TRANSFORMING LOVE: JESUS IS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD, PART 2

TRANSFORMING LOVE

Jesus becomes your Lord, Part 2

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

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SPIRITUAL LIFE comes from God, the Holy Spirit, and apart from God, the Holy Spirit, God’s people can do NOTHING spiritual. God, the Holy Spirit is the SOURCE of it all. “….Apart from [the indwelling Holy Spirit], [God’s people]... can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).“…The …[indwelling] ...HOLY SPIRIT …is the SOURCE of [your SPIRITUAL LIFE and spiritual STRENGTH]… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

“…It is …God [the indwelling Holy Spirit] ... who does the work IN and THROUGH all of us who are his… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…The [indwelling]...HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH [his people] … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…It is God who works in [his people]… to will (to want to obey) and to act (to actually become empowered to obey) in order to fulfill his good purpose...” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “….Apart from [Jesus, the indwelling Holy Spirit], you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

“…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…the Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE…” (John 3:6 NLT).  “...The Spirit GIVES life...” (John 6:63 NIV).

“...He is ... God (the Holy Spirit IS THE ONE) who made the world and everything in it ...He himself gives life (spiritual life) and breath (existence) to everything..” (Acts 17:24-25 NLT).“...[God’s] …Holy Spirit …is the SOURCE [of  it ALL]…” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

The indwelling Holy Spirit is the SOURCE of your SPIRITUAL LIFE and STRENGTH. True obedience begins with human will and choice, and is EMPOWERED by God’s indwelling Holy Spirit which will give witness to God’s GLORY.  “...[God’s] …Holy Spirit …is the SOURCE [of  it ALL]…” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to [the sin nature]. …I don’t really understand myself, for I want to [give God glory] …but I don’t [choose to depend upon God’s indwelling  SPIRITUAL LIFE]... Instead, I do what I hate. So I am not the one doing wrong; it is [the sinful nature]… living in me that does it.  And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to [give God glory] … [which]… is right, BUT I CAN’T…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by [the sin nature which has NEVER obeyed God]?” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

“…The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). 

 “…The sinful nature is always hostile to God). It (the sinful nature) never did obey God’s laws, and it (the sinful nature) never will…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). Thus, “...Who will free me from this life that is dominated by [the hostile, disobedient sinful nature]?” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).  “…The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).   

“…Jesus Christ is IN [each of God’s people]…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV).“…[God, through Jesus is]...my helper and my savior…” (Psalms 40:17 NLT). “….Apart from [Jesus]…[God’s people] ...CAN DO NOTHING…” (John 15:5 NIV). “….Apart from [the indwelling spiritual life]... [God’s people]… can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).   o

God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus deserves the obedience of his people. So “…withhold NOT  good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine to do it…” (Proverbs 3:27 KJV). “…Render… to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor…” (Romans 13:7 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit, is WORTHY and due all honor and respect, especially for all “…[the] great things [he hath done] for [his people]…” (Psalm 126:2-3 KJV).

When does God, through Jesus become a person’s Savior and Lord?  When the lost and spiritually dead soul “…confess[es] with th[eir] mouth, the Lord Jesus ….” he becomes their Savior and Lord (Romans 10:9-10 KJV).

When the lost and spiritually dead soul confesses that, Jesus is Lord and is converted; HE becomes rightfully their Lord. However, God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus doesn’t demand this Lordship from his people, even though it is rightfully his; they willfully and voluntarily choose to concede Lordship to him. For example: “…Christ …entrusted himself to him who judges justly…” (1 Peter 2:20-23 NIV). JESUS SAID: “… I lay down my life [for God, my Father]... No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord …” (John 10:17-18 KJV). “…"Father... not My will, but Yours be done" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV).

God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus becomes Lord when his people submit to his leadership role, as CAREGIVER, to them, in the “covenant unity” relationship. “…The Lord is my shepherd; I SHALL NOT WANT…” (Psalms 23 KJV). “… [God, the Holy Spirit, the caregiver ALONE WILL]…satisfy … [his children[  …” (Jeremiah 31:25 NASB).  “… [God, the Holy Spirit, the caregiver, etc.] … will supply all [his children’s need]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). . “[God, the] …Holy Spirit …is the SOURCE [of it ALL]…” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

Submission to God, the Holy Spirit’s, LORDSHIP, through Jesus will require an act of humility. “..... [Jesus]... took the humble position of a slave  ...” (Philippians 2:5-7 NLT). “…[Jesus]...HUMBLED himself and became obedient unto death (inward), even the death of the cross (outward)…” (Philippians 2:8 KJV). \

To be HUMBLE is also an act of human will. God’s people will NEVER be forced to obey, submit, or humble themselves. Total surrender to God, the Holy Spirit’s, LORDSHIP, through Jesus is a CHOICE. “…If My people which are called by My name shall humble themselves, …” (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV). “...Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up...” (James 4:10 KJV). “...Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time…” (1 Peter 5:6 KJV).

 God’s true disciples will give up everything they have to keep his commandments. “…If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple …” (Luke 14:26 KJV).

 “...One day when large groups of people were walking along with him, Jesus turned and told them, “Anyone who comes to me but refuses to let go of father, mother, spouse, children, brothers, sisters—yes, even one’s own self!—can’t be my disciple. Anyone who won’t shoulder his own cross and follow behind me can’t be my disciple...” (Luke 14:27 MSG).

“...If [God’s people]... love (respect, honor, reverence, etc., God, their heavenly Father) ... [they]... will keep [his] commandments...” (John 14:15). Love is costly and it is costly to “…carry [the various] cross[es] and follow [God’s commandments. However, if NOT they]... cannot be [HIS] disciple.…..” (Luke 14:27 KJV).

Obedience, surrender, and humility is a narrow path and most of God’s people fail to walk in the righteous path. “… Jesus (the WORD) opened a new and life-giving WAY  ... into the Most Holy Place …” (Hebrews 10:19-20 NLT). “Jesus saith…I am THE WAY…” (John 14:6 KJV). “…"This is the WAY; WALK in it…" Isaiah 30:21 NIV). “…THE WAY is narrow that LEADS TO LIFE, and there are FEW who find it…” (Matthew 7:13-14 NASB).

When God, the Holy Spirit, is LORD, through Jesus, his people will be WITNESSES of his GLORY, which is his presence, goodness, and working power, upon earth. After Abraham’s obedience, GOD SAID: “...because you have done this thing and have not withheld your son, your only son, indeed I will greatly bless you, and I will greatly multiply your seed as the stars of the heavens and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your seed shall possess the gate of their enemies. In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.”...” (Genesis 22:15-19 NLT).

God’s people were SENT to earth to be a WITNESS to God’s GLORY. “…Ye shall know [God’s people]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “…He who ABIDES in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit  … ” (John 15:1-11 NASB).

HOW?  “…God ...does the work  IN AND THROUGH all of [his people]… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…The Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE (by planting the GOOD SEED within the hearts of his people)…” (John 3:6 NLT).

“… [Jesus Christ’s other name]... is called The Word of God (the SEED)…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “...The seed is the word of God...” (Luke 8:11 KJV).“….. THE WORD …was sown in THEIR HEARTS…” (Mark 4:14-15 & Luke 8:11 KJV).

 “…The Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE (by planting the GOOD SEED within the hearts of his people)…” (John 3:6 NLT). “…God … sent forth the Spirit of His Son (his WORD and the good seed) “INTO” [his people’s] HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB).“…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).  “…The Spirit of God dwell[s]… in [HIS PEOPLE]…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).

“…The fruit of the [indwelling Holy]... 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 [the] ...lives ...[of his people]…” (Galatians 5 NLT)

“…Ye shall know [God’s people]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV).

"…[When “HIS PEOPLE”]...bear much fruit, [they]... PROVE to be [God’s] ...disciples” (John 15:8 NIV).

"…My Father (the holy spirit)... is glorified by this, that “[HIS PEOPLE]” bear much fruit...” (John 15:8 NIV).

The difference between self-effort and spiritual empowerment is God’s indwelling Holy Spirit. God’s people can’t “do” Christianity. Spiritual fruit is PRODUCED by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

 The indwelling Holy Spirit also empowers his people to actually “become” Christ-like. Lordship means that God’s WORD rules, in the hearts of his people and GOVERNS their conduct.“…God ...the … HOLY SPIRIT .. is the SOURCE of ...[spiritual empowerment]…it is …God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of ...[HIS children]… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “...The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power (to produce spiritual fruit) THROUGH (the indwelling Holy Spirit within) each of us (his people) … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…the Father that dwelleth in [his children] … he doeth the works...[of making them like Jesus]…” (John 14:10 KJV).

God’s true disciples will never feel comfortable living independent of HIS Lordship or God’s will. Jesus said, “...For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me...” (John 6:38 KJV).

Giving God, through Jesus, his WORD, Lordship is not easy, but when God’s people practice obedience in humble submission; it will, eventually, become a way of life. “...Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins...” (2 Peter 1: 4-9 KJV).

Lordship witnesses, that a disciple is AWARE that they did NOT come to earth to serve themselves, but God. The bible clearly tells us Jesus did “…not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many...” (Matthew 20:28 NIV).

According to Strong’s, the Hebrew word for serve is abad and one of the definitions is to work. Jesus said, “…for the works which the Father has given Me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father has sent Me...” (John 5:36 KJV). “...For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will but the will of him who sent me...” (John 6:38 KJV).

Jesus was fulfilled from serving God in his purpose.  “...Then Jesus explained: "My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work...” (John 4:34 NLT).

Jesus was not just “doing” God’s will through mere, dutiful service, but he literally “became” God’s personal, loving, and devoted servant, from his heart.

According to Strong’s, another Hebrew word for serve is sharath and means to “minister to or become a personal servant to.” Again, Jesus did “…not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28 KJV).  

Jesus, willingly, submitted to God’s will and voluntarily served him wholeheartedly. Jesus confidently said, “…the ... works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father has sent me” (John 5:36 KJV).

Jesus witnessed he came, to earth, to DO God’s will, and to personally SERVE his purposes. God’s instructions RULED his heart. Jesus BECAME “…a ransom for many...”  Jesus“…humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8 KJV). He gave it all to God!!

Jesus was called God’s “...beloved Son...” and he was really “...pleased...” with him (Matthew 3:17 KJV).

God’s wanted ALL his people to “…be conformed to the image of His Son…” (Romans 8:29 KJV). God tells them to, “… Be transformed by the renewing of your mind ….” (Romans 12:2 KJV). God also says, “…In this world [his people]... are LIKE JESUS…” (1 John 4:17 NIV).

In addition, God’s people are to “….work out [their] own salvation…” (Philippians 2:12 KJV). Working out their own SALVATION includes following God’s instructions (Lordship, rule, etc.,) daily by: “…[Choosing to put]… aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to SAVE YOUR SOULS….” (James 1:21 NASB).

It is actively “…[choosing to] …throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life…” (Ephesians 4:22 NIV).

“ ... [It is also choosing to]…put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor…” (Ephesians 4:25 NLT).

It is “….[choosing to]…let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice…” (Ephesians 4:31 KJV).

“….Ye also [choose to]…put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth….” (Colossians 3:8  KJV).

“… [You choose to lay] … aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings…” (1 Peter 2:1 KJV).

God’s people obey and work out their OWN salvation on a daily basis with the help of the indwelling Holy Spirit. “…[They]... can do ALL THINGS through Christ (the Word of God) which strengtheneth ...[them]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). .“…it is God (the indwelling Holy Spirit) which worketh in [his people]… both to will  (to desire to obey) and to do (to actually obey)...” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “….Apart from Me (the Word of God; the indwelling Spirit), [they] can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

Working out their OWN SALVATION is also a CHOICE. “… [God’s people]… are given...exceeding great and precious promises: that by these [they]... might be PARTAKERS of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance PATIENCE; and to PATIENCE godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in [his people], and abound, they make [them]...neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ…[God’s people willingly CHOOSE TO]...GIVE DILIGENCE TO MAKE [THEIR]... CALLING AND “ELECTION” SURE; FOR IF [THEY] “DO” THESE THINGS, [They]... SHALL NEVER FALL...” (2 Peter 1: 4-9 KJV).

God’s people have a CHOICE to willfully SUBMIT to Jesus’ Lordship and loving FOLLOW God’s instructions. “... I ...[choose to] ... die daily...” (1 Corinthians 15:31 KJV). "…My Father is glorified by this, that “[HIS PEOPLE]” bear much fruit (much spiritual fruit)...” (John 15:8 NIV).

HOW does this happen?  “…God (not fleshly self-effort) ...does the work  IN AND THROUGH all of us who are his… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…The fruit of the Spirit (the righteous conduct of the Holy Spirit) is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). "....The [indwelling] ...Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [his people’s]... lives …” (Galatians 5 NLT).

"…My Father is glorified by this, that “[HIS PEOPLE]” bear much fruit (much spiritual)...” (John 15:8 NIV).

God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus is saying Lordship simple means to obey, by faith (believing, trusting, and depending), and this is the WORK that gives God GLORY.  “...Jesus answered, and said…This is the work of God: that ye believe on him whom he hath sent...” (John 6:29 KJV).

Jesus became a personal servant of God first and the Holy Spirit  was SENT “into” the hearts of God’s people to help them do the SAME thing.

Jesus became God’s personal servant upon earth and submitted to God’s sovereign RULE through obedience. Jesus suffered and had challenges too because he took on “the likeness of sinful flesh…,” (Romans 8:3 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus took on the “likeness” of human flesh, but it did not change his holy and spiritual nature. God, the Holy Spirit, willingly had the human experience, just so he could “…be touched with the feeling of [his people’s]... infirmities...” (Hebrews 4:15 KJV).

Jesus was challenged with suffering, temptation, and other issues too, “…yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15 KJV).

“...Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect (mature), he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;…” (Hebrew 5:7-8-9 KJV).

“Therefore, since Christ suffered in his flesh, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin…” (1 Peter 4:1 NIV).

Living in human flesh was challenging to Jesus too. “… He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them and knelt down and prayed, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV).

Jesus also made it clear that flesh and SPIRIT have two distinctly different origins even if they co-exist together. Jesus was the living proof of that. "...That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit...” (John 3:6 KJV).

Jesus had a real human body, which empowered him to demonstrate to God’s people the power God’s WORD has over sin.

The human experience wasn’t easy for Jesus either, but as God’s loving, devoted, and personal servant he KEPT his commandments. “…And being made perfect, he became author of eternal salvation unto all them who obey him…” (Hebrew 5:7-8-9 J+KJV).

Jesus was a righteous servant, who willingly submitted to God’s will and voluntarily kept his commandments. His obedience SAVED mankind.“… my righteous servant (Jesus) ... [made]... it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he... [bore]... all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT). “… [God, the Holy Spirit, sent the ] …one … who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).

God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus suffered through obedience out of his deep love for his people. Jesus said: “ ...[I am]…not [here to do] My will, but [my Father’s]…" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV)

“...Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe. And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands….Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man! When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him. But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar. Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away…” (John 19:1-16 KJV).

“..After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost” (John 19:28-30 KJV).

“…For I have come down from heaven  ... TO DO ...THE WILL of him who sent me…” (John 6:38 NIV). “…The ... works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father has sent me...” (John 5:36 KJV).

Jesus’ submission, humility, and obedience revolutionized the whole world. Jesus is now “highly exalted” with a “name which is above every name” (Philippians 2:9).

 In addition,“…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 2:10-11 KJV).

The sufferings of God’s people, upon earth, is not necessarily a negative condition. If they follow after the Spirit, Jesus said “...Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father...” (John 14:1 KJV).  

God’s people go through many different trials and tribulations in life upon earth. Those trials and tribulations could last for hours, days, weeks, months, or years and the details of what is happening, in the situation or circumstance, can get disappointing. They can begin to FEAR, get DISCOURAGING, or BELIEVE they will NEVER have the VICTORY over their issues. “...In the world ye shall have tribulation...” (John 16:33 KJV).

“... Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows..." (John 16:44 NLT). “...Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid...” (John 14:27 KJV). “...[God’s people]... must [go]...through much tribulation [to]...enter into the kingdom of God...” (Acts 14:22 KJV). Yet, “...despite all these things, overwhelming victory is [thei]rs ...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).

When God, the Holy Spirit, allows seasons of suffering it usually is not about what is actually happening TO his people as much as it is about what is happening IN his people. God cares about the condition of their HEARTS.“...God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart…”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB).

God looks at the “…hidden man (woman) of the heart…” (1 Peter 3:4 KJV). It is“… from within, out of the heart of man, proceed evil thoughts … [PRIDE] … these … come from within, and defile a person.” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV).

The HEART “…is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked…who can know it [except God?]…” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV).

The “…hidden man (woman) of the heart…” is ALWAYS revealed through trails and test that require LONGSUFFERING (1 Peter 3:4 KJV).

God purposely took Israel through the wilderness (trials) to humble them, test them, to see if they would keep his commandments or not, and to “….know (reveal to them) what was in [their OWN]…heart…” (Deuteronomy 8:2 KJV).

It wasn’t the physical journey that took forty years, but it was the journey of SELF discovery that took forty years. It takes people a long time to see or FACE their own sinful condition. God’s truths hurt even though its kind and loving. Some of God’s people have claimed to walk with God for years, yet still walk in DARKNESS. “… Many deceivers have gone out into the world…” (2 John 1:7 NLT). “…If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person IS A LIAR and is not living in the truth…” (1 John 2:4 NLT). 

“…If we “SAY” that we have fellowship with him, and WALK IN DARKNESS (like demon), WE LIE, and DO NOT THE TRUTH…” (1 John 1:6 KJV).  “... the devils also believe...” (James 2:19 KJV). “... except your righteousness (your ethical or religious behavior) shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven...” (Matthew 5:10 KJV).

God’s says. “…If My people which are called by My name shall humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways…I WILL HEAL....” (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit, doesn’t placates, approve, overlook, or mollycoddle his people’s ongoing PRACTICE of a sinful lifestyle. “... Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness ...  the one who practices sin is of the devil ...  No one who is born of God practices sin...” (1 John 3:7-10 NASB).

“...By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of GOD...” (1 John 3:7-10 NASB).

“... Now the deeds of the flesh are 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).