Sunday, June 21, 2020

WHAT DOES HAVING "THE GOD IMAGE" REQUIRE?


THE GOD IMAGE: 
“….let us make man in our image, after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV).  “…..God created man in his own image…..male and female created he them…” (Genesis 1:27 KJV). “….God formed man of the dust of the ground (body), and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (HIS Spirit or His IMAGE); and man became a living soul (soul)” (Genesis 2:7 KJV).
“….let us make man in our image, after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV).
“…God is not human (he is not a body, he is not a self, or the flesh, or a soul)…” (Numbers 23:19 NIV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…the Spirit of God dwell in you (and dwelt in Adam and Eve)…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).
“…abide in me, and I in you…” (John 15:4 KJV).    
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When God(SPIRIT) is reunited with the soul it means that God is WITH you.
He is with his people. The bible says he is “WITH US,” which means God will be an active participant or presence in your life.
You are “IN” his presence and his presence is also “within” you. “… His name Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us…” (Matthew 1:23 NASB). The bible says Immanuel means GOD is with you. “…Behold, I AM WITH… [YOU] and  I WILL NOT LEAVE [YOU] ." (Genesis 28:15 ASV).  
Jesus says: “…I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, to the very end…" (Matthew 28:20 NIV).…God has said “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV).
How is Immanuel WITH YOU? “…Christ in you (SPIRIT) …” (Colossians 1:27 KJV).   “…the SPIRIT of God dwell[s] in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “… God ...[is]...with us (YOU)…” (Matthew 1:23 NASB).
Obviously, an intimate, covenant relationship is important to God; God NEVER leaves his children, male or female, ALONE!  “… His name Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us…” (Matthew 1:23 NASB). …God has said “Never will I leave you (without my PRESENCE); never will I forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV). “…I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, to the very end…"(Matthew 28:20 NIV).  “…Behold, I AM WITH… [YOU] … and  I WILL NOT LEAVE [YOU] ." (Genesis 28:15 ASV).The LORD thy God …will not fail (leave) thee, nor forsake thee” (Deuteronomy 31:6 KJV).  “… Behold, I am with … [you] and will keep … [you] whithersoever [you]… goest…I will not leave [you] ..." (Genesis 28:15 ASV).
This is God’s commitment and loyalty to you.  “…[Immanuel] … is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship (covenant relationship) … [with]… his Son Jesus Christ our Lord …” (1 Corinthians 1:9 KJV).
Immanuel is WITH YOU and takes FULL responsibility of HEADSHIP or AUTHORITY in the relationship. “…the HEAD  of EVERY man (woman) (believer) is Christ ...” (1 Corinthians 11:3 KJV). “…Christ is the HEAD of the church (believers)…” (Ephesians 5:23 KJV).
Immanuel is WITH YOU and as HEAD he establishes a foundation for the covenant relationship. “…be holy, because I am holy…” (1 Peter 1:16 KJV). He will lead the way. “...be … imitators of [Jesus]…” (Hebrews 12:14; Ephesians 5:1 ASV).
God encourages you to stick with him and trust him as HEAD. “…I AM THE VINE AND YE ARE THE BRANCHES…” (JOHN 15:1, 5 NIV).  “…Abide in Me, and I in you…” (John 15:4-6 NASB).Apart from Me you can do nothing…” (John 15:4-6 NASB).
God is WITH YOU by choice and he wants you to be WITH HIM by choice. “…God with us…” (Matthew 1:23 NASB). “…Choose (spiritual) LIFE” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…Jesus said… I am the (spiritual) LIFE…..” (John 11:25 KJV).
“…God with us…” (Matthew 1:23 NASB). God commits himself to you through the ONE SPIRIT UNION. …He that is joined unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT…[with God, the Father through Jesus Christ, our Lord, again] … (1 Corinthian 6:17 KJV).
There are THREE absolute, immutable WAYS in which God PROMISES to be WITH YOUFOREVER. “…God with us…” (Matthew 1:23 NASB). “… [I will] … never leave nor forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 KJV).
1.      God BONDS to the believer through immutable LOVE. “…love, which is the perfect BOND of unity...” (Colossians 3:14 NASB). “….[Nothing]…shall be able to separate [you]… from the love of God which is “in” Christ Jesus our Lord…” (Romans 8:38-39 KJV).  “….the…faithful love of the Lord, never ends...!”(Lamentations 3:22-23 NLT).
2.      God CONNECTS to the believer through his immutable INDWELLING SPIRIT. “…He that is joined (connected) unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “…Christ [is]…in you …” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). “…The Spirit of God dwell[s]… in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).
3.      God SUSTAINS the relationship with the believer through his immutable AMAZING GRACES. “…In him (Jesus) ALL THINGS  (the covenant relationship) …hold together…” (Colossians 1:7 NIV). “… [Jesus is]…sustaining ALL THINGS (the covenant relationship)… by his powerful word…” (Hebrews 1:3 NIV). “….Apart from Me (Jehovah Immanuel), you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…God is able to make all GRACE abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things…” (2 Corinthians 8:9 KJV).
God’s LOVE never alters. God’s ATTACHMENT never loosens. God’s GRACES never cease. “…God...[is]... with us…” (Matthew 1:23 NASB). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). “…Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV).
No matter what YOU do; He will NEVER leave YOU alone. .“…God with us…” (Matthew 1:23 NASB). “…If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT). “… The … FAITHFUL love of the Lord, [for you], NEVER ENDS...!”(Lamentations 3:22-23 NLT). “…I am with you always, to the very end…"(Matthew 28:20 NIV).
“…God with us…” (Matthew 1:23 NASB). God will BE there to SHARE every challenge, defeat, victory, heartbreak, delight, belief, doubt, strength, weakness, and routine days; whether you acknowledge him or not. God will “…never leave nor forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 KJV).
God knows and has said: “…Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. …” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NASB). Therefore, “…I AM WITH… [YOU] and  I WILL NOT LEAVE [YOU] ." (Genesis 28:15 ASV).
“…God...[is]...with us…” (Matthew 1:23 NASB). Though God is WITH YOU always; your personal freedom is NEVER compromised. “… I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore…[you]… choose life” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV).
The believer REMAINS free to CHOOSE to STAY in the covenant relationship with God or LEAVE - without judgment, condemnation, or shame. “…There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus…” (Romans 8:1 KJV). “…There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. ….” (John 3:18 NLT). “…Mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB).
The believer’s commitment to the covenant relationship is ALWAYS by CHOICE just like God’s commitment is by choice. “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). However, “…If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT). “…God...[is]...with us…” (Matthew 1:23 NASB).
Every biblical promise is God’s commitment to you; not necessarily YOUR commitment to him. STAYING in the covenant relationship with God is a CHOICE. “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).
God lovingly respects the believer’s right to choose their OWN way. “…God..[is]...with us…” (Matthew 1:23 NASB).  …He that is joined unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT (1 Corinthian 6:17 KJV). YET, “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).
The believer often selfishly EXERCISES his or her human will and does whatever he or she PLEASES. “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).
The believer also CHOOSES his or her OWN way, often, without regard to God’s PRESENCE. “…God...[is]...with us…” (Matthew 1:23 NASB). “…The Lord said to Moses, “How long will these people treat me (my PRESENCE) with contempt (disrespect)?” (Daniel 14:11 NIV). “…My people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts (own agendas)” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).
Regardless of what you do, God NEVER changes his position. “…God...[is]...with us…” (Matthew 1:23 NASB). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV). “…he remains faithful…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT).
God has ENDURED the unfaithfulness and abandonment of his people for years!! Biblical history informs us that God’s people repeatedly abandoned him and the covenant relationship. “…They ABANDONED ME and did not obey my word….” (JEREMIAH 16:11 NLT). “…The Lord replies, “This has happened because my people have ABANDONED MY INSTRUCTIONS; they have refused to obey what I said….” (JEREMIAH 9:13 NLT). “…They ABANDONED the Lordthey turned their backs on him….” (2 Chronicles 29:6 NLT). “…he remains faithful…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT).
Thus, the modern-day believer CHOOSES, at liberty, what commitment he or she wants to take in the relationship with God through Christ.…The people replied …We will continue to live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires (own evil choices)…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT). “…They … [too abandon] … the Lord[and] … turned their backs on him….” (2 Chronicles 29:6 NLT). YET, “…he remains faithful…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT).
God’s people are CHOOSING their OWN way to this very day. …The people replied …We will continue to live as we want to (we will continue to choose and go our own way)…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).
Believers are CHOOSING to follow after the ways of the world and are becoming spiritually weakened. “…I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t….I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…We will continue to live as we want to … following our own evil desires …” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT). “…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by SIN? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…(Romans 7:14-25 NLT).
God is WITH THEM through Jesus Christ and REMAINS faithful.  God’s people DO NOT lose their personal freedom, through human will, to make their OWN choices. “… I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore [YOU]…choose life” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV).
The covenant relationship is God’s idea and he says in his Word: “…Two are better than one …” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NASB).
“IN” the covenant relationship, God provides for his people and has set them up to have an abundant LIFE. “…That they might have life … more abundantly…” (John 10:10 KJV).
However, his people CHOOSE to ENJOY abundant life, safety, refuge, protection, more than enough provisions, stability, the Savior, a healthy environment, the riches of God’s glory, or the indwelling Holy Spirit. “…God is the one who provides …” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV). “… God will supply all [your need]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “…I am come that THEY MIGHT have life, and that THEY MIGHT have it more abundantly…” (John 10:10 KJV).
ONLY within the covenant relationship with God is the believer’s life elevated and filled with his benevolent kindnesses. “…How great is [God’s benevolent kindness], which [He lays] up for them that fear [Him]… [or] for them that take refuge in [Him]…” (Psalm 31:19-20 KJV). “….He is good [and deeply caring] ...  ALL” the time…” (1 Chronicles 16:34, Ezra 3:11, and Psalm 107). “...Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).
ONLY within the covenant relationship with God are God’s people supported. Being “in” the covenant relationship with God through Christ, they are made functional, healthy, balanced, and whole. “…May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together—spirit, soul, and bodyThe One who called you is completely dependable. If he said it, he’ll do it!” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 MSG). …He was beaten so we could be WHOLE. He was whipped so we could be HEALED…” (Isaiah 53:5 NLT). “….Jesus Christ maketh thee WHOLE…” (Acts 9:34 KJV).
ONLY within the covenant relationship with God are God’s people equipped to do his will. …That great Shepherd of the sheep, EQUIP you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).  
ONLY within the covenant relationship with God are God’s people enabled to be strong and spiritually empowered. “… [God] … grant[s]… you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV).
God EXPLAINS, in his word, how the outcome from a healthy relationship with two commitment people is better. “…Two are better than one  if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? …” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NASB).
The covenant relationship with God promotes how mutual cooperation with him  ADDS an EXTRA blessing when HE is there HELPING you DO the tasks you’ve been given in life.…Godworks in you TO WILL and TO ACT in order to fulfill his good purpose…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “….apart from Me (JESUS), you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). “…I can do ALL THINGS through Christ which strengtheneth me…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).
Your human will is necessary, because it is a witness of the personal, voluntary commitment YOU have made to the covenant relationship with God, which also serves to prove the CHOICE you’ve made to abide with God or NOT. Jesus saith…I am the way, the truth, and the life…” (John 14:6 KJV). “…choose LIFE” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…Abide in Me…” (John 15:4-6 NASB).
Sin separated God from mankind, as witnessed with Adam and Eve, so an atoning sacrifice was needed. … [HE]…SENT HIS SON AS AN ATONING “SACRIFICE” FOR OUR SINS….” (1 John 4:10 NIV). Christ also died for sins ONCE FOR ALL, THE JUST FOR THE UNJUST” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB).  “…GOD SHOWED HIS GREAT [SACRIFICAL]…LOVE for us by SENDING CHRIST TO DIE FOR US WHILE WE WERE STILL SINNERS” (Romans 5:7-9 NLT).
God CHOSE to voluntarily and willfully demonstrate his LOVE for mankind by sending his SON.   …God SO LOVED the world that HE GAVE HIS “ONLY” BEGOTTEN SON” (John 3:16 KJV). “…Herein is love...” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…THIS IS LOVE …[HE]…SENT HIS SON ...” (1 John 4:10 NIV). “… Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us ...” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “… he first loved us…” (1 John 4:19 ASV)..
After God established a “plan of salvation” to restore the covenant relationship with mankind he made VOWS and PROMISES to NEVER leave them ALONE again. “…God has said “NEVER will I leave you; NEVER will I forsake you  …” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV).  “…I am with you always, to the very end of the age…"(Matthew 28:20 NIV).
God is FOREVER “BONDED” to you by his PLEDGE of LOVE. “…God...[is]...with us…” (Matthew 1:23 NASB). “…(HIS)love ... is the perfect BOND of unity...” (Colossians 3:14 NASB).
God is FOREVER “CONNECTED” to you by his PLEDGE of indwelling SPIRIT. “…God...[is]...with us…” (Matthew 1:23 NASB). “…The Spirit of God dwell[s]… in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).
God is FOREVER “SUSTAINING” the “bond” and “connection” with HIS people by his AMAZING GRACE. “…God...[is].... with us…” (Matthew 1:23 NASB). “…In him (Jesus) ALL THINGS  (the covenant relationship)…hold together…” (Colossians 1:7 NIV). “… [Jesus is]…sustaining ALL THINGS (the covenant relationship)… by his powerful word…” (Hebrews 1:3 NIV). “…God is able to make all GRACE abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things…” (2 Corinthians 8:9 KJV).
He is FOREVER “PROVING” his commitment to you through his constant PRESENCE and by his PRODUCTION of SPIRITUAL FRUIT  in YOUR LIFE!! “…God..[is]...with us…” (Matthew 1:23 NASB). “…He who ABIDES in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit(John 15:1-11 NASB). "…My Father is glorified by this, that “YOU” bear much fruit, and so PROVE to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV).
“…Ye shall know [those in the covenant relationship with God]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives (the lives of HIS people)…” (Galatians 5 NLT). “…Apart from [the covenant relationship with God, you] can do nothing.” (John 15:5 KJV).
Immanuel means “…God...[is]...with us…” (Matthew 1:23 NASB). …God has said “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV). “…I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, to the very end…"(Matthew 28:20 NIV).  “…Behold, I AM WITH… [YOU] and … I WILL NOT LEAVE … [YOU] ." (Genesis 28:15 ASV).The LORD thy God …will not fail (leave) thee, nor forsake thee” (Deuteronomy 31:6 KJV).  “…Behold, I am with … [you] and will keep … [you] … whithersoever … [you]… goest…I will not leave [you] ..." (Genesis 28:15 ASV). “… I change NOT” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).
He is Jehovah immanuel!!!
However, the abiding presence of THE SPIRIT IS A BLESSING FOR THE SOUL.
WHEN THE SOUL IS REUNITED WITH THE SPIRIT, IT IS NO LONGER LEFT TO ITSELF, BUT BECOMES a new creation with the god image. “…  those who were once enlightenedthose who have experienced the good things of heaven and shared in the Holy Spirit,  who have tasted the goodness of the Word of God and the power of the age to come …” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT).
ALL will remain WELL WITH THE SOUL as long as “that” soul chooses to stay abiding with God, the holy spirit (the god image).  “…Apart from [SPIRIT, the God IMAGE, you] can do nothing.” (John 15:5 KJV). “…abide in me, and I in you…” (John 15:4 KJV).   
“... it is this Good News that saves you IF' you continue to believe the message...” (1 Corinthians NLT). “... continue in the faith... grounded and settled...” (Colossians 1:22-23 KJV). “...be not moved away ...” (Colossians 1:22-23 KJV).

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