DOES GOD CARE THAT YOU "KNOW" HOW TO DO RELIGIOUS WORKS OR THAT YOU "KNOW" HOW MUCH HE "LOVES" YOU?

DO IT "BECAUSE" YOU KNOW "HOW" MUCH "HE" LOVES YOU!

“…I KNOW THY WORKS, AND THY LABOR, AND THY PATIENCE, AND HOW THOU CANST NOT BEAR THEM WHICH ARE EVIL: AND THOU TRIED THEM WHICH SAY THEY ARE APOSTLES, AND ARE NOT, AND HAS FOUND THEM LAIRS… I HAVE SOMEWHAT AGAINST THEE…” (REVELATION 2:2, 5 KJV).

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God has a complaint. “… I HAVE SOMEWHAT AGAINST THEE…” (REVELATION 2:2, R KJV). “…. THOU HAST “LEFT” THY FIRST LOVE….” (REVELATION 2:4 KJV).

In a civil complaint notice is given, by the complainer, to let the offender know some kind of action is underway. “… I will come quickly…” (Revelation 2:5 KJV).

The complaint that is made, by the complainer, is not only to inform the offender that actions are underway, but that they also come with a PRICE. “… I will remove they candlestick out of his place…” (Revelation 2:5 KJV).

A complaint usually describes the complainer’s grievance. “… I HAVE SOMEWHAT AGAINST THEE…” (REVELATION 2:2, R KJV). “…. THOU HAST “LEFT” THY FIRST LOVE….” (REVELATION 2:4 KJV).

God not only makes a complaint describing the grievance, but he also informs the offenders what they can do to resolve it BEFORE getting to the point where they have to pay the PRICE. “… Remember, therefore from whence thou are fallen, and repent, and do the first works…” (Revelation 2:5 KJV).

One experience of repentance is to turn from your sins and another experience of repenting is to turn away from a particular sin. Both experiences require a change of mind.

A change of mind usually results in a change in behavior. A person who truly repents voluntarily and willfully changes their mind about one thing and totally turns to something else which would be evident in their behavior. “…. THOU HAST “LEFT” THY FIRST LOVE….” (REVELATION 2:4 KJV).

The above verse is NOT speaking of the church of Ephesus departing from the love THEY had for God, but it is about THEM departing from God’s love for THEM. “…WE LOVE, because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19 ASV).

God is the SOURCE of LOVE and it flows from him to you. “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). indw“…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “…God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us…” (Romans 5:5 NIV). “[God’s] …Holy Spirit …is the SOURCE [of it ALL]…” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

Since it flows from God to you; it can also empower you to love. “…WE LOVE, because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19 ASV). “…God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, …” (Romans 5:5 NIV). “[God’s] …Holy Spirit …is the SOURCE [of it ALL]…” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

The indwelling Holy Spirit works God’s LOVE “IN” and “THROUGH” YOU. “…The …HOLY SPIRIT who is the SOURCE [of love] …. 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).

The indwelling Holy Spirit also empowers YOU to display God’s LOVE toward him, toward yourself, toward others, and in ALL your actions or behaviors. “…The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

God’s LOVE is a necessary and perpetual supply granted to his people, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, and empowers them to become disciples who are KNOWN by the way they LOVE. “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…I do nothing of myself…” (John 8:28 KJV).  “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…He who ABIDES in [the Father] and [he in them,]… bears much fruit … ” (John 15:1-11 NASB). "… [The]… Father is glorified by this, that “YOU” bear much fruit, and so PROVE to be [his]… disciples” (John 15:8 NIV). “…Ye shall [be known]… by [your]… fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…All men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another…" (John 13:35 NASB). “[God’s] …Holy Spirit …is the SOURCE [of it ALL]…” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “… he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

 God’s LOVE is ALWAYS the source for EVERYTHING truly said and done for the GLORY of God. “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV “… “I AM” WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).

 “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV).indw“…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). Therefore, God is both SPIRIT and LOVE. God’s LOVE is the POWERFUL SOURCE that FUELS “EVERYTHING” he DOES by HIS Spirit.

For example: “…Then God SAID, “Let there be light”; AND THERE WAS LIGHT…” (Genesis 1:3 NASB).

1.      “…Then God SAID (God, fueled by love, commanded);

2.      “Let there be light” (Jesus, the Word, fueled by love, spoke his command);

3.      AND THERE WAS LIGHT (The Holy Spirit, fueled by love, did what was spoken and commanded)…” (Genesis 1:3 NASB).

4.      The Holy Spirit DOES what Jesus, the Word SPEAKS and God COMMANDS fueled by the “power” of love

 “… “I AM” WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV).indw“…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “…power belongs to [the]… God… [of love]…” (Psalms 62:11 NASB). God commands. Jesus speaks. The invisible, unseen POWER of the Holy Spirit does the work.

The WORD was SENT to communicate and express God’s POWERFUL LOVE. “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV).

LOVE is the SOURCE which fueled God to send his WORD in order to communicate to sinful mankind. “…God SO LOVED the world, that he GAVE [his son, Jesus]…” (John 3:16). “… He (Jesus) had a name written, that no man knew … his name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB).

The WORD is an expression of God’s POWERFUL LOVE to sinful mankind. “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (god is love). He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being … (John 1:1-4 NASB).

God’s POWERFUL LOVE, expressed through the WORD, is the SOURCE that fuels everything SAID or DONE. “… “I AM” WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “… All things came into being through Him (the God of LOVE), and apart from Him (the God of LOVE) nothing came into being that has come into being … (John 1:1-4 NASB).

God’s POWERFUL LOVE, expressed through the WORD, explains how everything came into existence and how every is sustained. “…apart from Him (the God of LOVE) nothing came into being that has come into being … (John 1:1-4 NASB). “… [The God of LOVE says he is]…sustaining ALL THINGS by his powerful word…” (Hebrews 1:3 NIV).

God’s powerful love, expressed through his WORD, is also manifested through the WORK of the Holy Spirit. “…God (who is love) anointed (fueled) Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and POWER, and …he went around doing good and healing all ….because [the]…God [of love]… was with him…” (Acts 10:38 NIV).

God anointed (fueled) others “WITH” his Holy Spirit and POWER who also manifested his works. “…Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and POWER (the indwelling Holy Spirit), performed great wonders and signs among the people…” (Acts 6:8 NIV).  “…God did extraordinary MIRACLES (by the indwelling Holy Spirit) through Paul…” (Acts 19:11 NIV). “…I persevered in demonstrating among you the marks of a true apostle, including signs, wonders and MIRACLES (by the WORK of the Holy Spirit)…” (2 Corinthians 12:12 NIV). “…the Father (the god of love) that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

“…Now God GIVES US many kinds of special abilities, but it is the … HOLY SPIRIT who is the SOURCE of them all. …it is … God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of us who are his. The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us … It is … only Holy Spirit who gives all these gifts and POWERS… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

God’s POWERFUL LOVE fuels him to express himself through the WORD and fulfill EVERY promise. When the Holy Spirit DOES the WORK it is ALWAYS an ACT God’s LOVE and GRACE. “…God is not human “…God is Spirit …Does he speak (express his LOVE) and then not act? Does he promise (express his LOVE) and not fulfill…” (Numbers 23:19 NIV & John 4:24 KJV)? “…Not one of all the LORD's good promises (his expressions of love) … failed; every one was fulfilled” (Joshua 21:45 NIV). “…My counsel (my WORD that expresses my LOVE to you)… SHALL stand, and I will do all my pleasure…” (Isaiah 46:10 KJV).

“… “I AM” WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). Everything God SAYS or DOES is FUELED by LOVE. “…  THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE WAS FORMED at God’s command … what we now SEE (the whole world) did not come from anything that can be SEEN (the WORK of the Holy Spirit; an act of LOVE)…” (Hebrews 11:3 NLT).

God’s LOVE is the SOURCE that fuels EVERY ACTIVITY SEEN or DONE in ALL the universe. “…  at God’s command … what we now SEE (everything SEEN and DONE) did not come from anything that can be SEEN (the WORK of the Holy Spirit; an act of LOVE)…” (Hebrews 11:3 NLT).

God’s POWERFUL LOVE fuels “ALL” his WORDS and ACTIONS. “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). GOD’S POWERFUL LOVE, EXPRESSED THROUGH HIS IHIWORD, SAYS HE “… is able TO DO exceeding abundantly ABOVE all that we ask or think…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).

GOD’S POWERFUL LOVE, EXPRESSED THROUGH HIS IHIWORD, SAYS THAT “…the things which are impossible with men [ARE] … POSSIBLE [WITH HIM] …” (Luke 18:27 KJV).  “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV).

GOD’S POWERFUL LOVE, EXPRESSED THROUGH HIS IHIWORD, SAYS: “…I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV).

GOD’S POWERFUL LOVE, EXPRESSED THROUGH HIS IHIWORD, IS COMPLETELY TRUSTWORTHY. “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…All your commands are TRUSTWORTHY…” (PSALM 119:86 NLT). “…This hope is a strong and TRUSTWORTHY anchor for our souls…” (HEBREWS 6:19 NLT). “Everything you have heard … is TRUSTWORTHY and true…” (REVELATION 22:6 NLT).

GOD’S POWERFUL LOVE, EXPRESSED THROUGH HIS IHIWORD, WON’T EVER DISAPPOINT YOU. “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV).  “…the Scripture says, "WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM  (or depends upon him) WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED…" (ROMANS 10:11 NASB). “…In You they trusted (depended) and WERE NOT DISAPPOINTED…. (PSALMS 22:5 NASB).

 THEREFORE, YOU CAN“…Trust in (or depend upon) the Lord (the WORD, AN EXPRESSION OF HIS LOVE FOR YOU) with all thine heart…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).  “…The LORD (the WORD OR THE EXPRESSION OF HIS LOVE FOR YOU) “WILL” accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [you]…” (John 14:31 NASB). “...Casting all your care upon him (the WORD OR THE EXPRESSION OF HIS LOVE); for he careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV).   “…All he (the God of LOVE) does is just and good, and all his commandments are TRUSTWORTHY (dependable)….” (PSALMS 111:7 NLT). “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV).

GOD’S POWERFUL LOVE, EXPRESSED THROUGH HIS IHIWORD, keeps all things together. “…[God is]… sustaining ALL THINGS by his powerful word…” (Hebrews 1:3 NIV). “…in him  ALL THINGS hold together…” (Colossians 1:7 NIV). “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV).

GOD’S POWERFUL LOVE, EXPRESSED THROUGH HIS IHIWORD, STANDS forever!  “…My counsel (expression of LOVE)… SHALL stand, and I will do all my pleasure…” (Isaiah 46:10 KJV).  “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “… “I AM” WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).

“…In this world we are like Jesus (expressing his LOVE by what WE SAY and DO)…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV).

“…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 15:1-11 NASB).

“…He who ABIDES in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit … ” (John 15:1-11 NASB). "…My Father is glorified by this, that “YOU” bear much fruit, and so PROVE to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV). “…Ye shall know [God people]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV).  “…Apart from [the indwelling Holy Spirit, you] can do nothing….” (John 15:5 KJV).

“…God with us…” (Matthew 1:23 NASB). “…God has said “Never will I leave you…” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV). “…I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, to the very end…"(Matthew 28:20 NIV).  “…Behold, I AM WITH… [YOU] and … I WILL NOT LEAVE … [YOU] …." (Genesis 28:15 ASV). “…Behold, I am with … [you]…I will not leave [you] ..." (Genesis 28:15 ASV).

“…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “… “I AM” WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). “… I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

“…God has said “Never will I leave you…” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV). Therefore, “… I HAVE SOMEWHAT AGAINST THEE…” (REVELATION 2:2, R KJV). “…. THOU HAST “LEFT” THY FIRST LOVE….” (REVELATION 2:4 KJV).

“…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). God is your FIRST LOVE. “…not that we loved God, but that he loved us...” (1 John 4:10 KJV). FIRST LOVE simply means GOD is the one who loved YOU first. “… We love, because HE FIRST LOVED US…” (1 John 4:19 ASV).

FIRST LOVE, which is GOD, is the reason YOU can truly love him, yourself, spouse, children, family, friends, church family, or anybody. “…He first loved us…” (1 John 4:19 ASV). “…NOT THAT WE LOVED, God, but that HE LOVED US [FIRST]...” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…We give [God]...only what [he]…first gave us! …” (1 Chronicles 29:14 NLT).

FIRST LOVE is this: “… [First] … Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, It is not easily angered, It keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres, Love never fails…” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV). “…In this world … [YOU are to love] … LIKE JESUS…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). Therefore, “….as [God has]… loved [you]… [you are to] …love one another ….” (John 13:34 ASV). “…He (or she) that loveth not knoweth not God…” (1 John 4:7-8 ASV). “… [You]…can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth [you]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “… It is God who worketh in [you]…” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).  “…The Father that dwelleth in [you] … he doeth the works … [of love]…” (John 14:10 KJV).

“…Behold, I AM WITH… [YOU] and … I WILL NOT LEAVE … [YOU] …." (Genesis 28:15 ASV). If God NEVER leaves you, who is he talking about in Revelation 2:4? “…. THOU HAST “LEFT” THY FIRST LOVE….” (REVELATION 2:4 KJV).

He was talking about His people, the church of Ephesus. Even though they were DOING all the commendable, praiseworthy, and right things or actions and were applauded by God, but they were of little profit where it counted. “If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal. And if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing…” (1 Corinthians 13:1-3 ASV).

God’s people are NOT made right by their religious, dutiful works, but by depending upon the indwelling Holy Spirit, who is God, their FIRST LOVE. “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV).indw“…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “…the Spirit of God dwell in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…The Father that dwelleth in [you] … he doeth the works …” (John 14:10 KJV).Therefore, “… Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in (depending upon) Christ Jesus … since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified…” (Galatians 2:16 NASB).

“…a right relationship with God that comes by faith (by depending upon the indwelling Holy Spirit)…” (Romans 4:13 NASB). “…the Spirit of God dwell in you… [and] …he doeth the works …” (Romans 8:9 & John 14:10 KJV). “…If you are trying … [in your OWN effort] … to make yourselves right with God by keeping the … [commandments], you have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God’s GRACE…” (Galatians 2:21 NLT). “…a person is made right with God by faith [or depending upon]… Jesus Christ…” (Galatians 2:16 NLT).

“… by the works of the Law (self-effort) no flesh will be justified in His sight…” (Romans 3:20 NASB).  “… No one is justified by the Law (self-effort) before God is evident; for, "THE RIGHTEOUS MAN SHALL LIVE BY FAITH (dependence upon God)…" (Romans 3:11 NASB). “… We are made right with God by placing our faith (our dependence upon) in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are…” (Romans 3:22 NLT).

“…I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t….I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by SIN? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).  “…a person is made right with God by faith [or depending upon]… Jesus Christ…” (Galatians 2:16 NLT).

If FIRST LOVE (God) doesn’t fuel your LABOR and WORKS, God is “NOT” in it. “… And if I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but have not love (God is LOVE), it profiteth me nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:1-3 ASV).

Performing religious duties, without FIRST LOVE (God), is a telltale sign that YOU do not really “KNOW” God. “…Every one that loveth …. KNOWETH God. He that loveth NOT KNOWETH NOT God; for God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV).  “…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 15:1-11 NASB).

“…He who ABIDES in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit … ” (John 15:1-11 NASB). "…My Father is glorified by this, that “YOU” bear much fruit, and so PROVE to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV). “…Ye shall know [God people]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…Apart from [the indwelling Holy Spirit, you] can do nothing….” (John 15:5 KJV).

“…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). “…He that loveth NOT KNOWETH NOT God; for God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “… This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent…” (John 17:3 KJV).

“…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “… “I AM” WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). FIRST LOVE (God) draws you to himself and pours his love (himself) into your heart through his indwelling Holy Spirit. “…No man can come to me, unless the Father which hath sent me DRAW him (her)….” (John 6:44). “…God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us…” (Romans 5:5 NIV).

As you willfully and voluntarily depend upon his indwelling Holy Spirit you are EMPOWERED to receive his love, to know him intimately, and do the things that are pleasing to God. “…Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…Christ in you, …” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). “…The Spirit of God dwell in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).  ^“…Christ liveth in me…” (Galatians 2:20 KJV). “…The Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV).

^“…It is God who works in you to will and to act…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “ … God … equip you with everything good for doing his will …” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…NOT that we are sufficient OF OURSELVES to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God…” (2 Corinthians 3:5 KJV). “…I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “…the Father that dwelleth in … [you], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

Moses prayed and asked God to SHOW him how to STAY TOGETHER with FIRST LOVE (God). “…I pray thee, if I have found GRACE in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight…” (Exodus 33:13 KJV). “… If it is true that you look favorably on me, let me know your ways so I may understand you more fully and continue to enjoy your favor…” (Exodus 33:13 NLT).

Many of God’s people are trying to justify themselves by depending upon their OWN efforts. They have cut themselves OFF from God and FALLEN away from His GRACE. “…We will continue to live as we want to … following our own evil desires …” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT). “…If you are trying … [in your OWN effort] … to make yourselves right with God by keeping the … [commandments], you have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God’s GRACE…” (Galatians 2:21 NLT).

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

However, “…a right relationship with God … comes… [ONLY]… by faith (by depending upon the indwelling Holy Spirit)…” (Romans 4:13 NASB). “…the Spirit of God dwell in you… [and] … “HE” doeth the works …” (Romans 8:9 & John 14:10 KJV).

Thus, “…I HAVE SOMEWHAT AGAINST THEE…” (REVELATION 2:2 KJV).

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