God’s Vision For Humanity

Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years. 

Revelation 20:6

Whenever I hear someone ask what is the purpose of life, the empathy overtakes me. I’ve been there. Most of us somewhere in life have stopped to ask the same question. We either arrived to a satisfactory answer or not. If we did, and are in the twilight end of our life, we are either smiling or more depressed than before. If we haven’t found the answer yet, read on.

This question hit me as a seventeen year old. It was a surreal moment when my entire future life flashed before me. Born. Schooled. Married. Worked. Died. Is that all this life offers?

If so, we might as will quit now instead of exerting any more energy. The end result doesn’t justify the means. But if there is more to life than eat, sleep, and work, what is it?

It all begins with God. If there is no Creator, then life is a happen-chance. A random, thoughtless, process of pleasurable and painful moments. But if there is a God, then HE must have purpose behind HIS creation.

I chose to believe there is a God. I followed Blaise Pascal’s wager to accept the Christian faith. My search led me to read the Bible. First like a fiction book. Then as a manual handbook. Lastly as a bibliography of God’s relationship with humanity through Jesus Christ. The entire Book is a history lesson of the spiritual world and humanity. You find principles for successful living. But more importantly, you gain a glimpse of our Creator’s purpose. A future event when God will bring all things to a culmination. In some ways, it will be the largest graduation and marriage celebration of all time.

Here are ten Scriptures besides the one on top which outlines God’s macro vision for you and me.

— Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” John 18:37


— but he (Jesus) said to them, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.”   Luke 4:43

In him (Jesus) we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will.   Ephesians 1:11

— And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.   Romans 8:23

— To the one who conquers I (Jesus) will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’ Revelations 2:7

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.’ Revelations 2:11

— Behold, I (Jesus) stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. Revelations 3:20-21

— The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I (Jesus) will give authority over the nations, and he (you & I) will rule (shepherd) them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from my Father.   Revelations 3: 26-27.

— And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”   Revelations 21:3-4

So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. 1 Corinthians 15:42-44

Yes, life is a learning process preparing you for eternity as children of the Creator God. Jesus is our elder brother who is preparing a place for you in the family business – The Kingdom of God. Each day your character, mind, and heart is being developed in Christ. All these activities of this life are preparing you for work under the new heaven and earth. This is why God cares for your soul. Your soul is the central command center you take with you when you crossover into the new age.

In some way, this life is like the embryo within the womb of a mother. As a baby grows fed through the umbilical cord, so is the child of God. As we abide in Christ, the Holy Spirit feeds us. One day the mother gives birth to a new life, so will it be when we are resurrected. Today, in the womb of the church, we are being fed, nourished, and protected. All until we reach Christlike maturity (Eph 4:13). Then at death, we are birth into our eternal home. Held in the arms of Jesus until our resurrection into the new age.

This life with its tribulations, pain, and suffering is not where utopia exists. Instead, it is the training ground to prepare you and I for eternity. That is why failure is never permanent. But the learning process of becoming more like Christ. God’s grace overshadows life’s misery. His mercies extend beyond time and space. When you walk and dance with the Triune God, you learn to appreciate the ups and downs of life. For you know the reason and HIS long-term purpose for you. Everything until then is only short-term pain for eternal glory.

Yes, God wants a family. HE wants to share HIS kingdom work with HIS children. HE also wants to include you. But HE doesn’t want rebellious children. He wants children who desire to share life with HIM. Our life today is a way for HIM to separate those who want too from those who do not. It’s your call. You are already included. The only question is whether you are going to engage yourself with HIM or not.  

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)

Books By Dr. Mike:

Encourage a Friend…Share Today’s Message!


Copyright 2013-Present | Abbaco LLC | All Rights Reserved

Divide and Conquer

“Knowing their thoughts, he said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand.”   Matthew 12:25

_____

“I (Paul) appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.”  1 Corinthians 1:10

_____

“ So let no one boast in men. For all things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future—all are yours, and you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s.”  1 Corinthians 3:21-23

The divide and conquer strategy is used by manipulative leaders. It is their prime tool to gain control over people. In today’s culture, this method is constantly employed in business, government, and social networks.

In business, there is profit to be made from fear. For example, we witness how the news media positions their headlines. They are written to cause emotional trauma between people. The sole purpose is to generate traffic to increase their ad revenue.

There are also votes to be gained within government power structures. If the opposing party stands up for an idea, their side takes the other side. The outcome is an us against them mentality. The more fear they can produce, the greater financial support they are able to generate. They play each side against one another to distract from their real agendas.

These bad actors don’t truly care for unity. Instead they ask themselves what profit or popularity is there to gain? The power masses generally don’t care for the people. They only want more of what they have. Divisiveness is their tool to manipulate you.

The early Corinth church dealt with a similar us against them mentality. Groups were being formed to support their man. Some claimed they only followed the teachings of Apollos. Others sided with Paul. Others with Peter. And of course some only Christ. The faith community was becoming divisive.

Paul’s solution was for everyone to refocus on God through Christ. That God’s servant leaders only exercised their gifts and functions to support Christ’s work. Some planted. Others watered. But God gives the growth. So, be grateful for the people who are serving you. We all share in the bounty of Christ. You are HIS. HE is for you. Let everyone work together for God’s glory and good.

Don’t play the divisiveness game. Be aware when you are being manipulated to play their game. Instead, focus on what the Spirit is doing for the glory of Christ and God. Don’t let them divide you from each other. Ask Jesus to intervene for you. To show you how best to act in the situation.

Jesus was aware of this maneuver (Mt.12). He called it out. You can do the same.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)

Books By Dr. Mike:

Encourage a Friend…Share Today’s Message!


Copyright 2013-Present | Abbaco LLC | All Rights Reserved

Role of Government

Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.   Isaiah 9:7

_____

Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.   Psalm 89:14

_____


Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.   Matthew 6:10

_____

Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.   Matthew 25:34

Most governments operate from a top-down sphere. Those at the top exercise lordship. They control others to produce the end result they desire. God’s government though operates differently. HE works through the hearts of all. God unleashes the individual to serve others. The govern lead by following the Spirit that resides in them.

Today’s government bureaucrats design systems to benefit themselves rather than the citizen. Visit any DMV and notice how the center of their operations are the employees, not the citizen. Policies are established for the employee sake, not the citizen. When one enters the room, one quickly recognizes the bureaucracy of the process. The citizen is expected to jump through all the hoops to make it easier for the government employee.

Likewise, standards are established for the masses. But if you are a privileged person, you get preferred treatment. Everyone must follow the rules except those who they determine don’t have too. Justice is now determined by those in power.  Those citizens who don’t agree with their viewpoint are treated as second-class peons.

As a society, we have murdered the concept of justice and righteousness. We ignore the Creator’s instructions for human relationships and governmental operations. The end result is people suffer. When a society loses sight of the government’s primary purpose, the people always suffer.

Those in power pursue ambitions rather than altruistic service to their fellow citizens. Again, they have thrown out God’s instructions of leadership. In its place, they follow principles of lordship.

If they knew God, they would see the beauty of HIS ways. They would recognize the importance of justice and righteousness for all. They would be committed to serve their fellow citizens in love and faithfulness. They would seek what is best for all rather than reward their personal donors. They would not make exceptions that would only benefit a few. Justice would be blind. The same rule would apply to the rich and poor. The formally educated or uneducated. The right extremist and well as the left ones. The liberal and the conservative. Everyone would abide by the same standards.

This is how God’s government operates. Everyone is included under Jesus Christ. He is King. His word and purpose is the standard of righteousness and justice. As we follow HIM, he shares HIS Spirit within us. We follow the lead of the Holy Spirit. There are very few rules and laws to follow in God’s Kingdom. Everyone is treated with love and respect. Everyone is a child of the living God and thus is valued by God and others within HIS government.

Bureaucracy doesn’t not exist in God’s government. Each citizen serves the other as they would want to be served. But of course, human nature doesn’t want God’s Spirit leading them. They want the benefits without the responsibility and accountability. They want to be lord of the house. But they lack the character and willpower to lead and serve like Jesus. They do not want to be told what to do. But rather create the rules for others to follow. They are above the rules. They are the exception. They are the elite.

What they don’t see is how blind, poor, and ignorant they are. They compare themselves to others in their insecurity. But when they look in the mirror of Jesus, they fall short. So they destroy the mirror and live in their self-denial and fantasy world of make believe. The sad truth though, they inflict pain and suffering on those they lead or influence. If they ran a business, the owner would fire them. But because they are in a position of power, there is no one in their way.

God’s government, HIS Kingdom, sets the standard for all to follow. When practiced, the people prosper. When ignored, the people suffer. I pray that HIS Kingdom fully comes sooner than later.  

PS: For those who want an in-depth study of Biblical principles of government, the Institute for Principle Studies offers a course. I have no association with their organization and only make this suggestion for those who want to know more. There link is: https://principlestudies.org/product/biblical-principles-of-government-course/

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)

Books By Dr. Mike:

Encourage a Friend…Share Today’s Message!


Copyright 2013-Present | Abbaco LLC | All Rights Reserved