THE GIFT THAT RESTORES YOU TO "REAL" LOVE!

                           

THE GIFT THAT RESTORES YOU TO

                                                               REAL LOVE

“…that they might KNOW…..the only true God and Jesus Christ…” (John 17:3).

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God promised and provided a way to redeem mankind back to him-self and restored or reconciled the relationship he deeply desired. What a great love!!! “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV).

The last Adam was the greatest gift of all in restoring mankind back to the relationship with God and enabling them to, again, freely respond to God’s loving, Holy commands. “… [He sent the ] …one … who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT). “…Because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death (spiritual death) …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “…God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son (THE WORD, HIS indwelling Holy Power) as a sacrifice for our sins....” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).

Thus being free to respond enables you, through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, to keep your part of the YADA relationship. “…abide in me, and I in you. (John 15:4 KJV). “... It was for freedom that Christ set us free...” (Galatians 5:1 NASB). “... Stand fast  therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free..” (Galatians 5:1 KJV). ^“…It is God who works IN YOU to will and TO ACT…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…[You]… can do all things THROUGH CHRIST which strengtheneth [you]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “….Apart from [Jesus]…YOU CAN DO NOTHING…” (John 15:5 NIV). ^“… God…EQUIP YOU with everything good for doing his will, and ...he WORK IN US what is pleasing to him, THROUGH Jesus Christ,,,” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).

God has provided a way, through the finished work of Christ on the cross, to redeem man’s freedoms and their intimate, oneness, relationship with him. “… [He sent the ] …one … who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).

Jesus demonstrated the intimate relationship God wanted originally with the first Adam. Now all believers can enjoy an “oneness” relationship with God too. “…But he (God’s people) that is joined unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “….We are his; we are HIS PEOPLE...” (Psalms 100:3 KJV). “ …The Spirit of God dwelleth in you…” (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV). “…Your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you…” (1 Corinthians 6:19 KJV). “…God hath said, I will dwell in them…” (2 Corinthians 6:16 KJV). “…the Spirit of God dwell[s]… in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).   “… [His people]… ENJOY the PROMISE OF BLESSINGS because THEY BELONG TO CHRIST JESUS…” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT).

Therefore, Jesus Christ is the forerunner for the intimate relationship with God, the Holy Spirit. The intimate relationship is restored through God-given faith - in Jesus’ finished work on the cross – so, you too can have an “oneness” relationship, again, with God, the Holy Spirit. What an opportunity. Hallelujah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! “… [He sent the] …one … who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT). "I (Jesus, the forerunner) and my Father are one." (John 10:30 KJV).  Jesus said, “…that they (you and I) may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us,…” (John 17:21-23 NASB). “…He (she) (God’s people) that is joined unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “….we are HIS PEOPLE...” (Psalms 100:3 KJV).

Jesus was “one” with God and their relationship is frequently referenced throughout the New Testament. This biblical picture of their relationship is both an example and invitation for you to enjoy the same kind of oneness Jesus did.  Jesus said, “…that they also may be in Us…” (John 17:21-23 NASB). “…He (she) (God’s people) that is joined unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “….we are HIS PEOPLE...” (Psalms 100:3 KJV).

God loves you and have sacrificed his Son just so he can have a YADA relationship with you. “…He (she) (God’s people) that is joined unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).

 No matter where you look or to whom you turn, you will never have or experience a love like God has for you. “…God SO LOVED the world, that he GAVE his only…son….” (John 3:16). “…Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that HE LOVED US...” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “We love, because HE FIRST LOVED US…” (1 John 4:19 ASV). Therefore, God “…SPARED NOT his own Son, but delivered him up FOR US ALL…” (Romans 8:32 KJV). ^“…God SHOWED HIS GREAT LOVE FOR US by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners…” (Romans 5:7-9 NLT). “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life…” (John 15:13 NLT).

Not even from your parents, siblings, children, grandparents, family, spouses, friends, drugs, food, alcohol, sex or any other connection will love you like God does. “…There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life…” (John 15:13 NLT).

Without God, the Holy Spirit, even what you believe are the best, loving intimate relationships or connections are limited by humanness. Without God, love, as we know it, will be incomplete and lacking. “….Apart from [the indwelling Spirit of LOVE] ... [you]… can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).   “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). "....The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [y]our lives …” (Galatians 5 NLT). “…The Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE (by restoring or reuniting you to God)…” (John 3:6 NLT).  “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).  “…The Spirit of God dwell[s]… in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…Jesus Christ is IN YOU…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…[You] CAN DO all things (produce fruit, display God’s power, and blessings) THROUGH Christ which strengtheneth [you]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “…God ...does the work IN AND THROUGH all of us who are his… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

Human love can transform you, but, more often than not, but not without FLAWS?  “….Apart from [God, the indwelling Holy Spirit]… [you cannot]..do nothing [not even produce the right kind of LOVE]…” (John 15:5 NIV). God’s love is guaranteed to transform you for your very good. “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). "....The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [y]our lives …” (Galatians 5 NLT). “…Ye shall know [those with the indwelling Holy Spirit]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “…He who ABIDES in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit … ” (John 15:1-11 NASB). "…My Father is glorified by this, that “YOU” bear much fruit, and so PROVE to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV).  “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). "....The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [y]our lives …” (Galatians 5 NLT).

“…God ...does the work IN AND THROUGH all of us who are his… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…The Father (the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT) that dwelleth in [YOU] he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…The invisible [Spirit]…from the creation of the world is …clearly seen, being understood by the things that are MADE …” (Romans 1:20 KJV). “… All things are … [MADE] … NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).  “…Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a NEW creature …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “… All things are … [MADE] … NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).  “…I will put a new spirit in you. …” (Ezekiel 36:26 NLT). “… [Therefore]… we all … are changed into the same image [of Christ] from glory to glory …” (2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV). “…the former things are passed away……” (Revelation 21:3-4 KJV). “…By the GRACE of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).

“…Ye shall know [those with the indwelling Holy Spirit]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV).

Human love, even when it is demonstrated with good intention can be unprofitable without God, the Holy Spirit of Love. “….Apart from [God, the indwelling Holy Spirit]… [you cannot]..do nothing [not even LOVE]…” (John 15:5 NIV). “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is love…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). "....The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [y]our lives …” (Galatians 5 NLT).

“…It is the SPIRIT who gives “LIFE”; the flesh profits nothing…” (John 6:63 NASB). “… if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not [God’s kind of] ... love, I AM NOTHING. And if I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but have not [God’s kind of] ... love, IT PROFITETH ME NOTHING…” (1 Corinthians 13:2-3 ASV).

Only “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…The fruit of the [Holy] ... Spirit is love…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). "....The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [y]our lives …LOVE...” (Galatians 5 NLT).

For instance, it is safe to say Eve loved Adam and wouldn’t knowingly do anything to harm him. Yet Satan used her “weakness” to bring harm to both of their lives. They were transformed, negatively, by this “one” incident, forever.

God, the Holy Spirit, GAVE them one HOLY instruction:  “…of every tree of the garden THOU MAYEST FREELY EAT: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou  SHALT NOT EAT of it; for in THE DAY THAT THOU EATEST thereof THOU SHALT SURELY DIE…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV).

 BUT“…The woman [Eve, became] ... convinced [to eat from the tree, anyway]... She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it...” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).

“….She [choose to take] ... some of the fruit and [eat] ... IT. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and HE ATE IT, too …” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).

“.... At that moment their eyes were opened…” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).  At that moment, “…[their] ...INIQUITIES … separated … [them BOTH from] ... God…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV).

“…God asked the woman, “What have you done?” (Genesis 3:7-13 NLT). “… ONE sinner (through “one” action) destroy[ed]… MUCH GOOD…” (Ecclesiastes 9:18 NASB). “…Through one man (Adam and Eve) SIN entered into the world, and DEATH THROUGH SIN, and so death passed to “all” men—“(Romans 5:12 KJV).  NOW “…All have sinned and fallen SHORT of the GLORY of God (All have been born without the indwelling Holy Spirit that produces “real” LOVE)…” (Romans 3:23).

Without God’s kind of love in it, your love for others is imperfect at its BEST. “There is none righteous, no, not one:” (Romans 3:10 KJV). “… There is none good but one, that is, God…” (Mark 10:18 KJV).  We “… [have become]…..unclean and [our] righteousnesses (our best) are as filthy rags….” (Isaiah 64:6 KJV). “….Apart from [God, the indwelling Holy Spirit]… [you cannot]..do nothing [not even LOVE]…” (John 15:5 NIV).

Jesus is the only example for how to perfectly (maturely) love God, yourself, and others. “…God SO LOVED the world, that he GAVE his only…son….” (John 3:16). “…Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that HE LOVED US...” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “We love, because HE FIRST LOVED US…” (1 John 4:19 ASV). Therefore, God “…SPARED NOT his own Son, but delivered him up FOR US ALL…” (Romans 8:32 KJV). ^“…God SHOWED HIS GREAT LOVE FOR US by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners…” (Romans 5:7-9 NLT). “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life…” (John 15:13 NLT).

Let’s also take a brief look at Jesus’ relationship with God. Jesus’ relationship with God during his life on earth was both as a Son and a subject or servant. Like the old Adam, Jesus was subject/servant to God. “   I seek not mine own will…” and knew he was created for God “…but the will of the Father which hath sent me...” (John 5:19 KJV).   

While on earth he acknowledged he was weaker than God “…the Son can do nothing of himself …I can of mine own self do nothing...” (John 5:30 KJV).   

Jesus was so “close and intimate” with God, the Holy Spirit, he confidently said “...I and the father are one...” (John 10:30 KJV).

Even though they are joined uniquely together, we see Jesus as individual and yet “one” with God. “… I lay down my life... No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. …” (John 10:17-18 KJV).

We see Jesus as both Son and servant.  “…he GAVE his only…son….” (John 3:16). “….Christ pleased not himself…” (Romans 15:3 KJV). 

Jesus definitely did “…not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many...” (Matthew 20:28 KJV). “… have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but taking the form of a bond-servant emptied Himself, , and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. …” (Philippians 2:5-8 NASB).

The bible says Jesus’ duel identity was both divine and human, “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God (divine): But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men (human):” Philippians 2:6-7 KJV).

Christ had all the rights of his Father in heaven and he could take advantage of those rights if he wanted to, but he didn’t. “...He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. …” (Philippians 2:5-8 NASB). “... [And]...made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men...” Philippians 2:6-7 KJV).

 In other words, like Adam and Eve, he had the freedom to respond to the life around him. “… I  [Jesus, choose to] ... lay down my life... No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. …” (John 10:17-18 KJV).

He willfully decided not to use the privileges of his divine connection, but instead remained servant/subject to God. “...He humbled Himself by becoming obedient …” (Philippians 2:5-8 NASB).  “…..nevertheless, not my will, but thine, be done…” (Luke 22:42 KJV)

He had these privileges as God’s Son. “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God...” Philippians 2:6-7 KJV).  

If human fathers are rich or wealthy their children may have privileges that other children don’t have. “… I lay down my life... No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. …” (John 10:17-18 KJV). “...I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father...” (John 10:17-18 KJV).

In addition, when fathers are human, so are their offspring. Jesus’ Father is divine and holy, therefore, so is he. “...I and the father are one...[and the same]...” (John 10:30 KJV).

Christ had excess and rights to all the privileges and authority that belonged to his Heavenly Father. “…The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein…” (Psalm 24:1 KJV). “…for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof…” (Psalm 50:12 KJV). “…all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine…” (1 Chronicles 29:11 KJV).

“…All things that the Father hath are mine….” (John 16:15 KJV). “… And ... thine are mine…” (John 17:10 KJV).

“ Who, being in the form of God (divine), thought it not robbery to be equal with God, But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant (servant), and was made in the likeness of men (human):” Philippians 2:6-7 KJV).  

Jesus could freely respond to life however he wanted, but choose to follow God’s will instead of his own. "… he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross...” (Philippians 2:8 KJV). “… I lay down my life... No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. …” (John 10:17-18 KJV). “...I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father...” (John 10:17-18 KJV). “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15).  “…That the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandments, even so I do…” (John 14:31 KJV).

This is the crux of the story and where the first Adam and last Adam part ways. Jesus humbled himself in obedience to God’s Word and God’s will for his life by becoming a willful, personal servant “...Made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant (servant), and was made in the likeness of men (human):” Philippians 2:6-7 KJV).  "… he humbled himself, and became obedient ...” (Philippians 2:8 KJV). “…not My will, but Yours be done…" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV). Jesus also said, “…I lay down my life…” (John 10:17-18 KJV).

 Jesus completely trusted God and made it clear, “…I seek not mine own will…but the will of the Father which hath sent me...” (John 5:19 KJV). While on earth Jesus trusted and depended upon God’s commandments. “…the Son can do nothing of himself ...” (John 5:30 KJV). 

It is important to know Jesus was just as human as you and I when he was “…made in the likeness of men… ” (Philippians 2:7 KJV).

Jesus took on sinful flesh and he lived a human experience, yet without sin. “...[God sent] ... his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering...” (Romans 8:3 NIV).  Jesus can “…be touched with the feeling of our infirmities...” (Hebrews 4:15 KJV). “…yet without sin...” (Hebrews 4:15 KJV).

He suffered in sinful flesh too, yet, he remained a loving and obedient Son. “...Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things he suffered…” (Hebrews 5:8 KJV).

It demonstrates Jesus’ love for God, his Father and gives all believers an example of what the Genesis story did not provide. “…That the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandments, even so I do…” (John 14:31 KJV). WHY? The Word says: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). 

Jesus shows believers how “they” are to behave “in” the relationship with God. “…In this world we are like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). “...I and the father are one...” (John 10:30 KJV). “… It is …God who does the work IN AND THROUGH all of us who are his… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

Jesus also demonstrated how to respond and be obedient to God. "… he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross...” (Philippians 2:8 KJV).  Jesus, the Son and God, the Father were so “one” that Jesus even said, “…he that hath seen me hath seen the Father…” (John 14:9-10 KJV).

This is the absolute and purist form of “oneness” that can be shared between God and man; when you see one you also see the other. “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being…” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV). “…he that hath seen me hath seen the Father…” (John 14:9-10 KJV).

This is what Jesus lived for and died for us to enjoy; a relationship so UNITED with God that you can also say if you see me you have seen my Father in heaven also. “…Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…Christ in you, …” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). “…the Spirit of God dwell in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).  “….the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV). “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “… It is …God who does the work IN AND THROUGH all of us who are his… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

“…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

If Christ’s life reflected an oneness with God that can be witnessed by others, so should ours. “…he that hath seen me hath seen the Father…” (John 14:9-10 KJV). “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…God ...does the work IN AND THROUGH all of us who are his… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). "....The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [y]our lives …” (Galatians 5 NLT) “…[You] CAN DO all things (produce fruit, display God’s power, and blessings) THROUGH Christ which strengtheneth [you]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “….Apart from [God, the indwelling Holy Spirit]… [you cannot]..do nothing [spiritual]…” (John 15:5 NIV).

“…The …HOLY SPIRIT …is the SOURCE of [all blessings]. …it is …God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of us who are his. The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

Whether we are aware of it or not, many believers lifestyles say without a single word; my heavenly father and I are not one and if you see me you will not see my Holy Father. “… those who do not have the ...[indwelling Holy]... Spirit of Christ living in them DO NOT BELONG TO HIM at all.)” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “….Apart from [God, the indwelling Holy Spirit]… [you cannot]..do nothing [produce spiritual fruit]…” (John 15:5 NIV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). "....The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [y]our lives …” (Galatians 5 NLT).

You can only establish this kind of relational witness, like that of Jesus, when you are in a YADA relationship with God. “…The …HOLY SPIRIT …is the SOURCE of [all blessings]. …it is …God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of us who are his. The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

The more joined you are to God, the more of God people will see in your life.“…abide in me, and I in you. (John 15:4 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). "....The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [y]our lives …” (Galatians 5 NLT).

 It is no secret that you become like the company you keep. “…He who walks with wise men (like Jesus, the Word), WILL be wise (like Jesus. The Word)…’’ (Proverbs 13:20 NASB). "....The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [y]our lives …” (Galatians 5 NLT). “…Ye shall know [those with the indwelling Holy Spirit]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “…He who ABIDES in Me (Jesus, the Word) and I (Jesus, the Word) in him, he bears much fruit … ” (John 15:1-11 NASB). "…My Father is glorified by this, that “YOU” bear much fruit, and so PROVE to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV).  

That’s how Jesus became so much like his Father in Heaven and was a carbon copy of his character. He spent time with God and said, “…what he seeth the Father doing … these the Son also doeth in like manner” (John 5:19 ASV) and he boasted that “….the Father loveth the Son, and showeth him all things that he himself doeth...” (John 5:20 ASV).

 If you spend time with God you can also boast like Jesus and even do greater things than he did.“… He that believeth on me (depends upon the WORD), the works (THE CONFIRMING WORKS) that I do shall [YOU] do also; and GREATER [CONFIRMING] WORKS than these shall he do….” (John 14:12 KJV).

Let’s look at the first relationship between God and man in the book of Genesis. In the first relationship between God and man, in the book of Genesis, God is the husband of both Adam/Eve.

From the Genesis perspective, husband is not understood in terms of gender as many have come to know it, but relates more to the Hebrew word “Baal” which means “owner.”

God as “owner” points to the role or position he plays in the initial relationship with man.  Further, it refers to how he will function in his role as husband to Adam/Eve.

For instance as husband God will perform the duties of his role by being a responsible owner, the creator, the one who dispenses blessings, the caregiver, the total provider, and the one who determines what is good.

Let’s look at God’s role as husband/owner in Genesis. We will see how God plans to sustain his role and carry out his responsibilities to Adam and Eve.

First, Adam was a pre-determined or predestined idea of God’s. It is similar to a couple deciding to have a baby and giving him/her a name before conception even takes place.

When couples decide to have a baby they are also deciding to love the child and be the responsible parties for its care.

In Genesis, it was God’s desire and predestined purpose to make man (male & female) in his “own image” and then let them “have dominion” before they were ever creatively conceived “….let us make man in “our” image, after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV).  “…..God created man in his own image…..male and female created he them…” (Genesis 1:27 KJV). “….God formed man of the dust of the ground (BODY), and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (SPIRIT); and man became a living soul (SOUL)…” (Genesis 2:7 KJV).

Two things stand out here “image” and “dominion”. When we think of image we must keep in mind that God is Spirit and being created in his image or likeness (Latin for imago Deo) has to do with your spirit. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…God is not human …” (Numbers 23:19 NIV). “…. [Yet], YOU THOUGHT  I, (God, the HOLY SPIRIT) was EXACTLY like you….” (Psalms 50:21 NIV). “….let us make man in “our” image, after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV).  “…..God created man in his “own” image…..male and female created he them…” (Genesis 1:27 KJV). “….God …breathed into his nostrils the breath of life…” (Genesis 2:7 KJV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).

Couples having a baby are usually hoping to see some aspect of their own image in the child. God had a predestined idea to make you in his image or likeness, but you are not God or a god. You are a living being that was created by God and created in his image. “…..God created man in his “own” image…..male and female created he them…” (Genesis 1:27 KJV). “….God …breathed into his nostrils the breath of life…” (Genesis 2:7 KJV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).“... and man became a living soul (SOUL)…” (Genesis 2:7 KJV).

 In addition, when a couple has a child, the child enjoys everything that belongs to his or her parents and the parents usually share their possessions generously with their children. “…The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein…” (Psalm 24:1 KJV). “…for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof…” (Psalm 50:12 KJV). “…all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine…” (1 Chronicles 29:11 KJV). “…All things that the Father hath are mine….” (John 16:15 KJV). “… And ... thine are mine…” (John 17:10 KJV).

Initially, mankind (Adam and Eve) was given dominion “…over the fish of the sea and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the face of the earth” (Genesis 1:28 KJV). 

God took full responsibility for his creation and out of his love for them he predestined them to share his possessions lavishly. “…All things that the Father hath are mine….” (John 16:15 KJV). “… And ... thine are mine…” (John 17:10 KJV).

“God blessed them...” (Genesis 1:28 KJV). Being blessed by God means he gave sufficient gifts, provisions, and caregiving, in a leader, servant-type presentation, out of his love, grace, and mercy for them.  

“Blessing” in Hebrew, according to Strong’s concordance, is berakah and means gift, peace, prosperity, or to bestow happiness and well-being upon. “…God blessed them…” as he still blesses each believer today.

When a child is born the couple is ready to service their needs, care generously for them, and bless them  by securing and safeguarding their well-being.

Newborn babies usually have so many gifts when they come into their new family, they will never know just how truly loved and blessed they are. “… [Everyone] … who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. [They]…are [ALL]… part of the same body, and enjoy the promise of blessings because THEY BELONG TO CHRIST JESUS…” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT). The bible says God will “...supply ALL [your need] according to his riches in glory...” (Philippians 4:19). What is the riches of his glory? “CHRIST IN YOU” (Colossian 1:27 KJV).

Human children are instinctly aware of and become naturally attached to their caregivers - who supply their every need. God’s people can become aware and attached to God, the Holy Spirit too! “… God will supply all [his children’s need]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “… “I AM WHO I AM ’ This is My name forever, and this is My memorial-name to all generations…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “…I am  the Lord, the God of all flesh…” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). "… I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God…" (Revelation 1:8 NASB). “… I, the LORD … the first, and with the last. I am He...'" (Isaiah 41:4 NASB).  “...The lord is GOOD…there is none good but one, that is, God” (Nahum 1:7 & Mark 10:18 KJV). “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…  I, the Lord, am your healer…” (Exodus 15:26). “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV).  And, “There is none holy as the Lord…” (1 Samuel 2:2 KJV). “…God is the one who provides …” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV). “… [God] … will keep in perfect peace all who trust in … [him] … all whose thoughts are fixed on … [him!]” (Isaiah 26:3 NLT). “….The Lord is “my” shepherd ….” (PSALM 23:1-3 NLT). “… THE LORD … is Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer, Your GOD, Your rock, in whom [you] … take refuge; Your shield and the horn of Your salvation, YOUR stronghold.…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB). “…Thou shalt know that I the LORD am thy Saviour …” (Isaiah 60:16 KJV). “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).

With God, his blessings and personal nurturing assures believers that he is their caregiver and the one providing for their every need: “…my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 4:19 KJV). “….The Lord is “[their]” shepherd ….” (PSALM 23:1-3 NLT). “… THE LORD … is [their] rock and [their] fortress, [their] deliverer, [their] GOD, [their] rock, in whom [you] … take refuge; [their] shield and the horn of [their] salvation, [their] stronghold.…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB). “…Thou shalt know that I the LORD am thy Saviour …” (Isaiah 60:16 KJV). “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).

Therefore, with blessings come the riches of Godly favor, which is realized as we grow in obedience to His word. “…I will BLESS thee …and thou shalt be a BLESSING…” (Genesis 12:2-3 KJV). “…Now may the God of peace, … that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will , and may he work IN US what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me …apart from Me you can do nothing…” (John 15:4-6 NASB).

Blessings are fully experienced throughout the “oneness” relationship with God through faith and obedience. “… may ... God ... equip you with everything good for doing his will , and may he work IN US what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…The …HOLY SPIRIT …is the SOURCE of [all blessings]. …it is …God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of us who are his. The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

Manifold blessings are readily available when God and man and man and woman are joined together in the proper Godly relationships. “…I will be their God, and they shall be my people” (2 Corinthians 6:16 KJV). “…He that is joined unto the LORD is ONE SPIRIT [with him and God]…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).“…Abide in Me, and I in you …apart from Me you can do nothing…” (John 15:4-6 NASB).“…BLESSED be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who HATH blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ…” (Ephesians 1:3 KJV).

 Children are usually happy in loving and healthy environments. When proper parenting is demonstrated, usually all is well in the child’s world. “…THY BLESSING is upon THY PEOPLE…” (Psalms 3:8 KJV). “…YOU MAKE HIM “MOST” BLESSED forever; …” (Psalms 21:6 NASB). “…You surround him WITH FAVOR as with a shield…” (Psalms 5:12 NASB). … [God] … will keep in perfect peace all who trust in … [him] … all whose thoughts are fixed on … [him!]” (Isaiah 26:3 NLT).