INTIMACY THAT WILL TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE FOREVER!

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