Are we really in the image of God?

My dearest brothers and sisters,

Our familiarity with the holy scriptures helps us to notice and avoid errors when they arise. We should approach the things of God with a serious mind and seek to be on the side of truth rather than error. Does our Almighty Savior not deserve such to worship Him? Let us look at one common error of thought found in the world today.

You may hear it said that "we are made in the image of God". That sounds good at first. But, as the Apostle Paul said, "what saith the scripture?"

The first thing that comes to mind is the account of creation. Here are Verses 26 and 27 from the first chapter of Genesis:

And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

So, God did make man and woman in his own image. Did they stay that way? Let's read Genesis 5:3:

And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his own likeness, after his image; and called his name Seth...

Here we notice a very important detail. Adam's son was born not in the likeness of God but in the likeness of his father Adam.

What says the New Testament? (Note: As we read the following passage, we must remember that the text "the last Adam" and "the second man" refers to the Lord Jesus Christ.)

And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. (I Corinthians 15:45-49)

The Apostle Paul tells us that "we have borne the image of the earthy". We are not in God's image. When the fall occurred in the Garden of Eden, sin entered into this world and there were consequences to that.

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned... (Romans 5:12)

Sin had an effect, brothers and sisters. Because of the effects of sin on the human race, we are not in the image of God. But be of good cheer...there is good news!

In the excerpt from the I Corinthians above, Paul says, "And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly." We shall bear the image of the heavenly!? Wow! I can't wait! Later in the same chapter, Paul goes on to tell us that "in the twinkling of an eye" "we shall all be changed". This is known as glorification and is further mentioned in the Roman letter:

For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. (Romans 8:29-30)

These are some of the most comforting scriptures to be found, in my opinion. Paul's letter to the Romans—divinely inspired and divinely preserved by God Almighty—tells us of our position before God. Past tense is used because this deal is as good as done, though not all of it is technically completed yet. But in God's eyes it's locked, signed, sealed, and delivered. You can take it to the bank!

Now, even though these things are as good as done, some of God's elect are still being called (born of God by the sovereign act of the Holy Spirit). And, we are still waiting for His glorious return when He shall change our bodies and we shall be glorified.

Let's consider another thought. If we were truly in the image of God, why did Jesus have to be made like us? Romans 8:3 tells us that Jesus came "in the likeness of sinful flesh". (It's important to note that He did not come "in sinful flesh" but "in the likeness of sinful flesh".) Jesus was God manifested in flesh; He was 100% God and 100% man. Consider another passage:

Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. (Hebrews 2:17)

Jesus did not come in his own likeness. He was "made like unto his brethren". But thanks to His conquering of death through the resurrection, one day we shall be made like our God. We sing a hymn that states, "When we wake in His likeness we'll be satisfied." If we were already in His likeness, why would we sing a hymn about someday awaking in His likeness? The simple fact is that we are not in His likeness, but some sweet day we shall be.

Until our glorification, we bear the image of our father Adam, looking forward to the triumphant return of our King of kings, and Lord of lords!

Mirrors

How much time do we spend looking in a mirror at our natural reflection? What if there was a mirror where we could see our spiritual reflection instead of our natural reflection? Would we spend more time working on our spiritual physique and our spiritual appearance?

Super Powers

Brothers and sisters in Christ,

Did you know you have super powers?

I grew up with comic books and cartoons which told of people with special powers. Peter Parker could spin webs and climb walls. He put on a red, blue, and black suit and called himself "Spider-Man". He used his special powers for good and fought evil.

Similarly, Clark Kent could fly, was faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, and could see through walls. He put on a red, blue, and yellow suit with the letter "S" on his chest and called himself "Superman".

Whether they realize it or not, all children of God have an "S" on their chest. That "S" stands for "Spirit".

In Galatians 4:6, the Apostle Paul tells us that, "God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father." Colossians 1:27 says, "Christ in you, the hope of glory," and Romans 8:11 tells us that His Spirit dwells in us.

Having the Spirit of Jesus Christ within us has an effect. It gives us special abilities that we did not have before and that others do not have.

First, having God's Spirit within us gives us a spiritual mind and spiritual ears (I Corinthians 2:12). In man's natural state he cannot receive or discern spiritual things; they are foolishness unto him (I Corinthians 2:14). So, the very ability to seek after and understand spiritual things is a divine power bestowed upon us by God. We have a special ability that those who are not born of God lack (John 8:42-47).

Jesus said repeatedly, "Who hath ears to hear, let him hear." How do we get the Spirit? How do we get these "spiritual ears"? It is a sovereign act of God upon His elect children (Romans 8:28-30). In John 3:7-8, Jesus tells us, "Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit." Again, Jesus says to "marvel not". It's not something you have control over; just as you had no control over your natural birth, you have no control over your spiritual birth. He basically says, "Don't worry about it. It will happen at God's appointed time if you're one of His elect." Besides, if you have an interest in whether or not you're born again, it's evidence that you already are born from above. After all, as we saw earlier, in a purely natural state you would not be interested in—nor able to understand—the things of God. You will not run into anyone who wants to spend eternity with God in Heaven but cannot, because the very fact that they have that desire is evidence they are of His flock (Psalms 110:3).

What other abilities does the Spirit give us? Let's look at the holy scriptures. "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," (Ephesians 3:20). This tells us that the very power of God to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think is at work within each of us. Stephen used that power when he was being stoned to death in Acts 7:59-60. Although he had just delivered a mighty sermon about our God, those without spiritual ears hated him for it and slew him wickedly. Did he fight back? Did he curse them and return evil for evil? No, my dear brothers and sisters. He did something that he could only have done with the power of God's Spirit. He prayed that the Lord would not lay this sin to their charge. Wow!

In Acts 5, we read where Peter and the apostles were ordered not to teach in the name of Jesus. Nevertheless, they rightly decided to obey God rather than men. For this they were beaten and commanded once again not to speak in His name. At that point, a man in his natural state would likely rationalize that the best course of action would be to lay low and take heed to this command. But these men had "super powers" which enabled them to do something contrary to the natural course of action. They not only continued teaching and preaching Jesus Christ but they also rejoiced "that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name," (Acts 5:41). How could someone rejoice at being beaten, threatened, and suffering shame? By the power of Almighty God, that's how!

"Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." - I John 4:4

There are some hard teachings in Jesus' sermon on the mount. Let's look at both Matthew and Luke's account.

"Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?" - Matthew 5:43-47

"But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat also. Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil." - Luke 6:27-35

A man in his natural state looks at these teachings and thinks, "That's impossible! How in the world could someone be expected to do this?!" Again, the answer is:

"For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." - Philippians 2:13

Notice the higher calling that a disciple of Christ has when compared to others in this world. Jesus says that if we love them that love us, so what?! Everybody does that! He says that if you smile, greet, or wave at folks that do the same to you, so what!? Everybody else does that! Children of God are expected to do more and are given the power to do so!

Do we loan out our possessions expecting to get them back? Do we get upset when we don't get them back? We shouldn't. By the Spirit implanted within us we're given the ability (power) to not set our affection on things on this earth. Oh, that we might learn the lesson!

Dearest one, the powers you and I have are unique. They are special. God's word tells us that there are wolves in sheeps' clothing. But a wolf is not that same as a sheep, no matter how he dresses up. Anyone can put on a Superman costume, but if they jumped off a building they'd fall down and go SPLAT! Only Superman has Superman's powers, and only a child of God's has the Spirit and the powers that accompanies having Christ within you.

Are you using your powers?

In the movie Spider-Man 2, our hero decided that he was missing out on too much in his life by being Spider-Man. He tossed out his costume and decided to be like everyone else. But inside he wasn't like everyone else, was he? When they walk around in their "secret identity" as Peter Parker and as Clark Kent, those men look like everyone else, but they are not. Similarly, a child of God is not like everyone else in the world even though he/she may appear to be so.

So what happened with Peter Parker? When he realized his mistake and finally decided to help someone in trouble, some of his abilities had faded. His powers weren't what they once were because he hadn't been using them. As children of God, we are told to exercise ourselves unto godliness (I Timothy 4:7). If we don't, pretty soon we become more and more like everyone else in the world. Hebrews 2:1 tells us, "Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip." In the Apostle Peter's writings in God's word, he said two different times that he desired to put us in remembrance. We need our "daily bread", my brothers and sisters. We need to exercise our faith. We need constant reminders, and we need to be thinking on spiritual things daily. In doing so our powers will grow and we'll be stronger in the Lord.

"...be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might." Ephesians 6:10

The first Spider-Man movie contained the line, "With great power comes great responsibility." The idea is that because he was "blest" with great powers, Peter Parker was to be self-sacrificing and use those powers for the greater good. This puts me in mind of Luke 12:48 ("For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required,") and also of the parable of the talents. It also puts us in mind of the divine powers God has given to us and whether we are using those for a greater good. Do we accept our great call, or do we put our "super hero suit" in the trash can and go about in this world like everyone else? When people look at us, do we shine forth (Matthew 5:16) like the colorful heroes in the comic books, or do we walk around in our "secret identities" so that no one can tell who we really are?

Brethren, we are called to, "come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord," (II Corinthians 6:17). Followers of Jesus Christ have a high calling. "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;" (I Peter 2:9). "Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness," (I Thessalonians 5:5).

The very power of God is within us! Are we using it?

A True Story: How Prayer and Fasting Saved a Marriage

A man was having a conversation with a dear sister in Christ when she received a text message on her phone from a childhood friend of hers. The friend said in the text message that she had finally decided to leave her husband and get a divorce.

The man and the sister he was talking with were both deeply concerned about this situation. The woman who sent the text message had been having problems with her husband for a while, but no one wants to see another marriage end in divorce.

What a thought to know we worship a God who is able to intervene and make crooked things straight! He's able and pleased to help us, but He tells us in his word that we have not because we ask not. (I discussed some of these ideas in my previous two posts on the subject of prayer.)

The man who heard this news decided to take action. He began fasting and praying for this dear couple who were experiencing problems. He is a sinner like all of us, so he forgot to pray sometimes. But he kept after it, diligently asking for God's help. He prayed multiple times daily. This is for a couple he didn't even know, but he cared deeply for his sister in Christ (who is, again, a childhood friend of the married woman).

The married woman had decided to meet with an attorney to discuss divorce options. The day of her appointment fell on the third day of the man's prayer and fasting. That evening, he received good news. The woman had received an email about a Christian marriage counseling seminar that was coming to town. She forwarded the email to a friend and asked if she should attend. The friend told her, "Why not? You have nothing to lose, and you should do whatever it takes to save your marriage." The woman decided to attend the upcoming seminar, and she cancelled the appointment with her attorney! What glorious news!

Brothers and sisters, the God who created the heavens and the earth is the same God who is ruling today. Jesus Christ is on his throne! He can and does intervene in our lives by His divine providence to help us. We should be in earnest prayer, and fasting when necessary, to seek His help.

Fasting is a New Testament concept that many have overlooked. In the sixth chapter of Matthew, Jesus said, "when ye fast," not "if ye fast". Fasting is something Christians did once upon a time. Some still do, but in our prosperity the United States of America has lost the concept for the most part. The Christians who do fast typically do not follow Jesus' teachings about it.

Past presidents of our country such as Abraham Lincoln have declared national days of prayer and fasting, but when was the last time you heard of that happening? What happened to us? Have we gotten so comfortable that we've forgotten where our blessings come from? God warned His people about this in Deuteronomy 6:10-12. I was thankful a few years ago when it was brought to my attention that fasting is a New Testament concept that is still very much relevant. I'm thankful the man I mentioned above feels the same way.

The couple I mentioned will still have problems. They are not perfect—they are both sinners like each one of us. We should all be in prayer for them that the Lord will continue to heal and help in this situation. However, they are on a better road already. For today, their marriage is saved because of the mercy and grace of an Almighty God. Praise and glory be to Him!

The Praying Man tis returning

Good day to you all! We previously discussed the need to be in prayer continually. I'd like to look at what we should pray for and how we should pray. May the Lord Jesus bless us as we look into His word for answers.

First, Jesus Himself gives us excellent instruction in the sixth chapter of The Gospel According to Matthew:

• He tells us not to use vain repetitions. Our prayers should come from the heart. Let us avoid "getting into a rut" and saying the same things over and over in our prayers to our Father.
  
• We should not pray to be heard of men that we might receive their praise. We need to pray to God so that He might hear our prayer and bless.
• Jesus said, "enter into thy closet" when you pray. This teaches us that we should have some private time in prayer with our Father. We should not let our only prayer be during worship services in the house of God.

Speaking of praying in God's house, I heard someone complaining one time because a man in the worship service had prayed for several minutes. What?! I couldn't believe it. He said we can say everything we need in a few seconds and move on. Of course, a moment ago we just looked at how our prayers shouldn't be said "standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men" (Matthew 6:5). Those types of folks "think that they shall be heard for their much speaking" (Matthew 6:7). But again, the key factor is prayer from the heart! If a prayer is from the heart then it can be either short or long.

One of the most wonderful prayers I've ever "heard" is long and it comes from I Kings 8:22-53. (Please take time to turn in your bible and read it; I feel you will receive a blessing from it.) Certainly God was with our dear brother Solomon as he prayed this prayer. When a prayer comes from the Spirit within us it will be just the right length, whether it lasts for two hours or two seconds! God's house is a house of prayer, and when we go there to worship our Lord and Savior we should expect prayer to be a significant part of that worship!

And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves. - Matthew 21:13

Sometimes we go through times in our lives when don't even have the words to express ourselves to our Father in a way we'd like. I had a discussion with a dear sister in Christ several weeks ago about depression and suicide. She made the statement to me that she had experienced times in her life when she was so depressed that all she could do was lay on her bed and moan. I knew how she felt; sadly, I've had times in my life when I did not want to live any more. When I look back on those times, I know that I was in a state where I was truly unthankful for the blessings in my life that God had given me. I was looking at what I didn't have instead of what I did have. However, it's comforting to know that even at those dark times in our life our God hears even our groanings.

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. - Romans 8:26

What a blessing!

Our prayers also need to go up to God with belief that he is pleased to answer them.

And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. - Matthew 21:22

Is the God to which we pray not the same God who created the heavens, the earth, the seas, and all that is therein? Is He not then able to provide whatever we ask if it pleases Him to do so?

And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? - Luke 11:9-13

And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses. - Mark 11:22-26

The verses in Luke 18:1-5 teach us persistence in prayer, as well:

And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.

When you don't have an answer, keep praying! :) Never give up on God!

Some times we are guilty of praying for only the "big" problems in our lives. Why not pray for the small things, too? Think about it. Have you ever dropped a load of groceries when carrying them up the steps? It's just one of those things that happens, right? Hmm... Did you ask God for His help in getting up the steps safely, and that you wouldn't drop anything so as not to waste what He's blest you with, and that by not dropping anything you would have more time to complete your other tasks at hand such as studying His word? If that seems like a silly prayer to you, then please continue living your life as you have lived it before, praying only when you're afflicted greatly. But brothers and sisters, I'm writing this blog about a God who is touched with the feeling of our infirmities. He knows the number of hairs on your head! He is concerned about the daily details of your life! And He stands ready, willing, able, and pleased to help you with the daily challenges you face, even and especially the "little problems" you face!

My precious brothers and sisters, how much better would our lives be on a daily basis if we practiced these teachings faithfully and continually? Let us meditate on this and attempt to apply these things to our lives.

May the Lord Jesus Christ richly bless you!

A Praying Man tis on the right track

Brothers and sisters, I've thought about prayer quite a bit lately.  I've gone though times in my life when my prayer life wasn't what it should have been.  Even during the times in my life when I've prayed a lot, I fall far short.  I'm sure if we all examined ourselves honestly before God we would see that we do not pray as often or as well as we'd should.  I see the words "praying always" used in both Colossians 1:3 and Ephesians 6:18.  Can we pray too much?

I Thessalonians 5:17 says to "pray without ceasing."

Does this mean we can't ever do anything besides pray?

I could not find the word "continuously" in God's word.  However, I found that "continually" occurs 81 times.  A quick peek in the dictionary reveals that continuously means "without interruption", while continually means "frequently recurring".  For instance, one might make the accurate statement that, "Randall is continually hungry."  That's accurate because there are times each day when I get hungry; it's something that frequently recurs.  However, to make the statement that, "Randall is continuously hungry," is inaccurate; I am far from being hungry after I eat a full meal.

I believe I Thessalonians 5:17 is telling us to be in prayer continually but not continuously.

Take Psalm 34:1 as another example:

I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

If the LORD's praise were continuously in our mouth, we could never eat.  After all, our mothers all taught us never to talk with our mouths full.  Of course, the verse reads, "continually" rather than "continuously", so we're safe. :)  Likewise, we should be in prayer continually, which is perfectly reasonable.

We find that the brethren in God's holy scriptures were continually in prayer.  "Peter went up upon the housetop to pray" in Acts 10:9.  We notice that in Acts 10:2, Cornelius "prayed to God alway".  We should be in prayer not just on Sunday morning.  We should be in prayer not just before our Thanksgiving meal when gathered with family.

God has blest us with tremendous and unspeakable blessings.  Our mouths should continually be giving him thanks for these blessings.

We as sinners are also in constant need of His mercy and grace in our daily lives.  We should be going before our Father in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ and asking for His help...not just for ourselves but for all His dear children who need Him daily.  We need His forgiveness.  We need Him to direct us in paths of righteousness as we make decisions daily.

If we are to be continually in prayer, what should we pray for?  How should we pray?  What should our prayers be like?  You can read "the book" and get ahead of me if you'd like!  Or just show up next time for the exciting conclusion!  Until then, may God's grace and peace shine upon you!

I'm still here...

I realize I haven't posted in a while.  Just wanted everyone to know I haven't abandoned this little project and will hopefully post again soon.  :)