COVENANTS

ReChoired said:

Robert, you didn't watch the presentation, neither did you read the presentation, which addresses your 'concern' because you do not click on links due to the limiting collar that the WTS has placed upon you. If you really were concerned about this issue, you would have simply studied the material, and if it was in error, refute it publicly by scripture, but you won't do that. The answer was provided to you, and you simply refused it out of hand. I cannot help you after that. It isn't a matter of "was" a serious matter. It presently, even right now, "is" a serious matter. The penalty hasn't changed one bit. The "execution" is "com[ing] quickly" as scripture assures us.

Rev_21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

1Jn_2:4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
​

You do not have much time left Robert. Please take this opportunity and time while you are 'on the bench' in the playbook of the WTS.

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As for me and my household, we shall serve Jehovah

ReChoired said:

What laws, specifically, are you referring to, and where may I find them written in scripture?

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This is some of the requirements that I have made note of over the years sir, not all the laws of Christians, but reveals a few:
Doing God’s Will
Matt. 7:21

What is involved in doing God’s will? Many would like to know. This information will provide some scriptures and related information to help honest-hearted ones to make an informed decision. Doing God’s will requires an accurate knowledge of both Jehovah and His son Jesus. Such knowledge leads to everlasting life (John 17:3). Surely then, all of us will want to take seriously the matter of gaining accurate knowledge from God’s Word, the Bible. Some say that all you have to do is believe in God and you are saved. Others say that you need to be sincere and zealous in your worship. Still others say ‘The less you know, the less is expected of you’. The Bible however, encourages us to increase in the knowledge of God and His purposes:
Col. 1:9 9 That is also why we, from the day we heard [of it], have not ceased praying for YOU and asking that YOU may be filled with the accurate knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual comprehension,
We need to make sure we worship Jehovah whole-heartedly and with truth!:
Matthew 4:10) Then Jesus said to him: “Go away, Satan! For it is written, ‘It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service.’”

(John 4:24) God is a Spirit, and those worshiping him must worship with spirit and truth.”

(Revelation 19:10) At that I fell down before his feet to worship him. But he tells me: “Be careful! Do not do that! All I am is a fellow slave of you and of your brothers who have the work of witnessing to Jesus. Worship God; for the bearing witness to Jesus is what inspires prophesying.”
We must make sure that we avoid religious holidays (shortened for holy days) and other customs that violate God’s laws and principles (1 Thes. 5:21). For instance, Jesus said of his followers: “They are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world” (John 17:16). Therefore just as Jesus refused to get involved with the political system, those wishing to do God’s will would not get involved in governments today.
God wants as His worshippers those who comply with His high moral standards. Some in ancient Corinth mistakenly thought that God would tolerate immoral behavior. We can see how wrong they were by reading 1 Cor. 6:9,10. If we are to worship God acceptably, we must please Him in word and deed. (1 Corinthians 6:9-11) 9 What! Do YOU not know that unrighteous persons will not inherit God’s kingdom? Do not be misled. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men kept for unnatural purposes, nor men who lie with men, 10 nor thieves, nor greedy persons, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit God’s kingdom.
Our dealings with other people should also reflect God’s standards. Jesus Christ encouraged us to treat others as we would like to have them treat us, for this is part of true worship (Matthew 7:12). Note what he also said about displaying brotherly love: “By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves” (John 13:35). Jesus’ disciples must love one another and do what is good toward fellow worshippers and others: Gal. 6:10 10 Really, then, as long as we have time favorable for it, let us work what is good toward all, but especially toward those related to [us] in the faith.

James said: “The form of worship that is clean and undefiled from the standpoint of our God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their tribulation, and to keep oneself without spot from the world” James 1:27. The Christian congregation shows special interest in providing for widows (Acts 6:1-6; 1 Tim. 5:8-10). Since God is the protector of the widow and the fatherless, let us cooperate with Him by doing what we can to help them spiritually and materially if necessary. The true Christian realizes that he is also responsible to provide for all, but especially all in the brotherhood.
(Proverbs 28:27) He that is giving to the one of little means will have no want, but he that is hiding his eyes will get many curses.
(Luke 6:38) Practice giving, and people will give to YOU. They will pour into YOUR laps a fine measure, pressed down, shaken together and overflowing. For with the measure that YOU are measuring out, they will measure out to YOU in return.”
(Acts 20:35) I have exhibited to YOU in all things that by thus laboring YOU must assist those who are weak, and must bear in mind the words of the Lord Jesus, when he himself said, ‘There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.’”
(Ephesians 4:28) Let the stealer steal no more, but rather let him do hard work, doing with his hands what is good work, that he may have something to distribute to someone in need.
(James 2:15-16) 15 If a brother or a sister is in a naked state and lacking the food sufficient for the day, 16 yet a certain one of YOU says to them: “Go in peace, keep warm and well fed,” but YOU do not give them the necessities for [their] body, of what benefit is it?
(1 John 3:16-17) 16 By this we have come to know love, because that one surrendered his soul for us; and we are under obligation to surrender [our] souls for [our] brothers. 17 But whoever has this world’s means for supporting life and beholds his brother having need and yet shuts the door of his tender compassions upon him, in what way does the love of God remain in him?
Christian employees do an honest day’s work. Unless their employer gives permission, they do not take things that belong to them. Whether at work, in school, or at home, a worshipper of Jehovah must be “honest in all things” Heb. 13:18. Anyone who makes it a practice to lie or steal cannot have God’s favor (Deut. 5:19; Rev. 21:8).
Everyone wanting to practice the truth should search out associates who are devoted to Jehovah and who practice the truth, who will help them to walk in the truth and contribute to their progress in serving God. Our friends and associates can have a profound effect on us. Therefore, how wise it is to seek out the company of godly persons who maintain a close relationship with Jehovah! And of course those of us who are baptized servants of Jehovah are under obligation to associate and shepherd those who are weaker in the faith (Hebrews 10:24,25).
An anointed brother defined joy at an assembly once: J=Jehovah 1st O=others 2nd and Y=yourself last, while it may be difficult, a true Christian will apply this in his life. This is just one of the fruits that identify them as a Christian. If someone in the congregation asked you to do something, providing it is not a violation of scripture, a true Christian is under obligation to do it. At Mat. 5:41 Jesus tells us: “Whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two” Hebrew Names Version.

Your conduct should distinguish you as a Christian.* Malachi 3:18 says: 18 And YOU people will again certainly see [the distinction] between a righteous one and a wicked one, between one serving God and one who has not served him.
There are many more things involved in doing God’s will, and a true Christian knows that he must always pattern his life after Christ. It is not easy to be doing the will of God, but there are some who try.

Additional Scriptures to consider:
(Matthew 5:37) Just let YOUR word Yes mean Yes, YOUR No, No; for what is in excess of these is from the wicked one.

(Matthew 5:43-46) 43 “YOU heard that it was said, ‘You must love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 However, I say to YOU: Continue to love YOUR enemies and to pray for those persecuting YOU; 45 that YOU may prove yourselves sons of YOUR Father who is in the heavens, since he makes his sun rise upon wicked people and good and makes it rain upon righteous people and unrighteous. 46 For if YOU love those loving YOU, what reward do YOU have? Are not also the tax collectors doing the same thing?
(Matthew 6:3-4) 3 But you, when making gifts of mercy, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, 4 that your gifts of mercy may be in secret; then your Father who is looking on in secret will repay you.
(Matthew 6:24) “No one can slave for two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will stick to the one and despise the other. YOU cannot slave for God and for Riches.
(Mark 12:28-31) 28 Now one of the scribes that had come up and heard them disputing, knowing that he had answered them in a fine way, asked him: “Which commandment is first of all?” 29 Jesus answered: “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel, Jehovah our God is one Jehovah, 30 and you must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your whole mind and with your whole strength.’ 31 The second is this, ‘You must love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
(Acts 5:42) And every day in the temple and from house to house they continued without letup teaching and declaring the good news about the Christ, Jesus.
(Romans 13:1) Let every soul be in subjection to the superior authorities, for there is no authority except by God; the existing authorities stand placed in their relative positions by God.
(1 Peter 2:21) In fact, to this [course] YOU were called, because even Christ suffered for YOU, leaving YOU a model for YOU to follow his steps closely.

*For additional information on the conduct of Christians call and request notes entitled “Conduct of Christians” .

Robert Gwin said:

I am sorry you are unable to see that this appointing is a covenant maam. Perhaps you understand that the law covenant was fulfilled, and therefore Christians are not bound by it.

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'Now unto Him
that is able to do exceeding abundantly
above all that we ask or think,
according to the power that worketh in us,
Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus
throughout all ages, world without end.
Amen.'
(Eph 3:20-21)

Hello @Robert Gwin,

Thank you for responding kindly.

What I think is of little account: for God's word must be the arbiter on this as with all Scriptural matters. We must let it have the last word.

I am a member of the Church which is His Body, the fulness of Him that filleth all in all (Ephesians 1:22-23). We are 'in Christ', and the promise of life, that we have in Him, was made with Him, before the world began (2 Timothy 1:1). We are 'in Him', and all our blessings are to be enjoyed in and through Him (Ephesians 1:3). It is through Him that we will ultimately receive of the lovingkindness of God in the age to come, in resurrection life.

We have died with Christ, and have risen with Him to walk in newness of life before the Father, 'in Him'. We live 'looking', for His appearing in glory, when we will appear with Him there. He is our living Lord, our hope of glory.

In Christ Jesus
our risen and glorified,
Saviour, Lord and Head
Chris

ReChoired said:

You serve the WTS, who disfellowshipped you.

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As Jesus' disciples we worship and serve Jehovah exclusively as he stated sir. Mat 4:10

Not only that your statement is quite contradictory don't you think

ReChoired said:

Psa 40:6 Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required.
Psa 40:7 Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,
Psa 40:8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.
Psa 40:9 I have preached righteousness in the great congregation (see Luke 4:14-21): lo, I have not refrained my lips, O LORD, thou knowest.
Psa 40:10 I have not hid thy righteousness (see Psalms 119:172) within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth (see Psalms 119:142,151) from the great congregation.
Psa 40:11 Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O LORD: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me.​

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Let me rephrase the question Re, what is the assignment given to Christians?

ReChoired said:

Indeed, "no commandment greater", not 'no other commandments'. Jesus was quoting from Deuteronomy 6:5, in the context of Deuteronomy 5 and Exodus 20, the Ten Commandments, and citing Leviticus 19:17-18, in the context of the same.

Deu 6:1 Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go to possess it:
Deu 6:2 That thou mightest fear the LORD thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son's son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged.
Deu 6:3 Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath promised thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey.
Deu 6:4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:
Deu 6:5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
Deu 6:6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
Deu 6:7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
Deu 6:8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.
​

Hands (actions) and forehead (thoughts). See Revelation 14:6-12. The seal of the living God, the opposite of the mark of the beast.

"these are the commandments"? (vs 1) What commandments? Read chapter 5:

Deu 5:1 And Moses called all Israel, and said unto them, Hear, O Israel, the statutes and judgments which I speak in your ears this day, that ye may learn them, and keep, and do them.
Deu 5:2 The LORD our God made a covenant with us in Horeb.
Deu 5:3 The LORD made not this covenant with our fathers, but with us, even us, who are all of us here alive this day.
Deu 5:4 The LORD talked with you face to face in the mount out of the midst of the fire,
Deu 5:5 (I stood between the LORD and you at that time, to shew you the word of the LORD: for ye were afraid by reason of the fire, and went not up into the mount saying,
Deu 5:6 I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.
Deu 5:7 Thou shalt have none other gods before me.
Deu 5:8 Thou shalt not make thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the waters beneath the earth:
Deu 5:9 Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me,
Deu 5:10 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.
Deu 5:11 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain: for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
Deu 5:12 Keep the sabbath day to sanctify it, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee.

Exo 20:8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
Exo 20:9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:
Exo 20:10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
Exo 20:11 For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.​

Deu 5:13 Six days thou shalt labour, and do all thy work:
Deu 5:14 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou.
Deu 5:15 And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the LORD thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the LORD thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day.
Deu 5:16 Honour thy father and thy mother, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
Deu 5:17 Thou shalt not kill.
Deu 5:18 Neither shalt thou commit adultery.
Deu 5:19 Neither shalt thou steal.
Deu 5:20 Neither shalt thou bear false witness against thy neighbour.
Deu 5:21 Neither shalt thou desire thy neighbour's wife, neither shalt thou covet thy neighbour's house, his field, or his manservant, or his maidservant, his ox, or his ass, or any thing that is thy neighbour's.
Deu 5:22 These words the LORD spake unto all your assembly in the mount out of the midst of the fire, of the cloud, and of the thick darkness, with a great voice: and he added no more. And he wrote them in two tables of stone, and delivered them unto me.
Deu 5:23 And it came to pass, when ye heard the voice out of the midst of the darkness, (for the mountain did burn with fire,) that ye came near unto me, even all the heads of your tribes, and your elders;
Deu 5:24 And ye said, Behold, the LORD our God hath shewed us his glory and his greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire: we have seen this day that God doth talk with man, and he liveth.

Lev 19:2 Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy.
Lev 19:3 Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father, and keep my sabbaths: I am the LORD your God.

Lev 19:17 Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.
Lev 19:18 Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.

Lev 19:30 Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am the LORD.​

Peter cites Leviticus 19:2 in the NT (1 Peter 1:15-16). Why sabbath? Because it is the seal in the Law of God (Name - "LORD God" JEHOVAH Elohiym, Title/Authority - "made" (Creator), Territory - "heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is"), sealed by the Holy Ghost/Spirit in those whom God sanctifies (makes holy), for it is the Holy Ghost/Spirit that writes that Law of God within in the heart in the New/Everlasting Covenant.

If you claim that the sabbath is only for the 'Jews', why then are you citing a Jew (Jesus), who is speaking to Jews, about what you claim is 'Jewish' Law for the 'Jewish' nation?

You cannot see because you are blinded by the WTS dogmas.

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Thank you sir for your comment. As you can see Jehovah is God.

Robert Gwin said:

Let me rephrase the question Re, what is the assignment given to Christians?

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Loving God and loving one's neighbor is a summation of the 10 commandments. How do you show true love to God? By not putting anything or anyone in God's place, by not worshiping Him falsely, by not misusing His name, and by keeping His Sabbaths. How do you love other human beings? By honoring your parents, by not murdering other people, by not committing sexual immorality, by not taking things that don't belong to you, by not lying, by not coveting things that don't belong to you. Christ didn't replace the obligation to keep the 10 commandments. He explained their purpose with those 2 statements.

Furthermore, Christ's statements about loving God and loving one's neighbor was quoted straight from the Law:“You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength(Deut. 6:5)." "‘You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD(Lev. 19:18)".

Contrary to what this world believes, Christ did not come to start a new religion or make up a new set of rules for a different group of people. Compare what God says about keeping grudges or taking revenge in Lev. 19:18 to what is taught in Matt. 5:23-25, 6:12, 14, 18:21-35, Mar. 11:25-26, Luk. 6:37, 11:4, 17:3-4, 23:34, and Jhn 20:23, and you will find that all those statements are 100% consistent with each other. Christ taught from the Law as any other prophet in the Bible did, so it makes no sense to argue or even believe that He came to contradict what was written in the Law or even say Christians weren't responsible for keeping it. Christ's very plain statement in Matt. 5:17-20 says unless someone does a better job of keeping the Law than the Pharisees did, they will NOT be in the Kingdom of God.

charity said:

'Now unto Him
that is able to do exceeding abundantly
above all that we ask or think,
according to the power that worketh in us,
Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus
throughout all ages, world without end.
Amen.'
(Eph 3:20-21)

Hello @Robert Gwin,

Thank you for responding kindly.

What I think is of little account: for God's word must be the arbiter on this as with all Scriptural matters. We must let it have the last word.

I am a member of the Church which is His Body, the fulness of Him that filleth all in all (Ephesians 1:22-23). We are 'in Christ', and the promise of life, that we have in Him, was made with Him, before the world began (2 Timothy 1:1). We are 'in Him', and all our blessings are to be enjoyed in and through Him (Ephesians 1:3). It is through Him that we will ultimately receive of the lovingkindness of God in the age to come, in resurrection life.

We have died with Christ, and have risen with Him to walk in newness of life before the Father, 'in Him'. We live 'looking', for His appearing in glory, when we will appear with Him there. He is our living Lord, our hope of glory.

In Christ Jesus
our risen and glorified,
Saviour, Lord and Head
Chris

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The great thing about the Bible is that it identifies the faith. Yes some of us are "in Christ". They have been bought out from among us by Jesus' blood for a very special privilege. Although I would accept that assignment if I were called, I am actually thankful that I have not been chosen. It is a tremendous sacrifice, yet they have a privilege beyond our grasp. I definitely appreciate what they do.

Desire Of All Nations said:

Loving God and loving one's neighbor is a summation of the 10 commandments. How do you show true love to God? By not putting anything or anyone in God's place, by not worshiping Him falsely, by not misusing His name, and by keeping His Sabbaths. How do you love other human beings? By honoring your parents, by not murdering other people, by not committing sexual immorality, by not taking things that don't belong to you, by not lying, by not coveting things that don't belong to you. Christ didn't replace the obligation to keep the 10 commandments. He explained their purpose with those 2 statements.

Furthermore, Christ's statements about loving God and loving one's neighbor was quoted straight from the Law:“You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength(Deut. 6:5)." "‘You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD(Lev. 19:18)".

Contrary to what this world believes, Christ did not come to start a new religion or make up a new set of rules for a different group of people. Compare what God says about keeping grudges or taking revenge in Lev. 19:18 to what is taught in Matt. 5:23-25, 6:12, 14, 18:21-35, Mar. 11:25-26, Luk. 6:37, 11:4, 17:3-4, 23:34, and Jhn 20:23, and you will find that all those statements are 100% consistent with each other. Christ taught from the Law as any other prophet in the Bible did, so it makes no sense to argue or even believe that He came to contradict what was written in the Law or even say Christians weren't responsible for keeping it. Christ's very plain statement in Matt. 5:17-20 says unless someone does a better job of keeping the Law than the Pharisees did, they will NOT be in the Kingdom of God.

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Jesus did sum up the whole law (600+) with those two commandments. You are very well correct that Jesus did not start a new religion, however there was a new covenant for God's people. Rules and regulations changed sir. Jesus did fulfill the law, which the Bible states was a tutor leading to him.
We do not keep the Sabbath day as Christians, as many here feel. If we are wrong about that, many will die because of it, because everyone I know, and likely everyone you know does not observe the Sabbath.

Robert Gwin said:

The great thing about the Bible is that it identifies the faith. Yes some of us are "in Christ". They have been bought out from among us by Jesus' blood for a very special privilege. Although I would accept that assignment if I were called, I am actually thankful that I have not been chosen. It is a tremendous sacrifice, yet they have a privilege beyond our grasp. I definitely appreciate what they do.

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'That no flesh should glory in His presence.
.. But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus,
.... Who of God is made unto us
...... wisdom, and
........ righteousness, and
.......... sanctification, and
............ redemption:
That, according as it is written,
.. He that glorieth,
.... let Him glory in the Lord.'
(1Co 1:29-30)

Hello @Robert Gwin,

I love the fact that in 1 Corinthians 1:30-31 we are told that it is, 'of Him', that we are in Christ Jesus. It is done, and it is done for all who have been saved by God's grace. It is done by God Himself, and is not subject to the vagaries of the flesh, for it is entirely of the Spirit, in the Spirit.

Praise God!

We are His workmanship.
In Christ Jesus
Chris