TRANSFORMED BY THE COMPANY YOU KEEP!!!

                              

         TRANSFORMING LOVE

“…HE THAT IS JOINED UNTO THE LORD IS ONE SPIRIT….” (1 CORINTHIANS 6:17 KJV).

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Every Believer is joined (united, attached, connected) to the God, the Holy Spirit. “ ... HE THAT IS JOINED UNTO THE LORD (Jesus, the Word of God) IS ONE SPIRIT….” (1 CORINTHIANS 6:17 KJV). Such an intimate connection of any kind between people is usually considered a relationship. The marriage union is the closest representation of the union or relationship between Christ, the Word, or the Spirit and the Believer.

Jesus had another name. “… His name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “….THE WORDS that I speak unto you, they are SPIRIT…” (John 6:63 KJV). “…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). The “WORD” is spirit and God is spirit; they are one and the same. “…the Word was God  … (John 1:1-4 NASB). “ ... HE THAT IS JOINED UNTO THE LORD (Jesus, the Word of God) IS ONE SPIRIT ...[with God again]….” (1 CORINTHIANS 6:17 KJV).

However, in marriage you are commanded to become “one flesh” which means to become intimate, with one another, as humanly possible. In the relationship with Christ, the Word we become “one Spirit” or reunited again with God, the Holy Spirit. “… [God,] the Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE…” (John 3:6 NLT). “…GOD, [the Holy Spirit] IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…God [the Holy Spirit SENDS] … forth the Spirit of His Son (WORD) “INTO” [Y]OUR HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…God [the Holy Spirit] has given [you] HIS Spirit as PROOF (TO CONFIRM)  … he [dwells]…in [you]…” (1 John 4:13 NLT). “….Jesus Christ (the WORD of GOD) maketh thee WHOLE (Reunites you with God, the Holy Spirit)…” (Acts 9:34 KJV).

This “one Spirit” union tells believers that they are in a unique, oneness relationship with the God, the Holy Spirit through Christ, his Word. “…We are members of his body….” (Ephesians 5:30 KJV). “… [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).  “…He that is joined unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT (BELONG)…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “…We are his; we are “HIS” PEOPLE...” (Psalms 100:3 KJV). “…you belong to God, my dear children…” (1 John 4:2-7 NIV).

In other words Christianity is not a boxed-in, stagnant religious system, but a live, animated, thriving, supernatural relationship. “…The [Holy] SPIRIT ... gives LIFE…” (John 6:63 NASB).  “… [IT IS]…God [the Holy Spirit] [that MAKES] you ALIVE [through] Christ (the WORD OF GOD).  [God, the Holy Spirit forgives and cleanses you from]… all [your]… sins…” (Colossians 2:13 NIV). God, the HOLY SPIRIT, makes “… [you are]… ALIVE! …” (Ephesians 2:5 NIV). Like the prodigal son, “… [YOU were]…. DEAD and [you have been MADE]… ALIVE AGAIN; [you were]… lost and [have been]… found…” (Luke 15:24 NIV).

In order to truly enjoy the Christian journey, a believer must know the difference. A relationship is not about following a set of rules, but it is about mutuality between people joined to or in an union with another that involves genuine love, commitment, honesty, and faithfulness.“… I have loved you with an everlasting love…” (Jeremiah 31:3 NASB). “… Indeed, He loves the people…” (Deuteronomy 33:3 NASB). “…God has said “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV). “…Thy word is TRUTH (HONEST)…” (JOHN 17:17 KJV). “… he remains faithful [in his covenant relationships], for he cannot deny who he is…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT).

The “one spirit” relationship is a spiritual intimacy that can only be understood by Godly revelation (through the indwelling Holy Spirit) and experienced by faith (by depending upon the power of his Word). “… BY FAITH (by depending upon God, the indwelling Holy Spirit) we [are empowered to]... understand (or receive revelation knowledge) that …what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen (the confirming WORK of God’s HOLY SPIRIT).” (Hebrews 11 NLT).  “…BY THE WORD  (which activates the confirming WORK of the HOLY SPIRIT) of the Lord [ALL THINGS CAME or WILL COME INTO BEING]…” (Psalms 33:6 NASB).

You, the believer, are “united” to God through Jesus Christ. A body has many parts, but only when those parts are bonded together do they make a body. “…Love … is the perfect BOND of unity...” (Colossians 3:14 NASB). “For by one Spirit, [we are] all baptized into one body….” (1 Corinthians 12:13). “... HE THAT IS JOINED UNTO THE LORD (Jesus, the Word of God) IS ONE SPIRIT ...[with God again]….” (1 CORINTHIANS 6:17 KJV).

Flour, sugar, eggs, and butter can be mixed together or become “one” and turn into a cake or some other creation. When you are mixed or joined, or attached to the Lord you become “one spirit” and turn into a “new creation.” “... HE THAT IS JOINED UNTO THE LORD (Jesus, the Word of God) IS ONE SPIRIT ...[with God again]….” (1 CORINTHIANS 6:17 KJV).“…If any man be in Christ, he is …a NEW creature …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “… [because] … all things are … [MADE] … NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “…I will put a new spirit “in” you  …” (Ezekiel 36:26 NLT).

Knowing you are in a relationship with God through Christ is essential and practical for living out an authentic Christian journey. According to Jesus, God’s intention is “…that they all … (including you) be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee….” (John 17:21-23 KJV).  “… I (Jesus, the WORD) and my Father are ONE…” (John 10:30 KJV). “… His (Jesus) name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “….THE WORDS ... they are SPIRIT…” (John 6:63 KJV).  The “WORD” is spirit and God is spirit; they are one and the same. “…the Word (jesus) was God  … (John 1:1-4 NASB).

The way you know you are in an authentic relationship with God through Christ is not by following biblical rules or simply doing religious activities, but by faith. “…a person is made right with God (reunited with God) by faith [or by depending upon the power of]… Jesus Christ (his WORD)…” (Galatians 2:16 NLT). “… [The WORD of GOD)… “is” the power of God at work (miraculously), saving (reuniting) everyone who believes (or depends upon the power of his word to do so)…” (Romans 1:16 NLT). “…BY THE WORD of the Lord [you are SAVED or REUNITED to God, the Holy Spirit)]…” (Psalms 33:6 NASB). “…All things came into being (including SALVATION or an authentic relationship with God) through Him (Jesus, the WORD of GOD), and apart from [the WORD of GOD] nothing came into being that has come into being … (John 1:1-4 NASB).

 Becoming involved in a practical, mutual, intimate relationship with God comes through revelation knowledge given by the indwelling Holy Spirit. “…The person WITHOUT the [Holy] 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 [Holy] Spirit. …” (2 Corinthians 2:12-15 KJV). “….Apart from Me (God, the Holy Spirit), you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

Revelation knowledge empowers you to accept his truth that the Holy Spirit has been sent into your heart. “…God [the Holy Spirit SENDS] … forth the Spirit of His Son (WORD) “INTO” [Y]OUR HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…God [the Holy Spirit] has given [you] HIS Spirit as PROOF (through revelation knowledge that)  … he [dwells]…in [you]…” (1 John 4:13 NLT).   “... Christ [THE WORD dwells] in your hearts by faith (by your dependency upon his POWER) …” (Ephesians 3:17 KJV);

The MOMENT God sends his Holy Spirit INTO your heart “YOU” become “ONE SPIRIT” or reunited in a holy, covenant relationship with HIM again! “... HE THAT IS JOINED UNTO THE LORD (Jesus, the Word of God) IS ONE SPIRIT ...[with God again]….” (1 CORINTHIANS 6:17 KJV). “... [Only] …one  (has the power and authority to or)… can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus (the word of god)…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT). “….Jesus Christ (the WORD of GOD) maketh thee WHOLE (Reunites you with God, the Holy Spirit)…” (Acts 9:34 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit and YOUR Soul are reunited together again. You are spiritually married into a holy, covenant relationship with God and he comes to LIVE (dwell) with you FOREVERMORE!! “... HE THAT IS JOINED UNTO THE LORD IS ONE SPIRIT ...[with God, the Holy Spirit again]….” (1 CORINTHIANS 6:17 KJV). “…Jesus Christ (the Word of God) is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…the Spirit of God dwell[s] in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).  “…God has said “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV).

Godly mutuality is a commitment of loving, ongoing reciprocity where you and God exchange covenant, relationship benefits. “… I have loved you with an everlasting love…” (Jeremiah 31:3 NASB). “…those who love me [back] ... keep my commandments (or submit to my lordship by following my HOLY instructions)…” (Exodus 20:6 NIV). “…Abide in Me, and I in you (mutuality)…” (John 15:4-6 NASB). “…I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit…” (John 15:4-6 NASB). “… Apart from Me (the WORD of God, the Holy Spirit) you can do nothing…” (John 15:4-6 NASB).

You personally benefit from being in a holy, intimate, covenant relationship with God. You can NOW benefit from all of God’s promises and God benefits (is pleased) when you have faith (dependency upon) his promises to you. “…without faith it is impossible to please him…” (Hebrews 11:6 KJV). That’s it. That’s the Godly mutuality.

In addition, God’s promises reveal his love for you, confirms his Word specifically to you, and establishes HIM as the Lord, your personal, intimate God (husbandman, caregiver). “…The ... Son (Jesus, the WORD of god), of the Father, ... hath declared (explained, revealed, or communicated for) him…” (John 1:18 KJV). “…All the promises of God in him are yea and in him Amen…” (2 Corinthians 1:20 KJV). “… [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 keep his commands (follow his HOLY 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).  “…power belongs to God…” (Psalms 62:11 NASB). God says, I “…am WATCHING over my word to PERFORM it…” (Jeremiah 1:12 NASB “…So shall MY WORD be that 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). “…I HAVE DONE IT, declares the Lord…’” (Ezekiel 37 NIV). “… he hath done marvellous things…” (Psalm 98:1 KJV). “…I’ve … done it … so you will know that I am the Lord…” (Exodus 10:1-2 NLT). “… Then you will know that I am the Lord your God…’” (Exodus 16:12 NLT).

The Christian journey is a holy, intimate, covenant relationship, with God, the Holy Spirit, that requires your mutual involvement, commitment, and cooperation with God. “…Abide in Me, and I in you (mutuality)…” (John 15:4-6 NASB). “…that the world may know … as the Father gave me commandments, even so I do…” (John 14:31 KJV).

 It’s a mutual participation and not a one-sided relationship where you are the only one who benefits from it, but God benefits too. “… I have loved you with an everlasting love…” (Jeremiah 31:3 NASB). “…those who love me [back] ... keep my commandments…” (Exodus 20:6 NIV). “... the ones who love me... I will love them and reveal myself to each of them..." (John 14:21 NLT).

When you understand it’s a relationship, its mutual, it’s a “one spirit” UNION with God, the Holy Spirit; then you can authentically experience it in a practical way in daily life. “…Abide in Me (MY WORD), and I (MY WORD will abide) in you …apart from Me (my WORD) you can do nothing (you cannot have a mutual relationship with God)…” (John 15:4-6 NASB). “... Remain in me, and I will remain in you...” (John 15:4 NLT).  “... Blessed be (praises to) the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits ... the God of our salvation ...” (Psalms 68:19 KJV).

It is also through this relationship that transformation truly takes place and instead of just “doing” Christianity, you will actually “become” Christ-like. “...I will love them and reveal myself to each of them..." (John 14:21 NLT). “…the Spirit of God dwell[s] in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). ^“…That great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). ^“…That great Shepherd of the sheep …work “IN US” what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…It is God which worketh IN YOU both to will and to do of his good pleasure…” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “... He that walketh with wise men (he that walks with the holy spirit)  shall be ,,,[spiritually] ... wise...” (Proverbs 13:20 KJV). “... Follow the steps of good men (FOLLOW THE STEPS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT)... and stay on the paths of the righteous (JESUS, THE WORD OF GOD)...” (Proverbs 2:20 NLT). “... He whose ear listens to the life-giving reproof (THE WORD OF GOD)  Will dwell among the wise ...” (Proverbs 15:31 NASB). “…Be transformed by the renewing of your mind [through the POWER of God’s WORD)….” (Romans 12:2 KJV). “…It is… GOD WHO “DOES” THE WORK IN AND THROUGH all of us who are his. The Holy Spirit “displays” God’s power THROUGH each of us…” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). ). “…IT IS God which worketh in you…” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).  YOU WILL BECOME LIKE OR BE TRANSFORMED INTO THE COMPANY YOU KEEP (1 CORINTHIANS 15:33). THEREFORE, KEEP COMPANY WITH THE WORD OF GOD; IT WILL TRANSFORM YOU!!