August 18, 2024 - For Every Generation: Salvation is Found in Believing God

God has graced us over and over in our lives!

I must mercied us over and over in be one who gives grace and mercy to those who have wronged and mistreated me

When we do the impossible, forgive those who have hurt us and give them grace and mercy, we are walking in concert with out Savior, as a grace and mercy giver!

We are made in the image of God; we are to look and act like our God!

Being in the imago Dei, the image of God, is a huge deal!

This shapes everything that I say and do, I am an image bearer of God to a fallen world!

Consequences of being made in the image of God
1) The image of God is affirmed for all persons - male and female - alike (Gen. 1:27), and, by extension, for every ethnicity (cf. Acts 17:26).
2) While distinct genders, both male and female are equal as persons and equal in value.
3) Even after the fall (see Gen. 3), all people still possess the image and likeness of God. This is affirmed in Genesis 5:1-3 for all offspring of Adam and Eve.

Remember:
1) The image of God as a phrase is applied only to humans. Therefore, humanity is to be distinguished from the rest of earthly creation.
2) Humanity is, in some way like God. The copy is like the original creator in some way.

Some view the image of God as attributes humanity has that are like God:
Creative, communicative, morally responsible, intelligent, relational, spiritual, and free

The image of God may imply more than simply attributes, it may imply status

Our status was to rule and to govern the earth - Genesis 1: 26b

What does it mean to say mankind is created in the image and likeness of God?

The Rulership View
1) Because man is made in the image of God, he is charged and enabled to "rule" and "subdue" the earth on God's behalf (Gen. 1:26 and 28).
2) The Hebrew term for "rule", used twice in Genesis 1;26-28, is "raddah" and means "have dominion", or "rule".
3) Man is God's image bearer who functions as a mediator-king on earth. God tasks mankind to manage the world as His representatives.

Today, fallen humanity still bears the image of God, tainted for sure - James 3: 9

When God saves an individual, He begins to restore the original image of God - Ephesians 4: 24

You must know that this earth age is ending; Messiah’s kingdom is on the near horizon

In Messiah’s kingdom, you will be taken back to Genesis, so to speak

You will then be in the image of God, the image of Messiah, glorified and perfect!

You will be given ruling authority, dominion that was relinquished at the fall

Our future is bright and exciting the Messianic Kingdom awaits you!

Are you ready for the ride of your life? GET READY!!

We can almost hear the FOOTSTEPS OF THE MESSIAH!

HE IS COMING, CHURCH! WATCH AND BE READY !!!

"Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming." - Matthew 25:13

"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved" - Acts 4:12

THANK YOU JESUS!!