GOD. “... You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly; My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You...” (Psalms 63:1 NLT). WHEN THE SOUL IS REUNITED WITH THE SPIRIT, IT IS NO LONGER LEFT TO ITSELF, BUT BECOMES ENLIGHTENED, NOURISHED BY THE WORD, EXPERIENCES THE UNION AND INTIMACY WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT again, RECEIVES MULTIPLY GIFTS FROM HEAVEN, AND EXPERIENCES THE POWER OF GOD THROUGH SIGNS, WONDERS, AND MIRACLES. “…  those who were once enlightened—those who haveexperienced the good things of heaven and shared in the Holy Spirit,  who have tasted the goodness of the Word of God and the power of the age to come …” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT). ALL IS WELL WITH THE SOUL WHEN IT IS REUNITED WITH THE SPIRIT AGAIN. “….Jesus Christ (the WORD of GOD) maketh thee WHOLE (AGAIN)…” (Acts 9:34 KJV). “... and man became a living soul …” (Genesis 2:7 KJV).

INTIMACY THAT WILL TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE FOREVER!

                                           THE GOD IMAGE: TRANSFORMING INTIMACY Or go with a hot-tempered man, Or you will learn his ways And find a snare for yourself…” (Proverbs 22:24-25 NASB). If associations with intimate companions can affect your thoughts, actions, or emotions, don’t you want to keep company with the right people? “… He who walks with wise men WILL be wise …’’ (Proverbs 13:20 NASB).  God has given his children the opportunity of a lifetime by allowing them to keep company with Him in the most intimate of relationships through Jesus.“...But he that is joined unto the Lord is ONE spirit…[with God, again]...” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).“… [He sent the ] … one … who can reconcile God and humanity— the man Christ Jesus …” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).Jesus talked often of the intimate relationship he shared with God. Jesus said, "I and my Father are one." (John 10:30 KJV).  Jesus also said God “….sheweth him all things that himself doeth” (John 5:20 KJV) and “….whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner (the IMPACT God had upon his life)...” (John 5:19). Furthermore, the “Son can do nothing of Himself” (John 5:19 KJV). Jesus left us with these words, “…I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father ...” (John 14:12-14 NLT).So, “…What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?’ Jesus answered and said unto them, ‘This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him whom he hath sent.” (John 6:28-29 KJV). “…‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,’ and he was called God’s friend. You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do [empowered obedience]… and…by faith (produced by the indwelling Holy Spirit)…” (James 2:18-24 NIV). EMPOWERED OBEDIENCE: “…It is God who works in you to will (to want to OBEY) and to act (to actually OBEY) in order to fulfill his good purpose...” (Philippians 2:13 NIV).PRODUCED FAITH: “... the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, [FAITH], gentleness, and self-control …” (Galatians 5 NLT).  “…[EMPOWERED OBEDIENCE and PRODUCED FAITH]....‘ This is the work of God , that ye believe on Him (trust in and depend upon him) whom he hath sent ...” (John 6:28-29 KJV).The “work” of God is NOT a frenzy of demanding deeds or activities, but a voluntarily choice to “…believe on Him whom he hath sent.” (John 6:28-29 KJV). God HELPS you. “… The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT).  “…‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,’ and he was called God’s friend. …” (James 2:18-24 NIV). “… You are My friends if you do what I command you [also]… ” (John 15:14 NASB).The bible is telling you there is a work of God happening within his children and that indwelling working power of the Holy Spirit can enable them to “…believe in Him...” whom God has sent (John 6:29 KJV). The “work of God” to produce faith and empower his children to obey is so that they will RECEIVE ALL the spiritual BENEFITS of salvation. “… To the saints …who are faithful “in” Christ Jesus : Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed bethe God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, WHO HAS BLESSED US with “EVERY” SPIRITUAL BLESSING in the heavenly placesin Christ…” (Ephesians 1 NLT). “...HE CHOSE USin Him before the foundation of the world, that we would BE HOLY AND BLAMELESS BEFORE HIM. IN LOVE He predestined us to ADOPTION AS SONSthrough Jesus Christ to Himself, ACCORDING TO THE KIND INTENTION OF HIS WILL, to the praise of the glory of HIS GRACE, which HE FREELY BESTOWED ON US IN THE BELOVED. In Him WE HAVE REDEMPTION through His blood, the FORGIVENESSof our trespasses, according to the riches of HIS GRACE WHICH HE LAVISHED ON US. In all wisdom and insightHe MADE KNOWN TO US THE MYSTERY OF HIS WILL, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him.  …In Him also we have OBTAINED AN INHERITANCE, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory.  In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also]believed, you WERE SEALED IN HIM WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT OF PROMISE....  I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might  which He brought about in Christ …” (Ephesians 1 NLT). God “…dealt (GAVE) to every man (woman) the measure of faith...” (Romans 12:3 KJV). “… IT IS THE “GIFT” OF GOD …” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). “… WALK BY [THAT]…FAITH ...” (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV). “… IT SHALL BE DONE TO YOU ACCORDING TO YOUR [indwelling Spirit who produces the fruit of]…FAITH …” (MATTHEW 9:29 NASB).  When “…ye believe on Him….,” that’s faith produced by the indwelling Holy Spirit and faith empowers obedience, which is the “…work of God…” (John 6:28-29 KJV). “…Abraham [was] considered righteous for what he did (obeyed)…? You see that his faith (produced by the Holy Spirit) and his actions (empowered obedience) were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did (obeyed) …” (James 2:18-24 NIV)When “…ye believe on Him….,” your obedience, evident by your actions, is the proof. “…[Abraham’s] faith (produced by the Holy Spirit) and his actions (empowered obedience) were working together …” (James 2:18-24 NIV). Obedience is empowered by faith. Faith gains spiritual muscle, by hearing the Word of God, so it can empower obedience. It is similar to doing physical exercise that builds muscle so it can empower physical strength. “…Abraham [was] considered righteous for what he did (obeyed)…? You see that his faith (produced by the Holy Spirit) and his actions (empowered obedience) were working together, and his faith was made complete (strengthened) by what he did (obeyed)…” (James 2:18-24 NIV). Obedience is the transformation process in action, which is the “…work of God…” God does the WORK of faith and obedience. “… It shall be done to you according to your faith (produced by the indwelling Holy Spirit) …" (Matthew 9:29 NASB). “… I will show you MY FAITH (produced by the Holy Spirit) by my deeds (EMPOWERED obedience)...” (JAMES 2:18 NIV). Faith produced by the Holy Spirit empowers obedience. The “work of God” enabled regular men and women to do miraculous things.  “.. THE STORIES OF FAITH (all produced by the Holy Spirit include) ...Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets. BY FAITH  (produced by the Holy Spirit) these people overthrewkingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battleand put whole armies to flight. Women received their loved ones back again from d eath ….” (Hebrews 11:1-35 NLT). EVERY act of empowered obedience is a “work of God.” He does the work of producing the fruit of faith. He does the work of empowering obedience “in” and “through” his children. “… The [indwelling] … HOLY SPIRIT … does the work (of faith and obedience) IN and THROUGH [his children] … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “...The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power (to produce faith and empower obedience) THROUGH each of us  (his children) … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT) “…‘This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him (trust and depend upon him) whom he hath sent.” (John 6:28-29 KJV).How does God do his work in the covenant relationship with his children? Does the child of God do nothing? Of course not, the child, first and foremost chooses to serve God. “… Choose you this day whom ye will serve (obey)….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).The indwelling Holy Spirit HELPS them serve God. “… He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). “… You are my helper and my savior…” (Psalms 40:17 NLT).Next, God tells you to HEAR or LISTEN to his Word (that’s YOUR work) and the fruit of FAITH will GROW from hearing the Word. “… Faith comethby hearing, and hearing by the word of God... ” (Roman 10:17 KJV). In the covenant relationship with God, his children HEAR or LISTENS to his Word (this is the child of God’s work) and the working power of the “Holy Spirit” begins to produce (this is God’s work) the fruit of faith. “... the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, [FAITH], gentleness, and self-control …” (Galatians 5 NLT).  The more faith that is produced by the indwelling Holy Spirit, from hearing his Word, the stronger the child of God becomes in walking by faith.The fruit of faith produced by the Holy Spiritbegins to EMPOWER the child of God to obey his commandments. “… The [indwelling] … HOLY SPIRIT …does the work (of  producing the fruit of faith and empowering obedience) IN and THROUGH [his children] … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “...The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power (to produce faith and empower obedience) THROUGH each of us  (his children) … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT) “…It is God who WORKS IN YOU (his child) …” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “… the Father that dwelleth in me (within the child of God), he doeth the works …” (John 14:10 KJV).“.. THE STORIES OF FAITH (from faith produced by the Holy Spirit include) ...Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets. BY FAITH  (produced by the Holy Spirit) these people overthrewkingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battleand put whole armies to flight. Women received their loved ones back again from d eath ….” (Hebrews 11:1-35 NLT).  “…‘This is the work of God (producing the fruit of faith within his children), that ye believe on Him (trust and depend upon him)whom he hath sent.” (John 6:28-29 KJV).This intimate mutuality between God and his child is the way they spend time together and KEEP company with one another.It is in God’s intimate, covenant company and this shared mutuality, that the child of God begins to CONFORM. “…conformed to the image of his Son…” (Romans 8:29 KJV). God knows his children’s thoughts, their ways, their emotions, their activities, and their heart. “... O Lord , you have examined my heart and know everything about me . You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me understand...” (Psalms 139:1-6  NLT).Likewise God wants you to know him, not simply know “about” him. “… Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ…” (2 Peter 3:18 KJV). “… that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent...” (John 17:3 KJV). “… He who walks with wise men (like Jesus), WILL be wise (like Jesus) …’’ (Proverbs 13:20 NASB).  The more you keep company with Jesus, the more you will learn God’s ways. The more you learn God’s ways, the more you will be “…conformed to the image of his Son…” (Romans 8:29 KJV).  “... The Son is the …exact representation of his being ….”(Hebrews 1:3 KJV). . “… I and my Father are ONE…” (John 10:30 KJV).Therefore, the way we are conformed to the image of Christ is not just through knowledge, but through produced faith and empowered obedience. The child of God, who devoted to him, keeps his commandments. . “… If you love me, you will keep my commandments… ” (John 14:15).Obedience is transformation in action. When you choose to wholeheartedly serve God and listen to his word, his indwelling Holy Spirit  will produce the fruit of faith that empowers you to keep his commandments. “… the Father [the Holy Spirit] ...that dwelleth in… [his children], he doeth the works (producing the fruit of faith and empowering obedience) …” (John 14:10 KJV).  “…God [the Holy Spirit DOES] ...the work IN AND THROUGH [his children]… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).God, the Holy Spirit enables his child to DO his will. He DOES the work and the child of God, by choice, becomes a witness of the transforming power of the indwelling Holy Spirit in process. “…It is God who works in you (his child) … ” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…The God of peace … that great Shepherd of the sheep … work[s] in us (his children) 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] you 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 …” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV). “... The same God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of us who are his (children) . The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s (indwelling working) power THROUGH each of us (his children) …”(1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).“…by the GRACE of God I am (his child) what I am (his child filled with his indwelling Holy Spirit)…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).  “… Apart from [the Holy Spirit]… [his children cannot]... do nothing …” (John 15:5 NIV).Transformation in process (God and his child working together as one) is the way his children actually become “…conformed to the image of his Son…” (Romans 8:29 KJV).  Another way to say this is that every time you obey one of God’s commandments you are in the process of transformation. Obedience demonstrates that you have faith (you trust in and depend upon God’s Word (Jesus). “… the Word [that] was made flesh (Jesus), and dwelt among us ...” (John 1:14 KJV). . Jesus had another name.“… His name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB).“…‘This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him (Jesus, the Word) whom he hath sent.” (John 6:28-29 KJV). Remember, “…‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness…” (James 2:18-24 NIV).Again, when “…ye believe on Him (Jesus)….,” that’s faith and faith, by hearing or listening to the WORD, empowers obedience, which is the “…work of God…” “…[Abraham’s]…faith (produced by the Holy Spirit) and his actions (empowered obedience) were working together…” (James 2:18-24 NIV). “…It was BY FAITH that ABRAHAM OFFERED UP ISAAC …” (Hebrews 11 NLT)The impact of the knowledge of God and obedience to that knowledge is that, “… He who walks with wise men (like Jesus), WILL be wise (like Jesus) …’’ (Proverbs 13:20 NASB).  Becoming “…conformed to the image of his Son…” is a lifelong goal (Romans 8:29 KJV).  God will continue to “…worketh in you, both to will and to do of His good pleasure” throughout your life on earth (Philippians 2:13 KJV). Furthermore, God will continue to work in you  “…until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ...” (Ephesians 4:14 NIV).In conclusion keep company with Jesus, the Word, on a daily basis. God knows you and wants you to know Him. Knowing God is not merely about a collection of knowledge. It is about an INTIMATE relational, covenant experience with God, the Holy Spirit, that will transform your heart/mind, your behavior, your thoughts, your emotions and your entire life. “…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). “...For in him we live, and move, and have our being (our new identity) ... we are also his offspring (his children)...” (Acts 17:28 KJV).“…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).  “…The Spirit of God dwell[s]… in [HIS CHILDREN]…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).The coup de grâce is that God has “… [made] known… [to us]...the richesof the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory…” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). “… t he Spirit of God dwell in [new creations who are now God’s children] …” (Romans 8:9 KJV).They have everything they need that pertains to LIFEand GODLINESS “… His DIVINE POWER hath given unto us ALL THINGS that pertain unto life and godliness …” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV). “... He careth for you .” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV).“… The LORD “WILL” accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [you] …” (John 14:31 NASB). “… God is the one who provides ....” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV).  “… God will generously PROVIDE all you need …” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT). This is such a magnificent truth it is hard to grasp without faith. “...his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him (hanging out with him, keeping company with him, etc.), the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence...” (2 Peter 1:3 NLT).You won’t be able to completely understand or discern the truth with the human mind, alone, that’s why God dealt each of us the measure of faith. “… BY FAITH 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). . “…The person WITHOUT the Spirit DOES NOT accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. …” (2 Corinthians 2:12-15 KJV).  God has“…[made] known…[to us]...the riches of the glory…, which is Christ in you…” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). “… Without question, this (Christ IN us) is the great mystery of our faith (trust & dependency upon God) : Christ was revealed in a human body and vindicated by the Spirit. He was seen by angels and announced to the nations He was believed in throughout the world and taken to heaven in glory...” (1 Timothy 3:16 NLT).“…He that is JOINED unto the Lord (Jesus) is ONE Spirit (restored to the covenant relationship with God, the Holy Spirit, again)…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).   “…He (Jesus) restoreth my SOUL…” (Psalm 23 KJV). “…Jesus Christ is in you (God’s child) …” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “… Christ in you , …” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). “Christ IN YOU” means you are restored to God, the Holy Spirit. “….Christ …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). “This is love : not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 4:10 NIV). “… God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners… ” (Romans 5:7-9 NLT). YOU DID NOTHING, but choose to receive his salvation gift!!!Jesus is the one who suffered and died, “… so that He might bring [you] to God , …” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB). “… There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life …” (John 15:13 NLT).“… This [was ALL]… God’s plan: [Everyone]… who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. [They]…are [ALL]… part of the same body, and enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus...” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT). God has “…[made] known…[to you]...the riches of the glory, …which is Christ in you…” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). “ … We have this treasure [GIFT of  Jesus Christ] “ in” earthen vessels…” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV). “…by the GRACE of God I am what I am (a person gifted with Jesus Christ)…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).  “Christ IN YOU” the “seemingly” hidden life, yet by faith, “…the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made (his children are MADE into New CREATIONS), [They display]... his eternal power and Godhead (goodness, presence); so that [those his children become a witness to] are without excuse…” (Romans 1:20 KJV). Some things were not meant to be understood or discerned by the limitation of one’s humanity, but by faith ONLY. Sometimes you must, “… only believe ” (Mark 5:36 KJV). And accept “…his ways [are often]… past finding out…” (Romans 11:33-34 KJV). It is BEST to“…Trust in the Lordwith all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths...” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).  “Christ in YOU” “… the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved...” (Romans 10:12-13 KJV). If you are saved, then you have already experienced “… the POWER of God unto salvation …” (Romans 1:16 KJV).“CHRIST YOU IN means, “… as many as are the promises of God , in Him they are yes …also … Amen …” (2 Corinthians 1:2 NASB). “ And this is the confidence that we have in him , that, if we ask any thing according to his will(the promises in his WORD), he heareth us…” (1 John 5:14 KJV). “…You can ask for anything in my name (Word), and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father.  Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it...” (John 14:12-14 NLT).God keeps his promises to you and they will NOT fail. “… Not one of the good promises which the Lordhad made … failed; all came to pass…” (Joshua 21:45 NASB). “…For as many as are the promises of God, in Him (Jesus) they are yes …also … Amen …” (2 Corinthians 1:2 NASB). These immutable promises in God are “yes” in Christ and will ALWAYS result in “amen” to the glory of God. “…He has granted to [you]… His precious and magnificent promises…” (2 Peter 1:4 NASB).“…And God has given us his Spirit as proofthat we live in him and he in us” (1 John 4:13 NLT). SO, “Christ IN YOU” is the indwelling INTIMACY that TRANSFORMS. Eventually, through the transformation process (the teacher, the experience) of obedience, what “seems” hidden in YOU - - or invisible to the naked eye – will be clearly seen by ALL.  “…the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that [those who witness your life in Christ] are without excuse…” (Romans 1:20 KJV). The invisible things from “ Christ in YOU ” is clearly seen in your life, particularly by the way you love. “..Ye are of God, little children …We are of God: …Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love...” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). In addition, there is always the evidence of Godly fruit in your life. “… But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control….” (Galatians 5:22-23). Also others will witness it too. “... You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act …” (Matthew 7:16 NLT).  “…He who walks with wise men WILL be wise, BUT the companion of fools WILL SUFFER HARM…’’ (Proverbs 13:20 NASB). “…The invisible things of himfrom the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that [you] are without excuse…” (Romans 1:20 KJV).The INTIMACY that TRANSFORMS is “Christ in YOU,” the indwelling Spirit.  Keeping regular, intimate COMPANY with him will TRANSFORM your life. Jesus’ influences your faith, impacts your obedience and eventually, your Christlikeness will be CLEARLY seen as a WITNESS to His GLORY( his presence, his goodness, and his working power)!TRANSFORMING INTIMACY; INTIMACY THAT TRANSFORMS YOU INTO THE GOD IMAGE, WHICH IS THE IMAGE OF “HIS SON!”

INTIMACY THAT WILL TRANSFORM YOU LIFE FOREVER!

                                           THE GOD IMAGE: TRANSFORMING INTIMACY Or go with a hot-tempered man, Or you will learn his ways And find a snare for yourself…” (Proverbs 22:24-25 NASB). If associations with intimate companions can affect your thoughts, actions, or emotions, don’t you want to keep company with the right people? “… He who walks with wise men WILL be wise …’’ (Proverbs 13:20 NASB).  God has given his children the opportunity of a lifetime by allowing them to keep company with Him in the most intimate of relationships through Jesus.“...But he that is joined unto the Lord is ONE spirit…[with God, again]...” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).“… [He sent the ] … one … who can reconcile God and humanity— the man Christ Jesus …” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).Jesus talked often of the intimate relationship he shared with God. Jesus said, "I and my Father are one." (John 10:30 KJV).  Jesus also said God “….sheweth him all things that himself doeth” (John 5:20 KJV) and “….whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner (the IMPACT God had upon his life)...” (John 5:19). Furthermore, the “Son can do nothing of Himself” (John 5:19 KJV). Jesus left us with these words, “…I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father ...” (John 14:12-14 NLT).So, “…What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?’ Jesus answered and said unto them, ‘This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him whom he hath sent.” (John 6:28-29 KJV). “…‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,’ and he was called God’s friend. You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do [empowered obedience]… and…by faith (produced by the indwelling Holy Spirit)…” (James 2:18-24 NIV). EMPOWERED OBEDIENCE: “…It is God who works in you to will (to want to OBEY) and to act (to actually OBEY) in order to fulfill his good purpose...” (Philippians 2:13 NIV).PRODUCED FAITH: “... the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, [FAITH], gentleness, and self-control …” (Galatians 5 NLT).  “…[EMPOWERED OBEDIENCE and PRODUCED FAITH]....‘ This is the work of God , that ye believe on Him (trust in and depend upon him) whom he hath sent ...” (John 6:28-29 KJV).The “work” of God is NOT a frenzy of demanding deeds or activities, but a voluntarily choice to “…believe on Him whom he hath sent.” (John 6:28-29 KJV). God HELPS you. “… The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT).  “…‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,’ and he was called God’s friend. …” (James 2:18-24 NIV). “… You are My friends if you do what I command you [also]… ” (John 15:14 NASB).The bible is telling you there is a work of God happening within his children and that indwelling working power of the Holy Spirit can enable them to “…believe in Him...” whom God has sent (John 6:29 KJV). The “work of God” to produce faith and empower his children to obey is so that they will RECEIVE ALL the spiritual BENEFITS of salvation. “… To the saints …who are faithful “in” Christ Jesus : Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed bethe God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, WHO HAS BLESSED US with “EVERY” SPIRITUAL BLESSING in the heavenly placesin Christ…” (Ephesians 1 NLT). “...HE CHOSE USin Him before the foundation of the world, that we would BE HOLY AND BLAMELESS BEFORE HIM. IN LOVE He predestined us to ADOPTION AS SONSthrough Jesus Christ to Himself, ACCORDING TO THE KIND INTENTION OF HIS WILL, to the praise of the glory of HIS GRACE, which HE FREELY BESTOWED ON US IN THE BELOVED. In Him WE HAVE REDEMPTION through His blood, the FORGIVENESSof our trespasses, according to the riches of HIS GRACE WHICH HE LAVISHED ON US. In all wisdom and insightHe MADE KNOWN TO US THE MYSTERY OF HIS WILL, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him.  …In Him also we have OBTAINED AN INHERITANCE, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory.  In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also]believed, you WERE SEALED IN HIM WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT OF PROMISE....  I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might  which He brought about in Christ …” (Ephesians 1 NLT). God “…dealt (GAVE) to every man (woman) the measure of faith...” (Romans 12:3 KJV). “… IT IS THE “GIFT” OF GOD …” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). “… WALK BY [THAT]…FAITH ...” (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV). “… IT SHALL BE DONE TO YOU ACCORDING TO YOUR [indwelling Spirit who produces the fruit of]…FAITH …” (MATTHEW 9:29 NASB).  When “…ye believe on Him….,” that’s faith produced by the indwelling Holy Spirit and faith empowers obedience, which is the “…work of God…” (John 6:28-29 KJV). “…Abraham [was] considered righteous for what he did (obeyed)…? You see that his faith (produced by the Holy Spirit) and his actions (empowered obedience) were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did (obeyed) …” (James 2:18-24 NIV)When “…ye believe on Him….,” your obedience, evident by your actions, is the proof. “…[Abraham’s] faith (produced by the Holy Spirit) and his actions (empowered obedience) were working together …” (James 2:18-24 NIV). Obedience is empowered by faith. Faith gains spiritual muscle, by hearing the Word of God, so it can empower obedience. It is similar to doing physical exercise that builds muscle so it can empower physical strength. “…Abraham [was] considered righteous for what he did (obeyed)…? You see that his faith (produced by the Holy Spirit) and his actions (empowered obedience) were working together, and his faith was made complete (strengthened) by what he did (obeyed)…” (James 2:18-24 NIV). Obedience is the transformation process in action, which is the “…work of God…” God does the WORK of faith and obedience. “… It shall be done to you according to your faith (produced by the indwelling Holy Spirit) …" (Matthew 9:29 NASB). “… I will show you MY FAITH (produced by the Holy Spirit) by my deeds (EMPOWERED obedience)...” (JAMES 2:18 NIV). Faith produced by the Holy Spirit empowers obedience. The “work of God” enabled regular men and women to do miraculous things.  “.. THE STORIES OF FAITH (all produced by the Holy Spirit include) ...Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets. BY FAITH  (produced by the Holy Spirit) these people overthrewkingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battleand put whole armies to flight. Women received their loved ones back again from d eath ….” (Hebrews 11:1-35 NLT). EVERY act of empowered obedience is a “work of God.” He does the work of producing the fruit of faith. He does the work of empowering obedience “in” and “through” his children. “… The [indwelling] … HOLY SPIRIT … does the work (of faith and obedience) IN and THROUGH [his children] … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “...The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power (to produce faith and empower obedience) THROUGH each of us  (his children) … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT) “…‘This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him (trust and depend upon him) whom he hath sent.” (John 6:28-29 KJV).How does God do his work in the covenant relationship with his children? Does the child of God do nothing? Of course not, the child, first and foremost chooses to serve God. “… Choose you this day whom ye will serve (obey)….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).The indwelling Holy Spirit HELPS them serve God. “… He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). “… You are my helper and my savior…” (Psalms 40:17 NLT).Next, God tells you to HEAR or LISTEN to his Word (that’s YOUR work) and the fruit of FAITH will GROW from hearing the Word. “… Faith comethby hearing, and hearing by the word of God... ” (Roman 10:17 KJV). In the covenant relationship with God, his children HEAR or LISTENS to his Word (this is the child of God’s work) and the working power of the “Holy Spirit” begins to produce (this is God’s work) the fruit of faith. “... the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, [FAITH], gentleness, and self-control …” (Galatians 5 NLT).  The more faith that is produced by the indwelling Holy Spirit, from hearing his Word, the stronger the child of God becomes in walking by faith.The fruit of faith produced by the Holy Spiritbegins to EMPOWER the child of God to obey his commandments. “… The [indwelling] … HOLY SPIRIT …does the work (of  producing the fruit of faith and empowering obedience) IN and THROUGH [his children] … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “...The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power (to produce faith and empower obedience) THROUGH each of us  (his children) … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT) “…It is God who WORKS IN YOU (his child) …” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “… the Father that dwelleth in me (within the child of God), he doeth the works …” (John 14:10 KJV).“.. THE STORIES OF FAITH (from faith produced by the Holy Spirit include) ...Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets. BY FAITH  (produced by the Holy Spirit) these people overthrewkingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battleand put whole armies to flight. Women received their loved ones back again from d eath ….” (Hebrews 11:1-35 NLT).  “…‘This is the work of God (producing the fruit of faith within his children), that ye believe on Him (trust and depend upon him)whom he hath sent.” (John 6:28-29 KJV).This intimate mutuality between God and his child is the way they spend time together and KEEP company with one another.It is in God’s intimate, covenant company and this shared mutuality, that the child of God begins to CONFORM. “…conformed to the image of his Son…” (Romans 8:29 KJV). God knows his children’s thoughts, their ways, their emotions, their activities, and their heart. “... O Lord , you have examined my heart and know everything about me . You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me understand...” (Psalms 139:1-6  NLT).Likewise God wants you to know him, not simply know “about” him. “… Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ…” (2 Peter 3:18 KJV). “… that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent...” (John 17:3 KJV). “… He who walks with wise men (like Jesus), WILL be wise (like Jesus) …’’ (Proverbs 13:20 NASB).  The more you keep company with Jesus, the more you will learn God’s ways. The more you learn God’s ways, the more you will be “…conformed to the image of his Son…” (Romans 8:29 KJV).  “... The Son is the …exact representation of his being ….”(Hebrews 1:3 KJV). . “… I and my Father are ONE…” (John 10:30 KJV).Therefore, the way we are conformed to the image of Christ is not just through knowledge, but through produced faith and empowered obedience. The child of God, who devoted to him, keeps his commandments. . “… If you love me, you will keep my commandments… ” (John 14:15).Obedience is transformation in action. When you choose to wholeheartedly serve God and listen to his word, his indwelling Holy Spirit  will produce the fruit of faith that empowers you to keep his commandments. “… the Father [the Holy Spirit] ...that dwelleth in… [his children], he doeth the works (producing the fruit of faith and empowering obedience) …” (John 14:10 KJV).  “…God [the Holy Spirit DOES] ...the work IN AND THROUGH [his children]… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).God, the Holy Spirit enables his child to DO his will. He DOES the work and the child of God, by choice, becomes a witness of the transforming power of the indwelling Holy Spirit in process. “…It is God who works in you (his child) … ” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…The God of peace … that great Shepherd of the sheep … work[s] in us (his children) 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] you 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 …” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV). “... The same God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of us who are his (children) . The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s (indwelling working) power THROUGH each of us (his children) …”(1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).“…by the GRACE of God I am (his child) what I am (his child filled with his indwelling Holy Spirit)…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).  “… Apart from [the Holy Spirit]… [his children cannot]... do nothing …” (John 15:5 NIV).Transformation in process (God and his child working together as one) is the way his children actually become “…conformed to the image of his Son…” (Romans 8:29 KJV).  Another way to say this is that every time you obey one of God’s commandments you are in the process of transformation. Obedience demonstrates that you have faith (you trust in and depend upon God’s Word (Jesus). “… the Word [that] was made flesh (Jesus), and dwelt among us ...” (John 1:14 KJV). . Jesus had another name.“… His name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB).“…‘This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him (Jesus, the Word) whom he hath sent.” (John 6:28-29 KJV). Remember, “…‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness…” (James 2:18-24 NIV).Again, when “…ye believe on Him (Jesus)….,” that’s faith and faith, by hearing or listening to the WORD, empowers obedience, which is the “…work of God…” “…[Abraham’s]…faith (produced by the Holy Spirit) and his actions (empowered obedience) were working together…” (James 2:18-24 NIV). “…It was BY FAITH that ABRAHAM OFFERED UP ISAAC …” (Hebrews 11 NLT)The impact of the knowledge of God and obedience to that knowledge is that, “… He who walks with wise men (like Jesus), WILL be wise (like Jesus) …’’ (Proverbs 13:20 NASB).  Becoming “…conformed to the image of his Son…” is a lifelong goal (Romans 8:29 KJV).  God will continue to “…worketh in you, both to will and to do of His good pleasure” throughout your life on earth (Philippians 2:13 KJV). Furthermore, God will continue to work in you  “…until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ...” (Ephesians 4:14 NIV).In conclusion keep company with Jesus, the Word, on a daily basis. God knows you and wants you to know Him. Knowing God is not merely about a collection of knowledge. It is about an INTIMATE relational, covenant experience with God, the Holy Spirit, that will transform your heart/mind, your behavior, your thoughts, your emotions and your entire life. “…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). “...For in him we live, and move, and have our being (our new identity) ... we are also his offspring (his children)...” (Acts 17:28 KJV).“…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).  “…The Spirit of God dwell[s]… in [HIS CHILDREN]…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).The coup de grâce is that God has “… [made] known… [to us]...the richesof the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory…” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). “… t he Spirit of God dwell in [new creations who are now God’s children] …” (Romans 8:9 KJV).They have everything they need that pertains to LIFEand GODLINESS “… His DIVINE POWER hath given unto us ALL THINGS that pertain unto life and godliness …” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV). “... He careth for you .” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV).“… The LORD “WILL” accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [you] …” (John 14:31 NASB). “… God is the one who provides ....” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV).  “… God will generously PROVIDE all you need …” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT). This is such a magnificent truth it is hard to grasp without faith. “...his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him (hanging out with him, keeping company with him, etc.), the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence...” (2 Peter 1:3 NLT).You won’t be able to completely understand or discern the truth with the human mind, alone, that’s why God dealt each of us the measure of faith. “… BY FAITH 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). . “…The person WITHOUT the Spirit DOES NOT accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. …” (2 Corinthians 2:12-15 KJV).  God has“…[made] known…[to us]...the riches of the glory…, which is Christ in you…” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). “… Without question, this (Christ IN us) is the great mystery of our faith (trust & dependency upon God) : Christ was revealed in a human body and vindicated by the Spirit. He was seen by angels and announced to the nations He was believed in throughout the world and taken to heaven in glory...” (1 Timothy 3:16 NLT).“…He that is JOINED unto the Lord (Jesus) is ONE Spirit (restored to the covenant relationship with God, the Holy Spirit, again)…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).   “…He (Jesus) restoreth my SOUL…” (Psalm 23 KJV). “…Jesus Christ is in you (God’s child) …” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “… Christ in you , …” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). “Christ IN YOU” means you are restored to God, the Holy Spirit. “….Christ …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). “This is love : not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 4:10 NIV). “… God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners… ” (Romans 5:7-9 NLT). YOU DID NOTHING, but choose to receive his salvation gift!!!Jesus is the one who suffered and died, “… so that He might bring [you] to God , …” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB). “… There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life …” (John 15:13 NLT).“… This [was ALL]… God’s plan: [Everyone]… who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. [They]…are [ALL]… part of the same body, and enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus...” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT). God has “…[made] known…[to you]...the riches of the glory, …which is Christ in you…” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). “ … We have this treasure [GIFT of  Jesus Christ] “ in” earthen vessels…” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV). “…by the GRACE of God I am what I am (a person gifted with Jesus Christ)…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).  “Christ IN YOU” the “seemingly” hidden life, yet by faith, “…the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made (his children are MADE into New CREATIONS), [They display]... his eternal power and Godhead (goodness, presence); so that [those his children become a witness to] are without excuse…” (Romans 1:20 KJV). Some things were not meant to be understood or discerned by the limitation of one’s humanity, but by faith ONLY. Sometimes you must, “… only believe ” (Mark 5:36 KJV). And accept “…his ways [are often]… past finding out…” (Romans 11:33-34 KJV). It is BEST to“…Trust in the Lordwith all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths...” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).  “Christ in YOU” “… the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved...” (Romans 10:12-13 KJV). If you are saved, then you have already experienced “… the POWER of God unto salvation …” (Romans 1:16 KJV).“CHRIST YOU IN means, “… as many as are the promises of God , in Him they are yes …also … Amen …” (2 Corinthians 1:2 NASB). “ And this is the confidence that we have in him , that, if we ask any thing according to his will(the promises in his WORD), he heareth us…” (1 John 5:14 KJV). “…You can ask for anything in my name (Word), and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father.  Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it...” (John 14:12-14 NLT).God keeps his promises to you and they will NOT fail. “… Not one of the good promises which the Lordhad made … failed; all came to pass…” (Joshua 21:45 NASB). “…For as many as are the promises of God, in Him (Jesus) they are yes …also … Amen …” (2 Corinthians 1:2 NASB). These immutable promises in God are “yes” in Christ and will ALWAYS result in “amen” to the glory of God. “…He has granted to [you]… His precious and magnificent promises…” (2 Peter 1:4 NASB).“…And God has given us his Spirit as proofthat we live in him and he in us” (1 John 4:13 NLT). SO, “Christ IN YOU” is the indwelling INTIMACY that TRANSFORMS. Eventually, through the transformation process (the teacher, the experience) of obedience, what “seems” hidden in YOU - - or invisible to the naked eye – will be clearly seen by ALL.  “…the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that [those who witness your life in Christ] are without excuse…” (Romans 1:20 KJV). The invisible things from “ Christ in YOU ” is clearly seen in your life, particularly by the way you love. “..Ye are of God, little children …We are of God: …Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love...” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). In addition, there is always the evidence of Godly fruit in your life. “… But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control….” (Galatians 5:22-23). Also others will witness it too. “... You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act …” (Matthew 7:16 NLT).  “…He who walks with wise men WILL be wise, BUT the companion of fools WILL SUFFER HARM…’’ (Proverbs 13:20 NASB). “…The invisible things of himfrom the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that [you] are without excuse…” (Romans 1:20 KJV).The INTIMACY that TRANSFORMS is “Christ in YOU,” the indwelling Spirit.  Keeping regular, intimate COMPANY with him will TRANSFORM your life. Jesus’ influences your faith, impacts your obedience and eventually, your Christlikeness will be CLEARLY seen as a WITNESS to His GLORY( his presence, his goodness, and his working power)!TRANSFORMING INTIMACY; INTIMACY THAT TRANSFORMS YOU INTO THE GOD IMAGE, WHICH IS THE IMAGE OF “HIS SON!”

THE WORD OF GOD IS HEARD THROUGH THE CREATION LANGUAGE

THE WORD OF GOD“… He (Jesus) had a name written, that no man knew … his name is called The Word of God …” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB).* “… T he heavens are telling the glory of God; they are a marvelous display of his craftsmanship.  ….” (Psalms 19:1 NLT). Some of the visual manifestations of God are the heavens and they SPEAK.  All of creation, in fact, speak about God; his goodness, his wisdom, and his power.King David, the psalmist, says the heavens SPEAK and TELL of God’s glory through the WORKS of creation. The heavens TELL, without a single written or human word, that God is infinitely GREAT, good, and powerful. The heavens SPEAK through the spacious sky, the sparkling stars or vast astronomy, the various planets, the sun, and the moon. “… T he heavens are … a marvelous display of his craftsmanship.  ….” (Psalms 19:1 NLT).The heavenly displays are DECLARING , PREACHING, TELLING that God exists. “… T he heavens are telling the glory of God.  ….” (Psalms 19:1 NLT).Creation is a LANGUAGE that speaks to all nations and tongues. “… T he heavens are telling …[and]… are a marvelous display of his craftsmanship.  ….” (Psalms 19:1 NLT). “… Day unto day [they] uttereth speech, and …  sheweth knowledge…” (Psalms 19:2-3 KJV).The CREATION is a LANGUAGE written by the WORKS of the Holy Spirit and it SPEAKS knowledge, nonstop, without a single human word. “… Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge…” (Psalms 19:2-3 KJV).It can be read and understood without skills in any particular spoken or written language by humans. “…There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard…” (Psalms 19:2-3 KJV).The Creation language is always speaking through its glorious heaven, its magnificent earth, its perpetual fruitfulness, its nourishing vegetation, its common and rare animals, its manifold benefits, and its sustaining operations.“…The sun lives in the heavens where God placed it and moves out across the skies as radiant as a bridegroom going to his wedding, or as joyous as an athlete looking forward to a race!  The sun crosses the heavens from end to end, and nothing can hide from its heat…” (Psalms 19:4-6 NLT).The author of the creation language is God and he SPEAKS through every WORK that can be SEEN by what has been MADE. “…Since the CREATION of the world God’s INVISIBLEQUALITIES … have been “CLEARLY SEEN”, being UNDERSTOOD FROM WHAT HAS BEEN MADE…” (Romans 1:20 NIV). “… Then God SAID, “Let there be light”; AND THERE WAS LIGHT …” (Genesis 1:3 NASB).As CREATOR, God is discovered through the revelation knowledge of a LANGUAGE spoken by his creative WORKS.This creative language is ALSO called the WORD OF GOD.  “… BY THE WORD of the Lord the heavens were made, And by the breath of His mouth all their host…” (Psalms 33:6 NASB).The WORD of GOD is PROOF that creation did not happen by chance or a big bang, but was MADE or came into existence by a UNIQUE POWER; God himself!! “… In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth …” (Genesis 1:1, 31 KJV).“… BY FAITH (by depending upon God) we understand that THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE WAS FORMED at God’s command (WORD), that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen…” (Hebrews 11 NLT).      The CREATION is a LANGUAGE spoken by the WORKS of the Holy Spirit. The CREATION language SPEAKS knowledge. However, the WORKS of the Holy Spirit came into existence, FIRST, through the WORD OF GOD, which is the knowledge. “… In the beginning was the Word ,and the Wordwas with God, and the Word was God . He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being … (John 1:1-4 NASB). “… BY THE WORD of the Lord the heavens were made…” (Psalms 33:6 NASB).The CREATION is a LANGUAGE spoken by the WORKS of the Holy Spirit and it SPEAKS knowledge.God’s WORKS speak, which means what God does or his actions speak for him. When God’s WORKS speak it REVEALS who he is.Thus, God’s “HOLY” NATURE is also revealed through HIS “GLORIOUS” WORKS. “… God’s … DIVINE NATURE …[is]…“CLEARLY SEEN” … FROM WHAT HAS BEEN MADE…” (Romans 1:20 NIV).God’s glorious WORKS speak of his glorious NATURE.  “… “I AM WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). “…The invisible [GOD]…from the creation of the world is …clearly seen, being understood by the things that are MADE …” (Romans 1:20 KJV). “ ... All things came into being (was created) through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being (was created)that has come into being…” (John 1:3 NASB).  “… I am He...'" (Isaiah 41:4 NASB). “… I am the firstand I am the last …” (Isaiah 44:6 NASB). "… I am the Alpha and the Omega," …" (Revelation 1:8 NASB).God’s glorious NATURE is “clearly” revealed throughout creation because it is filled with his glorious WORKS.  “… t he earth is filled with the LORD's GLORY (his divine nature; his powerful works)… ” (Number 14:21 NLT). “… “I AM WHO I AM … who is … who was and who is to come , the Almighty (the holy nature; the holy power) …" (Exodus 3:14-15 & Revelation 1:8 NASB).God’s glorious nature and works, in the world, is HOW GOD makes himself KNOWN to mankind. “… t he whole earth is full of his GLORY (holy nature, holy works)… ” (Isaiah 6:3). “… t he earth is filled with the LORD's GLORY (holy nature; holy works)… ” (Number 14:21 NLT).God’s holy works say “I exist” or I am real.  His HOLY NATURE is realized through the CREATION language. “…Since the CREATION of the world God’s INVISIBLE QUALITIES—… HIS DIVINE NATURE —have been “ CLEARLY SEEN ” …” (Romans 1:20 NIV).“… HIS DIVINE NATURE —have been “CLEARLY SEEN”, being UNDERSTOOD FROM WHAT HAS BEEN MADE…” (Romans 1:20 NIV). “… God who created all things …” (Ephesians 3:3-4, 9 NASB). “… there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things …” (1 Corinthians 8:6 NASB).“.. Worthy art Thou, our Lord and God … for Thou didst create all things …” (Revelation 4:11 NASB).God is love. Love introduces himself through the language of CREATION.  CREATION says God is POWERFUL, MAJESTIC, GOOD, LOVING, SOVEREIGN, a PROVIDER, A GUIDE, and is DEPENDABLE. . “… t he whole earth is full of his GLORY (holy nature, holy works)… ” (Isaiah 6:3). “… t he earth is filled with the LORD's GLORY (holy nature; holy works)… ” (Number 14:21 NLT).From the very beginning the CREATION language was the WORD of God speaking through the WORK of the Holy Spirit. “… In the beginning was the Word , and the Word was with God, and the Word was God . He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being … (John 1:1-4 NASB).The CREATION language or the Word of God is a HOLY, SPIRITUAL, and LIVING message, which reveals God’s nature and power. For example look at his nature and power in the CREATION language: “….Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters…[In the beginning was the WORD. Therefore,] God said (SPOKE) , “Let there be light,” and there was light (the Holy Spirit CREATED)….God said, “Let there be a vault between the waters to separate water from water.” …God madethe vault and separated the water under the vault from the water above it. And it was so. God called the vault “sky.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the second day. God said , “Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.” And it was so. God called the dry ground “land,” and the gathered waters he called “seas.” …God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was so. The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. …God said, “Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years, and let them be lights in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth.” And it was so. God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars . God set them in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth, to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness.  …God said, “Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the vault of the sky.”  …God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind.  … God said , “Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: the livestock, the creatures that move along the ground, and the wild animals, each according to its kind.” And it was so. … God made the wild animals according to their kinds , the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds…” (Genesis 1 KJV).“…the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are CLEARLY SEEN…”(Romans 1:20 KJV). “… HE Himself GIVES to all people LIFE and BREATH and all things …” (Acts 17:25 NASB). 
“… In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth …” (Genesis 1:1, 31 KJV).“… BY THE WORD of the Lord the heavens were made, And by the breath of His mouth all their host…” (Psalms 33:6 NASB).The CREATION language continues to SPEAK through the WORKS of the Holy Spirit. AND the Holy Spirit continues to DO whatever the Word of God instructs by bringing THINGS into existence or creation.“… BY THE WORD of the Lord … All things came into being … and apart from [the WORD] nothing came into being that has come into being … ” (Psalms 33:6 NASB & John 1:1-4 NASB).THE WORD OF GOD IS THE SOURCE OF IT ALL!
Dr. Pensacola H. JeffersonTHE MOUTHPIECE FOR GOD’S HEARTYADA Counseling MinistryTHE WORD OF GODColton’s Point, Maryland

HOW I BEING A "LIVING" SOUL AGAIN!

THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT MAKES  YOU A LIVING SOUL AGAIN“…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). “…May God himself …make you holy and whole , put you together [again]—[though his holy] spirit, [your] soul, and body …” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 MSG). “….God saw every thing he had made……and, behold, it was very good …” (Genesis 1:31 KJV). * “…May God himself …make you holy and whole , put you together [again]—[through his holy] spirit, [your] soul, and body …” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 MSG). “….God saw every thing he had made……and, behold, it was very good …” (Genesis 1:31 KJV). The NEED to be REJOINED with the HOLY SPIRIT is DESPERATE. The SOUL is “NOW” totally and absolutely controlled by the dictatorship of the EVIL ONE The SOUL is also a SLAVE TO SIN through the SINFUL NATURE. The BODY, once a vessel for the HOLY SPIRIT and SOUL’s use,has become the rebellious, unredeemable, and innately, SINFUL NATURE “controlled” by the “EVIL ONE”.The BODY is DEAD and the SOUL is lost in SIN. “…The Son of man came to seek and to save THAT WHICH WAS LOST …” (Luke 19:10 KJV).  “…the body without (apart from) the spirit is dead…” (James 2:26 KJV). “… The wages of sin is death …” (Romans 6:23 KJV). “… YE SHALL DIE IN YOUR SINS …” (John 8:24 KJV). “… Your INIQUITIES (sin) have separated between you and your God,…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). “… BE CONVERTED , that your sins may be blotted out…” (Acts 3:19 KJV). “… HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT IS CONDEMNED ALREADY , …” (John 3:18-20 KJV).The SINFUL NATURE CONTROLS the emotions, reason, heart/thoughts, affections, appetites, personality, and the human will of the LOST SOUL through the DICTATES of SIN influenced by the power of the EVIL ONE.The heart/thoughts, which is the command center of the SOUL, becomes UTTERLY deceitful under the POWER of the EVIL ONE!  The heart “…is deceitful ABOVE ALL THINGS and desperately wicked…who can know it [except God?]” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV). The SOUL’s HEART/THOUGHTS prove to be basically SINFUL at its CORE. “…From within, out of a person’s HEART …EVIL THOUGHTS come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly.… All these evils come from INSIDE, and defile a person.” (Mark 7:21-23 NIV). The heart/thoughts are “…ideceitful ABOVE ALL THINGS and desperately wicked…” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV).  “...God seesnot as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at THE HEART (the command center of the SOUL)…”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB). “…[the] hidden man of the heart (the command center of the SOUL) …” (1 Peter 3:4 KJV). WITHOUT God, the HOLY SPIRIT, there is “ NOTHING ”GOOD or RIGHTEOUSNESS about man’s SOUL. “.. there is NONE good but one, that is, God ” (Mark 10:18 KJV). “… I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature…I [am] …a slave to the sin that is … within me (my flesh)…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “ …There is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good , and sinneth not… ” (Ecclesiastes 7:20 KJV). “… There is none righteous , no, not one:” (Romans 3:10 KJV). “… [ALL have become]…..unclean and [their] righteousnesses are as filthy rags ….” (Isaiah 64:6 KJV).  “And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is NONE good but one, that is, God ” (Mark 10:18 KJV). Without God, the Holy Spirit, the SOUL’s heart/thoughts are easily LED ASTRAY by the SINFUL NATURE. “… Every man is tempted , when he is drawn away (led away) of his (her) own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it BRINGETH FORTH SIN: and sin, when it is finished, BRINGETH FORTH DEATH (Spiritual death)…” (James 1:13-15 NLT).The HEART/THOUGHTS are non-physical aspects of man’s SOUL, and those heart/thoughts can be corrupted by the SINFUL NATURE. “…From within (man’s SOUL), out of a person’s HEART … EVIL THOUGHTS come—… murder, adultery, greed, malice, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly.… All these evils come from INSIDE, and defile a person.” (Mark 7:21-23 NIV).“….From WITHIN (Man’s SOUL), out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder,  adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from WITHIN (Man’s SOUL); they are what defile you…” (Mark 7:20-23 NLT). “... I [am] …a slave to the sin that is … WITHIN me (My FLESH) …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).The HEART/THOUGHTS, which are non-physical aspects of the SOUL, can make a person UNCLEAN when influenced to participate “IN” the DEEDS of the SINFUL NATURE.  “…From within (Man’s SOUL), out of a person’s HEART … EVIL THOUGHTS …All these evils come from INSIDE, and defile a person.” (Mark 7:21-23 NIV).“….From WITHIN (Man’s SOUL), out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts … All these vile things come from WITHIN (Man’s SOUL); they are what defile you…” (Mark 7:20-23 NLT). “... I [am] …a slave to the sin that is … WITHIN me (My FLESH) …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).There is HOPE for man’s SOUL, but “NONE” for the SINFUL NATURE that SOME theologians believe is TOTALLY DEPRAVED and under the POWER of the EVIL ONE.… the whole world lies under the power (BONDAGE, slavery, control, DICTATORSHIP) of the evil one ” (1 John 5:19 RSV).
          Man’s SOUL chooses to depend upon the DELIVERANCE from the SINFUL NATURE which constantly WAGE WAR against the FREEDOMS “the SOUL’ has in Christ JESUS.“… Abstain from fleshly lusts which WAGE WAR against THE SOUL …” (1 Peter 2:11 NASB). “… I see a different law in the members of my body, WAGING WAR against the law of my mind (command center of the SOUL) and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members…” (Romans 7:23 NASB). “…What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasure (SOUL) that WAGE WAR in your members…” (James 1:4 NASB). “… God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son (THE WORD, THE LAMB which taken away the SINS of the world) as a sacrifice for our sins .He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit . Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace .” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).“… So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives . Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires.These TWO FORCES are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. …” (Galatians 5 NLT).The SOUL’S WAR against the SINFUL NATURE is WON from the FREEDOM in Christ JESUS and through the POWER of the INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT!! “… So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death . ..” (Romans 8:1-13 NLT).“… The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit .,,” (Romans 8:1-13 NLT).“ … Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace …” (Romans 8:1-13 NLT). “…For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God.  But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you …” (Romans 8:1-13 NLT).“,,, (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God. The Spirit of God , who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you . And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you…” (Romans 8:1-13 NLT).God, the HOLY SPIRIT also the BREATH OF LIFE takes up residence and joins with the SOUL again and supplies the POWER needed to OVERCOME the SIN NATURE. “… Therefore, dear brothers and sisters you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do .  For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature , you will liv e. …” (Romans 8:1-13 NLT).“…It is… GOD, [the Holy Spirit] WHO “DOES” THE WORK IN AND THROUGHall of us who are his. The Holy Spirit “displays” God’s power THROUGH each of us…” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “… he doeth the works …” (John 14:10 KJV). “ … The excellency of the power  [to overcome the SINFUL NATURE] may be of God , and not of us.. .” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV). “ …Jesus Christ is in you …” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “… Christ in you , …” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). “… the Spirit of God dwell in you …” (Romans 8:9 KJV).  “…if Christ be in you…” (Romans 8:10 KJV). “…if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you…” (Romans 8:11 KJV).  “…Christ liveth in me…” (Galatians 2:20 KJV). “…until Christ be formed in you…” (Galatians 4:19 KJV). “…the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV). “…the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you…” (1 Corinthians 6:19 KJV). “…God hath said, I will dwell in them…” (2 Corinthians 6:16 KJV). “…Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (freedom from SIN)…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV).Man’s SOUL was originally created WHOLE with the BODY, GOD’s HOLY SPIRIT, and the SOUL joined together.  “…..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). “…I AM what I AM …” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV). However, ADAM and EVE choose to follow their OWN way. “….So she took some of the fruit and ATE IT. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and HE ATE IT, too … ” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT). God told ADAM and EVE that if they choose their OWN way they would DIE and they DID. “…THE DAY THAT THOU EATEST thereof THOU SHALT SURELY DIE …” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV). …At that moment their eyes were opened … ” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT). Adam and Eve were “… separated from the “LIFE” of God …” (Ephesians 4:18 NIV).“…God asked the woman, “What have you done?”(Genesis 3:7-13 NLT). “… ONE sinner (through the FALL) destroy[ed]… MUCH GOOD … ” (Ecclesiastes 9:18 NASB).“…Through one man sin entered into the world, and DEATH through sin, and so DEATH passed to all men—“(Romans 5:12 KJV).ADAM became the FATHER of the human race and gave birth to other humans after his KIND; “ALL” with a SINFUL NATURE. “…DEATH(spiritual death) passed to all men—“(Romans 5:12 KJV). “… all have sinned (because of the inherent sin nature) , and come short of the glory of God (presence of God)…” (Romans 3:23 KJV).The SINFUL NATURE is the consequence of ADAM’S choice. “… choose LIFE , that both thou and thy seed (children) may LIVE (be spiritual alive)…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). However, “…Through one man sin entered into the world …“(Romans 5:12 KJV).You have the FREEDOM to CHOOSE, but ALL decisions have consequences in LIFE (good and bad). “..Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin? …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “..The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord… ” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “..If the Son therefore shall make you free, you SHALL be free indeed…” (John 8:36 KJV).SOMETIMES and unfortunately, your decisions, not only have consequences that affect YOU, but others too. “…Through one man sin entered into the world, and DEATH through sin, and so DEATH passed to all men—“(Romans 5:12 KJV).It may not seem FAIR to be burdened with the SINFUL NATURE because of ADAM’s choice. “… Yes … everyone died—from the time of Adam to the time of Moses—even those who did not disobey an explicit commandment of God, as Adam did. Now Adam is a symbol, a representation of Christ, who was yet to come.  But there is a great difference between Adam’s sin and God’s gracious gift. For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought 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, even though we are guilty of many sins …” (Romans 5:13-15 NLT).God FIXED it! God’s FREE GIFT of GRACE becomes SUFFICIENT and UNDESERVING toward YOU! “…[ God’s] grace is sufficient for you … ” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV). “…“My grace is all you need. …” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT). “…Since it is through God’s kindness …[and] not by [your] good works. For in that case, God’s GRACE would not be what it really is—free and undeserved…” (Romans 11:5 NLT).“…For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we DESERVED it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his GRACE through Christ Jesus…” (2 Timothy 1:9 NLT). “…A few of the people of Israel have remained faithful because of God’s GRACE—his UNDESERVED kindness in choosing them…” (Romans 11:4 NLT).“… BY GRACE have ye been saved THROUGH FAITH; and that NOT OF YOURSELVES, IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD ; not of works , that no man should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).  Though ADAM’s decision affected you; God helped you by SENDING HIS SON and “NOW” you can CHOOSE to be FREE from the SINFUL NATURE.“… God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through … 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, even though we are guilty of many sins…” (Romans 5:13-15 NLT).   “…Herein is [merciful]…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). "…Therefore REPENT AND RETURN, “SO” that your sins may be wiped away…” (Acts 3:19 NASB). You may have become SINNERS by NATURE, but you don’t have to REMAIN a SINNER. “… EXCEPT YE REPENT, ye shall all likewise PERISH …” (Luke 13:3 KJV).You may be born into the SINFUL NATURE through ADAM, but you REMAIN or CONTINUE being controlled by the SINFUL NATURE on you own VOLITION or personal CHOICE. “…confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and … believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (ROMANS 10:9 KJV). “ Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ , and thou shalt be saved…” (ACTS 16:31 KJV).  God, the HOLY SPIRIT and man’s SOUL REJOIN by returning them to the original, created covenant relationship! “….God saw every thing he had made……and, [said] … it was VERY GOOD…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).“… There[fore, there is] … …one … who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus (The Word of God) …” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT). “…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). “…May God himself …make you holy and whole , put you together [again]— spirit, soul, and body …” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 MSG). “….God saw every thing he had made……and, behold, it was very good …” (Genesis 1:31 KJV). “…May God himself …make you holy and whole , put you together [again]— spirit, soul, and body …” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 MSG)

THE EVIDENCE OF SPIRITUAL FRUIT IS THE "PROOF" YOU ARE TRULY GOD'S DISCIPLE!

THE HOLY SPIRIT AND FRUITFULNESS   “… He who ABIDES in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit … ” (John 15:1-11 NASB). "…My Father is glorified by this, that “YOU” bear much fruit , and so PROVE to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV). “… Ye shall know … [God’s people]… by their fruits …” (Matthew 7:16 KJV).
*The FRUIT of the HOLY SPIRIT is PROOF of a LIFE submitted to the HEADSHIP of God, the HOLY SPIRIT. “… the HEAD  of EVERY man is Christ ….” (1 Corinthians 11:3 KJV). “… Submit to God...” (Job 22:21 NLT). “… Surrender your pride and power…” (Jeremiah 4:4  NLT).“ …it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “…That great Shepherd of the sheep, EQUIP you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).  “… [God] … grant[s]… you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV). “… I can do ALL THINGS throughChrist which strengtheneth me…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “… The …HOLY SPIRIT …is the SOURCE of (spiritual FRUIT). …it is … God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of us who are his. The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).Human FLESH, which is the sinful nature will NEVER produce spiritual FRUIT. “… The flesh profiteth nothing …” (John 6:63 KJV). “… Human (fleshly effort) accomplishes nothing ….” (John 6:63 NLT). “….Don't put your confidence in … people [flesh.]… there is NO HELP for you there….” (Psalms 146: 3 NLT).  “… The …HOLY SPIRIT …is the SOURCE of (spiritual FRUIT) … It is the …Holy Spirit who gives all these gifts and POWERS… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).The HOLY SPIRIT “produces” spiritual FRUIT! “… The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control … .” (Galatians 5 NLT). “… the HEAD  of EVERY man is Christ ….” (1 Corinthians 11:3 KJV). “… Submit to God...” (Job 22:21 NLT). “… Surrender your pride and power…” (Jeremiah 4:4  NLT).“ …It is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “… the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works (of producing spiritual FRUIT) …” (John 14:10 KJV). “…. The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).“ …He that is joined unto (or is in a covenant relationship with) the LORD is ONE SPIRIT …” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). The JOINING of God, the Holy Spirit with man’s SOUL is done with a SEAL. “… Whereby ye are sealed (joined with the holy spirit) unto the day of redemption…” (Ephesians 4:30 KJV).“… [I will] … never leave nor forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 KJV).The SEAL “is” the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT. “…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” [YOUR HEART]…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “… GOD IS SPIRIT …” (John 4:24 KJV). “… t he Lord (THE WORD) is [also] that Spirit …” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV). “…Jesus Christ is in you …” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “… t he …[Holy] … Spirit of God dwell[s] inyou …” (Romans 8:9 KJV).  “… I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS , to the very end …"(Matthew 28:20 NIV).  “…Behold, I AM WITH… [YOU] and  … I WILL NOT LEAVE [YOU] … ." (Genesis 28:15 ASV). “ … The LORD thy God …will not fail (leave) thee, nor forsake thee … ” (Deuteronomy 31:6 KJV).  “…Behold, I am with … [you ] and will keep … [you] whithersoever [you]… goest… I will not leave [you] .. ." (Genesis 28:15 ASV).Therefore, “…Abide in Me, and I in you…” (John 15:4-6 NASB). “ …Apart from Me you can do nothing …” (John 15:4-6 NASB).“… the HEAD  of EVERY man (or woman in the covenant relationship) is Christ ….” (1 Corinthians 11:3 KJV). Therefore, “… Submit to God...” (Job 22:21 NLT). “…The Lord said to Moses, “ How long will these people treat me ( The Head ) with contempt (disrespect)?” (Daniel 14:11 NIV). “… My people would not listen to me (The HEAD) . They kept doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts (own plans)…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).When God’s people do NOT submit to God’s indwelling Holy Spirit they are NO LONGER under HIS HEADSHIP, and will reflect the nature they follow. “…. apart from Me (the indwelling Holy Spirit), you can do nothing …” (John 15:5 NIV).YOU can DO religious WORKS and YET do them in under the HEADSHIP of the FLESH, which is the SINFUL NATURE. “… repent and DO the first works…” (Revelation 2:5 KJV). WORKS done in the flesh are religious acts performed without the POWER of the indwelling Holy Spirit. “…I KNOW THY WORKS…” (REVELATIONS 2:2 KJV). WORKS done in the flesh become practices of religious mastery. Religious mastery refer to acts based on Christian knowledge, routine, and familiarity. Religious mastery only require skills of human knowledge about how or when to say “amen,” “shout,” “do certain rituals,” “stewardship,” “read scripture,” “sing familiar songs,” “pray,” “come to regular worship,” or “repeat religious clichés and gestures.” “…This people honoureth me with their lips , but their heart is far from me… ” (Mark 7:6 KJV).  WORKS done in the flesh can become perfected over the years and build false confidence in one’s OWN effort regarding religious traditions. “… You skillfully….hold on to YOUR OWN tradition ...” (Mark 7:9 NLT). “…they have stubbornly followed THEIR OWN desires…” (JERMIAH 9:14 NLT).WORKS done in the flesh are KNOWN by God and he SEES clearly ALL religious acts done through the flesh, which is now the sinful nature. He knows if you are NOT real. “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness… ” (Matthew 23:27 KJV). Works done in the flesh turn into a pretense of adhering to Christ-like values, beliefs, and practices. God is fully aware when a person’s heart is NOT truly committed to his WILL and PLANS. “…He knew what was in each person’s heart…” (John 2:24-25 NLT).Fleshly WORKERS come together with WORKERS, who depend upon the Holy Spirit to DO the WORK of God “in” and “through” them; AND they may “LOOK” alike. HOWEVER, one group does it out of religious obligation and the other group out of dedicated, dependent love. “ O Lord , you have examined my heart and know everything about me.  You know everything I do…” (Psalms 139:1-6 NLT).The WORKS of the church of Ephesus had become or turned into those done in the FLESH. “…. apart from Me (the indwelling Holy Spirit), you can do nothing …” (John 15:5 NIV). “… God … does the work IN and THROUGH all of us who are his . … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “… God  … work[s] … in … [you] … what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “… the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works …” (John 14:10 KJV). “…I KNOW THY WORKS…” (REVELATIONS 2:2 KJV). “…Thou hast LEFT (the dependency upon) thy FIRST LOVE. Remember, therefore, from whence thou art FALLEN , and repent and DO the first works…” (Revelation 2:5 KJV).BECAUSE of the FALL, the FLESH, which is NOW the SINFUL NATURE has the SOUL trapped in a BODY that desires to SIN. “…The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right (choose to depend upon the indwelling Holy Spirit), but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.  And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to dowhat is right (choose to depend upon the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT), but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. …I [am] …a slave to the sin that is … withinme. …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).“,,, Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin? …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “… There ... [is] … … one … who can reconcile God and humanity— the man Christ Jesus …” (1 Timothy 2:5 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).  “…a person is made right with God by faith [or depending upon]… Jesus Christ…” (Galatians 2:16 NLT). There is a REAL battle going on between the INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT and the SINFUL NATURE, but you are FREE to LIVE Holy. “…If the Son therefore shall make you free, you SHALL be free indeed…” (John 8:36 KJV). ).  “… So I say, let the [indwelling] Holy Spirit guide your lives . Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature [dictates]. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These TWO FORCES are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions (to live a HOLY life). ……” (Galatians 5 NLT). God’s people are COMPLETELY FREE and victorious OVER SIN. The SINFUL FLESH has “NO” MORE power or control over the SOUL that is JOINED to the HOLY SPIRIT. “…Because you [NOW] belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death . …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).“… God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son (THE WORD, THE ATONING) as a sacrifice for our sins . He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “…Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).“… So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).“…For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey (FOLLOW) God’s [HOLY] laws, and it never will…” .” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “… The flesh profiteth nothing …” (John 6:63 KJV). “… The flesh profiteth nothing …” (John 6:63 KJV). “… [THE FLESH]… NEVER did obey (FOLLOW) God’s [HOLY] laws, and it never will …” .” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).“…That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God. But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).“… (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) …Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God…”  (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “… Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians KJV). “…The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).“…Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do .For if you live by its dictates, you will die…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).“… if [YOU] through the power of the Spirit …put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).“…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by SIN? …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).“… The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…If the Son therefore shall make you free, you SHALL be free indeed…” (John 8:36 KJV). Will you live a perfect, sinless life while on earth? NO. However, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness…” (1 John 1:9 KJV). “…For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more…" (Hebrews 8:12 NIV). His “… love covereth a multitude of sins …” (Proverbs 10:12, 1 Peter 4:8 ASV).Nonetheless, you are, by GRACE, FREE to live a righteous before God, not a PERFECT one. God says. “…My grace is sufficient for you, for MY POWER IS MADE PERFECT IN WEAKNESS…” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV).  “… NOT that we are sufficient OF OURSELVES to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God…” (2 Corinthians 3:5 KJV). “…if we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us…” (1 John 1:8 KJV). You are a totally new creation. “… if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, ALL THINGS are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). You have the indwelling Holy Spirit and a surrendered life allows God to work “in” and “through” you to DISPLAY God’s POWER by PRODUCING spiritual FRUIT. “… the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works (of producing spiritual FRUIT) …” (John 14:10 KJV). “…. The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power (to produce fruit) THROUGH each of us … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…The [INDWELLING POWER of the] Holy Spirit PRODUCES this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control …” (Galatians 5 NLT).“… So I say, let the [indwelling] Holy Spirit guide your lives . Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature [dictates] …so you are not free to carry out your good intentions (to live a HOLY life). ……” (Galatians 5 NLT).“… But I say, walk by [depending upon] the [power of the indwelling Holy] Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh…” (Galatians 5:16 NASB).The Holy Spirit works “in” and “through” HIS people EMPOWERING them to WALK in the FREEDOM he died and suffered for them to have! “…If the Son …shall make you free, you SHALL be free indeed…” (John 8:36 KJV). The human flesh CAN “NOT” help, benefit, motivate, activate, or ENABLE Holy conduct. “…I want to do what is right, but I can’t . I want to do what is good , but I don’t…. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway . …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…Who will free [you] from this life that is dominated by SIN? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…I will put a NEW SPIRIT in you…” (Ezekiel 36:26 NLT “… The Lord (Jesus Christ) is that Spirit …” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV). “…if the Son (Jesus Christ, the indwelling Holy Spirit)…shall make you FREE, ye shall be FREE indeed.” (John 8:36 KJV). “…, ye shall be FREE indeed (without a doubt) …” (John 8:36 KJV).          The FRUIT of the HOLY SPIRIT will NEVER be produced by the FLESH. The FRUIT of the HOLY SPIRIT is not a human performance, but the DISPLAY of God’s power THROUGH “HIS people. The FRUIT of the SPIRIT is PROOF that YOU are God’s disciples. The FRUIT of the HOLY SPIRIT gives GLORY to GOD! “… It is the SPIRIT who “GIVES” LIFE ; the flesh profits nothing …” (John 6:63 NASB).  “…. The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “ … [God’s people will]… bear much fruit , and … PROVE to be[God’s]… disciples…” (John 15:8 NIV).“… He who ABIDES in (joined to) Me and I in (joined to) him (her), he (she) bears much fruit … ” (John 15:1-11 NASB)."…My Father is glorified by this (his presence is made KNOWN), that “YOU” bear much fruit , and so PROVE to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV). “… Ye shall know … [God’s people]… by their fruits …” (Matthew 7:16 KJV).A FRUITFUL “CHRISTLIKE” SPIRITUAL life begins with the HOLY SPIRIT. “… It is the SPIRIT who “GIVES” LIFE (especially a fruitful life) …” (John 6:63 NASB).  The HOLY SPIRIT works “IN” his people to DO the things PLEASING to God. “…Now may the God of peace, … that great Shepherd of the sheep … work in [you] what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ,,,” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “ …It is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).The HOLY SPIRIT “TRANSFORMS” his people. “,,,Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, ALL THINGS are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “… I WILL GIVE you a new heart , and I will put a new spirit in you. …” (Ezekiel 36:26 NLT). “… [Therefore]… we all … are changed into the same image [of Christ] from glory to glory …” (2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV). “…By the GRACE of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV). The Holy Spirit CONFIRMS his “OWN” Word. “… God publicly endorsed (confirmed) Jesus the Nazarene (the WORD) (HOW?) by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs “THROUGH” him , as you well know. …” (ACTS 2:22 KJV). “… the Father that dwelleth in [Jesus, the Word), he doeth the works …” (John 14:10 KJV). “…The disciples went everywhere and preached, and the Lord worked through them , CONFIRMING what they said (HOW?) by many miraculous signs…” (Mark 16:20 KJV). “… The …HOLY SPIRIT …is the SOURCE of [signs, wonders, and miracles]. … … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “… God CONFIRMED the message by giving signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit whenever he chose…” (Hebrews 2:4 NLT).The Holy Spirit PRODUCES God’s FRUIT. “… The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control … .” (Galatians 5 NLT). . “…Now God GIVES US many kinds of special abilities (confirmed and revealed through fruit, signs and wonders), but it is the same HOLY SPIRIT who is the source of them all.…”(1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).The Holy Spirit DISPLAYS God’s POWER “in” and “through” “HIS PEOPLE.”  “ …It is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “… the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works (of producing spiritual FRUIT) …” (John 14:10 KJV). “…. The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).The HOLY SPIRIT “EMPOWERS” HIS people. The Holy Spirit empowered JESUS to do WONDEFUL WORKS he did upon earth! “… God anointed (empowered) Jesus of Nazareth (also the WORD) (HOW?) with the Holy Spirit and POWER, and …he went around doing good and healing all …. because God (the holy spirit) was with him …” (Acts 10:38 NIV). “… the Father that dwelleth in [Jesus, the WORD), he doeth the works …” (John 14:10 KJV).HOW does the HOLY SPIRIT empowers YOU to do the WORKS? “…Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me (depends upon God’s WORD), the works that I (the WORD) do shall he (she) do also; and GREATER WORKS than these shall he (she) do; because I go unto my Father…” (John 14:1 KJV). “ …It is God which worketh in you …” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “…. The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “ … [YOU will]… bear much fruit , and … PROVE to be[God’s]… disciples…” (John 15:8 NIV).The IMPORTANCE of the Holy Spirit DISPLAYING spiritual FRUIT “in” and “through” his people  is to GIVE GLORY to GOD by REVEALING and CONFIRMING his PRESENT in the WORLD! "…My Father is glorified by this, that “YOU” bear much fruit , and so PROVE to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV).“… Apart from Me (God, the Holy Spirit), you can do nothing …” (John 15:5 NIV).However, “ … [You] … can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth … [you]… ” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “…It is God who works in [you]… ” (Philippians 2:13 NIV).“…The Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE…” (John 3:6 NLT). “… Ye shall know them by their fruit …” (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). "…My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so PROVE to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV).

HAVE YOU SURRENDERED YOUR LIFE TO THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT?

SURRENDERING TO THE HOLY SPIRIT   “… He who ABIDES in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit … ” (John 15:1-11 NASB). "…My Father is glorified by this, that “YOU” bear much fruit , and so PROVE to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV). “… Ye shall know … [God’s people]… by their fruits …” (Matthew 7:16 KJV).
*“… He who ABIDES in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit … ” (John 15:1-11 NASB). "…My Father is glorified by this, that “YOU” bear much fruit, and so PROVE to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV). “… Ye shall know [those JOINED to God, the Holy Spirit]… 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). “… Apart from [God, the Holy Spirit you] can do nothing (BEAR NOTHING)….” (John 15:5 KJV).The WORD tells YOU when YOU repent; you will RECEIVE the Holy Spirit. “…Peter said to them, "REPENT …and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit….” (Acts 2:38 NASB).“ … He (she) that is JOINED (in a covenant relationship with) unto the LORD is ONE SPIRIT (sealed) …” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).The Holy Spirit is ALSO referred to as a SEAL, which signifies that YOU belong to him. WEDDING RINGS signify that the husband and wife NOW belong to one another in a covenant relationship.The WEDDINGS RINGS and God’s SEAL also signify a PLEDGE has been made.The PLEDGE made by the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT is the SEAL of PROMISE which assures those who are JOINED to HIM (through the Holy Spirit) of ETERNAL SALVATION. “… [you]… are sealed (joined with the holy spirit) unto the day of redemption…” (Ephesians 4:30 KJV).“… [I will] … never leave nor forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 KJV).The WORD of God has the POWER to JOIN the SOUL and SPIRIT and the WORD of GOD has the POWER to SEPARATE the SOUL and the Holy Spirit.Jesus is the WORD of GOD. “… He (Jesus) had a name written, that no man knew … his name is called The Word of God …” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB).“…He that is JOINED unto the Lord (Jesus, the Word) is ONE Spirit…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “… The word of God  (Jesus) is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit …” (Hebrews 4:12 KJV).God SAID: “…in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die …” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV). “… She … ate it [and] her husband …ate it, too …” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT). “… At that moment their eyes were opened … ” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).  “… [They were IMMEDIATELY] … separated from the LIFE of God …” (Ephesians 4:18 NIV). “… the dividing asunder of soul and spirit …” (Hebrews 4:12 KJV).“… It is the SPIRIT who gives LIFE …” (John 6:63 NASB). “… GOD IS SPIRIT …” (John 4:24 KJV). “…the body without (apart from) the [life from the holy] spirit is dead…” (James 2:26 KJV).The Holy Spirit separated from man. “… BY THE WORD of the Lord …” (Psalms 33:6 NASB). “… thou shalt surely die …” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV). “… The word … dividing asunder of soul and spirit …” (Hebrews 4:12 KJV). “… [Their] … iniquities … separated [them]… from God……” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). “… God asked the woman , “ What have you done ?” (Genesis 3:7-13 NLT). “… [the union between god, the holy spirit and man’s soul [was very good …” (Genesis 1:31 KJV). However, “… ONE sinner destroy[ed]… MUCH GOOD … ” (Ecclesiastes 9:18Being JOINED to the God, the HOLY SPIRIT, through Jesus Christ means you are in a COVENANT relationship with him and he is NOW the HEAD of your LIFE. “… the HEAD  of EVERY man is Christ ….” (1 Corinthians 11:3 KJV).God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus Christ, “IS” the HEAD of your LIFE and “WILL” provide EVERYTHING YOU need (Genesis 22:7-8). “… [God]… will supply every need…” (Philippians 4:19 KJV). You willfully CHOOSE to surrender your trust and dependency upon God and to his “loving” CARE. “... Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you …” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV).You willfully CHOOSE to relinquish control or authority to the INDWELLING SPIRIT, which is God the Holy Spirit. “… GOD IS SPIRIT …” (John 4:24 KJV). “… t he Spirit of God dwell in you …” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…Jesus Christ is in YOU …” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “… Submit to God...” (Job 22:21 NLT). “… Surrender your pride and power…” (Jeremiah 4:4  NLT). “… In this world we are LIKE JESUS …” (1 John 4:17 NIV). Therefore, “… have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus , who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped,but taking the form of a bond-servant emptied Himself , , and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient (following God’s Holy instructions) to the point of death (to the flesh), even death on a cross …” (Philippians 2:5-8 NASB).Jesus was and is the example of true surrender. He willingly chose to surrender his personal power, rights, CARE, and divine privileges to God’s will and plan.  “… I lay down my life... No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. …” (John 10:17-18 KJV). “…. Christ pleased not himself …” (Romans 15:3 KJV).  Jesus definitely did “…not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.. .” (Matthew 20:28 KJV). Jesus’ surrender ultimately turned into a sacrifice he willingly CHOSE to make in order to follow God’s will and God’s plan; no matter what it cost.  Jesus said, “…Father …not Mywill, but Yours be done…" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV).Most believers have their OWN agendas WITHIN the covenant relationship with God through Christ. They have important plans for their OWN individual lives and most times they are “NOT” God’s plans. “…You hypocrites…This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me…” (Mark 7:6 KJV).  Many of God’s people have their OWN personal plan for their careers, their travels, their desired spouse, their pursuit of happiness, getting financially set, obtaining self-peace, establishing comfort, sustaining health, and maintaining autonomy “… the HEAD  of EVERY man is Christ ….” (1 Corinthians 11:3 KJV). “… The people replied, “Don’t waste your breath. We will continue to live as we want to …” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).Many of God’s people CLAIM to be in a covenant relationship with God, but don’t LISTEN to the plans and instructions he has for their lives. “… the HEAD  of EVERY man is Christ ….” (1 Corinthians 11:3 KJV). “… My people would not listen to me . They kept doing whatever they wanted …” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).Most of God’s people IGNORE God’s plans OVER their OWN plans, especially if they don’t FIT into WHAT THEY WANT for the lives. “… the HEAD  of EVERY man is Christ ….” (1 Corinthians 11:3 KJV). “… Submit to God...” (Job 22:21 NLT). “… Surrender your pride and power…” (Jeremiah 4:4  NLT). Many of God’s people pick and choose the part of God’s plans meet their APPROVAL and prefer to follow their own traditions. “… You skillfully ….hold on to your own tradition ...” (Mark 7:9 NLT). “… the HEAD  of EVERY man is Christ ….” (1 Corinthians 11:3 KJV). “… Submit to God...” (Job 22:21 NLT). “… Surrender your pride and power…” (Jeremiah 4:4  NLT). It is easier to submit to the part of God’s plans that are convenient. Many of God’s people, therefore, surrender to God’s plan for peace, prosperity, or other spiritual benefits; but not HIS agenda to forgive, submit, extend mercy, answer his call to ministry, or sacrifice their heart or life completely to his will. “… We will continue to live as we want to …” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).Jesus was sold out to God’s plan for his life and he was unequivocally surrendered to his will; no matter the cost. “… I do nothing of myself …” (John 8:28 KJV).They were a covenant, relational team. “I and the father are one” (John 10:30 KJV).  Because of Jesus’ radical surrender to God; he said: “…Father …not My will, but Yours be done…" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV).I use the word radical to paint a picture of Jesus’ absolute SUBMISSION to God’s will and plan for his life. “… [Jesus came ] … to serve, and to give His life .. .” (Matthew 20:28 KJV). For Jesus, it really wasn’t radical at all; it was a lifestyle CHOICE “… I desire to do your will, my God …” (Psalms 40:8 KJV).Jesus’ SUBMISSION is meant to be a standardfor the believer’s own submission to God’s will and plan. Jesus said: “…that the world may know … as the Father gave me commandments, even so I do …” (John 14:31 KJV). “…I must be about my Father's business?” (Luke 2:49 KJV). Many of God’s people don’t submit to God’s will and plan; even on the most basic level. “… My people would not listen to me . They kept doing whatever they wanted , following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts (or their own plans)…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). “… the HEAD  of EVERY man is Christ ….” (1 Corinthians 11:3 KJV). “… Submit to God...” (Job 22:21 NLT). “… Surrender your pride and power…” (Jeremiah 4:4  NLT). God’s people, who are truly in a covenant relationship with HIM, willingly present themselves to God, just like Jesus did, as a “…living sacrifice…” which is “… [they KNOW is their] … 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). “… Rejoice and be glad, For the LORD has done great things …” (Joel 2:21 NASB). “Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners… ” (Romans 5:7-9 NLT). Nonetheless, many of God’s people are not willing to give even their “…reasonable service…” to God, the Holy Spirit (Romans 12:1 KJV).For instance, FORGIVING others, as God’s Holy WORD asked you to do, is a “reasonable service.” (Romans 12:1 KJV).Whatever you GIVE UP to surrender to God’s will, God’s plan, or as a “reasonable service”; God promises to reward you for it abundantly (Romans 12:1 KJV)! “… [You]… will receive NOW in return (in this life) a hundred times as many houses, brother, sisters, mothers, children, and property …” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT).However, please note, God does NOT reward you because you EARNED it, or DESERVE it, or because “you” think you are WORTHY of it. “… It is [because of] … God’s kindness ….not by [your] good works..,[Or else]… God’sGRACE would not be what it really is—free and undeserved…” (Romans 11:5 NLT).God will REWARD you because of his kindness, GRACE, and because of your TRUST IN HIM (dependency upon him). “… My GRACE is sufficient for thee ...” (2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV). “… How blessed isthe man who has made the Lord his trust (his dependency) …” (Psalms 40:4 NASB).“… How blessed is the man who trusts in You (DEPENDS UPON YOU) !” (Psalms 84:12 NASB).It is NOT simply your “reasonable SERVICE” or surrender to God’s will and God’s plan, but it is your TRUST in (or dependency upon) his will and plan.  “… Blessed isthe man who trusts in the Lord (depends upon the Lord) And whose trust (dependency) is the Lord …” (Jeremiah 17:7 NASB).Your TRUSTING SURRENDER to God’s will and plan is simply your “… reasonable service …” (Romans 12:1 KJV).Job’s attitude of surrender to God’s will and plan, for his life, was his “…reasonable service…”  Job said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.”Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God …” (Job 1:20-22 NASB).Job was hand-picked by God for purpose. Jesus was hand-picked for purpose too and thus God “…spared not his own Son, but delivered (surrendered) him up for us all….?” (Romans 8:32 KJV). God will not spare you either. Job lost EVERY personal PLAN he had, regarding family and wealth, tragically and yet he said, “...though he slay me, yet will I trust in him…” (Job 13:15 KJV). Job knew inwardly that surrender to God’s will and plan was his “…reasonable service…” and he CHOSE to continue to submit to God’s plan. When God’s will and plan drives the direction of your LIFE, whatever is lost, altered, or totally transformed becomes worthless when compared to the ever growing and developing, covenant relationship with God. “… e verything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus [our]… Lord…” (Philippians 3:8 NLT).God’s people CHOOSE to willfully and voluntarily submit themselves into the safe sovereign care of God, the Holy Spirit. “… The LORD “WILL” accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [you] …” (John 14:31 NASB). “... Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you .” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “... he careth for you …” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). Surrendering to God’s will and God’s plan, is surrendering to HOLY LOVE. God’s CARE becomes a place of SAFETY and REST. “… The name of the Lord is a strong tower (REFUGE); The righteous runs into it and is safe …” (Proverbs 18:10 NASB). “… God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble …” (Psalms 46:1 NASB). “…you will find rest for your souls…” (Matthew 11:29 NASB)The believer CHOOSES to trustingly surrender control to God, the LOVING, INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT. “…He alone is my refuge, my place of safety …For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter youwith his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. … If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter,  no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home.…The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in (depend upon) my name (my word) …” (Psalms 91 NLT).God;s people voluntarily give up their OWN personal PLANS for God’s PLANS. “ … n ot My will, but Yours be done… " (Luke 22:42-43 NIV). “… I desire to do your will, my God …” (Psalms 40:8 KJV).SURRENDERING to God’s PLAN is what TRANSFORMS YOUR life. GOD’s main PLAN is to CONFORM you to the IMAGE of JESUS CHRIST (the WORD of GOD). “… He (Jesus) had a name written, that no man knew … his name is called The Word of God …” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “…God … predestined [you] to be conformed to the image of his Son… ” (Romans 8:29 NIV). “… be conformedto the image of His Son …” (Romans 8:29 KJV). “… The Son (jesus, the word of god) is the … exact representation of his being (god, the holy spirit) …” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV).“… In this world we are [to become] LIKE JESUS (the word of god) …” (1 John 4:17 NIV). “ …the … exactrepresentation of his being (god, the holy spirit) …”(Hebrews 1:3 KJV). Therefore, I CHOOSE to “… lay down my life... No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. …” (John 10:17-18 KJV). The INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT does the WORK of TRANSFORMING! “ …it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “… [Therefore]… we all … are changed into the same image [of Christ] from glory to glory … ” (2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV) “… by the GRACE of God I am what I am …” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).