TRANSFORMING LOVE: JESUS BECOMES YOUR SAVIOR AND "LORD"

TRANSFORMING LOVE

Jesus becomes your Lord, Part 1

 “...For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord…”(2 Corinthians 4:5 KJV).

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After God chooses you, draws you, gives you a measure of faith, loves you, changes your identity, speaks to you; he becomes Lord. Lordship means Jesus rightfully has sovereignty over your life.

God gave Jesus sovereignty over his people’s life’s when he assigned him the role as LORD. Therefore, in the “covenant unity” relationship with God, the Holy Spirit, “…Jesus, whom ye crucified...[is]... both Lord and Christ… (Acts 2:36 KJV).

Jesus is designated as LORD of lords.“… His name (Jesus Christ) is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “… Jesus (the WORD of GOD) …came and SPAKE ...saying, “All POWER is given unto me IN heaven and earth…” (Matthew 28:18 KJV). “...Jesus Christ (the LIVING WORD of God), who is ... the RULER of the kings of the earth...” (Revelation 1:5 NIV). “...the Lamb (Jesus, the LIVING WORD) will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings... (Revelations 17:14 NIV).

“...On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: king of kings and lord of lords...” (Revelation 19:16 NIV). “...God, the blessed and ONLY RULER, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen...” (1 Timothy 3:13-16 NIV).

“...May all kings bow down to him and all nations serve him...” (Psalms 72:11 NIV). “...Give thanks to the Lord of lords...” (Psalms 136:3 NIV). “...Thank God! He deserves your thanks. His love never quits. Thank the God of all gods, His love never quits. Thank the Lord of all lords. His love never quits...” (Psalms 136:1-3 MSG).

God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus, his WORD, GOVERNS the hearts of his people. “...the Lamb (Jesus, the LIVING WORD) ...is Lord of lords... (Revelations 17:14 NIV). “...Jesus Christ (the LIVING WORD of God), who is [also] ... the RULER...” (Revelation 1:5 NIV).

Jesus, first and foremost, submitted, himself, to God, the Holy Spirit, as Lord, King, and ultimate RULER. "...And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That 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 2:8-11 KJV).

Lordship is another important component of the “covenant unity” relationship between God and his people. God, the Holy Spirit is the caregiver and his people are his dependents. As caregiver, God, through his WORD takes the role of Lord and his dependents take the role of subjects. A “covenant unity” of loving reciprocity is forged, between soul and SPIRIT.

In Ancient Near East, however, a covenant was usually unbreakable, accept in the case of physical death. The “covenant unity” with God, the Holy Spirit, is unbreakable too, accept in the case of spiritual death.  

The “covenant unity” relationship with God, the Holy Spirit, can END over APOSTASY.  God says“... I hate divorce!” says the Lord, the God of Israel. “…” (Malachi 2:16 NLT).

God’s people, through the POWER of human will, can FREELY CHOOSE to depart, separate, and ultimately DIVORCE God, the Holy Spirit, too.

The bible SAYS, the SOUL and the SPIRIT can be divided asunder (BREAK-UP) “through” the WORD. “...the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit,....” (Hebrews 4:12 NASB).

WHEN the SPIRIT is divided asunder from the SOUL; man’s soul is left is to itself. “…the body without (apart from) the spirit is dead…” (James 2:26 KJV).

When the SOUL is left to itself because the Holy SPIRIT separates from it; it is usually because SIN separates or divides them asunder. “…Your INIQUITIES … separated … you and your God …” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

When the SOUL and SPIRIT is divided asunder it is experienced like a separation or divorce.  “... You “WERE” SEALED ...WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT OF PROMISE.…” (Ephesians 1 NLT).  “... the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit (that was SEALED)...” (Hebrews 4:12 NASB). “…I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?...” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “…you have been cut off from Christ! …” (Galatians 5:4 NLT).

The SOUL is left to its INDIVIDUAL self and the SPIRIT, which provided spiritual LIFE to the SOUL has separated, naturally, like oil does from water.  “…It is the SPIRIT who gives “LIFE”; the flesh profits nothing…” (John 6:63 NASB). “….apart from … [God’s HOLY Spirit], [you can]… do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). “.. the word of God ... piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit,....” (Hebrews 4:12 NASB).

The SOUL left to itself has NO affinity toward the Holy SPIRIT any more. It is the Holy SPIRIT that GIVES the SOUL an affinity towards God and righteous living. “...The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.  And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. 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 that is … within me. Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin? …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

Apart from the Holy SPIRIT, not only does the SOUL have no affinity toward God, but it has NO relationship with HIM either. “….apart from … [God’s HOLY Spirit], [you can]… do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). “…the body without (apart from) the spirit is dead…” (James 2:26 KJV).

Yet, the bible says:  “…God has said “Never will I leave [my people]; never will I forsake [them]…” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV). “…I AM WITH [my people]... ALWAYS, to the very end…"(Matthew 28:20 NIV).

God KEEPS his promises. In the instant of human divorces either both parties want the divorce, or one party wants the divorce and the other concedes to the other parties WILLFUL CHOICE.

A DIVORCE is the dissolution of a marriage, the breaking of original vows made, and it requires a LEGAL PROCESS to END it.

A DIVORCE from God the Holy Spirit is the dissolution of the “covenant unity” where the BELIEVER DEPARTS, by choice, and ENDS the relationship. “…those 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— and who then turn away from God …” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT). “... IN LATTER TIMES “SOME” SHALL [CHOOSE OR DECIDE TO] ...DEPART FROM the [CHRISTIAN] ... FAITH !!!!...” (1 Timothy 4:1-3 KJV).

“...Take heed, BRETHREN (SISTERS or THE REDEEMED, etc.), lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God...” (Hebrews 3:12 KJV).

“...If ye ..[choose or willfully decide to] ...continue in the faith ... and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel ...” (Colossians 1:22-23 KJV).

Struggling to OVERCOME sin and willfully PRACTICING sin is two different things. Within the “covenant unity” relationship with God, the Holy Spirit, God’s people make mistakes, they stumble and fall, they are imperfect, they are weak, and they fail, but they DON’T LEAVE God, the Holy Spirit.

To DEPART or LEAVE is to walk away, vacate, move on, divorce, separate, or break completely from the vows or promises made to another person, your marital partner, or God, the Holy Spirit.

When APOSTASY (DIVORCE from God) happens it usually means the “covenant unity” relationship with HIM has been terminated by the WILLFUL decision of the one who chooses to depart. “... You “WERE” SEALED ...WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT OF PROMISE.…” (Ephesians 1 NLT).

However, “... Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness ...” (1 John 3:7-10 NASB).

“...God SEES NOT as man (woman) sees, for man (woman) looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD LOOKS AT THE HEART…”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB). “…No one needed… to tell him (God, the Holy Spirit) about human nature, for he knew what was in each person’s heart…” (John 2:24-25 NLT). “…[The] ...Lord (God), 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).

Therefore, “... Stand fast (brothers, sisters, God’s redeemed people of God, etc.) ... in the liberty (freedom FROM sin) wherewith Christ hath made ...[YOU]... free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage..” (Galatians 5:1 KJV).

“...For if, after ...[God’s people]... have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ... [and THEY]... are again entangled in them...” (2 Peter 2:20-23 NASB). “…It’s [THEI]R [practice of]...SINS that...[will] … cut [them]... off from God…” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT). “…[God’s people’s]... INIQUITIES...[will] … [separate them from] … God…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). “…[They]... have been cut off from Christ! [They]... have fallen away from God’s GRACE…” (Galatians 5:4 NLT). “...HE(she) THAT “SHALL” (WILLfully choose to) ENDURE UNTO THE END SHALL BE SAVED...” (Matthew 24:13 KJV).

“...it would be better for them...[that willfully choose to depart from God]... not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away (by choice) from the holy commandment ...” (2 Peter 2:20-23 NASB).

WHAT HAPPENED? “...It has happened to them according to the true proverb, “...A dog returns to its own vomit,” and, “A sow, after washing, returns to wallowing in the mire...” (2 Peter 2:20-23 NASB).

AND THE WORD SAYS: “…It’s YOUR [willful practice of]...SINS that ...[will]... cut you off from God. …” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT). God says, “…I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

“…MY WORD … 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).

HIS WORD SAYS: “... Everyone (NO EXCEPTIONS) who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness ...” (1 John 3:7-10 NASB).

 “…It’s YOUR SINS that ...[WILL]... cut you off from God. …” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT).

God says, I “…am WATCHING over my word to PERFORM it…” (Jeremiah 1:12 NASB). Therefore, “... the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, [AND IS ABLE TO PERFORM THE].... piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit,....” (Hebrews 4:12 NASB).

BECAUSE THE WORD SAYS “SIN” SEPARATES SOUL and SPIRIT: “... the word of God [ that is QUICK and POWERFUL] ...piercing ...to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit,....” (Hebrews 4:12 NASB).“…you have been cut off from Christ! …” (Galatians 5:4 NLT).

BECAUSE “…If you love [god, the holy spirit), you will  keep ...[his holy]... commandments…” (John 14:15).

Nonetheless, today and in the past,  “…[God’s]... people ...[would]... not listen to ...[HIM... They ...[keep]... doing whatever they [want]…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). “… The people replied, “Don’t waste your breath. We will continue to live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT). “…Thus saith the Lord; ‘Cursed be the MAN (or woman) ... whose HEART departeth from the Lord…” (Jeremiah 17:5 KJV)

Further, “…[MY PEOPLE]... broke [THEIR] ... covenant [WITH ME], though I [love]...them as a..[righteous]... husband loves his wife,” says the Lord…” (Jeremiah 31:32 NASB).

“... I forewarn you ... that those who ...[choose to continue to]...practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God...” (Galatians 5:19-21 NASB).

“... Now the deeds of the flesh, [practiced by those proclaiming to be God’s people, will be]... evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality,  idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God...” (Galatians 5:19-21 NASB).

“... Everyone (no exceptions) who practices sin ...[on any level]... also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness ...” (1 John 3:7-10 NASB).

To PRACTICE sin means to do it repeatedly, habitually, and SO regularly that one’s proficiency, in doing this particularly sin, is improved and maintained. A little bit of SIN, it “STILL” “some” sin.

“... For the person who keeps all of the [Holy] ... laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God’s [Holy] ...laws. For the same God who said, “You must not commit adultery,” also said, “You must not murder.” So if you murder someone but do not commit adultery, you have still broken the law...” (James 2:10-15 NLT).

APOSTASY (DIVORCE from God) means that one of God’s OWN people are choosing to forget and abandon HIM. “… [YOU]… FORGOT all about ME,” says the Lord…” (Hosea 2:13 NLT). “…They ABANDONED the Lord… they turned their backs on him….” (2 Chronicles 29:6 NLT). “...people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching....” (2 Timothy 4:3-4 NLT).“... They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear...” (2 Timothy 4:3-4 NLT). “...They will reject the truth and chase after myths...” (2 Timothy 4:3-4 NLT).

“...some will turn away from the true faith;...” (Hebrews 4:1-2 NLT).

“...they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons...” (Hebrews 4:1-2 NLT).

“...These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead...” (Hebrews 4:1-2 NLT).

 “…[They say in their hearts,]...we will continue to live as WE WANT TO, stubbornly following our own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).

 “…My people would not listen to me. They KEPT DOING WHATEVER THEY WANTED, following the stubborn desires of their [OWN] evil hearts…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).

There is a way, established by God, to sustain the “covenant unity” relationship with God and that is through obedience. True obedience is the WITNESS of the LORDSHIP (the RULE) of Jesus, the WORD of God! "...And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross...” (Philippians 2:8-11 KJV).

Submitting to the Lordship (Rule of Jesus, God’s WORD) says you love God and willingly and voluntarily CHOOSE to “KEEP” his COMMANDMENTS. .“…If you love me, you will (CHOOSE TO) keep my commandments…” (John 14:15). “... ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments...” (Matthew 22:36-40 NLT).  

Obedience to God, the Holy Spirit, is a HUMAN CHOICE. God’s people are NOT “ever” forced 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 [willingly]... 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 willful CHOICE, but it requires an humble act of submission to HIS WORD (Lordship, rule).

Obedience is an act of the human will, which means God’s people choose, on their own volition, to keep HIS commandments. Jesus said: “…not My will, but Yours be done..." (Luke 22:42-43 NIV).

 “…If the Lord will, [I] ...shall live, and do this, or that...” (James 4:16 KJV).

When God’s people SUBMIT to God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus, they are willfully and voluntarily choosing to YIELD themselves 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 God, the Holy Spirit, witnesses Jesus, God’s WORD is LORD and RULER over your life.  “…to whom ye ...[CHOOSE TO]...yield yourselves servants to obey, his(her) servants [you become]... to whom ye...[CHOOSE TO]... obey...” (Romans 6:16 KJV).

Not only is obedience to God, the Holy Spirit, a CHOICE and a WILLFUL ACT; it is also a demonstration of love for HIM and respect for his RULE. “...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 (choose to obey) my commandments (the things I say to you through my word)…” (John 14:15).

Obedience is NOT about, dutifully, following a bunch of religious rules and regulations. Obedience “IS” about being lovingly devoted to God and KEEPING his HOLY commandments by choice.  “...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).

Many through dutiful self-effort, follow or adhere to the list of religious rules, religious regulations, biblical instructions, or commandments greater than others, and often, consider themselves MORE holy or righteous.“… Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness 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).

Dutiful self-effort where individuals follow God’s Holy instructions, through the flesh, is NOT obedience, but becomes self-invented or self-made piousness. “...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 obey God’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 through the flesh is) as filthy rags….” (Isaiah 64:6 KJV).  “... APART FROM [Christ]... [they]... can do nothing  …” (John 15:1-11 NASB). “…[jesus “is”] ...the GIFT of righteousness (right living, holy living, genuine living, devout living, spiritually fruitful living, etc.,)…” (Romans 5:17 KJV)."....The [indwelling] ...Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [y]our lives...[and not the flesh] …” (Galatians 5 NLT).

The SOURCE of RIGHTEOUS living or righteous conduct is EMPOWERED by the indwelling Holy Spirit and “NOT” the FLESH. “...the flesh (sinful nature) profits nothing…” (John 6:63 NASB). “...[The SINFUL NATURE]... never did obey God’s (HOLY) laws, and it never will…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).

TRYING TO BE OBEDIENCE, ON YOUR OWN EFFORTS, AND WITHOUT THE HELP OF THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT IS DISOBEDIENCE IN ITSELF. “... APART FROM [Christ]... [YOU]... can do nothing  …” (John 15:1-11 NASB). “… [ALL have become]…..unclean and [their so-called] righteousnesses (efforts to do right through the flesh is) as filthy rags….” (Isaiah 64:6 KJV).  

The FLESH will “NOT” obey God nor HELP you obey God. “...the flesh (sinful nature) profits nothing…” (John 6:63 NASB).  “…The sinful nature is always hostile to God …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).

The FLESH is what ASSISTS the devil with getting YOU into BONDAGE with SIN in the first place. “…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).

Trying to be holy or live righteous APART from the indwelling Holy Spirit is NOT possible. “...[The SINFUL NATURE]... never did obey God’s (HOLY) laws, and it never will…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).

If you couldn’t be holy or live righteous, in the flesh, before CHRIST, you won’t be able to do it WITHOUT CHRIST. “... For it is God who worketh in you, both to will (to desire to keep his commandments) and to do (to actually keep it) of His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).  “….“…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). However, “…[God’s people]... can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth [them]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

The SOURCE of it ALL is God, the Holy Spirit. He is the indwelling spiritual strength that EMPOWERS his people to live righteous, be holy, produce spiritual fruit, and  experience true freedom from sin. “…GOD “IS” SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). God EXISTS as Spirit. “…God is not human “…God is Spirit  …” (Numbers 23:19 NIV & John 4:24 KJV). “… “I AM” WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). “….Apart from [the indwelling Holy Spirit], [God’s people]... can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

“…He (she) that is joined unto the LORD is ONE SPIRIT (is restored to God’s Holy Spirit again)…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…Your body [becomes]... the temple of the Holy ...[Spirit]... which is in you…” (1 Corinthians 6:19 KJV).

“…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “ …The Spirit of God dwelleth in you…” (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV).

“…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…God hath said, I will dwell in them…” (2 Corinthians 6:16 KJV).

“…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…He (she) that is joined unto the LORD is ONE SPIRIT [with God, again[…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “…There ... [is] … …one … who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT). “… [The person who]… is joined (RECONCILED) unto ...[Christ Jesus]... is ONE spirit… [again with God, the Holy Spirit]” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).

“…Therefore if any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a NEW creature …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “… All things are … [MADE] … NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).  “…I will put a new spirit (BREATHE OF LIFE) in you. …” (Ezekiel 36:26 NLT). “... and man (woman) became a living soul (soul AGAIN)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). 

“…By the GRACE of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).