born again

How Does God View Humanity?

Dr. Mike 2026 , , , , , , ,

“what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?  Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet, all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field, the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas.”  Psalm 8:4-8

made in the image of God  

adopted within the Triune God circle

bond-servants of heaven and earth’s King

ambassadors of God’s Kingdom

engaged to marry Jesus

disciples of HIS

What is God’s view of humanity? And what is humanity’s view of God?

When God created the human species, He stated it was very good. He gave both the man and woman the responsibility to govern the land and make their world flourish. He also stated that HE created man and woman after His image.

Per Dr. Michael Heiser, this wasn’t solely about copying God’s attributes. But more along the way of their status in relationship to the entire creation. Humans are God’s prized creation. They were created to represent God Almighty on earth.

They are to reflect HIS character and ways in their relationships and judgements. So when we read from the Bible that we are to worship no other gods but the one true God, there must be a good reason. My non-believing friends would say God is a self-indulging Being who wants to be glorified for HIS ego. But the truth of the matter is just the opposite. Us humans need to worship God to refresh how we were created. For us humans reflect what we worship.

Worship money, you will reflect money. Worship the dark side of life, you will reflect it in your actions and demeanor. Worship love and truth, you will also reflect those attributes in your daily life. We humans were created to reflect the Creator God. But to properly do so requires our heart and soul to stay focused and centered on HIM.

When Jesus arrived, HE reflected HIS Father God throughout HIS actions. His short ministry included the announcement of God’s Kingdom is now open. He taught what life under HIS government looked life. HIS actions reflected the with-God life. He bore the fruit of freedom, flourishment, and fulfillment wherever HE went. HE demonstrated how much God loved all humanity. So much so, HE (the Son of God, the Son of Man, the Messiah) gave HIS life as a ransom to give freedom for all people through HIM and in HIM.

Salvation from the clutches of Satan, death and evil desires is now available through HIM. All because of HIS atoning sacrifice. He is not our gatekeeper, but now a step-brother who is also King of Heaven and Earth. Through HIM, we have been adopted into the inner circle of the Triune God. The question now hanging in the balance is whether we are going to accept our new identity? Are we going to learn and emulate HIM as little children growing up onto maturity? Are we going to accept HIS family culture?

In other places in the Bible, humanity is identified as being engaged to marry Jesus. But likewise, are we going to accept HIS hand in a marriage covenant? Are we going to be reconciled with HIM? HE wants to share HIS life with us. The question now is do we want to share our life with HIM?

In Jesus’ earthly ministry, he looked for disciples or learners to come and follow HIM. HE continues to make the same offer to his human brethren. Being HIS student, means hanging around HIM. The Bible calls it abiding. We learn how HE deals with the everyday circumstances of life by allowing HIS Spirit to live in us and through us.

The apostle Paul reminds us in many of his letters that we are now bond-servants of Christ. Jesus paid the price to ransom us and we are now indebted to HIM with our lives. As a bond-servant to the King of Heaven and Earth, we have a close relationship with the Power of the universe. Paul also stated that we are ambassadors of God’s Kingdom on earth today. We represent God’s Kingdom to the people around us.

God wants a family. Faithful and loyal siblings that will serve and reign in the family business – The Kingdom of God. The purpose of the entire universe is to prepare humanity for eternity. HE has gone out of HIS way to pursue each of us until we catch HIM. The entire Bible is a history of HIS involvement with humanity. From beginning to the end HE is working with people leading to the culmination of a new heaven and new earth. HE wants his children to be ready to take the mantle of serving and governing with HIM for all eternity. HE wants people to reflect HIM. HIS Spirit is now training and preparing them for a new future beyond the grave. Life is precious. HE wants to share HIS life with us forever. Life with HIM is the essence of a wholesome, blessed life.

Salvation is for all. But it requires being reconciled in relationship with the King. If one doesn’t want that relationship, your desire will be honored. But for those who want a deep, abiding relationship with Jesus, let HIM know you are committed. Ask HIM how HE wants you to share your life with HIM and HIM with you. As you find ways to support HIM, HE will support you. As you lean on HIM, HE will walk with you and assure you of your relationship with HIM.

We are being prepared for eternity by being trained through the Holy Spirit how God operates. We are learning to view life through HIS eyes. We are learning how to serve others in love and truth. We are sharing the good news of Jesus with others. Our view of God has changed. HE is no longer a stern dictator. HE is the benevolent Papa God who wants to share HIS life with you and others.

When you realize who the enemy is that prevents you from seeing the God who loves you, your life changes. Your surrender to God’s Kingdom is the most peaceful and rewarding act one can do for self and others. To be reconciled with Father-Son-Spirit is where the blessed life begins. When you begin to see eye-to-eye with your Maker, you are aligned and at peace with yourself and others. Heaven is with you. His name is Jesus.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

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“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)

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God Reflector

Dr. Mike 2024 , , ,

So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise.   John 5:19

Jesus reflected God in HIS words, motives, and actions. We are HIS apprentices. HE set the standard and pattern for us to follow.

I just finished reading the book Critical Journey by Janet Hagberg & Robert Guelich. The authors outlined their understanding to the stages in the life of faith. Their final stage is reflecting God. They summarize five stages one needs to move through before arriving at this last level. Whether you agree with each stage or not, one has to admit one doesn’t reflect God overnight. The life of faith is a process of maturity in Christ.

As one learns to trust Jesus, one moves through each stage maturing in the process. The process begins with first discovering God. Then learning about HIM. As we are discipled, we begin to work for HIM. But then something happens. We hit the spiritual wall. Our will comes face to face with God’s will. We either reconstruct and rediscover God or deconstruct and turn away from HIM. As we surrender to God we move with HIM in HIS work. As we continue this process, we begin to reflect HIM more and more.

Jesus reflected HIS Father God. So can we. HE has empowered us with HIS Spirit to live under HIS domain. As we grow in the knowledge and grace of Jesus, we start living the process. As we allow the Holy Spirit access into our inner being, we continue living the process.

The journey is lifelong. It takes a mother nine months to nurture and grow a baby in her womb. During each stage, the pre-born body is being shaped and prepared for an earthly life. Likewise, God’s new creation, you and me, the new self, over decades, is being shaped and prepared for a heavenly life.

You will hit many spiritual walls in your journey. Each wall allows us to move closer to discovering the authentic God. You will slowly remove the access baggage accumulated during the early days of your life. Your spirit, words, and actions will reflect God more often than not. As you near the end of your journey, you look forward to the birthing of a new you into the heavenly realm.

Yes, Jesus did reflect God on earth. So can we. But do we? Do we allow the Holy Spirit full access into our heart and mind to mold us into the person HE wants us to be? Are we at peace living the grace-paced life for HIS glory? Or are we still trying to figure it all out? Wherever you are at, always remember. HE is for you and with you. Lean on HIM. As you do, HE will reflect HIS glory through you.

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)

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A Spiritual Birth Metaphor

Dr. Mike 2024 , ,

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.  2 Corinthians 4:16

Metaphors help us better understand complex ideas. Jesus used them along with parables and open-end questions to make us think deeper unto a subject.

Take for example the new birth of a Christ-follower. What if we compare our walk with God with the entire human pregnancy process?

As humans, we are spiritual beings encased in a body governed by a soul. As believers, are we not being nourished through the umbilical cord of faith by the Holy Spirit?

Jesus stated to Nicodemus that us humans need to be born again by the Spirit (Jn. 3:3). The Spirit gives life (Jn. 6:63). As our human spirit is impregnated by the Holy Spirit, the new life begins. Physically, science breaks the pregnancy growth process into stages. The initial stage is called zygote. Then the baby-to-be progresses as an embryo, fetus, and finally, baby.

In many ways, these stages outline the process of the new birth. It begins with the acceptance of Jesus as Lord and Savior. Then the inception by the Holy Spirit. From there, we are fed by the Church through the acquisition of Godly knowledge – HIS Word. We learn to live under the authority of HIS Kingdom. As we put into practice HIS ways, the Holy Spirit renews our heart and mind. Over time, our attitude and viewpoint develops more Christlike. Our willpower and character follow suit. This practice forms the inner person. Upon our death, our spirit is then birth into a new dimension unto the arms of Jesus.

Like all metaphors, there are limits. But it does make one stop and think. As we age, we admit the outer body is decaying. Yet the inner person becomes more noticeable. We look back and realize how life is a growing process preparing one for eternity. Like the child in the womb of their mother, we don’t compare ourselves with other unborn children. We wait for our new birth. Meanwhile, we are being nourished. We are being cared for. We are being prepared for a heavenly experience.

As parents, we accept responsibility to protect and give birth to a healthy child. Don’t you think God places the same emphasis on the Church (you & me) to birth a healthy child into HIS family? Just another thought to think about as God does HIS work in you and me.

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