Pensacola Helene Jefferson's Blog, page 6

KNOWING ABOUT VERSES KNOWING IS THE SAME AS DOING VERSES BECOMING

 

                                                           
JUST KNOWING ABOUT AND  DOINGCHRISTIANITY (NON-INTIMATE AND UNFAMILIAR WITH GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT)   “….These people honor me with their lips,  but their hearts are far from me …” (Matthew 15:8 NLT).

“…I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity…” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV).

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 “Doing” Christianity will always limit you to simply performing Christian deeds, which is religious behaviors based on learned, socialized, and ethical teachings or conditionings. “…“You skillfully ….hold on to your own tradition...” (Mark 7:9 NLT). “…Ye shall know [God’s children]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “... Now the deeds of the flesh are evident...” (Galatians 5:19-21 NASB).

“Doing” Christianity is how individual’s perform religious deeds that appear Christ-like outwardly, but give little attention to the heart or internal realities. “…The LORD LOOKS AT THE HEART…” (1 Samuel 16:7 NASB).  “...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).

If I was to define “doing” Christianity it would be defined as a collection of religious deeds or socialized behaviors specific to the Christian culture such as prophesying (giving insight to something), casting out devils, and doing wonderful (miraculous-like) works. “...Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity...” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV).

Other religious or socialized behaviors are common or repetitive practices among Christians derived from rituals, collective religious knowledge, cliché practices, habitual fellowships with the religious group, and family religious modeling. “...So the Pharisees and teachers of religious law asked him, “Why don’t your disciples follow our age-old tradition? Jesus replied, “You hypocrites! …[Your] worship is a farce… For you ignore God’s law and substitute your own tradition’…” (Mark 7:6-8 NLT).

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

Socialized behavior or activity demonstrate “doing” Christianity better than any other explanation. “…“You skillfully ….hold on to your own tradition...” (Mark 7:9 NLT).

It shows how individuals master or acquire Christian practices through watching and modeling after others in their Christian environments. “…“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you travel around on sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves” (Mark 23:15 “…Their worship is a farce, for they teach [and learn] man-made ideas as commands from God…” (Mark 7:6-8 NLT).

Religious practices gained merely through watching, copying, participating, exchanging, and modeling the outward behavior of the Christian community produce ethical deeds verses spiritual fruit. “…The fruit of the [invisible indwelling Holy]… 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…” (Galatians 5 NLT). “…Ye shall know them by their fruit…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV).“You skillfullysidestep God’s law in order to hold on to your own tradition...” (Mark 7:9 NLT).

Ethical deeds are usually traditional religious practices that one does without the empowerment of the indwelling Holy Spirit. “…“You skillfullysidestep God’s law in order to “hold on” to your own tradition...” (Mark 7:9 NLT). “…For you ignore God’s law and substitute your own tradition’…” (Mark 7:6-8 NLT).

Religious practices are usually a sign that a person adheres to the traditions of their faith whether than “keeping God’s commandments” from the heart or through real-life application, because of a loving relationship they share with God, through Christ. “…If you love me, you will keep my commandments…” (John 14:15).

 “…“You skillfully sidestep God’s law in order to “hold on” to your own tradition...” (Mark 7:9 NLT).

Religious practices can be very meaningful to individuals, especially, after many years of traditional habits, commitments, beliefs, and attachments related to the Christian culture. “…“You skillfullysidestep God’s law in order to “hold on” to your own tradition...” (Mark 7:9 NLT).

Ethical behaviors influenced by the Christian culture, through lifelong socialized behaviors, become religious rituals over time. Most believers are masters or experts at traditional Christian practices in which they skillfully follow like an inflexible regiment. “…“You skillfully …. “hold on” to your own tradition...” (Mark 7:9 NLT).

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

Most Believers (proclaimed children of God) think performing activities - such as going to church, taking communion, following the ten commandments, saying prayers, participating in church activities, posting religious material on social media, knowing certain clichés and scriptural passages, shouting at the right time, looking or acting religious, following strict rules, saying “amen” at the right time, listening to gospel music, wearing religious outfits, etc., - are the main indicators of true Christianity, but they are NOT.

Just because you participate in the above activities and have mastered them, does not mean you are in an intimate relationship with God through Christ. “…The fruit of the [invisible indwelling Holy]… 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…” (Galatians 5 NLT). “…Ye shall know them by their fruit…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV).

You can participate in these religious activities faithfully, but end up being attached to the religion and NOT attached to God, the Holy Spirit through the relationship with HIM in Christ. “….These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far FROM ME…” (Matthew 15:8 NLT).

Any religion will demand a commitment to “its” practices, but Christianity asks for one to choose to commit to serve God, intimately and personally, through Christ. . “… I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore [YOU]…choose life…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve (obey)….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

Being a child of God stems from a spiritual, holy bond or attachment to God through Christ which produces spiritual fruit. “...But he that is joined (attached) unto the Lord is one Spirit [with God]…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).

“…The fruit of the [indwelling Holy]… Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).  “...The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives…” (Galatians 5 NLT). “…Ye shall know them by their fruit…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV).

Religious activities can make you “feel good” most times and influence you to have a commitment to the religion itself. It’s called ethical behavior. “….These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far FROM ME…” (Matthew 15:8 NLT).

“Doing” Christianity or ethical behavior can include: praying, churching, singing, hanging with other believers, reading the bible, having faith, prophesying, keep the ten commandments, uncovering religious mysteries, and other rituals.

However, they’re only religious practices based on the traditions of faith, and not righteousness empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit based on a restored, intimately, personal covenant relationship with God, through Christ. “….These people honor me with their lips,but their hearts are far FROM ME…” (Matthew 15:8 NLT). “...The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives…” (Galatians 5 NLT).

Ethical behaviors limit most faith-based practices to religious emotionalism, routine, or performance instead of allowing the indwelling Holy Spirit to impact a true transforming experience. “….These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far FROM ME…” (Matthew 15:8 NLT).

To fully experience Christ-likeness, it requires the presence of the indwelling Holy Spirit through the “one Spirit” attachment to God through Christ. “...But he that is joined (attached) unto the Lord is one spirit [with God]…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).

True worshippers worship the God of Christianity in spirit and in truth through INTIMATE fellowship and experience spending time with God and merevethical behavior or religious practices. “... The true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth…” (John 4:23 KJV). “….Apart from [Jesus, the indwelling Holy Spirit and God’s truth]… [you cannot]...do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

Too often, ethical behavior or religious practices overshadows true worship and replaces it with a form (custom, system, formula, procedure, etc.) of godliness.

Ethical behavior or religious practices denies (rejects, negates, rebuffs, etc.) the role of the empowering and indwelling Holy Spirit. “….in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, … lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a FORM of godliness, although they have denied its power…” (2 Timothy 3:1-6 NASB).

Just because you have mastered the traditional Christian practices doesn’t mean you have mastered trusting in and depending upon God to work “in” and “through” you to display his indwelling Holy Spirit. “... It is God (the indwelling Holy Spirit) which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “… the God of peace… that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in [you, through the indwelling Holy Spirit]… what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).

“…God … does the work IN and THROUGH all of us who are his. … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “...[However,]....You skillfully …. “hold on” to your own tradition...” (Mark 7:9 NLT).

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

Religious activities, ethical behaviors, and rituals are NOT a relationship, but have become traditions of the faith, which have been practiced for years. “…“You skillfully …. “hold on” to your own tradition...” (Mark 7:9 NLT).

In addition, people have practiced these traditions so long they think they are doing their Christian duty that safeguards their ticket to eternal life. “….These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far FROM ME…” (Matthew 15:8 NLT). “…holding to a form of godliness, although [you]… have denied its power…” (2 Timothy 3:1-6 NASB).

Unfortunately, Christian traditions will have you attached to the religion ONLY, but not a covenant relationship to God, through Christ. “….These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far FROM ME…” (Matthew 15:8 NLT).

Many children of God have mastered Christian practices and think they are highly spiritual, but THEY AREN’T. “...Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe … [Yet, you] have neglected the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others...” (Matthew 23:23 NASB).

God wants his children to trust in and depend upon the “one spirit” attachment to Him through Christ. “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

The children of God are to rely on the empowering of the indwelling Holy Spirit to work “in” and “through” them to display God’s presence, goodness, and power (or his glory). “…God … does the work IN and THROUGH all of us who are his...[children] … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

“…The [indwelling]...HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH [his children] … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

Most people who proclaim to be children of God have become skillful at religious practices and they will find it hard to stop “doing” traditional Christianity as usual. “…For you ignore God’s law and substitute your own tradition’…” (Mark 7:6-8 NLT).

However, God wants a relationship with his children and not simple a regiment of inflexible religious practices. Religious practices are much more appealing than the commitment and responsibility of a covenant relationship with God, the Holy Spirit.  “…“You skillfully …. “hold on” to your own tradition...” (Mark 7:9 NLT).

When you’ve done something for so long it’s hard to give it up and people would rather safeguard their religious traditions whether than be open to a true, authentic relationship with God through Christ. Many proclaimed, children of God, are simply “…holding to a form of godliness…” (2 Timothy 3:1-6 NASB).

Unfortunately, many of God’s children adhere to religious traditions whether than a genuine relationship with God. They are more concerned with the outward appearance. “…For you tithe … [Yet, you] have neglected the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others...” (Matthew 23:23 NASB).

“...God seesnot as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart…”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB). God zooms in on the “…hidden man of the heart…” (1 Peter 3:4 KJV).

“Doing” and following traditional Christian practices is very prevalent, in the 21stcentury. In otherwords, having an authentic relationship with God through Christ is more of a threat to tradition whether than an “opportunity of a lifetime.”  God’s children are “…holding to a form of godliness, [and yet]… have denied its (the indwelling) power…” (2 Timothy 3:1-6 NASB).

Traditions and habits are all-consuming foes. Satan uses religious traditions to keep God’s children experting, mastering, or “doing” Christian practices rather than “becoming” truly Christ-like. “….These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far FROM ME…” (Matthew 15:8 NLT).

Many of God’s children would rather safeguard their traditions as a type of worship whether than truly trust in and depend on the indwelling Holy Spirit to empower them. So they are only “…holding to a form of godliness, although [they]… have denied its (the indwelling spirit’s) power…” (2 Timothy 3:1-6 NASB).

God’s children heavily rely upon religious practices and appearances.  Thus, they are less likely to turn to trusting in and depending upon the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. “...Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye…” (Mark 7:13 KJV).

Religious practices can give an individual the illusion of a religious experience, when in fact, it is NOT one at all! Nonetheless, God’s children would rather, simply, “feel better” than to actually “become better,” so religious traditions are enough for them. “…HOLDING to a form of godliness, although [denying] its (the indwelling spirit’s) power…” (2 Timothy 3:1-6 NASB). Religious practices are merely ethical behaviors that have no supernatural power (anointing).

Many of God’s children won’t repent from lifelong religious practices and will continue to “do” Christianity without having an intimate, covenant relational knowledge of God, the Holy Spirit. “…Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity…” (Matthew 7:22-23 KJV). Apart from Jesus Christ, “…ye can do nothing…” (John 15:5 KJV). You can’t live a righteous life without Jesus empowering you to do so.

The one distinct feature of Christianity from all other religious is Jesus. “…"You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to [Jesus]...” (John 5 :39 NLT). “…There ... [is] … …one … who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).

Jesus reconciles you to God and God empowers you to actually LIVE a righteous life. “….Apart from [Jesus, the indwelling Holy Spirit], you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

Therefore, without a relationship with God through Christ you might as well be in any religion. “….Apart from [Jesus, the indwelling Holy Spirit], you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

Any religion can offer you a set of religious practices to follow, if that is all you are after. Christianity, however, is based upon a relationship with the Living God of creation. Making Christianity a common or ritually traditional religious practice is like, “…making the word of God of none effect through your tradition…” (Mark 7:13 KJV).

Religious practices and traditions reduce Christianity to a mere religious system, but the relationship with God through Christ elevates it to a unique and LIVELY faith EXPERIENCE, which it was meant to be!!

“…What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who isagainst us?...Who will separate us from the love of [Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?...[NO] …But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. …[Nothing]…will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord…”(Romans 8:31-39 NASB).

When you reduce Christianity to religious practices and traditions you will never transform nor will you ever bear the fruit of the spirit. Apart from Jesus Christ, “…ye can do nothing…”  (John 15:5 KJV). That why some believers, who claim to walk with God, have NEVER changed. Growing up, from childhood to adulthood is not the same as spiritual transformation.

Socialized Christians turn Christianity into a religious system that others find boring and lifeless. “…Holding to a form of godliness, although [negating] its power…” (2 Timothy 3:1-6 NASB).

Christianity was meant to demonstrate ABUNDANT LIFE, JOY, PEACE, LOVE, MIRACLES, CONTENTMENT, ETC., not BOREDOM. “…I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly…” (John 10:10 KJV). “…My joy may be in you, and thatyour joy may be made full…”(John 15:11 NASB). “….My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you…”(John 14:27 KJV). “…love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another…” (John 13:34-35 KJV). BOREDOM happens when so-called Christians, “…[make]… the word of God of none effect through [their]… tradition…” (Mark 7:13 KJV).

Christians have troubles and problems like other people, but they have the LIVING God to carry and guide them through. God promises, “… that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose …”(Romans 8:38 KJV).

“Doing” Christianity through religious practices and traditions rely on self-effort and a learned standard of moral behavior. In addition, the fact remains that apart from Jesus Christ “…ye can do nothing…” not even live an empowered righteous life (John 15:5 KJV).

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

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

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

You CAN NOT trust your heart; the heart is deceitful above all things (Jeremiah 17:9). God pays close attention to the “…hidden man of the heart…” (1 Peter 3:4 KJV). “...For from within, out of the heart of man, proceed evil thoughts… wickedness… pride...  All these evil things come from within, and defile a person.” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV).  

God knows evil proceeds from the heart, not the behavior. “…They’re a sorry bunch—pseudo-apostles, lying preachers, crooked workers—posing (behaving) as Christ’s agents but sham to the core (heart). And no wonder! Satan does it all the time, dressing up as a beautiful angel of light. So it shouldn’t surprise us when his servants masquerade as servants of God. But they’re not getting by with anything. They’ll pay for it in the end…” (2 Corinthians 11:14-15 MSG).

God took Israel through the wilderness (trials) for forty years to “….know what was in [their]…heart…” and will do the same to you (Deuteronomy 8:2 KJV).

Further doing Christianity will never produce ANY fruit. “…Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing…” (John 15:4-6 NASB).

Therefore, you will know a REAL, CHRISTLIKE Christian by their fruit.         You will clearly recognize them, “…by their fruits, [because] …every good tree bringeth forth good fruit….[and] a good tree CANNOT bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. WHEREFORE BY THEIR FRUIT YE SHALL KNOW THEM...” (Matthew 7:16-22 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control….” (Galatians 5:22-23). Therefore, “You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act (FROM THE HEART)…” (Matthew 7:16 NLT).

It is important that you carefully examine and study the difference between “doing” Christianity and “becoming” Christlike. If need to also be able to rightly examine your own self to know if YOU are “…in the faith...[or not]…” (2 Corinthians 13:5).

The bible says do a heart assessment by examining your “own” FRUIT. “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control….” (Galatians 5:22-23). “…The Holy Spirit produces  this kind of fruit in [y]our lives….” (Galatians 5 NLT).  “…The Spirit of God dwell in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).

The wheat and tares or the ones “doing” Christianity” and those “becoming” Christ-like will continue to grow together. They will also LOOK alike, in many ways, until it’s time for the examination of FRUIT. “…Allow both to grow together until the harvest; and in the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather up the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them up; but gather the wheat into my barn…”(Matthew 13:30 NASB).

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

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

In contrast, at maturity, tare have poisonous black seeds that are unhealthy for you if you eat it and it stands straight up. Wheat gives life and tares take life, “… In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God,neither he that loveth not his brother…” (1 John 3:10 KJV). “…Herebywe do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar…” (1John 2:3-4 KJV).

If you look at wheat and tare through God’s eyes, they have NEVER looked alike to Him. Remember, “...God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart…”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB).

“…By their fruits, [because] …every good tree bringeth forth good fruit….[and] a good tree CANNOT bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. WHEREFORE BY THEIR FRUIT YE SHALL KNOW THEM...”

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

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

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

If you are following Christian traditions wouldn’t you be “doing” the right things? Yes, you would, but you wouldn’t have a fruitful life.

“Doing” Christianity will always limit you to simply doing religious practices, which again, is merely ethical behaviors based on learned, socialized, and moral teachings. “…“You [are simply holding] …on to your own [fruitless traditions]...” (Mark 7:9 NLT).

“Doing” Christianity is how individual’s practice traditions of the faith that appear Christ-like outwardly, but have NO impact on the transformation of the heart. “...Woe unto you… hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness… ” (Mark 23:17 KJV).

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

LET'S EXALT THE NAME OF THE LORD!!

                                                                 GLORY: HIS NAME

“… Glory in His holy name …” (1 Chronicles 16:10 NASB).  “…I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence …” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV). “…THY NAME is GREAT in might…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).

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The bible has been translated in over twenty-three hundred languages and thus the pronunciation or spelling of Jesus’ name varies. In Hebrew it is Yeshua; in Greek Joshua, Ye su in Chinese, Jezusin Dutch, etc. Yet, “…THY NAME is GREAT in might…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).

It is “NOT” the pronunciation or the spelling that matters as much as the MEANING of the NAME. “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  “…Jesus Christ is the sameyesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV).

In EVERY language or every pronunciation or spelling the name JESUS “STILL” means:  “savior” “anointed one,” "immanuel: god is with us," or “the lord is salvation.”

No matter what language we speak; Hebrew, Greek, Chinese, Spanish, English, etc. or whatever; “HE” is “STILL” the Lord and Savior who SAVES! Sinners are being SAVED from their sins in every language.

The POWER is in the GOSPEL message “NOT” the language. “….the gospel of Christ …. is the power of God unto SALVATION TO EVERY ONE THAT BELIEVETH…” (Romans 1:16 KJV).

Jesus SAVES in every language. He is the ATONING SACRIFICE in every language. Jesus is the INDWELLING SPIRIT in every language.

It is “NOT” the name that makes HIM Lord and Savior.  It is the person BEHIND the NAME that makes it MEANINGFUL! …Behold the Lamb of God (the person), which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29 KJV). “… He (the person) is the atoning sacrifice for our sins…” (1 John 2:2 NIV).

The SON of man GIVES POWER and AUTHORITY to the NAME, because of “WHO” he is. “… The Son of Man (the person) has authority on earth to forgive sins...” (Matthew 9:6 NASB). “… Jesus (the person) …spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Mein heaven and on earth…” (Matthew 28:18 NASB).

At birth, Jesus’ NAME proclaimed WHO he is which is SAVIOR. “ … The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord…” (Luke 12:10-11 NASB).

The SAVIOR was GIVEN the name JESUS before he was concieved!!! “… When eight days had passed, before His circumcision, His name was then called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb…” (Luke 12:21 NASB).

Through JESUS God reveals his HOLY nature and divine character to mankind. His NAME distinguishes him ABOVE any other name.  “… [NOW Jesus is]…highly exalted…” with a “name which is above every name…” (Philippians 2:9).

Through Jesus God’s previous titles, references, and names - that revealed his holy nature and divine character - are represented in “THE SON.”  “The Son is the radiance of God’s GLORY and the exact representation ofhis being…”(Hebrews 1:3 KJV). ADONAI or YAHWEH or JEHOVAH or JEHOVAH ELOHIM or EL ELYON or JEHOVAH ELOHIM which means:  “Most High" “lord ” "LORD God."

ELOHIM or EL SHADDAI or EL-GIBHOR which means: “Creator, Mighty and Strong” “God Almighty” “Mighty God.”

JEHOVAH –JIREH means: "The Lord Will Provide."

JEHOVAH –RAPHA means: "The Lord Who Heals."

JEHOVAH –NISSI means: "The Lord Our Banner.”

JEHOVAH -M'KADDESH means: "The Lord Who Sanctifies or Makes Holy." 

JEHOVAH –SHALOM means: "The Lord Our Peace.

JEHOVAH H-TSIDKENU means: "The Lord Our Righteousness.”

JEHOVAH –ROHI means: "The Lord Our Shepherd.

JEHOVAH –SHAMMAH means: "The Lord Is There.

JEHOVAH –SABAOTH means: "The Lord of Hosts."

EL ROI means: "God of Seeing."

EL-OLAM means: "Everlasting God."

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

The PERSON or the SON whose NAME, JESUS, “is” the MANIFESTED PRESENCE (GLORY) of God to mankind. “…Jesus saith  … he that hath seen me hath SEEN THE FATHER…” (John 14:9 KJV). 

Jesus manifested God’s PRESENCE by what he DID. “…The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord…” (John 4:16-21 KJV).

Jesus manifested God’s PRESENCE because they were in a one Spirit, covenant relationship. God also empowered or backed him up with his POWER and the HOLY GHOST. "I and my Father are one." (John 10:30 KJV). “…God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and WITH POWER…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).

Jesus claimed he and the Father were ONE. God backed up or empowered, or PROVED Jesus’ claims. “…God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and WITH POWER: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for GOD WAS WITH HIM. And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV). “…I do nothing of myself…” (John 8:28 KJV). “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

Because God backs up Jesus’ claims with the demonstration of his POWER and the Holy Ghost; JESUS saves. “…confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and … believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (ROMANS 10:9 KJV). “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house…” (ACTS 16:31 KJV). 

 Because of God’s POWER and the Holy Ghost; JESUS becomes ONE SPIRIT with the believer. JESUS indwells the believer. “… He that is joined unto the LORD “is” ONE SPIRIT…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “…The Spirit of God dwell[s]… in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).

JESUS works “THROUGH” the believer EMPOWERING them to do the SAME works God had EMPOWERED him to DO. “…whoever believes in me WILL DO THE WORKS I HAVE BEEN DOING, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father...” (John 14:12 NIV).

Jesus gives the believer the AUTHORITY to use his POWER by the USE of his NAME. “…You can ask for anything in my name (my authority)...” (John 14:12-14 NLT). “…when the crowds saw this, they were awestruck, and glorified God, who had given such authority to men…” (Matthew 9:8 NASB). “… One day Jesus called together his twelve disciples and gave them power and authority to cast out all demons and to heal all diseases…” (Luke 9:1 NASB). “… I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you…” (Luke 10:19 NASB). “…You can ask for anything in my name (in my authority), and I will do it...” (John 14:12-14 NLT). “….You may ask for anything you want…” (JOHN 15:7 NASB). …Ask and it will be given to you…” (Matthew 7:7 NIV). “…everyone who asks receives…” (Matthew 7:8 NIV). “…I will do whatever you ask in my name (my authority), so that the Father may be glorified in the Son…” (John 14:13 NIV).

 “…And this is the confidence that we have in him (Jesus), that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us…” (1 John 5:14 KJV). “… [We] … Receive from him anything we ask, because we keephis commands and dowhat pleases him…” (1 John 3:22 NIV). “…If we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him…” (1 John 5:15 NIV).

“…You can ask for anything in my name (in my authority), and I will do it...” (John 14:12-14 NLT).

It is NOT simply the NAME that has POWER and AUTHORITY; it is the PERSON behind the NAME. “…I (the person) will do it...” (John 14:12-14 NLT).

The POWER and AUTHORITY INDWELLED “IN” JESUS, but BELONGED to GOD. “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…POWER belongeth unto God...” (Psalms 62:11 NIV). “….GOD IS ALL-POWERFUL. …glorify HIS MIGHTY WORKS…” (Job 36:22-33 NLT). “…I do nothing of myself…” (John 8:28 KJV).

God GAVE JESUS the POWER and AUTHORITY. “… Jesus  … spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth…” (Matthew 28:18 NASB).

The same POWER and AUTHORITY DWELLS in the believer, but BELONGS to JESUS. “…God’s Spiritdwells inyou?...” (1 Corinthians 3:16 NASB).

 “…It is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…Christ in you, …” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). “…May he (the indwelling Spirit, his power and authority) work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).  “…Apart from Me you can do nothing…” (John 15:4-6 NASB).

Jesus GAVE the BELIEVER the “SAME” indwelling POWER and AUTHORITY. “… One day Jesus called together his twelve disciples and gave them power and authority to cast out all demons and to heal all diseases…” (Luke 9:1 NASB). “…It is God which worketh IN YOU … to do(exercise power and authority)…” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…Jesus Christ IS IN YOU…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).  

“…In this world we are like Jesus (exercising power and authority)…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). Therefore, “…You can ask for anything in my name (in my authority), and I will do it...” (John 14:12-14 NLT).

The “same” ABILITIES JESUS had to heal, cast out devils, and deliver he GAVE to the believer. They possess, the indwelling Holy Spirit (POWER, AUTHORITY) to DO what Jesus DID. What DID Jesus DO? “…The Spirit of the Lord … [was] … upon … [him[, because he hath anointed … [him] … to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent … [him] … to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord…” (John 4:16-21 KJV).

“…he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also...” (John 14:12 NASB).

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

The believer is also ANOINTED (set apart and ordained) with the HOLY SPIRIT and POWER. “…he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also...” (John 14:12 NASB).

Therefore, “…You can ask for anything in my name (in my authority), and I will do it...” (John 14:12-14 NLT). ““….You may ask for anything you want…” (JOHN 15:7 NASB). …Ask and it will be given to you…” (Matthew 7:7 NIV).

How do you EXERCISE this POWER and AUTHORITY? First, “KNOW” that Jesus has GIVEN YOU permission to USE his NAME. Using his NAME is like having his POWER-of-attorney.

A power-of-attorney is the GIVEN right to ACT for another person with their FULL permission. “… ask for anything in my name (with my power-of-attorney)..” (John 14:12-14 NLT).

Having his POWER-of-Attorney is the same as actually BEING Jesus and having “HIS” power and authority. “…He [or she]… that is joined unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT….” (1 Corinthians 6:17). “…I and my Father are…ONE…" (John 10:30 KJV).  “…that they may all be one;even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us…” (John 17:21-23 NASB).

Second, when YOU make requests, to God, the Father, using Jesus’ NAME or his POWER-of-ATTORNEY, he “WILL” hear YOU as if he is actually hearing Jesus himself. “…Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, thank you for hearing me. You always hear me...”(John 11:41-42 NLT). “…This is the confidence that we have in him (Jesus), that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us [too]…” (1 John 5:14 KJV).

 Third, when you MAKE a REQUEST or DECREE and USE Jesus’ NAME the Holy Spirit FULFILLS it! “…I will do whatever you ask in my name (with my power-of-attorney) …” (John 14:13 NIV). “…I will do it...” (John 14:12-14 NLT). “…I do nothing of myself…” (John 8:28 KJV). “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

Fourth, Jesus is WITH you – through his indwelling Spirit -as INSURANCE or a GUARANTEE that your REQUEST “will” be done. “….Again I say to you, that if two  (YOU and Jesus) of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst….” (Matthew 18:19-20 NASB).

Jesus NAME is GREAT and is ABOVE any other NAME, because JESUS, the person, is HIGHLY EXALTED. “… [Jesus is]…highly exalted…” with a “name which is above every name…” (Philippians 2:9). “…I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified (manifested, revealed) in the Son…” (John 14:13 NIV).  “… Jesus saith unto him …he that hath SEEN ME HATH SEEN the Father …” (John 14:9 KJV). “…The Son is … the EXACT representation of his being…” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV).

Therefore, “…Trust in the Lord with all thine heart…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “… lean not unto thine own understanding…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).  “ … In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “…The steps of a good man are ordered (directed) by the Lord: …” (Psalms 37:23 KJV). “…The commandments ofthe Lord are right, bringing JOY to the heart…” (Psalms 19:8 NLT). “…JOYful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions ofthe Lord…” (Psalms 119:1 NLT). God is “…watching over [his[… word to perform it…” (Jeremiah 1:12 NASB). “…It (his word) shall not return unto [him]… void, but it shall accomplish that which [God]… please[s], and it shall prosper in the thing whereto [God]… sent it…” (Isaiah 55:11 KJV). 

“…I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified (manifested, revealed) in the Son…” (John 14:13 NIV).

Because of WHO Jesus is as a person, his NAME, alone, has exalted POWER and AUTHORITY in ALL of earth and heaven. “… Jesus (the person) …spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Mein heaven and on earth…” (Matthew 28:18 NASB).  And NOW Jesus has “…given such authority to men…” (Matthew 9:8 NASB). “… I have given you authority …” (Luke 10:19 NASB). Thus,“…You can ask for anything in my name (in my authority), and I will do it...” (John 14:12-14 NLT).

The POWER and AUTHORITY “is” in the NAME, but BACKED or empowered by the PERSON. “…I do nothing of myself…” (John 8:28 KJV). “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

“…I will do whatever you ask in my name (with my power-of-attorney) …” (John 14:13 NIV). “…I will do it...” (John 14:12-14 NLT).

 “…I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified (manifested, revealed) in the Son (and NOW “IN” the BELIEVER…” (John 14:13 NIV). “…It is God which worketh IN YOU … to do …” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “…the Father  … doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “… Until nowyou have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive…” (John 16:24 NASB).

“… so that the Fathermay be glorified (manifested, revealed) …” (John 14:13 NIV).

GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT, IS AN AWESOME GOD!

                                                               
  GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT IS                                                                           AWESOME!

“…Moses said, “…show me your glory.” …The Lord said, “I will cause all my GOODNESS to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence…” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV).

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God, THE HOLY SPIRIT IS AN AWESOME GOD! HIS HOLY GLORY is basically manifested in the MANY expressions of his invisible QUALITIES OR PRESENCE. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). Jesus said, "I and my Father are…ONE…" (John 10:30 KJV).  “…Now the Lord is that Spirit…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV). “… the Lord, in your presence…” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV). “… You set me in Your presence forever…” (Psalms 44:12 NASB). “…YOU MAKE HIM “MOST” BLESSED forever … in YOUR PRESENCE…” (Psalms 21:6 NASB).

“…Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…Christ in you, …” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). “…The Spirit of God dwell[s] in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).  “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me…” (Galatians 2:20 KJV).“…if Christ be in you… [then] …the Lord …[is] … in your presence …” (Romans 8:10 KJV &Exodus 33:16-23 NIV).

Thus, God’s HOLY GLORYis the manifestationof the invisible PRESENCE OR QUALITIES,  his HOLY GOODNESSES are witnessed in his DIVINE NATURE and his HOLYGOOD DEEDS, through his HOLY ETERNAL POWER.  “… “I will cause all my GOODNESS to pass in front of you …” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV). “… 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). “….the whole earth is full of [God’s]…glory (manifested goodness or good deeds)…” (Isaiah 6:3). “….God saw every thing he had made……and, [said] … it was VERY GOOD…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).

“…Thou are GOODand doestGOOD…” (Psalm 119:68 KJV). The bible says, “…for the lord is GOOD…” (Psalm 100:5 KJV). ““…Oh how great is thy GOODNESS…” (Psalm 31:19 KJV). “…for he is GOOD…” (Psalm 107:1 KJV). “..The lord is GOOD…” (Nahum 1:7 KJV). “…GOODand upright is the Lord…” (Psalm 25:8 KJV). “…For thou, Lord, is GOOD…” (Psalm 86:5 KJV). Thou are GOOD and doest GOOD…” (Psalm 119:68 KJV).

God’s HOLY GOODNESS is witnessed in the desirable qualities of his HOLY DIVINE nature, his MANY benevolent kindnesses, and his everlasting, righteous excellence.

God’s HOLY GLORYis also manifested in the proclamation of his HOLY NAME (JESUS OR THE LIVING WORD OF GOD). “… Glory in His holy name …” (1 Chronicles 16:10 NASB).  “…I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence …” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV). “…THY NAME is GREAT in might…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).

The various forms of the TRUE God’s name(s) carries with them DIVINE meaning, DIVINE purpose, DIVINE sovereignty, DIVINE POWER and HIGHLY distinguishes him from any other false gods, PROVING OUR GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD! “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).

“…Moses said, “…show me your glory.” …The Lord said, “I will cause all my GOODNESS to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence…” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV).

What is God’s HOLY GLORYin this verse? God’s HOLY GLORY embodies ALL the manifestations of HIS DIVINE NATURE and ETERNAL POWER which reveals his presence, his HOLY GOODNESSES, his HOLY GOOD DEEDS, and his HOLY LOVE that distinguishes him from ALL other false gods.“…Thou (God) are GOOD and doest GOOD (holy goodness)…” (Psalm 119:68 KJV). “… Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful (holy) deeds among all the peoples…” (1 Chronicles 16:24 NASB). “… Glory in His holy name …” (1 Chronicles 16:10 NASB).  

As a child you were told not to look directly at the sun.  If you do happen to look at the sun with the naked, human eye, the damage to the retina is irreversible.

God’s HOLY GLORY is more brilliance than that of the sun. “… And the city had no need ofthe sun … for the (holy) glory of God did lighten it …” (Revelation 21:23 KJV).

God’s HOLY GLORY is manifested through his creations.  His HOLY GLORY alone is so SET APART from SIN and SO PURE it is like a blinding, transparent light that is too brilliant for the naked human eye. “… It shonewith the GLORY ofGod, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal…” (Revelation 21:11 NIV).

In Exodus, “…Moses said, “…show me your glory.” …The Lord said …“you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.” … When my GLORY passes by, I will …cover you with my hand until I have passed by …” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV).

Looking directly at the sun damages the eyes, looking at God’s HOLY Glory will kill you. “…You cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live …” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV).

God’s HOLY GLORY embodies ALL the manifestations of his DIVINE NATURE and ETERNAL POWER which reveal his presence, his HOLY GOODNESSES, his HOLY GOOD DEEDS, and his HOLY LOVE that distinguishes him from ALL other false gods. “…Thou (God) are GOOD and doestGOOD…” (Psalm 119:68 KJV). “… Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples…” (1 Chronicles 16:24 NASB). “… Glory in His holy name …” (1 Chronicles 16:10 NASB).

God’s HOLY Glory, UNLEASHED, is too RADIANT on the human eye; he has to put it in earthen vessels. “… When my GLORY passes by, I will …cover you with my hand until I have passed by …” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV). “ …we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us...” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV).

God’s HOLY Glorydistinguishes HIM from all other false gods “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).

His HOLY Glorymarks him with supreme and superior in  and his magnificence is MATCHED by NO other deity or human.  “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV). “…majestic in holiness…” (Exodus 15:11 KJV).

God’s HOLY gloryestablishes him in a category all by himself, “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV). “…You are veryGREAT;You are clothed in SPLENDER Covering Yourself with LIGHT as with a cloak…”(Psalm 104:1-2 NASB).“…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).

His HOLY Gloryplaces Him HIGH above all other worldly riches, above earth, or heaven. “…His radiance is like the sunlight; He has rays flashing from His hand…” (Habakkuk 3:4.NASB). “… Let Your glory be above all the earth…” (Psalms 57:5, 11 NASB). “… His glory is above earth and heaven…” (Psalms 148:13 NASB).

God’s HOLY Gloryis flawless and “…there is none like unto thee, O LORD; thou art GREAT, and THY NAME is GREAT in might…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV). “…. the whole earth is full of [your]…(HOLY) glory…” (Isaiah 6:3).

There are many explanations and definitions for God’s HOLY GLORY. I will only discuss three aspects of God HOLY GLORY: the visible or audible manifestationof his HOLY Glory, the eternal power of his HOLY Glory, and the radiant witness of his HOLY glory.

The visual or audible manifestations of his HOLY GLORYwas often reported in the bible “..And ye said, Behold, the Lord our God hath SHEWED us his GLORY and his greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire: we have SEENthis day that God doth talk with man, and he liveth…” (Dueteronomy 5:24 KJV). “…The heavens declare the GLORYof God…” (Psalms 19:1 KJV).  “…The heavens are tellingof the glory of God…” (Psalms 19:1 NASB). “…God’s glory is on tour in the skies…” (Psalms 19:1 MSG).

“… The heavens declare His righteousness, And all the peoples have seen His glory…” (Psalms 97:6 NASB).

“It came even to pass, as … [they] praised the Lord, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the Lord; So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the GLORY of the Lord had filled the house of God…” (2 Chronicles 5:13-14 KJV).

“…..Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest SEEthe GLORY of God?” (John 11:40 KJV).

“….The God of GLORY APPEARED unto our father Abraham…” (Acts 7:2 KJV).

“… the glory of the Lord appeared to all the congregation...” (Numbers 16:19 NASB).

“… He has appeared in His glory…” (Psalms 102:16 NASB).

“…Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and SAW the GLORY of God…” (Acts 7:55 NIV).

“And the temple was filled with smoke from the GLORY ofGod and from his power … ”(Revelation 15:8 KJV).

“… to the eyesof the sons of Israel the appearance of the glory of the Lord was like a consuming fire on the mountain top…” (Exodus 24:17 NASB).

 “And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the GLORY of God did lighten it…” (Revelation 21:23 KJV).

“And [For 40 years] [God’s glory] went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light (His glory); to go by day and night…Moses could not enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the GLORY of the Lord filled the tabernacle.  So the cloud of the Lord was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the SIGHT of all the Israelites during all their travels…” (Exodus 13:21 KJV; Exodus 40: 35-38 NIV).

“… The heavensdeclare his righteousness, and all the people “SEE” HIS GLORY…” (Psalm 97:6 KJV).

The pillar of cloud, pillar of fire, and the smoke represented God’s presence and were visual manifestations of his GLORY. These objects of God’s GLORY were visible to the Israelites.  “…Behold, the Lord our God hath SHEWED us his GLORY and his GREATNESS…” (Deuteronomy 5:24-25 KJV).

In the midst of the fire they heard the audible manifestation of his HOLY GLORY “…Behold, the Lord our God hath shewed us his glory and his greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire: …” (Deuteronomy 5:24-25 KJV).

The POWER of his HOLY GLORY is manifested through his presence witnessed in his HOLY GOOD DEEDS. “…..This sickness is not unto death, but for the GLORY ofGod…” (John 11:4 KJV). “…Jesus said to her, "Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will SEE THE GLORY OF GOD?…”(John 10:40 NASB). “…Jesus said…I AM the resurrection and I AM the life…..” (John 11:25 KJV). “And HE THAT WAS DEAD CAME FORTH, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go...”(John 11:43-44 KJV).

“….HE THAT WAS DEAD CAME FORTH...” was the manifestation of his HOLY GLORY and HOLY GOOD DEEDS. “….I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “…all GLORY to God, who is able, through his mighty power … to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think …” (Ephesians 3:20-21 NLT).

The RADIANCE of his HOLY GLORY is manifested in his presence and witnessed “THROUGH” Jesus Christ. “…The Son is the radiance ofGod’s GLORY and the exact representation of his being…”(Hebrews 1:3 KJV).

“And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the GLORY of God the Father” (Philippians 2:11 KJV).

 “For God, who commanded the light to shine out ofdarkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the GLORY of God in the face of Jesus Christ…” (2 Corinthians 4:6 KJV).

“If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength Godprovides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the GLORY and the power for ever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 4:11 NIV).

“And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the GLORY of Goddid lighten it, and the Lamb (Jesus) is the light thereof…” (Revelation 21:23 KJV).

“… His glory is great through Your salvation…” (Psalms 21:5 NASB).

When you know what his HOLYGLORY is, like the angels, you can personally recognize God’s HOLY GLORY when you SEE it. You can acknowledge it, praise it, or reverence it.  “…“Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his GLORY…” (Isaiah 6:3). “…the earth is filled with the LORD's GLORY…” (Number 14:21 NLT).

Remember, Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, said “….everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus [our]… Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ…” (Philippians 3:8 NLT).

 “…Jesus Christ is Lord, to the GLORY of God the Father…” (Philippians 2:11 KJV). “The Son (Jesus) is the radiance of God’s GLORY and the exact representation of his being….”(Hebrews 1:3 KJV). “….everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus [our]… Lord. …” (Philippians 3:8 NLT).

As his child, God wants you to see his HOLY GLORY and experience the power of his HOLY GLORY. “He said to [them].., "You are My Servant, Israel (HIS PEOPLE), In Whom I will show My GLORY…” (Isaiah 49:3 NASB).

You are servants of God. He WANTS to show you His HOLY Glory which he confirms “through” Christ. “….The Word (Jesus) became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we [can see] His (God’s) GLORY  (goodness, good deeds)…” (John 1:14 NASB). You can see God’s HOLY Glory because, “… The Son (Jesus) is the radiance of God’s GLORY and the EXACT representation of his being….”(Hebrews 1:3 KJV).

God’s HOLY GLORY is the PRESENCE of God himself and ALL the RICHES that COMES with him. What are the “riches” of His HOLY GLORY? “…The mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make KNOWN what is the RICHES of the GLORY…..; which is CHRIST IN YOU, the hope of glory:…” (Colossians 1:25-28 KJV). “…I pray that out of the riches of His GLORY, He may strengthen you with POWER through His Spirit in your inner being…” (Ephesians 3:16 NIV).

The manifestation of his presence witnessed through the RICHES of his HOLY GLORY is “Christ in YOU.” The question changes FROM: “What is God’s Glory,” TO: “Where is His Glory?”

This truly boggles the mind, but it is nonetheless true, His HOLY Glory is IN YOU!  “…To whom God would make KNOWN [where]… the riches of the glory [is]….. which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:…” (Colossians 1:25-28 KJV). “ …We (YOU) have this treasure in earthen vessels,that the excellency of the POWER may be of God, and not of us...” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV).

God’s HOLY GLORY is his manifested PRESENCEexperienced through Christ Jesus. “…Know ye not your own selves …that Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians KJV). “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV). “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” (1 Corinthians 6:19 KJV). “…God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people” (2 Corinthians 6:16 KJV).

“… We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves…” (2 Corinthians 4:7 NLT).

Believers have RECEIVED the GIFT of the HOLY GLORY (God’s presence) through the indwelling Holy Spirit. When you don’t know the value of something you will abuse it. Paul knew he had received something priceless and valuable. “….everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus [our]… Lord. …” (Philippians 3:8 NLT).

The “…riches of God’s (Holy) glory….” highly contributes to the welfare, overall health, and healing of ALL mankind. “…I will put a new spirit in you. …” (Ezekiel 36:26 NLT). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…The Spirit of God dwell[s]… in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).  “…May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together—spirit,soul, and body…” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 MSG). “…Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…Jesus Christ maketh thee whole…” (Acts 9:34 KJV). NLT).

God’s HOLY GLORY is his manifested presence or the qualities of his divine nature and eternal powerwitnessed through his creation, his grace, his mercy, his salvation in Jesus Christ, his love, his indwelling Holy Spirit, the way he sustains and upholds the world, through his magnificent promises, though his many benevolent, gracious, and good deeds, through the air we breathe, through sunshine and rain, through his refuge and strength, through his many comforts, and the list could go on and on. “ … I will extol You, my God, O King, And I will bless Your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless You, And I will praise Your name forever and ever. Great is the Lord, and highly to be praised, And His greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall praise Your works to another, And shall declare Your mighty acts. On the glorious  splendor of Your majesty And on Your wonderful works, I will meditate.  Men shall speak of the  power of Your awesome acts, And I will tell of Your greatness.  They shall eagerly utter the memory of Your abundant goodness And will shout joyfully of Your righteousness. The Lord is gracious and merciful; Slow to anger and great in lovingkindness. The Lord is good to all, And His mercies are over all His works. All Your works shall give thanks to You, O Lord, And Your godly ones shall bless You.They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom And talk of Your power; To make known to the sons of men Your mighty acts And the glory of the majesty of Your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And Your dominion endures throughout all generations. The Lord sustains all who fall
And raises up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all [look to You, And You give them their food in due time.You open Your hand And satisfy the desire of every living thing. The Lord is righteous in all His ways And kind in all His deeds. The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He will also hear their cry and will save them. The Lord keeps all who love Him, But all the wicked He will destroy.My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord, And all flesh will bless His holy name forever and ever…” (Psalms 145 NASB).

When you say “GLORY” you are giving PRAISE to the manifested PRESENCE or QUALITIES of God's DIVINE NATURE and ETERNAL POWER witnessed in healing, Godly love, everything that has breath, music, certain people that “contain” his glory, spirit-filled sermons, all of creation, Godly deeds, conversions, the birth of a baby, a flower, the stars, a bird, etc. “… Praise Him in the heights! Praise Him, all His angels; Praise Him, all His hosts! Praise Him, sun and moon; Praise Him, all stars of light! Praise Him, highest heavens, And the waters that are above the heavens! Let them praise the name of the Lord, For He commanded and they were created. He has also established them forever and ever; He has made a decree which will not pass away.  Praise the Lord from the earth, Sea monsters and all deeps;Fire and hail, snow and clouds; Stormy wind, fulfilling His word; Mountains and all hills;Fruit trees and all cedars; Beasts and all cattle; Creeping things and winged fowl; Kings of the earth and all peoples; Princes and all judges of the earth; Both young men and virgins; Old men and children. Let them praise the name of the Lord, For His name alone is exalted; His glory (manifested PRESENCE) is above earth and heaven. And He has lifted up a horn for His people, Praise for all His godly ones; Even for the sons of Israel, a people near to Him. Praise the Lord!” (Psalms 148 NASB).

Everything that belongs to God will manifest or REVEAL his HOLY GLORY. Believers BELONG to God and “contain” his HOLY GLORY through the indwelling Holy Spirit which MAKES them into NEW CREATIONS. “…Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God. But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do nothave the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.)….” (Romans 8:8-11 NLT).

God’s people and ALL of his creation will exhibit his HOLY GLORY. “…Let every created thing give praise(be a witness of his PRESENCE) to the Lord…” (Psalms 148:5 NLT).

His HOLY GLORY is his manifested PRESENCE or the QUALITIES of his DIVINE NATURE and ETERNAL POWER witnessed through the natural world in many ways, including through God’s REDEEMED people, who "truly" BELONG to him. “… All Your works shall give thanks to You, O Lord, And Your godly ones shall bless You…” (Psalms 145 NASB).

No matter how God chooses to manifest his PRESENCE (GLORY) his HOLY SPIRIT is the SOURCE of it ALL!! “[God’s] …Holy Spirit …is the SOURCE [of it ALL]…” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

God’s HOLY GLORY is CLEARLY manifested in the MANY expressions of his invisible PRESENCE. or qualities “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “… the Lord is that Spirit…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV). “… the Lord, in your presence…” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV). “… [God makes YOU] ... “MOST” BLESSED forever … in … [his] … PRESENCE…” (Psalms 21:6 NASB).

GLORY! HOLY GLORY!! our god is an awesome god!!

 

WHAT DO YOU MEAN WHEN YOU SAY, YOU ARE BLESSED?

                                                                
YOU ARE BLESSED

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 “….he took them (the children) up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and BLESSED THEM.….” (Mark 10:16 KJV). “…God blessed them…” (Genesis 1:28 KJV).

 

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What do you mean when you say, “I AM BLESSED?” “…Blessed be the God …who HATH blessed “US” with ALL spiritual blessings …in heavenly places “IN” Christ…” (Ephesians 1:3 KJV).  

Remember blessings are “unmerited” favors FROM God and are a sign of his relationship with you. [They]… ENJOYthe PROMISE OF BLESSINGS “because” THEY BELONG TO CHRIST JESUS…” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT).  

Blessings are also an expression of God’s divine kindness (GRACE OR FAVOR) toward his redeemed people. “…Because of the grace that is GIVEN to [you]… of God…” (Romans 15:15 KJV). “…According to the grace of God which is GIVEN unto [you]…” (1 Corinthians 3:10 KJV). “… [It is]…expressed in his kindness [toward you]…[also]…“IN” Christ Jesus...” (Ephesians 27 NIV). “…It is [God]… who BLESSES “THE” RIGHTEOUS MAN, O Lord, You surround him WITH FAVORas with a shield…” (Psalms 5:12 NASB).  “…THY BLESSING is upon “THY” PEOPLE…” (Psalms 3:8 KJV). “…YOU MAKE [THEM]... “MOST” BLESSED forever…” (Psalms 21:6 NASB).

To be "in" a position to receive DIVINE blessings from God means you belong to him and are “IN” a “one spirit” covenant relationship with him, with his purpose, and with his will (1 Corinthians 6:17). “….We are his; we are HIS PEOPLE...” (Psalms 100:3 KJV). “… [His people]… ENJOY the PROMISE OF BLESSINGS because THEY BELONG TO CHRIST JESUS…” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT).  “…But he (God’s people) that is joined unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).

However, God shows GRACE to every one through salvation.

If you were sentenced to die, your head was on the chopping block, the axe was raised, and ready to strike, but God’s grace stopped the execution of your death…would you say you were blessed? “…the wages of sin is DEATH…” (Romans 6:23 KJV).

Well, you were DOOMED to die. You deserved it, you had earned it and were worthy of DEATH.  “… [However, it is]… through God’s kindness ….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).

BUT, God’s heart was determined to BLESS you with his “unmerited” favor of loving grace. “…Every one of us is GIVEN GRACE according to the measure of the gift of Christ…” (Ephesians 4:7 KJV). “…I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth … I DELIGHTin these things…” (Jeremiah 9:23-24 NLT). “…God SHOWED HIS GREAT LOVE FOR US by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners (worthy of death)…” (Romans 5:7-9 NLT). God …sent His Son to be the propitiation (substitute, intervention) for our sins.” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…[God]…sent His Son...” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life…” (John 3:16 KJV).

So when I say “I AM BLESSED,” I am saying: 1. I have been shown GRACE (unmerited favor). “….We have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the richesof his grace…” (Ephesians 1:7 KJV).

2. I have been given spiritual LIFE (unmerited favor). “…HE Himself GIVES to all people LIFE and BREATH and all things…” (Acts 17:25 NASB). “…I charge you in the presence of God, who GIVES LIFE to all things…” (1 Timothy 6:13 NASB). “…the HOLY SPIRIT…  [GIVES]… birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE…” (John 3:6 NLT).

3. I have been restored back into a right relationship with God (unmerited favor). “…We have obtained our introductionby faith into this “GRACE” in which we stand…” (Romans 5:2 NASB). “…a right relationship with God…comes by faith…” (Romans 4:13 NASB).

4. I have been given the indwelling Holy Spirit (unmerited favor). “…the Spirit of God dwell in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).  “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth “in” you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV). “…God hath said, I will dwell “in” them, and walk in them…” (2 Corinthians 6:16 KJV).

5. I have ALL the riches of God’s glory (unmerited favor). “...the richesof the glory … which is Christ in you…” (Colossians 1:27 KJV).

6. I have ALL the promises of Jesus Christ (unmerited favor). “…As many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes …also … Amen …” (2 Corinthians 1:2 NASB).

I have all these BLESSINGS (unmerited favors) FROM God and therefore I am BLESSED.

However, the gateway to these blessings (unmerited favors) comes “BY GRACE.” (Ephesians 2:8-9). You must APPROACH every BLESSING by GRACE. “..Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of GRACE, that we may obtain mercy, and find GRACE to help in time of need…”(Hebrews 4:16 KJV). “…for 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).

It is “…BY GRACE [you have]… been saved THROUGH FAITH…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). By GRACE have you received the blessing of SALVATION, SPIRITUAL LIFE, a RIGHT relationship with God, the RICHES of his glory, the INDWELLING Holy Spirit, and the PROMISES of God, which are yes and amen in Christ Jesus ONLY.

GRACE is the key that OPENS up every spiritual BLESSING God has in store for those who BELONG to him.“…Those who BELONG TO Christ Jesus …” (Galatians 5 NLT). [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).  

Not everyone BELONGS to God. “…But he that is joined unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT [with him]…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “…Because YOU BELONG to him… (And remember that those who DO NOT have the Spirit of Christ living in them DO NOT BELONG TO HIM at all.)” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).

God’s children are the ones who have RECEIVED Jesus and belong to him. “… AS MANYas received him, to them GAVE HE POWER TO BECOME THE “SONS” OF GOD (children of God)…” (John 1:12 KJV).  “…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” [their]… HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…the Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE…” (John 3:6 NLT).

 The BLESSINGS of God originate“…BY GRACE …” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).

I was worthy of death, but “by grace” I am alive in Christ Jesus. “…the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23 KJV). “…YE SHALL DIE IN YOUR SINS:for IF YE BELIEVE NOT THAT I AM HE, YE SHALL DIE IN YOUR SINS…” (John 8:24 KJV). “…the free gift of God is eternal LIFE in Christ Jesus our Lord…” (Romans 6:23 NASB). “…Christ …died for sins ONCE for all, …[and]…made [you]… ALIVE in the spirit…” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB).

 God LOVES me and “by grace” I am loved forever. “…God SO LOVED the world, that he GAVE…” (John 3:16). “…Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that HE LOVED US...” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “We love, because HE FIRST LOVED US…” (1 John 4:19 ASV). God “…SPARED NOT his own Son, but delivered him up FOR US ALL…” (Romans 8:32 KJV). “….God SHOWED HIS GREAT LOVE FOR US by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners…” (Romans 5:7-9 NLT). “…… [Nothing]…will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord…”(Romans 8:31-39 NASB). He has “….loved [you]...with an everlasting love….” (Jeremiah 31:3 KJV). “…There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life…” (John 15:13 NLT).

God completely forgave me. “by grace” I am forgiven and my sins are eternally forgotten. “…I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more…" (Hebrews 8:12 NIV). “…I WILL heal their apostasy, I will love them freely, For My anger has turned away from them.…” (Hosea 14:4 KJV). His “…love covereth a multitude of sins…” (Proverbs 10:12, 1 Peter 4:8 ASV). “…REPENT ye therefore, and BE CONVERTED, that your sins may be blotted out…” (Acts 3:19 KJV).

God continually shows me mercy. “by grace” I am shown mercy every single day. “…It is of the Lord's MERCIESthat we are not CONSUMED, because his compassions FAIL NOT. They are NEW EVERY MORNING: great is thy faithfulness…”(Lamentations 3:22-23 KJV). “…Mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB). “…HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…” (Micah 7:18 KJV). “… he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever…” (2 Chronicles 5:13-14 KJV). “…The Lord is MERCIFUL and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in MERCY…” (Psalms 103:8 KJV). “…For as the heaven is high above the earth, so GREAT is his MERCY toward them that fear him…” (Psalms 103:11 KJV). “…THE MERCY of the Lordis from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children…” (Psalms 103:17 KJV).

God saved me. “by grace” I am saved and have eternal life. “…for 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). “…The GIFT of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ ….” (Romans 6:23 KJV). 

God chose me. God loved me before I loved him, and he freely gave me ALL things. “By grace” I am chosen; I am loved; and I have freely been given ALL spiritual blessings. "…You did not choose me but I chose you….” (John 15:16 ASV).  “…WE LOVE, because he FIRST loved us…” (1 John 4:19 ASV). “… [God]…HATH blessed us with ALL spiritual blessings…” (Ephesians 1:3 KJV). “…WE GIVE you (God) only what you first gave us! …” (1 Chronicles 29:14 NLT). “…that was [God’s]… plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his GRACE through Christ Jesus…” (2 Timothy 1:9 NLT).

In other words, God chose to give me what I didn’t deserve before the beginning of time and “by grace” I have received what I didn’t deserve FROM God. “… God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we DESERVED it…” (2 Timothy 1:9 NLT). “…Where [your]…sin increased, [God’s]...GRACE abounded all the more…” (Romans 5:20 NASB). God’s “…GRACE is sufficient for you…” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NASB).

God made me into a new creation, made me acceptable, and listens to me. “By grace” I am a new creation. I am accepted by God, who NOW listens to my prayers and communicates with me. “…If any man be in Christ, he is a NEW creature ….behold, ALL THINGS are become NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).“… [God]…hath made “us” ACCEPTED in the beloved …” (Ephesians 1:6 KJV).“…we know that God heareth NOT sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, HIM HE HEARETH…” (John 9:31 KJV).  “…This is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, HE HEARETH US…” (1 John 5:14 KJV).

God freed me from the dictatorship of sin so I am no longer a slave to my carnal nature. “BY GRACE”I am FREE to follow after the Holy Spirit. I am FREE to walk in TRUTH. “…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). “…if the Son…shall make you FREE, ye shall be FREE indeed.” (John 8:36 KJV).

In addition, to all the SALVATION BLESSINGS (grace, spiritual life, a right relationship with God, the indwelling spirit, the riches of his glory, his promises, etc); there are ongoing, perpetual BLESSINGS (unmerited favors) infused in the everyday life and events of God’s people.

“…And it shall come to pass, if thou (my children) shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: And ALL THESE BLESSINGs SHALL COME ON THEE, and overtake thee…” (Deuteronomy 28:1-2 KJV).

GOD SAID TO ABRAHAM: “… And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed…” (Genesis 12:3 KJV).

AND TO THE BELIEVERS: “…Christ hath redeemed us ….That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith…” (Galatians 3:13-14 KJV).

God’s BLESSINGS depends STRICTLY on his LOVING character/nature AND his relationship with YOU. There are GENERAL BLESSINGS that are bestowed on the righteous and unrighteous, but there are SPECIFIC BLESSINGS that are bestowed ONLY on the righteous.

GENERAL blessings are things such as air, sunshine, rain, the resources of the earth, the OPPORTUNITY to be saved, and physical life, which are bestowed on the righteous and unrighteous. “…He causes His sun to rise on theevil and the good, and sends rain on therighteous and the unrighteous…” (Matthew 5:45 NASB).

SPECIFIC blessings such as ALL the “unmerited,” abounding, unlimited FAVORS FROM God are bestowed upon his children “IN” Christ Jesus. “… [They]… enjoy the promise of blessingsbecauseTHEY BELONG TO CHRIST JESUS…” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT).  

Blessings or divine “unmerited” favors from God are experienced by the indwelling POWER of the HOLY SPIRIT and by the external KINDNESSES FROM God. God is the BLESSOR and His Children are the RECIPIENTS. “…Your blessing be upon “Your people!” Selah…” (Psalm 3:8 NASB). “…The LORD “will” BLESS his people with peace…” (Psalm 29:11 KJV).

“…We are HIS PEOPLE...” (Psalms 100:3 KJV). WHO? “…Those who BELONG TO Christ Jesus …” (Galatians 5 NLT). “…Because YOU BELONG to him … (And remember that those who do not havethe Spirit of Christ living in them DO NOT BELONG TO HIM at all.)” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “… [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).  “….You (also) belong to God…” (1 John 4:4 NLT). “…He that is joined unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT [with him]…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “….thosewho do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them DO NOT BELONG TO HIM at all.)” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).

Old Testament examples of being divinely BLESSED were always based on the RECIPIENTS of the BLESSINGS having a covenant relationship with God or BELONGING to him. “…For I will have respect unto you …and establish my covenant with you.…” (Leviticus 26:9 KJV). “…the Lord thy Godwill set thee on high above all nations of the earth: And ALL THESE BLESSINGs SHALL COME ON THEE, and overtake thee…” (Deuteronomy 28:1-2 KJV).

 However, the RECIPIENT’S loyalty and commitment to the relationship with God was often impacted by apostasy (unfaithfulness). “…”if” thou (the recipients) shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments …” (Deuteronomy 28:1-2 KJV).

Nevertheless, over the years, history informs us that God’s people repeatedly abandoned him and the covenant relationship. “…They ABANDONED ME and did not obey my word….”(JEREMIAH 16:11 NLT). “…They ABANDONED the Lord… they turned their backs on him….” (2 Chronicles 29:6 NLT).“…The Lordreplies, “This has happened because my people have ABANDONED MY INSTRUCTIONS; they have refused to obey what I said….” (JEREMIAH 9:13 NLT).

“…For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning…” (Romans 15:4 KJV). “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition…” (1 Corinthians 10:11 KJV).

What happened, in the OT, when the recipients of God’s BLESSINGS were not loyal or committed, but abandoned the covenant relationship instead? …“…“IF” you refuse to LISTEN to the Lord your God and do not obey all the commands and decrees, …all these curses will come and overwhelm you:…” (Deuteronomy 28 NLT).

The New Testament experiences of being divinely BLESSED are also based on the RECIPIENTS of the BLESSINGS having a covenant relationship with God and BELONGING to him too. “… [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).  

The New Testament RECIPIENT’S loyalty and commitment to the covenant relationship with God is also be impacted by apostasy (unfaithfulness); BUT JESUS makes the difference.“…Jesus has becomethe guarantor of a better covenant…” (Hebrews 7:22 NIV). “…In him (Jesus) ALL THINGS  (including YOU)…hold together…” (Colossians 1:7 NIV). “…[Jesus is]…sustaining ALL THINGS (including YOU)… by his powerful word…” (Hebrews 1:3 NIV). “….Apart from Me (Jesus), you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

Therefore, “… [we are]…looking unto Jesus the AUTHOR (originator) and FINISHER (sustainer) OF OUR… FAITH…” (Hebrews 12:2a KJV). “…HE (Jesus) WHICH HATH “BEGUN” A GOOD “WORK” IN YOU WILL “PERFORM” IT until the day of Jesus Christ…” (Philippians 1:6 KJV). “…it is God who worketh in you…” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).

SO “…ye are not under the law (the dos and don’ts of life), but under GRACE…” (Romans 6:14 KJV). “…When you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses. …” (Galatians 5 NLT). “…You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you…For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).“…My GRACE is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness...” (2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV). “…Great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD” (Psalms 117:2 KJV).

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

 

APOSTLE PAUL "CALLED" ON JESUS THROUGHOUT HIS MINISTRY

THE PRAYERS OF APOSTLE PAUL

“…For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved…” (Romans 10:1 KJV).  “…Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer…” (Romans 12:12 KJV).    

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Apostle Paul, was a finite, human being just like God’s other redeemed people, and after, his conversion he became sold-out to serving God. His prayers are noteworthy.

Paul was actually a man named Saul before he met Jesus on the Damascus Road. He had the kind of background that didn’t really fit in with Christian ways or beliefs. “…though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more:circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless…” (Philippians 3:5-6 NIV).

In addition, he was protected, most of his life, from intermingling with or being contamination by the Gentiles on any level.

In other words, they looked at the Greeks as heathens, even though Saul and his family were Roman citizens. “…Paul said to the centurion standing there, “Is it legal for you to flog a Roman citizen who hasn’t even been found guilty?” When the centurion heard this, he went to the commander and reported it. “What are you going to do?” he asked. “This man is a Roman citizen.” The commander went to Paul and asked, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?” “Yes, I am,” he answered. Then the commander said, “I had to pay a lot of money for my citizenship.” “But I was born a citizen,” Paul replied. Those who were about to interrogate him withdrew immediately. The commander himself was alarmed when he realized that he had put Paul, a Roman citizen, in chains…” (Acts 22:22-29 NIV).

Saul and his family also saw Jerusalem as a sacred place. In fact, Saul went to the Holy city to learn about the “law of the ancestors”, from the infamous rabbi, Gamaliel. “…I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city. I studied under Gamaliel and was thoroughly trained in the law of our ancestors. I was just as zealous for God as any of you are today…” (Acts 22:3 NIV).

Saul became so good at the “law of the ancestors” he could debate, like modern day apologists, it with the best, defend it, or prosecute those who broke it. He was headed toward becoming one of the Sanhedrin, who were considered the highest court officials of the land and ruled over Jewish life and religion.

However, Saul was OVERLY zealous about the “law of the ancestors.” “…though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more …zeal [for]… persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless…” (Philippians 3:5-6 NIV).

“…I am a Jew …I studied under Gamaliel and was thoroughly trained in the law of our ancestors. I was just as zealous for God as any of you are today…” (Acts 22:3 NIV).

When the apostles were bought into the Sanhedrin to defend the gospel and Jesus Christ, Saul was present and more than ready to prosecute them, by stoning them to death, for breaking the “law of the ancestors.” “…Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings! The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross. God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins. We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. 35 Then he addressed the Sanhedrin: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing.  After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah…” (Acts 5:27-42 NIV).

Saul, probably, heard many trials on Jesus followers. He, most likely, attended Stephen’s and other stoning deaths of Christians. Saul was a BIG part of the Jews who persecuted the church in Jerusalem. “…Now Saul approved of putting Stephen to death. And on that day a great persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except for the apostles…” (Acts 8:1 MSG).

Saul, along, with many others were zealous about getting RID of Jesus followers. Saul was like a terrorist towards the followers of Christ and truly thought he was doing the will of God by protecting the “law of the ancestors.” “…Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison…” (Acts 8:1 NIV).

Saul was a RELIGIOUS TERRORIST toward Jesus followers UNTIL he had a personal encounter with Jesus Christ on the Damascus Road. “…Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem.

As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.

He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied.

“Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”   The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone.

 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus.

For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything. In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered. The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying.

  In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem.

And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”

Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”

Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus.

  At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. All those who heard him were astonished and asked, “Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name?

And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?” Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah…” (Acts 9:1-22 NIV).

Saul, of course, had heard about “this” Jesus or possibly, even witnessed his death upon the cross, but may have never encountered him, personally.

Nonetheless, on the Damascus Road, Saul met Jesus, for himself, and it turned his life upside down.

He was told to go to a man named Ananias. Ananias, along with other followers knew about Saul’s earlier reputation and wasn’t eager to help him, but the God, the Holy Spirit had spoken. “…But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name…” (Acts 9:15-16 NIV).

Ananias obeyed God’s instructions: “…Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus…” (Acts 9:17-20 NIV).

Saul’s conversion to Apostle Paul was AMAZING to ALL who witnessed it. “…At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. All those who heard him were astonished and asked, “Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name?  And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?” Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah…” (Acts 9:19-22 NIV).

Saul NOW Apostle Paul went ALL IN and proved, undoubtedly, that he was SOLD OUT, convinced, and believed that Jesus was the Christ. “…Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah…” (Acts 9:22 NIV).

Saul now Apostle Paul was being persecuted, along with the rest of the followers of Christ. He was driven out of Judea and beginning preaching and teaching in Jerusalem, Arabia, Syria, Damascus, Cilicia and went, on a mission trip, to Antioch with Barnabas. “…Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord … Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch…” (Acts 11:19-21, 24-26).

Saul spent most of his CALLING in Gentile areas and became known, by them, only as Apostle Paul.“…Saul, who was also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit…” (Acts 13:9 NIV).

Apostle Paul went on to WRITE many of the New Testament books. He spent the REST of his life proclaiming the GOOD NEWS of Jesus Christ and facing much suffering. “…Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea,I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked…” (2 Corinthians 11:24-27 NIV).

Apostle Paul’s conversion teaches us that God’s saves ANYONE, no matter how evil they are, and can POWERFULLY transform them into NEW CREATIONS who willfully choose to do the WORK of the Kingdom of God.

Apostle Paul was HUMBLED by his conversion and the fact he was a finite, unworthy human being God, himself, through Jesus, had chosen to USE. God, the Holy Spirit, working “in” and “through” him employed Saul in the work of the Kingdom. “…God …works in you TO WILL and TO ACT in order to fulfill his good purpose…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…Now may … God  … work [within 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).

“…The [indwelling] … HOLY SPIRIT …does the work (of deliverance) IN and THROUGH [his people or his willing vessels]… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “...The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power (to deliver) THROUGH each of us (through each willing vessel)… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

Apostle Paul said: “… I served the Lord with great humility and with tears and in the midst of severe testing by the plots of my Jewish opponents…” (Acts 20:19 NIV).

Paul was BOLD, worked hard as God’s witness, servant, and willingly told others of his incredibly conversion. “…He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!...” (Acts 28:31 NIV).

Apostle Paul “actively” expressed his DEVOTION to God, the Holy Spirit. “…Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guardand to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear…” (Philippians 1:12-14 NIV).

Apostle Paul was SAVED through a miraculous conversion and in spite of all his hardships or his sufferings, he LIVED a LIFE in Christ that was an EXAMPLE for all followers. Apostle Paul was the one who said: “…For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain…” (Philippians 1:21 NIV).

Many of Apostle Paul’s prayers indicated he desired the SAME experience, not only for himself, but for his brothers and sisters-in-Christ too.“…For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).

Paul prayed for others’ salvation. “…Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved…” (Romans 10:1 KJV).

Paul encouraged his fellow brethren to continually pray. “…Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer…” (Romans 12:12 KJV).

Paul asked for prayer for himself, his Christians works, and the refreshing of his brethren. “…Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints; That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed. Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen…” (Romans 15:30-33 KJV).

Paul reminded his brethren that people were praying for laborers like them. “...As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you. Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words! …” (2 Corinthians 9:13-15 NLT).

Paul prayed for his personal problems, but knew if he was not immediately healed, God’s grace was sufficient. “…And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought (in prayer) the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me…” (2 Corinthians 12:7-9 KJV).

Paul prayed for his brethren to do the right thing, because he would have to correct them in TRUTH if they didn’t. “…Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates. For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection…” (2 Corinthians 13:7-9 KJV).

Paul prayed fervently and earnestly for the spiritual wisdom, insight, and growth for his fellow brethren. “…Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is  the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all…” (Ephesians 1:15-23 KJV).

Paul prayed for his brethren’s spiritual growth, a closer relationship with God, through Jesus, to know the depth of God’s love, and about the mighty indwelling power working within each of them. “…For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen…” (Ephesians 3:14-21 KJV).

Apostle Paul has recorded prayers throughout the New Testament that revealed his OWN desire to know Jesus Christ, for himself, and for others to know him too. “…And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen…” (Ephesians 3:14-21 KJV).

Apostle Paul prayed for and asked for prayer concerning his work of making disciples, winning souls to Jesus, spreading the gospel everywhere, and ministering to the Gentiles wholeheartedly. “…Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ…Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should…” (Colossians 4:3 NLT).

Paul’s personal encounter with Jesus was miraculous and radical, but so was his ministry for Jesus. He came to VALUE “knowing” Jesus above all else and PRAYED for others to do the same.

It was Apostle Paul who said; “….everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus [our]… Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ…” (Philippians 3:8 NLT).

 

OBEDIENCE TOWARD GOD IS AN EXPRESSION OR ACT OF WORSHIP

YOUR OBEDIENCE TO GOD IS AN EXPRESSION OR

ACT OF WORSHIP!

“…If you love me, you will keep (ACT UPON) my commandments…” (John 14:15). “…to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness...” (Romans 6:16 KJV).“... If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love...” (John 15:1-10 KJV).“… [Jesus]... bec[ame] obedient unto death, even the death of the cross...” (Matthew 20:28 & Philippians 2:8 KJV).  “…I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will but the will of him that sent me” (John 6:38 KJV).

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“…If you love me, you will keep (ACT UPON) my commandments…” (John 14:15).  WORSHIP IS AN ACTIVE EXPRESSION OF DEVOTION TOWARD GOD. So what does YOUR obedience to God consist of? Obedience to God consist of  HUMAN CHOICE, an ACT of the will. Obedience to God is NOT forced upon any of the redeemed; it is “their” CHOICE to obey God or not to obey God.

For example, Adam and Eve were the first, living souls, to be given a CHOICE to obey or not to obey. God, the Holy Spirit, GAVE them one HOLY instruction:  “…of every tree of the garden THOU MAYEST FREELY EAT: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou  SHALT NOT EAT of it; for in THE DAY THAT THOU EATEST thereof THOU SHALT SURELY DIE…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV).

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

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

Not only is obedience to God a CHOICE, but it is a willful ACTION of submission to HIS instructions as the ONE who has sovereign authority over your life.

Obedience as a “willful” ACTION means it is the redeem’s loving desire to submit to God’s instructions. Jesus said: “…not My will, but Yours be done..." (Luke 22:42-43 NIV).

The “ONE” in sovereign authority over the redeem’s life is God, the Holy Spirit. “…If the Lord will, [I] ...shall live, and do this, or that...” (James 4:16 KJV). “…not My will, but Yours be done..." (Luke 22:42-43 NIV).

When the redeemed person SUBMITS to God, the Holy Spirit, they are choosing to willfully YIELD their human wills to HIS divine will. “…to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness...” (Romans 6:16 KJV).

Yielding in willful obedience, to whomever you CHOOSE, means you have decided to COMPLY with “their” instructions for your life. “…to whom ye ...[CHOOSE TO]...yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye...[CHOOSE TO]... obey...” (Romans 6:16 KJV).

Not only is obedience a CHOICE and a WILLFUL ACTION; it is a demonstration of LOVE for the ONE you follow. “...why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?...” (Luke 6:46 KJV).“...If you love me, you will keep (cooperate with or follow) my commandments (the things I say to you through my word)…” (John 14:15).

Obedience cannot be REDUCED to simply following a bunch of religious rules and regulations. God’s holy instructions don’t just guide ethical or religious behaviors, but they also transform the human heart. “...This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me...” (Mark 7:6 KJV).  “…for thy heart is not right in the sight of God…” (Acts 8:21 KJV).

Those who, through self-effort, follow or adhere to the list of rules, regulations, biblical instructions, or commandments greater than others, often, consider themselves MORE holy or righteous.“… Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their ownrighteousness and scorned everyone else: “Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector.The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector!  I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’  I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted…” (Luke 18:9-14 NLT).

Self-effort or trying to follow God’s Holy instructions through the flesh is NOT obedience and will NOT profit the believer. “...the flesh (sinful nature) profits nothing…” (John 6:63 NASB).  “…The sinful nature is always hostile to God …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “...[The SINFUL NATURE]... never did obeyGod’s (HOLY) laws, and it never will…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).“…The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants ...so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. ……” (Galatians 5 NLT). “….“…I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “… [ALL have become]…..unclean and [their so-called] righteousnesses (efforts to do right is) as filthy rags….” (Isaiah 64:6 KJV).  “... APART FROM [Christ]... you can do nothing …” (John 15:1-11 NASB). “…[jesus “is”] ...the GIFT of righteousness (goodness)…” (Romans 5:17 KJV)."....The [indwelling] ...Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [y]our lives...goodness …” (Galatians 5 NLT).

The problem with MERELY following or adhering to rules, regulations, biblical instructions, and commandments, through self-effort,  is that it MAY help regulate BEHAVIOR, but it “WON’T” transform the human heart. It is the heart that matters to God.“...God seesnot as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart…”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB). God zooms in on the “…hidden man of the heart…” (1 Peter 3:4 KJV).

Obedience NEVER comes from the outside in (through behavior), but from the inside out (through transformation). God knows it is “…from within, out of the heart of man, proceed evil thoughts… wickedness…All these evil things come from within, and defile a person.” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV).

The heart “…is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked…who can know it [except God?]…” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV).

“…What shall it profit a man (woman), if he (she) shall gain the whole world (through ethical or religious behaviors), and lose his (her) own soul?...” (Mark 8:36 KJV).

Following rules and regulations, though self-effort or the flesh could lead to hypocrisy.  

“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward (religious), but are within (the heart) full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness… ” (Matthew 23:27 KJV).

 “...Trivialize even the smallest item in God’s Law (Holy Word) and you will only have trivialized yourself. But take it seriously, show the way for others, and you will find honor in the kingdom. Unless you do far better than the Pharisees in the matters of right living, you won’t know the first thing about entering the kingdom...” (Matthew 5:19-20 MSG).

 “…He  (Jesus) knew what was in each person’s heart…” (John 2:24-25 NLT).

“...hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup (religious behavior) and of the platter, but within (in the heart) they are full of extortion and excess...” (Matthew 23:13-33 KJV).

“...hypocrites!... Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. ..” (Matthew 23:13-33 KJV).

“…This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me…” (Mark 7:6 KJV).   “… Many deceivers have gone out into the world…” (2 John 1:7 NLT).

“…If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person IS A LIAR and is not living in the truth…” (1 John 2:4 NLT).  “…If we “SAY” that we have fellowship with him, and WALK IN DARKNESS (in disobedience), WE LIE, and DO NOT THE TRUTH…” (1 John 1:6 KJV). 

Authentic OBEDIENCE comes from a sanctified HEART. “...God SEES NOT as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD LOOKS AT THE HEART…”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB). “…No one needed… to tell him about human nature, for he knew what was in each person’s heart…” (John 2:24-25 NLT). “…Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men…” (Acts 1:24 KJV). “… He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth. The Lord examines both the righteous and the wicked…” (Psalm 11:4-5 NLT).

A sanctified HEART comes from the indwelling Spirit which also EMPOWERS God’s people to obey his Word. . “…I can do ALL THINGS through Christ  …” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

Authentic obedience will EMPOWER you, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, to follow and adhere to God’s commandments, which means it is NOT gained by self-effort or duty-bound behavior. “….apart from Me (the invisible, indwelling Holy Spirit), you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

Authentic obedience REQUIRES trust in, dependency upon, and EXPRESSIVE ACTIONS FROM THE HEART empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit. “…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).

1)     You TRUST INthe indwelling Holy Spirit to WORK obedience “in” and “through” you.“…The [invisible] … HOLY SPIRIT …does the work (of obedience) IN and THROUGH [his people]… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).“...The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power (to enable obedience) THROUGH each of us … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

2)     You DEPEND UPONthe indwelling Holy Spirit to strengthen and empower you to obey. “…I can do ALL THINGS through Christ (by depending upon him)  which strengtheneth me …” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “…God …works in you TO WILL (to want to obey) and TO ACT  (to actual obey) in order to fulfill his good purpose…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV).

3)     You ACTIVELY OBEY through the HELP of the indwelling Holy Spirit by willfully choosing to follow and adhere to God’s instructions (WORD). “… Let the Holy Spirit guide your lives (by choosing to obey with the empowering HELP of the Holy Spirit). Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. …” (Galatians 5 NLT). “…I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye…” (Psalms 32:8 KJV).

Jesus trusted in, depended upon, and obeyed with God, the HELP of the invisible Holy Spirit.. “...He(Jesus) gave Himself over to Him (God, the Holy Spirit who judges) ...justly (fairly)...” (1 Peter 2:23 KJV). “…I (Jesus,) do nothing of myself…” (John 8:28 KJV). “…the Fatherthat dwelleth in me (Jesus), he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). HOW? “…God (the Holy Spirit) anointed (empowered) Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit (himself) and POWER,…” (Acts 10:38 NIV).

 “…Jesus of Nazareth ... went around doing good and healing all  (HOW?)...because …God [the holy spirit]… was with him…” (Acts 10:38 NIV).

“…The [Holy] ...Spirit of the Lord (of Jesus)  … anointed [empowered HIM] 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).

REMEMBER, “… [Jesus was EMPOWERED by the Holy Spirit FIRST and then he] ...went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; [BECAUSE] ...GOD WAS WITH HIM…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV). “…Apart from [God, the Holy Spirit] YOU can do nothing….” (John 15:5 KJV).

Was God, the HOLY SPIRIT, worshipped and glorified through Jesus’ obedience? “…Jesus saith  … he that hath seen me hath SEEN THE FATHER…” (John 14:9 KJV).  “…The Son is … the EXACT representation of his being (presence, power, goodness, etc.)…”(Hebrews 1:3 KJV). “...Jesus explained, "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does...” (John 5:19 NLT).

Jesus was a WITNESS for God’s GLORY by what he DID in OBEDIENCE. Through Jesus’ active expression of obedience people could WITNESS God, the Holy Spirit’spresence or divine nature, his eternal power, or his "simply" his GLORY. “…The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord…” (John 4:16-21 KJV).“… [Jesus] ...went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; [BECAUSE] ...GOD...[the Holy Spirit]... WAS WITH HIM…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).

Jesus was a WITNESS to God’s GLORY (his divine nature and eternal power upon the earth) because he was also in a covenant relationship with HIM. "...I and my Father are one.,," (John 10:30 KJV). “…I do nothing of myself…” (John 8:28 KJV). “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…for GOD WAS WITH HIM. And we are witnessesof all things which he did …” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).

God’s MANIFESTED GLORY through Jesus backed up and PROVED Jesus was WHO he claimed to be. “…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 witnessesof all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).

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

 “…I do nothing of myself…” (John 8:28 KJV). “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

Jesus, had an earthen vessel, just like YOU, so WHO “actually” DID the WORKS, through HIM?

The Holy Spirit, within Jesus, actually DID the WORKS. “…[Jesus said]…the Father (the Holy Spirit) that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).  “... 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). “…Ye shall know [those with the indwelling Holy Spirit]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV).

“…He who ABIDES in Me and I in him (her), he (she) bears much fruit… ” (John 15:1-11 NASB). "… [if you] ...bear much fruit, [you] ... 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). “…God (the Holy Spirit) publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know. …” (ACTS 2:22 KJV).

God backs up Jesus’ claims with the demonstration of his DIVINE NATURE and ETERNAL POWER. For instance, JESUS saves through God’s INDWELLING NATURE and POWER “...Believeon the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house…” (ACTS 16:31 KJV).

“…God saved us...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 (GOODNESS) through Christ Jesus…” (2 Timothy 1:9 NLT). “…Since it is through God’s kindness  (GOOD NATURE)…[and] not by [your] good works... [it].. is—free and undeserved…” (Romans 11:5 NLT).

GOD’S GLORY IS WITNESSED THROUGH  Jesus’ WILLFULL, ACTIVE EXPRESSION OF OBEDIENCE, WHICH WITNESSED HIS DIVINE NATURE AND ETERNAL POWER UPON EARTH. “…The invisible [Holy Spirit]…from the creation of the world …[was] ...clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made…” (Romans 1:20 KJV). “... The [invisible]...Holy Spirit produces (makes)... this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. …” (Galatians 5 NLT).

“… [GOD, THE INDWELLING] … HOLY SPIRIT …does the work (of EMPOWERING OBEDIENCE and PRODUCING SPIRITUAL FRUIT) IN and THROUGH all of us who are his… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). "… [The]… Father is glorified (his divine nature and eternal power WITNESSED) by this, that “YOU” bear much fruit (spiritual fruit), and ...PROVE to be [his]… disciples” (John 15:8).

WHEN YOU, like Jesus, TRUST IN, DEPEND UPON, AND ACTIVELY OBEY WITH THE HELP OF THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT by following God’s instructions; YOUR WORSHIP, AN ACT OF OBEDIENCE, TOWARD GOD WILL BE WITNESSED

Your obedience is not MERE acts of your flesh witnessed through religious behaviors, but obedience is also an active expression of a HEART DEVOTED to God the Holy Spirit. It is also REVEALED through willful submission to follow God’s instructions for your life.

Obedience is NOT an act of duty or obligation, but one of LOVE. “….love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind…” (Luke 10:27 KJV). AND “…If you love me, you will keep (cooperate with or follow) my commandments …” (John 14:15).

Obedience is a CHOICE, it is WILLFUL SUBMISSION, and it is an ACT OF LOVE. No one is perfectly obedience, but they have a desire to be obedient, and will daily make an effort to work out their own salvation.“….WORK OUT [your]… own salvation…” (Philippians 2:12 KJV). “

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

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

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

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

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

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

How can you obey and work out your OWN salvation on a daily basis? “…[You]... can do ALL THINGS through Christ (the Word of God) which strengtheneth ...[you]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). .“…it is God (the indwelling Holy Spirit) which worketh in [you]…both to will  (to desire to obey) and to do (to actually obey)...” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “….Apart from Me (the Word of God; the indwelling Spirit), you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

Working out your OWN SALVATION is also a CHOICE. “… [You]… are given...exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be PARTAKERS of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance PATIENCE; and to PATIENCE godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ…[CHOOSE TO]...GIVE DILIGENCE TO MAKE YOUR CALLING AND “ELECTION” SURE; FOR IF YOU “DO” THESE THINGS, YE SHALL NEVER FALL...” (2 Peter 1: 4-9 KJV).

BELIEVERS have a CHOICE to willfully SUBMIT and loving FOLLOW God’s instructions. “... I ...[choose to] ... die daily...” (1 Corinthians 15:31 KJV). "…My Father is glorified by this, that “YOU” bear much fruit (much spiritual fruit)” (John 15:8 NIV).

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

"…My Father is glorified by this, that “YOU” bear much fruit (much spiritual)...” (John 15:8 NIV).

When god’s glory is upon something or someone, it means, at that moment, IT OR THEY are being a witness OF HIS DIVINE NATURE AND ETERNAL POWER. “…The Son (Jesus, the Word of God) is the RADIANCE (witness, revelation) of God’s Glory (his presence, his power, his goodness) and the EXACT representation of his being (Holy nature))…” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV). “…Jesus saith unto him, Have I (the WITNESS of  his Holy Spirit) been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath SEEN ME (Jesus) HATH SEEN the Father (God, the Holy Spirit); and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?” (John 14:9 KJV). “… I (Jesus) and my Father (the Holy Spirit) are ONE [and the same]…” (John 10:30 KJV).

“..... [Jesus]... took the humble position of a slave  ...” (Philippians 2:5-7 NLT).

“…[Jesus]...HUMBLED himself and became obedient unto death (inward), even the death of the cross (outward)…” (Philippians 2:8 KJV).  

“… [Jesus] ...went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; [BECAUSE,] ...GOD [THE HOLY SPIRIT] ...WAS WITH HIM…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV). “…The Father that dwelleth in [JESUS], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

“…Jesus saith unto him ...he that hath SEEN ME (Jesus) HATH SEEN the Father (God, the Holy Spirit)...” (John 14:9 KJV).

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

GLORIFIED BY WHAT? YOUR WORSHIP,, WHICH IS ACTIVE OBEDIENCE TOWARD GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT AND HIS COMMANDMENTS!

 

 

THE POWER AND ANOINTING IS "IN" EACH OF GOD'S REDEEMED CHILDREN

THE POWER AND ANOINTED IS IN

EACH OF GOD'S REDEEMED CHILDREN

“…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son (the WORD) “INTO” [YOUR HEART]…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…Jesus Christ (the WORD) is IN YOU…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). Jesus had another name. “… His name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “…THE WORDS … theyARE SPIRIT…”(John 6:63 KJV). "...THE ANOINTING (JESUS CHRIST, GOD'S WORD) YOU RECEIVED FROM [GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT]... ABIDES IN ...[GOD'S REDEEMED PEOPLE]..." (1 JOHN 2:27 KJV).

*

 

God emphasizes HIS “POWER” to SAVE is “IN” his WORD. The WORD is the ACTUAL POWER OF GOD THAT CAN SAVE you! “… [THE WORD] It is the power of God at work (miraculously), saving everyone who believes (depends)…” (Romans 1:16 NLT).

God generously DISPLAYS his ETERNAL POWER“IN” and “THROUGH” his people by the POWER of the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT.

These ACTS of God’s POWER are displayed as CONFIRMATION that God’s WORD still brings “ALL THINGS” into existence.

SALVATION, for instance, is an ACT of God’s POWER and it is meant to strengthen one’s FAITH or dependency upon God’s WORD too. “… Believe me (depend upon me, the WORD) that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me (depend upon me) for the very works' sake…” (John 14:11 KJV).

God’s people have experienced and witnessed God’s POWER, throughout biblical history. God has NOT changed. “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  “Jesus Christ is the sameyesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV).

God’s power is clearly seen by the things he makes, creates, or brings into existence.

God’s POWER is able to CREATE, SAVE, DELIVER, COMFORT, GUIDE, EMPOWER PURPOSE, HEAL, ENDOW WITH PEACE, LOVE, KEEP COMPANY WITH YOU, PROVIDE JOY, PROVIDE, ETC. ETC.

For EXAMPLE, all of Creation was the result of his POWER (Genesis 1 & 2). The flood (the first one ever) was done by his hand (Genesis 7 & 8). During the tower of Babel, it was God who confused the languages (Genesis 11). Sodom and Gomorrah was destroyed by the rain of fire and brimstone from heaven (Genesis 19). Lot’s wife was turned into a pillar of salt Genesis 19). Sarah and Abraham conceived Isaac in their old age (Genesis 21).

God spoke to Moses through a burning bush and the bush was NEVER actually consumed by the fire (Exodus 3). God changed Aaron’s rod into a serpent (Exodus 7). God miraculously sent 10 plagues upon Egypt until they let HIS people go (Exodus 7-14). God parted the Red Sea so HIS people could cross over to the other side (Exodus 14).

After traveling for days God’s people were thirsty and came to a body of water called Marah and found the water to be bitter. They cried out to God and God turned the water sweet, so they could drink it (Exodus 15).

God’s people also got hungry as they traveled through the wilderness. God sent them manna from heaven for days and days to provide for their nourishment (Exodus 16).

Balaam was sent to curse God’s people, but his donkey was stopped by angels sent by God. Balaam beat the donkey in order to make him continue the journey, but God made the donkey speak to Balaam and explain why he couldn’t continue (Exodus 22).

God gave Joshua instructions on how to win the battle with Jericho and he WON (Joshua 6).

The Amorites had attacked the Israelite’s allies and God allowed them to avenge them and win the battle by stopping the SUN from going down for a WHOLE day (Joshua 10).

God also sent LARGE stones from heaven to help them in the battle (Joshua 10).

God gave Samson extraordinary human strength. He slayed a lion with his bare hands and defeated an entire army with the jawbone of an ass (Judges 13-16).

A widow woman was low on flour and oil, and was preparing, for her and her son, to die from hunger. But God had mercy on her by causing the flour and the oil to increase continually and she was able to feed Elijah and her household until the dry season stopped (1 Kings 17:8-16).

At the prayers of Elijah, God bought a drought upon the land and then at his prayers the rain miraculously returned, even though initially there was NOT a single cloud in the sky (1 Kings 18).

God delivered three Hebrew boys from a fiery furnace without a scorch, burn, or the smell of smoke on any of them (Daniel 3).

God delivered Daniel from the mouths of lions when he was thrown into the den with a whole bunch of them (Daniel 6).

God delivered Jonah from the belly of a whale and returned him safety to land (Jonah 2).

Jesus was miraculously and specially created to be an atoning sacrifice for the sins of the people. He was born of a virgin, and conceived by the Holy Spirit (John 1 & Luke 1).

Jesus healed blind people, deaf people, a woman with a spirit of infirmity, lepers, and many others (Matthew 9:27-31; John 9:1-7; Mark 7:31-37; Luke 13:11-17, 19:11-19).

Jesus turned water to wine (John 2:1-11). Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11:38-44). Jesus blessed the fishermen with supernatural increase (John 21:1-14) Jesus fed thousands, twice, with a few loaves of bread and some fish (Matthew 14:32, 15:32 & Mark 6:30, 8:1; Luke 9:10, & John 6:1-14).

Jesus delivered people from demons (Matthew 8:28; Mark 1:23, 5:1; & Luke 4:33, 8:26). Jesus STILLED the storm (Matthew 8:23 & Mark 4:37, & Luke 8:22). Jesus walked on water (Matthew 14:25; Mark 6:48, & John 6:15). Jesus ROSE from the dead (John 21:1-14).

All these ACTS of GOD reveal ALL the things God’s GREAT ETERNAL POWER is ABLE to DO or PERFORM.

God is ALL-POWERFUL and ALL POWER belongs to HIM. “…powerbelongs to God…” (Psalms 62:11 NASB).

God’s POWER allows HIM to do IMPOSSIBLE things. “…The things which are impossible with men are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV).

God’s POWER confirms NOTHING is TOO HARD for HIM. “…I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). Is your DELIVERANCE impossible

God’s POWER confirms God is ABLE to do as he PLEASES and NO ONE can STOP him. “…he does whatever pleases him…” (Psalms 115:3 NIV).  AND “…All the PEOPLES of the earth are regarded as nothing…. [El Shaddai] … does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT).

God’s POWER confirms he is MORE than CAPABLE of DOING whatever HIS WORD says HE WILL DO! “…[I AM]…Persuaded ... what he (God)…promised (through his WORD)….he [is]…able to perform….” (Roman  4:21 KJV).

God’s POWER IS AN INHERENT PART OF THE WORD of GOD. “… [THE WORD] It is the power of God at work (miraculously), saving everyone who believes (depends, trusts, has faith in, etc.)…” (Romans 1:16 NLT). “….TO [THOSE]…WHO ARE SAVED, [THE WORD] IS THE POWER OF GOD….” (1 Corinthians 1:18 KJV). “…UNTO THEM, WHICH ARE CALLED…[THE WORD IS]…THE POWER OF GOD…” (1 Corinthians 1:24 KJV).

IT is the POWER,  inherent, in God’s WORD that BOUGHT everything into EXISTENCE. “…All things came into being through Him (the POWER inherent in his WORD), and apart from Him (the POWER inherent in his WORD) nothing came into being that has come into being … (John 1:1-4 NASB).

The POWER inherent in God’s Word strengthens his TRUSTWORTHINESS and dependability among his people. “…This beginning of miracles (demonstrating and confirming the POWER inherent in HIS WORD)did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifestedforth his glory; and his disciples believed on him (depended upon him)…” (JOHN 2:10-12 KJV).

Not only can God’s people TRUST and DEPEND upon him to DO what he SAYS he will DO, but they can be ASSURED of God’s trustworthiness “TO” do it! “…All your commands are TRUSTWORTHY…” (PSALM 119:86 NLT). “… “Everything you have heard … is TRUSTWORTHYand true…” (REVELATION 22:6 NLT).. “…the Scripture says, "WHOEVER [depends upon or trusts in] HIM (Jesus, the Word) WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED…" (ROMANS 10:11 NASB).

God’s people can RELY upon his POWER to HELP them through difficult situations and circumstances of life. “…The Lord helps them, rescuing them from the wicked. He saves them, and they find shelter in him…” (Psalms 37:40 NLT). “…Blessed are those who wait for his help…” (Isaiah 30:18 NLT). “…The Lord who made you and helps yousays: Do not be afraid …my servant …my chosen one…” (Isaiah 44:2 NLT). “… The Sovereign Lord helpsme…” (Isaiah 50:7 NLT).  “… The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT). “…You are my helper and my savior…” (Psalms 40:17 NLT).

God USES his POWER to HELP his people so they will “KNOW” him. “….Then you will know that I am the Lordyour God…’” (Exodus 16:12 NLT).

Depending UPON the POWER of God to work “IN” and “THROUGH” you by the indwelling Holy Spirit is essential in building a STRONG foundation of TRUST in the covenant relationship with God. “…You can ask for anything in my name (the word of god), and I “will” do it...” (John 14:12-14 NLT). “…You can ask for anything in my name (jesus, the word of god)...” (John 14:12-14 NLT). “….You may ask for anything you want…” (JOHN 15:7 NASB). “…Ask and it will be given to you…” (Matthew 7:7 NIV). “…everyone who asks receives…” (Matthew 7:8 NIV).  “…God … is able, through his mighty power … to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think …” (Ephesians 3:20-21 NLT).

YOU CAN TRUST GOD, YOUR COVENANT PARTNER AND CAREGIVER!!

GOD CONFIRMS THE POWER INHERENT IN HIS WORD IN ORDER TO BUILD THE TRUST BETWEEN YOU AND HIM.

HE WANTS YOU TO KNOW HE IS THE LORD, YOUR GOD. YOUR TRUSTING AND DEPENDABLE GOD!

God wants his people to SEE him as their GREAT, MIGHTY, and POWERFUL God and personal CAREGIVER. . “….Then you will know that I am the Lord your God…’” (Exodus 16:12 NLT). “… I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob as El-Shaddai—‘God Almighty’—but I did not reveal my name, Yahweh, to them…” (Exodus 6:3 NLT).

Every biblical STORY recorded about God’s POWER is to ENCOURAGE his people to TRUST and DEPEND upon his GREAT and MIGHTY ability to LOVE them, CARE for them and provide for their EVERY need. “…For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning…” (Romans 15:4 KJV).  “…the things which are impossible with men … 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). “…Trust in the Lord with all thine heart…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).  “…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).

Remembering, studying, and being AWARE of the GREAT things God’s has DONE can encourage TRUST and DEPENDENCY upon God’s POWER.  “…The things which are impossible with men … [are]… POSSIBLE [with God] …” (Luke 18:27 KJV). “…[god will] doeth the [CONFIRMING] works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

There are so MANY human weaknesses. There are so MANY human limitations. There are so MANY situations and circumstances that are out of human control. “…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). “…that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things…” (2 Corinthians 8:9 KJV). “…He willkeep you strong to the end…” (1 Corinthians 1:8 NLT).

Human ability, ALONE, is “NOT” sufficient to sustain all the troubles one faces in LIFE. “…When I am weak, then am I strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10 KJV). “…[God’s] strength is made perfect in weakness...” (2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV). “…I can do ALL THINGS through Christ which strengtheneth me…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

 “…When [you are]…weak, then [are you]…strong …[God’s]… power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NIV).  

WE NEED HIS HELP AND HE READILYHELPS!!! “…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). “…The Lord helps them, rescuing them from the wicked. He saves them, and they find shelter in him…” (Psalms 37:40 NLT). “…Blessed are those who wait for his help…” (Isaiah 30:18 NLT). “…The Lord who made you and helps you says: Do not be afraid …my servant …my chosen one…” (Isaiah 44:2 NLT). “… The Sovereign Lord helps me…” (Isaiah 50:7 NLT).  “… The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT). “…You are my helper and my savior…” (Psalms 40:17 NLT). “..Therefore come boldly unto the throne of GRACE, that [you]… may obtain mercy, and find GRACE to help in time of need…”(Hebrews 4:16 KJV). “….Then you will know that I am the Lord your God…’” (Exodus 16:12 NLT).

When God HELPS he HELPS through the POWER of his Holy Spirit. “…..This is the WORD of the LORD, [spoken through, the mouthpiece,] Zerubabel, saying, Not by [human] might, nor by [human] power, but by my (GOD’S) Spirit…” (Zechariah 4:6 KJV).

“…The things which are impossible with men are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV).

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

No matter how weak YOU are; the WORD of GOD is NOT WEAK, but can be DEPENDED upon for its inherent POWER to ACCOMPLISH far more than YOU can ASK or THINK. “…all GLORY to God, who is able, through his mighty power… to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think …” (Ephesians 3:20-21 NLT).

The WORD of GOD has the inherent POWER to WORK “ALL THINGS” together for GOOD when you LOVE him and have been CALLED according to his purpose. You have been “… called out of darkness into his marvellous light” (1 Peter 2:9 KJV). “…I chose YOU....” (John 15:16 ASV). “…All things work together for GOOD (God’s kind of good) to them that LOVE GOD, to them who are THE CALLED to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 KJV). “… [The evil one] … meant evil against … [you] … but … [God, the Holy Spirit] … meant it for good…”  (GENESIS 50:15:21).

“… [Thus,]… this is the confidence that we have in him (Jesus, the WORD), that, if we ask any thing according to his will (his word), he heareth us…” (1 John 5:14 KJV). “… [We] … Receive from him anything we ask, because we keephis commands (follow his instructions) and do what pleases him…” (1 John 3:22 NIV). “…If we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him…” (1 John 5:15 NIV).

God is ALL-POWERFUL and ALL POWER belongs to HIM. “…powerbelongs to God…” (Psalms 62:11 NASB).

God’s POWER allows God to do IMPOSSIBLE things. “…The things which are impossible with men are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV).

God’s POWER means NOTHING is TOO HARD for HIM. “…I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). Is your DELIVERANCE impossible?

God’s POWER CONFIRMS God is ABLE to do as he PLEASES with people, situations, circumstances, and any other  ISSUE his PEOPLE may FACE. “…[ALL] powerbelongs to God…” (Psalms 62:11 NASB).  “…he does whatever pleases him…” (Psalms 115:3 NIV).  AND “… All the PEOPLES of the earth are regarded as nothing…. [The ALL POWERFUL God] … does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT).

God’s POWER CONFIRMS he is MORE than CAPABLE of HANDLING whatever HIS WORD SAYS he WILL HANDLE! “…[god’s power persuades his people that]... what he…promised (IN HIS WORD)….he [is]…able to perform….” (Roman  4:21 KJV).

God says, I “…am WATCHING over my word to PERFORM it…” (Jeremiah 1:12 NASB “…So shall MY WORD bethat goeth forth out of my mouth: it SHALL NOT return unto me void, but it SHALL ACCOMPLISH that which I please, and it SHALL PROSPER in the thing whereto I sent it…” (Isaiah 55:11 KJV).

BECAUSE: “…[ALL] powerbelongs to God…” (Psalms 62:11 NASB).

 Jesus had another name. “… His name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB).

JESUS, THE WORD OF GOD, HAS ALL POWER. “… Jesus (the WORD of GOD) …came and SPAKE, unto them saying, “All POWER is given unto me IN heaven and earth…” (Matthew 28:18 KJV).

JESUS, THE WORD OF GOD, DEMONSTRATED THAT POWER!
“…God anointed Jesus of Nazareth (HOW?)with the Holy Ghost (god IS SPIRIT) and WITH POWER: (WHAT DID THE HOLY SPIRIT & GOD’S POWER CAUSE JESUS TO DO?) [HE]... went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for GOD[who is SPIRIT] WAS WITH HIM…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).

“…[GOD, who is SPIRIT]... anointed [ENDOWED him (Jesus, the Word) with the POWER] to preach the gospel to the poor …to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord…” (John 4:16-21 KJV).

JESUS, THE WORD OF GOD, confirms the WORD has the inherent POWER to do exceedingly GREAT WORKS. “… [HE]... went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for GOD[who is SPIRIT] WAS WITH HIM…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV). “…he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

JESUS, THE WORD OF GOD, confirms NOTHING is too HARD for the WORD to accomplish. “… [God] is able TO DO exceeding abundantly ABOVE all that we ask or think…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV). “…I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “…he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

JESUS, THE WORD OF GOD, confirms that things impossible for humans are POSSIBLE with the WORD. “…The things which are impossiblewith men … [are] POSSIBLE [with God, who is SPIRIT] …” (Luke 18:27 KJV).  “…he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

 “…THE WORDS … they ARE SPIRIT…” (John 6:63 KJV). “…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “…The Lord (Jesus Christ, who is the Word of God) is that Spirit…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV). . “I (Jesus the Word of God) and the father(God, who is Spirit) are one…” (John 10:30 KJV).   The “WORD” or JESUS is spirit and God is spirit; they are one and the same. “…the Word was God …” (John 1:1-4 NASB). 

SINCE GOD IS SPIRIT, HIS WORDS CAN “ONLY” BE SPIRIT TOO! “…THE WORDS … they ARE SPIRIT…”(John 6:63 KJV).  

THE POWER AND AUTHORITY IS “IN” THE WORD. “… Jesus (the WORD) …SPOKE to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Mein heaven and on earth…” (Matthew 28:18 NASB).  Thus, GOD HAS GIVEN “HIS” PEOPLE POWER AND AUTHORITY “THROUGH” HIS WORD WHICH IS “IN” THEM. “…God, who had given such authority to men…” (Matthew 9:8 NASB). THIS IS THE ANOINTING GIFTED THROUGH THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT,  THUS, JESUS, THE WORD IS "IN" EACH OF GOD'S REDEEMED CHILDREN.  “… Jesus (THE WORD) ….gave them power and authority …” (Luke 9:1 NASB). “… I (JESUS, THE WORD) have given you authority …” (Luke 10:19 NASB).

NEW CREATIONS ARE "MADE" BY GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT

NEW CREATIONS ARE "MADE" BY GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT

“….let us make man in our image, after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV).  “…..God created man in his own image…..male and female created he them…” (Genesis 1:27 KJV). “….God formed man of the dust of the ground (body), and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (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). “…the Spirit of God dwell in you (and dwelt in Adam and Eve)…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).

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         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 JESUS Imageis not a mental or visual representation of God as we understand it, but it would be a spiritual representation or representative of God, the Holy Spirit's DIVINE NATURE or ETERNAL POWER. A spiritual representation or representative of God 's DIVINE NATURE or ETERNAL POWER 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” GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT'S IMAGE “after” his LIKENESS! “….LET US MAKEman … 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).

“…the 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…” 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 into existence with God's 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 Spiritto represent HIS IMAGE, which includes his DIVINE NATURE and ETERNAL POWER. “…And ...man became a living soul (a soul with God's 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 so that his SPIRITUAL IMAGE would be clearly seen or witnessed through them)...” (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 or MADE) 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).

PAY ATTENTION: “… 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 with 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 MAKEman (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 them 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 which would reveal his DIVINE NATURE and ETERNAL POWER just like everything else God MADE. “...LET US MAKE man in our image, after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV).  “…And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground (body),and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (Holy Spirit); and man became a living soul (soul)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).

“… [God, the Holy Spirit]... Himself GIVES to all people LIFE  (spiritual life) and BREATH (existence) 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 commandments.” God instructed them on HOW to function while upon earth.

They had been given a human will too. Thus, they willfully choose to eat the fruit. They died spiritually, immediately, just as God’s word said they would. “….So she took (by choice) some of the fruit and ATE IT. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and HE ATE IT, too (by choice) …” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT). “…THE DAY THAT THOU EATEST thereof “THOU SHALT SURELY DIE”…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV).

“.... At that moment (immediately) their eyes were opened…” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT). They eyes OPENED to one thing, but CLOSED to another.  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 offfrom God…” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT).

Adam and Eve, who were FREE from sin, at the time, and FREE to CHOOSE, or decide, on their OWN volition, 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 regarding HOW to function while upon earth. Choices have consequences and God fully disclosed to them what those consequences will be if they CHOSE “NOT” to listen to his Word and function as they were MADE to function. “... THE DAY THAT THOU EATEST thereof THOU SHALT SURELY DIE…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV).

SIN, the rejecting of God’s HOLY instructions or the decision NOT to function as MADE to function, 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 FLESH nature (a body without the SPIRIT). Everyone will eventually become a SLAVE to the FLESH nature, and they cannot, on their own, be restored to WHOLENESS or REUNITE with God, the Holy Spirit, without an act of God’s GRACE and POWER.

The FLESH nature ONLY knows how to SIN (guaranteed) or be DYSFUNCTIONAL. Sinful and/or dysfunctional behaviors are the symptoms of the terminal condition of “that” FLESH nature. “….I was born a sinner ….” (Psalms 51:5 NLT).  “...I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good,but I don’t. …I [am] …a slave to the sin (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  or functioning as instructed was the catalyst that bought SIN into the world and resulted in spiritually death. “...sin entered into the world, and (spiritual) death through sin, and so  (spiritual) death passed to all men (women), 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) or a dysfunctioning of HOW one was MADE. “…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, it’s because of their FLESH 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 inadvertently 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). GOD HELP THEM.

“…He loved usand sent his Son…” (1 John 4:10 NIV).  “… [He sent the] …one… who can reconcileGod 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 planfrom 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 reconcileGod 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, through 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).  

ALLTHE SOULS THAT ACCEPT, JESUS, THE SACRIFICE, Will BE reconciled with god, RESTORED AND REUNITED WITH THE holy SPIRIT, and "made" whole. “… [He sent the ] …one… who can reconcileGod 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 GOODNESS of God's DIVINE NATURE and his ETERNAL POWER, experienced through his Word, 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 reconcileGod 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 SPIRIT can 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 soulthirsts 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).

when a person is "made" whole, again, through salvation in jesus and choose to function as god instructs in his word, they will witness or give glory to god's divine nature and eternal power. “….Jesus Christ (the WORD of GOD) maketh thee WHOLE (AGAIN)…” (Acts 9:34 KJV). “... and man became a living soul…” (Genesis 2:7 KJV).

JESUS, GOD'S LIVING WORD, IS THE CENTER OR FOCUS OF MY JOY!

JESUS, GOD'S LIVING WORD IS

THE CENTER OF MY JOY!

“…Now THE JOY OF THE LORD IS YOUR STRENGTH…” (NEHEMIAH 8:10 KJV).  

*

 JOY is God-given gladness, merriment, exultation, well-being, great delight, cheerfulness, excitement, happiness, rejoicing, or laughter OVER the GREAT things God has DONE. “…Rejoice and be glad, For the LORD has done great things…” (Joel 2:21 NASB).

People experience many of the above emotions when they hear the “GOOD NEWS” of the Gospel on Sunday mornings. “… [The]…good news that will cause great JOY for all the people…” (Luke 2:10 NIV). “…The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy…” (Psalms 126:3 NIV).

This response is called “the JOY of the Lord” which stems from the heart and comes from knowing, understanding, and being aware of, “… the … [great things] … LORD has done …” (Joel 2:21 NASB).. “…The JOYof your salvation…” (Psalms 51:12 NIV).

“…And though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly REJOICE with JOY inexpressible …” (1 Peter 1:8 NASB).

STRENGTH stems from God-given JOY. God-given JOY is indwelling, supernatural POWER. “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, JOY…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).   “….Look, GOD IS ALL-POWERFUL  …” (Job 36:22-33 NLT). “… There is NONE like unto thee, O LORD; thou artGREAT, and thy name isgreat in might.…”(Jeremiah 10:6 KJV). “… POWER belongeth unto God...” (Psalms 62:11 NIV).  “…There is NO POWER but of God: THE POWERS that be are ordained of God…” (Romans 13:1 KJV). “….[God]…changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings…” (Daniel 2:21 KJV).

“…In order that the living may know That the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind, And bestows it on whom He wishes …” (Daniel 4:17 NASB). “…Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above…” (John 19:22 NIV).

 “…The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein…” (Psalm 24:1 KJV). “…for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof…” (Psalm 50:12 KJV). “…all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine…” (1 Chronicles 29:11 KJV). Therefore, ALL “…POWER belongethunto God...” (Psalms 62:11 NIV).

SINCE “JOY” comes from ABIDING in the UNION with God through Christ, then your “STRENGTH” “IS” the Lord’s indwelling JOY, which FILLS you. “… That  … “my joy” might remain in you….” (John 11:15 KJV). “…Jesus Christ (God’s JOY) IS IN YOU…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…Christ in you,…” (Colossians 1:27 KJV).

Strength, therefore, comes from the JOY, who is Jesus, himself. You are STRONG because: “… [He will]…strengthened … [you] …with MIGHT by his Spirit in the inner man…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV).  “…God… works IN [you]… to will and to act …” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…God …EQUIP[s] … [YOU] with everything good for doing his will, and … work]s] … IN [you]…  what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ,” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “… [He]… IS “ABLE” to do exceeding abundantly above all that [you]… ask or think, according to the POWER that worketh IN [YOU]…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV). “…HE WHICH HATH “BEGUN” A GOOD “WORK” IN [YOU]“WILL” “PERFORM” IT “UNTIL” the day of Jesus Christ…” (Philippians 1:6 KJV). “….Apart from Me (Jesus) ..[YOU could]… do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). However,“…[YOU]…can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth …[YOU]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “…He gives POWER to the weak and strength to the POWERless.…” (Isaiah 40:28-31 NLT). “….GOD …GIVETH strength and POWER UNTO HIS PEOPLE…” (Psalms 68:35 KJV).  

“….The JOY of the Lordis your strength…” (Nehemiah 8:10 KJV). “…I have told you this so that my JOY may be in you and that your JOY may be complete…” (John 15:11 NIV). “…Jesus Christ (God’s JOY) IS IN YOU…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “….The JOY of the Lordis your strength…” (Nehemiah 8:10 KJV). “… [He]… [strengthens] … [you] …with MIGHT by his Spirit (Jesus, God’s JOY) in the inner man…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV).

No matter what YOU face in life, REJOICE, by being content, restful and confidently relying on the indwelling JOY. “…I am with you always, to the very end…"(Matthew 28:20 NIV). God will “…Never leave nor forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 KJV). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). “…Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever…” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV).

The SECRET of your STRENGTH is within YOU always. “… HIS SECRET is with the righteous…” (PROVERBS 3:32).

God PROMISED:  “….I will give thee … HIDDEN RICHES of SECRET PLACES…” (ISAIAH 45:3). God has “… [MADE] KNOWN… [TO YOU]...the RICHES of the glory … which is Christ IN YOU…” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). “…Jesus Christ IS IN YOU…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…THE SECRET of the Lordis with [YOU]…” (PROVERBS 25:14) “…Christ in you, …” (Colossians 1:27 KJV).

Therefore, Paul said: “…I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want…” Philippians 4:11-12 NIV).

“…I have learned the secret …” Philippians 4:11-12 NIV).  “…I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me….” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “…THE SECRET of the Lord is with them that fear him…” (PROVERBS 25:14). “….The JOY of the Lord is your strength…” (Nehemiah 8:10 KJV).

Whether you are weak or strong, the indwelling Spirit of JOY supernaturally and amazingly increases the NECESSARY strengthbefitting for a child of God. “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, JOY…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “….Jesus Christ maketh thee WHOLE…” (Acts 9:34 KJV). Therefore, “…delight in weaknesses … For when [you are] … weak, then [are you] … strong … [God’s] … power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NIV).   “… The God of peace, … that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip[s] you with everything good for doing his will, and …work[s] in [you]… what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).

It is NORMAL to grow tire and weary on the Christian journey, but feelings of fatigue, sadness, grief, deep sorrows, weakness, or reasonable doubts doesn’t STOP God’s indwelling SUPPORT. God’s “…grace [becomes] … sufficient for [you]…” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV). “…[He is] .. with you always, to the very end…"(Matthew 28:20 NIV). “…Take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when … [you are] … weak, then .. [are you] … strong..” (2 Corinthians 12:10 KJV).

 “…Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we DO NOT GIVE UP…” (Galatians 6:9 NIV). God says: “… [I will] … never leave nor forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 KJV). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

“…Keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the JOY awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame…” (Hebrews 12:2 NLT).  Therefore, “… they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength;they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; andthey shall walk, and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31 KJV). “…DO NOT GIVE UP…” (Galatians 6:9 NIV).

“…THE SECRET of the Lord is with [YOU]…” (PROVERBS 25:14) “…[You] … have learned the secret …” Philippians 4:11-12 NIV). “…Jesus Christ (God’s JOY) IS IN YOU…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV).  “…[You] … can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth …[you]….” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “….The JOY of the Lordis your strength…” (Nehemiah 8:10 KJV).

He is your STRENGTH, your REFUGE. …He alone is my refuge, my place of safety…For he will rescue youfrom every trap and protect you from deadly disease.  He will cover youwith his feathers. He will shelter you with 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 my name…” (Psalms 91 NLT).

God is your STRONG TOWER. “…The name of the Lordis 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).

God is eternally STRONG and POWERFUL and in turn will strengthen the believer. “…It is God who works in [the weak]… to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). God causes them“…to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV). THE WEAK “…can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth  … [THEM]….” (Philippians 4:13 KJV. “….Apart from [jesus], [the weak]… can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). “…Now may the God of peace … that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip … [the weak]… with everything good for doing his will, and may he work IN [the weak]… what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…according to the POWER that worketh IN [the weak]…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV). “…HE WHICH HATH “BEGUN” A GOOD “WORK” IN [the weak]… “WILL” “PERFORM” IT “UNTIL” the day of Jesus Christ…” (Philippians 1:6 KJV).

On the Christian journey God allows plenty of opportunities for the believer to cry for HELP and SUPPORT and STRENGTH and COMFORT.  “…So that … [they] … will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which … [they themselves] … are comforted by [God and people God sends their way]…” (2 Corinthians 1:3-5 NASB).

 Some believers do NOT want to be dependent on anyone for strength, not even God. “From within, out of the heart … proceed evil thoughts… pride...  All these evil things come from within...” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV). “… Everything in the world—the pride of life—comes NOT from the Father but from the world…” (1 John 2:16-17 NLT).“…The wicked, THROUGH THE PRIDE of his countenance, WILL NOT SEEK AFTER GOD: God is not in all his thoughts…” (Psalms 10:4 KJV).

God has ALWAYS warned his people against the pitfalls of pride. “…A man’s [or woman's] …pride shall bring [them] low…” (Proverbs 29:23 KJV).  “…Pride [goeth] before destruction…” (Proverbs 16:18 KJV). “…if a man [or woman] …think [themselves] …to be something, when [they are]… nothing … [they] ... deceiveth [themselves]…” (Galatians 6:3 KJV). “…Let another [person].. praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips…” (Proverbs 27:2 KJV). “…Seest thou a man [or woman] …wise in [their]… own conceit? [there is] more hope of a fool than of [them]…” (Proverbs 26:12 KJV). “…Those who walk in pride [God]… is able to humble…” (Daniel 4 NIV).

In order to accept God’s strength, when needed, a man or woman voluntarily chooses to “humble themselves.” “HUMBLE YOURSELVES in the sight of the Lord…” (James 4:10 KJV). “…HUMBLE YOURSELVEStherefore under the mighty hand of God…” (1 Peter 5:6 KJV). “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 2:5 KJV). “…I am gentle and HUMBLE IN HEART…” (Matthew 11:29 NIV).

The believer can CHOOSE to RELY on God’s indwelling STRENGTH at ANY times. “…God is able to make all GRACE abound toward [the WEAK]; that [he or she will]… always having all sufficiency in all things…” (2 Corinthians 8:9 KJV).

 “…[They]… can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth [them]….” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “…Apart from [Jesus, they] can do nothing….” (John 15:5 KJV). “…God will supply all [the strength they need]…”(Philippians 4:19 NASB) AND  “…The LORD will [take care of]…that which concerns [them]…” (John 14:31 NASB). “….[God] careth for [them]… (1 Peter 5:7 KJV).

 “…[God’s] grace is sufficient for you, for [his] power is made perfect in weakness. …” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV).

TRULY “…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).

“… When I am weak, then am I strong...” (2 Corinthians 12:10 KJV). God’s “…grace [IS] … sufficient for [YOU]…” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV). “… That  …”my joy” might remain in you….” (John 11:15 KJV).“…Jesus Christ IS IN YOU…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy…” (Psalms 126:3 NIV). 

“….The JOY of the Lordis your strength…” (Nehemiah 8:10 KJV).

 

OBEDIENCE REQUIRES GOD'S PEOPLE TO CHOOSE TO BECOME "ALL IN"

                                                                                        
OBEDIENCE, REQUIRES GOD'S PEOPLE TO BE  "ALL IN"

“…Obedient unto death…” (Philippians 2:8 KJV)

 

In the mutual relationship with God, the Caregiver does the “drawing for a response” and you, the believer, his child, are enabled to respond to God’s drawing, by exercising faith, when you hear and learn about the “good news” of the gospel.

The newly, restored attachment abilities are empowered by the indwelling fruit of faith to activate the mutual love bond between Christ and the believer. “...A woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple fabrics, a worshiper of God, was listening; and the Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul...” (Acts 14:16 NASB).

God loved you first, so you can NOW love him back. Remember,“...We love, because he first loved us...” (1 John 4:19 ASV).

Once the mutual relationship begins, the infant believer will show obvious signs that she or he is “joined,” restored, or attached to God. Jesus said, “… that the world may know that I love the Father…” (John 14:31 KJV).

One major sign, that you have a very intimate and mutually loving relationship with God, is “obedience.” “….if ye LOVE me… [as you say], [you will] … keep my commandments…” (John 14:15 KJV).

Jesus loved God as Father and Caregiver. Philippians 2:8 (KJV) says, "… he humbled himself, and became obedientunto death, even the death of the cross...”

Obedience is an important sign of an intimate mutually loving relationship between Christ and the believer. “…that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandments, even so I do…” (John 14:31 KJV).

A mutually loving relationship with God is a holy and intimate bond. "...I and my Father are one..." (John 10:30 KJV).

A holy and intimate relationship with God is a commitment of love, on God’s part, that is everlasting.  “...[Nothing]…shall be able to separate us (his children) from the love of God, which is IN Christ Jesus…” (Romans 9:39 KJV).

God’s holy and intimate commitment of love toward his children is one of unyielding devotion. “... [Nothing]…shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is INChrist Jesus…” (Romans 9:39 KJV).

The child of God’s role in the mutual relationship is a committed role too. However, ONLY through Christ, are they able to be truly committed to God. “…Know ye not…that Jesus Christ is in you …” (2 Corinthians KJV). “…I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “…Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant (relationship with God, the Holy Spirit)…” (Hebrews 7:22 NIV). “….apart from Me (Jesus), you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

Jesus becomes the guarantee, for YOU, that the intimacy with God will be maintained (Hebrews 7:22). Again, “…Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant (relationship with God, the Holy Spirit)…” (Hebrews 7:22 NIV).  “….apart from Me (Jesus), you can do nothing…”(John 15:5 NIV).

God established a way for his children to sustain the intimate relationship with Him.  “...By so much was Jesus MADE a surety (guarantee) of a better testament (intimate relationship with God)...” (Hebrews 7:22 KJV). “…Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant (relationship with God, the Holy Spirit)…” (Hebrews 7:22 NIV).

You have Jesus to join, restore, or attach you to God through a one Spirit (ultimate intimacy) mutual union. “… [He sent the ] …one… who can reconcileGod and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).

Therefore, you can participate, cooperate, and experience an ongoing intimate, mutual, covenant relationship with God through Christ. Obedience is always the telltale sign that Christ is working “in” and “through the child of God. “...For it is God who worketh in you, both to will and to do of His good pleasure...” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).  “… the God of peace… may he work in [you, through the indwelling Holy Spirit]… what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…The …HOLY SPIRIT …is the SOURCE of [all covenant intimacy]. …it is …God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of us who are his… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…He helps me (his child)…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT).

Being willfully cooperative through obedient says you love God. It also says you are wholeheartedly in the intimate, mutual covenant relationship with God, the Holy Spirit. “….if ye LOVE me… [as you say], [you will] … keep my commandments…” (John 14:15 KJV).

Obedience demonstrates the honorable and sincere, heartfelt love you, personally, have for God, the Holy Spirit. “…this people draw near me with their MOUTHS and their LIPS do honour me, BUT ….their heart is [removed]…far from me…” (Isaiah 24:19 KJV). In other words, lip-service is NOT obedient behavior.

God deserves all honor. If you truly love him, your actions will TOO. You will not, “…withhold…good from [HIM] to whom it is due, [especially,] when it is in the power of thine (yours) to do it…” (Proverbs 3:27 KJV). “…Render… to all their dues:tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor…” (Romans 13:7 KJV).

God is truly due all honor, especially from his children. “…[God has done] great things for us (for mankind and his children)…” (Psalm 126:2-3 KJV). Therefore, obedience is how his children show they love him and are thankful for all he has done.

When his children obey Him, they are actually showing their love for God. “….if ye LOVE me… [as you say], [you will] … keep my commandments…” (John 14:15 KJV).

This love for God can ONLY be demonstrated through their compliance to his commands. The love for God will be revealed in every behavioral act of humble obedience to his commandments. “….if ye LOVE me… [as you say], [you will] … keep my commandments…” (John 14:15 KJV).

Keeping his commandments means you are totally committed to God through Christ within the mutual covenant relationship you’re experiencing with God, the Holy Spirit. “….if ye LOVE me… [as you say], [you will] … keep my commandments…” (John 14:15 KJV).

In the mutual covenant relationship, total, committed obedience is given to God through Christ. Your LOVE for God will always motivate obedience. “….if ye LOVE me… [as you say], [you will] … keep my commandments…” (John 14:15 KJV). I keep repeating this scripture for a reason, I hope you get it.

When God is truly your Father and Caregiver, and you LOVE him, you will NOT do what is right in your own eyes, but God’s. “….if ye LOVE me… [as you say], [you will] … keep my commandments…” (John 14:15 KJV).

Back in the Old Testament, when there was no “...King (Honored Caregiver) INIsrael, …every man did that which was right in his own eyes.…” (Judges 17:6 KJV). The bible also says, “...For it is God who worketh INyou, both to will and to do of His good pleasure...” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).

What’s inyou comes out: “...For from within, out of the heart of man, proceed evil thoughts… wickedness… pride...  All these evil things come from within...” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV).

In a mutual covenant relationship with God, the Holy Spirit, you will obey, simply because you love God; PERIOD!!! “….if ye LOVE me… [as you say], [you will] … keep my commandments…” (John 14:15 KJV).

Heartfelt love for God is costly. Therefore, it is costly to “…come after [Jesus]…..” (Luke 14:27 KJV).

When love for God is operating in your life, it will be evident by your obedience. It will further be evidenced through a transformed and fruitful life. “…Therefore if any man(woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a NEW creature: …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “… we all (new creations) … are changed into the same image [of Christ] …” (2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV).

“…Ye shall know [NEW CREATIONS]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “... The [indwelling]...Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [the] lives [of his children]: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (obedience). …” (Galatians 5 NLT).

Obedience is part the transformation process and experience in action. Furthermore, along with the empowerment of the indwelling Holy Spirit, that produces God-given faith; these things (obedience, empowerment, & faith) will work together to help you actually “become” Christ-like. “…In this world we are LIKE JESUS…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). “…be conformed to the image of His Son…” (Romans 8:29 KJV). “...I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me...” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

Transformation is experienced through a life progressively growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ through obedience “…Grow in the grace and knowledge or our LORD and SAVIOUR Jesus Christ…” (2 Peter 3:18).  “… [Therefore, God’s children]… are changed into the same image [of Christ] from glory to glory …” (2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV).

A true child of God will never feel comfortable living independent of God’s commandments. Jesus said, “...For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me...” (John 6:38 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...” (1 John 3:7-10 NASB).

“...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).

Obedience will demonstrate your love for God and will be proof of your ongoing involvement in the mutual covenant relationship. It will also be witnessed by Godly fruit. “….if ye LOVE me… [as you say], [you will] … keep my commandments…” (John 14:15 KJV).“…Ye shall know [God’s children, who love him,]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “... The [indwelling]...Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [the] lives [of his children]: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (obedience). …” (Galatians 5 NLT).

There is no way you are going to be in an ongoing, intimate, mutual relationship with the Living God and remain the same. You will BECOME “like” the company you keep. “... Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble...” (Proverbs 13:20). “…be conformed to the image of his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).

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

Jesus said, “…..what he seeth the Father doing…he doth… in like manner...” (John 5:19 KJV). Again, you start behaving like the people you keep company with. “… Jesus Christ is in you (keeping you company)…” (2 Corinthians KJV). “...For in him (through him) we live, and move, and have our being (our NEW IDENTITY)...” (Acts 17:28 KJV).

If you say you are in a mutual, intimate covenant relationship with God, the Holy Spirit, and continue “…to walk in darkness, [you]…lie, and do not the truth…” (1 John 1: 6 KJV). However, the Word tells us, “...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).

You are totally responsibility for your willful actions, your voluntarily disobedience, and your human choices, which are usually DONE independent of God’s will and his commandments.

God has done his part, which he “finished” upon the cross through Jesus Christ (John 19:30 KJV). His children, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, NOW possess “...all things that pertain unto life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV).

His children are free to live an obedient life “through” Christ. The bible says “…if the Son…shall make you FREE, ye shall be FREE indeed...” (John 8:36 KJV). “...God is not a man that he should lie…. hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?...” (Numbers 23:19 KJV). If God made you free, you’re free. “…ye shall be FREE indeed...” (John 8:36 KJV).

However, the same God warns that some people, “…after [he freed them and they] escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are entangled therein and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandmentdelivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb. The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire” (2 Peter 2:20-22 KJV).

God’s children, who are in a mutual relationship with Him will live “…as obedient children, not fashioning [themselves] according to the former lusts in your ignorance: but as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in ALL manner of conversation; because it is written, BE YE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY...” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV).

Initially obedience is a struggle, but the struggle helps obedience become a way of life. Jesus learned obedience by the things he suffered or struggled with (Hebrews 5:8). “...Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedienceby the things he suffered…” (Hebrews 5:8 KJV).

In addition, “….he that hath suffered (struggled) in the flesh hath ceased from sin…” (1 Peter 4:1 KJV). In other words, the one who suffers or struggles to live righteous; ceases from sin and gains holiness instead.

“...Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ…” (2 Peter 1: 4-9 KJV).

Wherever you are purposefully or voluntarily or willfully living in the flesh and have not “…ceased from sin…” - instead of living in obedience – it is evident that you DO NOT truly love God.The BIBLE SAYS: “….if ye LOVE me… [as you say], [you will] … keep my commandments…” (John 14:15 KJV).

 Salvation and obedience are on the SAME team. So simply talking about it or wearing the title of Christian means nothing without obedience to his commandments. “….if ye LOVE me… [as you say], [you will] … keep my commandments…” (John 14:15 KJV).

Obedience says to God I am here to serve you God and NOT myself or my flesh. The bible clearly tells us Jesus did “…not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28 NIV).

According to Strong’s, the Hebrew word for serve is abad  (to work). There are many definitions, but I will use this one for this book. I interpret that ABADis not man’s work, but God’s.  ABAD doesn’t serve man’s purpose, but God’s. ABAD doesn’t glorify man, but God.

ABAD is a work given by God and not man. It is a work God sent someone, to earth, to do. This work is about God’s will and not man’s will. Therefore, it is a spiritual, holy, and supernatural work (abad).  

Jesus said, “…for the works which the Father has given Me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father has sent Me...” (John 5:36 KJV). “...For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will but the will of him that sent me...” (John 6:38 KJV).

Jesus was fulfilled from serving God in obedience.  “...Then Jesus explained: "My nourishment (fulfillment) comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work...” (John 4:34 NLT).

Jesus was not just “doing” God’s will like one who follows rules and regulations, but he literally “became” God’s personal servant from his heart. According to Strong’s, another Hebrew word for serve is sharath (to “minister to or become a personal servant to”).

Jesus wholeheartedly obeyed God’s will and served him. Jesus confidently said, “…the ... works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father has sent me” (John 5:36 KJV). Again, Jesus did “…not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His lifea ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28 KJV).  

Jesus was God’s servant while on earth and God was his Caregiver. Jesus willfully served God in obedience by becoming“…a ransom for many...”

The bible boasts that Jesus “…humbled himself and becameobedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8 KJV).

Jesus is the ultimate example of how and why obedience is important in the relationship with God. It is God’s will that every child of his “…be conformed to the image of His Son…” (Romans 8:28). God is saying “become” like Jesus, my obedient, personal servant (sharath).

God’s work is for you to do his will and become like his Son, Jesus, who is the forerunner and example of true obedience. Obedience is transformation in action and will lead YOU to the actual work (abad) of God in Christ. "Jesus answered, and said…This is the work of God: that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.” (John 6:29 KJV).

Obedience shows you believe in Jesus and his finished work on the cross. Jesus was obedient and God sent the indwelling Holy Spirit to help and empower you do the SAME thing. Jesus became a  “…ransom for many….” through obedience (Matthew 20:28 KJV).

Jesus learned obedience through the things he struggle with. “...Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things he suffered…” (Hebrews 5:8 KJV)

Jesus learned obedience through the things he suffered, and he stayed the course no matter how difficult it became. Therefore, Jesus can “…be touched with the feeling of our infirmities...” (Hebrews 4:15 KJV). Jesus experienced human struggles too just like we do, “…yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15 KJV).

Jesus, “...Who 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, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him…” (Hebrew 5:7-8-9 KJV). “...Therefore, since Christ suffered in his flesh, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin…” (1 Peter 4:1 NIV).

Being obedient, in the flesh, was challenging for Jesus too. “… 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 demonstrated to YOU the transforming power of obedience. It wasn’t easy for Jesus, but he was obedient out of his love for God and it benefited YOU. Aren’t you glad Jesus willfully and voluntarily choose to be obedient to God? “…And being made perfect, he became author of eternal salvation unto all them who obey him…” (Hebrew 5:7-8-9 KJV).

 Jesus suffered through some stuff, upon earth, but he chose to stay obedient out of his deep love for God. Jesus’ obedience revolutionized the whole religious world.   

Now Jesus is “highly exalted” with a “name which is above every name” (Philippians 2:9). In addition,“…at ...the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE SHOULD BOW, of things in heaven and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father...” (Philippians 2:10-11 KJV).

Our struggle with obedience is rewarding and transforming. If we obey, Jesus said “...Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I 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).

“…God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and WITH POWER:who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for GOD WAS WITH HIM…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).

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

“...the works that I do shall he (she) do also; and greater works than these shall he (she) do...” (John 14:1 KJV).  

We go through many different trials and tribulations in life that last for hours, days, weeks, months, or years and get caught up with the details of what is happening in the situation or circumstance. Don’t get caught up in the details, “…the suffering of this present time are not [even] worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us….” (Romans 8:18 KJV).

However, when God does allow for struggles, it is not usually about what is actually happening TO you as much as it is about what is happening IN you. God wants you to keep his commandments “….if ye LOVE me… [as you say], [you will] … keep my commandments…” (John 14:15 KJV).

God took Israel through the wilderness (trials) for forty years to humble them, test them, and to see “…whether…[they would]keep his commandments, or not…” (Deuteronomy 8:2 KJV).

Forty years seems like a long time to be in the wilderness, but sometimes it takes people a long time to see their ongoing disobedience in the holy light of God’s truth. Some of you have walked with God for years and still participate in a life of willful disobedience.

Many who lay claim to being God’s children are willfully disobedient and have not truly turned from their wicked ways. “…If My people which are called by My name shall humble themselves, and pray and seekMy face, and turn from their wicked ways…” (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV).

If you don’t “…turn from [your]…wicked ways…” remember that it is another “spirit …[that] worketh in the children of disobedience…” (Ephesian 2:2; 2 Chronicle 7:14 KJV). God says, “Be notye therefore partakers with…the children of disobedience…” (Ephesians 5:6-7 KJV). Instead, “…mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry; for which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience” (Colossians 3:5-6 KJV). “…if the word spoken by angels was steadfast and every…disobedience received a just recompense of reward; how shall we escape?…” (Hebrews 2:2-3 KJV)

Opportunities for obedience clearly exposes whether you will keep God’s commands or not (Deuteronomy 8:2).  

The wildernesses we go through for hours, days, weeks, months, or years are the events God uses as a way to encourage obedience. The enemy of obedience is SELF-will.

It is the most difficult trials and tribulations that exposes whether you will keep God’s commandments or not. Job lost everything and the Hebrew boys went through the fire, but they kept God’s commands.

 Disobedience is always in conflict with God’s commandments, but wilderness experiences often come to bring about opportunities for obedience, which is transformation in action.

 Like in the cases of King Hezekiah or King Nebuchadnezzar, certain wilderness experiences bring about repentance and obedience. God allows certain trials and tribulations to intervene in our lives to bring about obedience, which, again, is transformation in action.  How is obedience transform in action?

In my last book I wrote about how a caterpillar goes through metamorphoses in order to yield the butterfly. We too must experience a similar metamorphoses in order to yield the image of Jesus Christ “...All things (whether we like it or not) work together for GOOD  to them that LOVE GOD, to them who are THE CALLED to his purpose...” (Romans 8:28 KJV).

You are not a caterpillar or a butterfly. I am using the caterpillar and butterfly as a metaphor only. In order for a caterpillar to turn into a butterfly, it must surrender to the transformation process that happens within a cocoon.

During the transformation process the caterpillar dies to its old self and changes into a butterfly. In order for the caterpillar to shed its old self, the old body must die or be completely replaced by the new body; the butterfly. 

The caterpillar had to die. This is the key and only path to true transformation; is death. Jesus “…humbled himself, and “became” obedient unto death...” (Philippians 2:8 KJV). Before Jesus could finish what God sent him here to do he had to “..humbled himself and [become] obedient…” (Philippians 2:8 KJV).

Humility is the opposite of pride. Pride happens when an individual thinks more highly of themselves than they should and is usually fueled when comparing themselves to other humans. “…but in lowliness of mind (humility) let each esteem other better than themselves… [Jesus] made himself of no reputation and took upon him[self] the form of a servant…” Philippian 2:3, 7 KJV).

However, humility happens when an individual thinks of themselves in the right perspective by comparing themselves to the holiness of God. “…for without [God], YE CAN DO NOTHING…” (JOHN 15:5). “…If My people which are called by My name shall humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways…” (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV).

Jesus“…humbled himself, and “became” obedient unto death...” (Philippians 2:8 KJV). God sent Jesus to willfully and voluntarily, through obedience, die for you, so you could choose to willfully and voluntarily die, through obedient, for HIM.