Firm Foundation with Bryan Hudson

Imago Dei (Image of God), Part Six - A Mother's Provision

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Isaiah 49:1, “Listen, O coastlands, to Me, And take heed, you peoples from afar! The Lord has called Me from the womb; From the matrix of My mother He has made mention of My name. 2 And He has made My mouth like a sharp sword; In the shadow of His hand He has hidden Me, And made Me a polished shaft; In His quiver He has hidden Me.” 3 “And He said to me, ‘You are My servant, O Israel, In whom I will be glorified.’”God's plan for helping us realize Imago Dei continues through the process of birth. Everybody is born of a woman, and everybody is created at birth in the image and likeness of God. Your mother is proof of your Imago Dei.Proverbs 30:11, There is a generation that curses its father, And does not bless its mother. 12 There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes, Yet is not washed from its filthiness.Hebrews 2:5 For He has not put the world to come, of which we speak, in subjection to angels. 6 But one testified in a certain place, saying: “What is man that You are mindful of him, Or the son of man that You take care of him? 7 You have made him a little lower than the angels; You have crowned him with glory and honor, And set him over the works of Your hands. 8 You have put all things in subjection under his feet.” For in that He put all in subjection under him, He left nothing that is not put under him. But now we do not yet see all things put under him. 9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.“A little lower than the “angels”In the Greek Hebrews 2:7, AngelosIn the Hebrew Psalms 8:5: Elōhîm (God)You are made a little lower than God!
Genesis 3:15, “And I will put enmity (hostility) between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.”Her “Seed” would eventually lead to the birth of Jesus. Distorting or destroying the DNA and Imago Dei in women and men hinders the destiny of their children, and the human race.Mother’s Provision is Essential to Imago DeiJosiah was eight years old when he became king….His mother’s name was Jedidah (2 Kings 22:1,)Uzziah was sixteen years old when he became king…His mother’s name was Jecholiah of Jerusalem (2 Chr. 26:3)Hezekiah became king when he was twenty-five years old….His mother’s name was Abijah(2 Chronicles 29:1)Jotham was twenty-five years old when he became king…His mother’s name was Jerushah(2 Chronicles 27:1)Amaziah was twenty-five years old when he became king…His mother’s name was Jehoaddan (2 Chronicles 25:1)Paul spoke about the Imago Dei of Timothy’s mother & grandmother2 Timothy 1:5, When I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Loisand your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.One of the first mandates and commands to God’s people related to preserving and maximizing Imago Dei“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.” (Exodus 20:12)
Reflection Questions:
1. What is the "matrix" of a mother?
2. What are your mother's special contribution to your DNA and Imago Dei?
3. Why is God so mindful of you and humanity?

Imago Dei (Image of God), Part Five - The Image of Love

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1 John 4:7  Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
God uses many activities to prepare people to receive the Gospel of Christ. For example, we cannot preach the Gospel to hungry people until we feed people. We cannot preach the Gospel to persons who have experienced injustice without dealing with the forces of injustice. Whatever injures Imago Dei (Image of God) in people hinders the heart and mind from receiving the word of God.
What was impossible, the love of God made possible.
John 3:16, For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
Romans 5:8, But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
We carry that same love. Love awakens the Imago Dei by connecting us with the nature of God, which is love.
“As we begin to treat each other with more love and empathy, it will not only change the world around us; it will also change us. As I have taken steps to promote racial justice, I have developed more endurance, discovered untapped wells of creativity, and experienced more joy than I ever expected. The journey of racial justice is itself transformative." (Jemar Tisby, How to Fight Racism, p. 7).
This love helps us not to stumble, or help others not to stumble.
1 John 2:10, He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him.
Definition of stumble:
σκάνδαλον
Transliteration, skandalon - The Greek word for “stumble” means, “a trap, snare, a stumbling block, any impediment placed in the way and causing one to stumble or fall. Sounds like “scandal.” 
Think of the all the traps and snares that come when we don’t receive God’s love, or share His love with others.
Realizing Imago Dei within ourselves and helping others realize it, is a function of the love of God. 
First, it is that God loved us, followed by the truth that because He loved us that we can love one another.
Many believers have misunderstood that social work and social justice is also the work of God and a manifestation of love. 
Anything that restores Imago Dei in people is a work of God.

Imago Dei (Image of God) Part Four: Factors That Hinder Imago Dei

Part One: Who Am I?Part Two: Restoring Human Identity and PurposePart Three: Why Am I?Part Four: Factors That Hinder Imago DeiPart Five: The Image of LoveReaching Our CommunityRomans 9:1, I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, 2 That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. 3 For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh…
Restoring Imago Dei in Community“And at the core of urban apologetics is a restoration of the Imago Dei . Racial injustice and inequity have created a complex need to affirm humanity while challenging human sinful pride. Scripture demands that we treat all people as bearers of God’s image.”– Eric Mason, Urban Apologetics (p. 32). 
Restoring Imago Dei in CommunityReligious and Ethnic Identity Groups confuse the image of God in people The Nation of Islam -  God is a man, Allah is the latestHebrew Israelites - Christianity is a white man’s religion Kemeticism - Egyptian religion called KemetBlack Conscious Community - Started in South AfricaBlack Atheism 
Factors Working Against Imago DeiPost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)Mindsets not introduced by family and Kingdom of GodAnti-Christ forcesSelf-loathing, Self-hatredConfused and negative peopleFailure to glorify God
Failure to Glorify GodAppreciationAdorationAffectionSubjection
AppreciationTo glorify God is to set God highest in our thoughts, and, to have a venerable esteem of him. Psalm 92:8, But You, Lord, are on high forevermore.Psalm 97:9, For You, Lord, are most high above all the earth; You are exalted far above all gods.
AdorationVery strong love or worship for someone Psalm 92:2, Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name; Worship the Lord in the beauty of holinessPsalm 97:9, For You, Lord, are most high above all the earth;You are exalted far above all gods.
AffectionThis is part of the glory we give to God, who counts himself glorified when he is loved.  The heart is set upon God, as a man’s heart is set upon his treasure.Deuteronomy 6:5, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.
SubjectionWhen we dedicate ourselves to God, and stand ready dressed for his service. We are devoted to his serviceDeuteronomy 6:5, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)Not suggesting or diagnosing here, only considering the effects of trauma at verious levels. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event. Most people who go through traumatic events may have temporary difficulty adjusting and coping, but with time and good self-care, they usually get better.
Effects of PTSDFrom Mayo Client: Symptoms of negative changes in thinking and mood may include: Negative thoughts about yourself, other people or the world Hopelessness about the future Memory problems, including not remembering important aspects of the traumatic event Difficulty maintaining close relationshipsFrom Mayo Client: Symptoms of negative changes in thinking and mood may include: Feeling detached from family and friends Lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed Difficulty experiencing positive emotions Feeling emotionally numb Changes in physical and emotional reactions 

Imago Dei (The Image of God) - Part Three: Why Am I?

Genesis 1:26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.
God’s image - Character
God’s likeness - Outward witness
Dominion - Responsibility, tasks, duty, service
Fruitful - Utilizing abilities and gifts
Multiply - Reproduce yourself, empower others 
Subdue - Create and maintain order
 
What is the imago Dei?
Imago Dei is the Latin term for “image of God.” 
 Knowing who you are is foundational to both a healthy self-image and a strong sense of purpose.
 
God’s Purpose for People
Micah 6:8, He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly,To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?
Isaiah 43:21,This people I have formed for Myself; They shall declare My praise.
1 Peter 2:9, But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light
God’s Purpose for People
1 Corinthians 15:9, For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. 
Imago Dei of God
Calls to Imago Dei in You
Psalm 42:7, Deep calls unto deep at the noise of Your waterfalls; All Your waves and billows have gone over me. 8 The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime, And in the night His song shall be with me—A prayer to the God of my life.
Reaching Our Community
Romans 9:1, I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, 2 That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. 3 For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh…
Factors Working Against Imago Dei
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Mindsets not introduced by family and Kingdom of God
Anti-Christ forces
Self-loathing, Self-hatred
Confused and negative people
Failure to worship God
Reflections 
Why was I born?
What place does Imago Dei have in my day-to-day life?
What is my role in the lives of others?

Imago Dei (The Image of God) - Part Two: Restoring Human Identity and Purpose

Psalm 19:7 NAS, The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul.
Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. 
Psalm 86:10, For You are great, and do wondrous things; You alone are God. 11] Teach me Your way, O LORD;   I will walk in Your truth; Unite my heart to fear Your name.  12] I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, And I will glorify Your name forevermore. 
In today’s culture, people believe in a “God” who is made in their own image. He is a God who changes, adapts to whims and customs and permits whatever the majority of people want to believe. Their god has many names, multiple personalities, no exclusive holy book and cannot be grieved by any act of sin except “intolerance.” Evil has become a non-category. It is like a farmer who plants crops but cannot admit to the existence of weeds and insects. He thinks the solution is to pour on more fertilizer. Today, education is the fertilizer.
There are two Gods. There is the God that people generally believe in—A God who has to serve them. This God does not exist. But the God who people forget—the God whom we all have to serve—exists, and is the prime cause of our existence and of all that we perceive. God being God offends human pride. “There is no fear of God before their eyes” (Rom. 3:18) When the light of God is absent, the intellect become dysfunctional, trying to devise a truth that will be compatible with the basic falsehood that man is god. (Willard, The Spirit of the Disciplines)
C. Indicators of the True God:
Is from everlasting to everlasting
Known to Adam, Abraham, Moses and the pagans of every generation
Has the power to create, destroy, heal and reform 
Passes final judgment
Knows the hearts of people
Knows the motivations of the heart
Has purpose that transcends the lifetime or sensual interests of people
Manifests His presence in the earth through the Holy Spirit
Has a son name Jesus Christ, who is God the Son
Thought: images, concepts, judgment; enables our will (or spirit) to range far beyond the immediate boundaries of our environment
Feeling: sensation, emotion; inclines us toward or away from things that come before our minds; involve a tone that is pleasant or unpleasant. Thoughts and feelings go together 
Choice: Will, decision, character; our choices produce our unique contribution to reality. Temptation is the thought plus the inclination to sin. We must very careful about the things we allow our minds to dwell upon or allow ourselves to feel. Human life does not run by will alone. It must be organized by the will if it is to be organized at all. People nearly always act on their feelings, and think it only right.
Body: Our primary source of energy and the place from which we live. The body cannot be understood apart from human relations, The re-formation of the body is one major part of the process of spiritual formation. Spiritual formation is also and essentially a bodily process. It cannot succeed unless the body is reformed.
Social Context: The human self requires rootedness in others—God first, then people

Imago Dei (The Image of God) - Part One: Who Am I?

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Genesis 1:26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
This is an instance where a biblical worldview is helpful. A Christian worldview only applies to Christians, but a biblical worldview is for everyone.
What is the imago Dei?
Imago Dei is the Latin term for “image of God.” The term is used because it is distinctive and beautiful sounding. Knowing who you are is foundational to both a healthy self-image and a strong sense of purpose. (Watch this video)
Humankind was created to be an image bearer of the Creator. This ideal state was to be a representation of who God is and what He is like. Of course, humanity is far from this ideal state.
“The imago Dei is not a quality possessed by man; it is a condition in which man lives, a condition of confrontation established and maintained by the Creator. … The imago Dei is that in man which constitutes him as him-whom-God-loves.” –John Piper
The imago Dei was the outcome of being created by God. No other creature was made in the image of God, not even Angels. 
Look at the words image and likeness  in Genesis chapter 1
Image
Hebrew צֶלֶם - ṣelem (Pronounced tseh’-lem) 
From an unused root meaning a representative figure or image
Stong’s Dictionary word (#H6754) is used in the old testament as image (16x) and vain shew (1x).
It is used mostly to denote objects of false worship such as idols. It is interesting that this is the word used to describe people being made in the image of God. It shows that this word is only understood by the context in which it is used.
It is best understood as representing the character of something or someone. 
For example, my father is technically inclined, a problem solver, and a hard worker. I have my father’s or character IMAGE in me. My mother loved people, served people, and had great compassion. I possess that particular image or character of my mother. 
Likeness
Hebrew דְּמוּתd - demût, (pronounced, dem-ooth’)
Stong’s dictionary word (#H1819); means, resemblance; shape; like (-ness), manner, similitude.
This is best understood as representing the likeness or appearance of something or someone. For example: I RESEMBLE both my mother and my father.
Is the image of God something only belongs to Christians? Did sin remove the image of God?
No. Man’s fall into sin didn’t destroy or remove the image of God. Sin obscured the Imago Dei. Sin always darkens and distorts reality.
The apostle James confirms that God’s image i when he states that all people, not only Christ followers, 
James 3:8 But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude [or likeness] of God
So, what was the effect of sin when it comes to the image of God in man? 
Adam’s disobedience to God, severed fellowship with God, which led to physical and spiritual death. Adam, representing all humankind, became an image without the substance of God. They were expelled from the garden of Eden.
Example: Like a wax sculpture that looks like the person, but has no life. It is appearance without spirit and substance. Like a corpse.
People maintain the image of God — even in a broken or distorted form — that they are redeemable and worth redeeming. Without it, God would have had no reason to send His Son to die on our behalf.
Maximizing Imago Dei
Genesis 1:26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
God’s image - Character
God’s likeness - Outward actions
Dominion - Responsibility, tasks, duty, service
Fruitful - Utilizing abilities an gifts
Multiply - Reproduce yourself, empower others 
Subdue - Create and maintain order

What is a Christian Worldview?

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Romans 12:2, Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Colossians 3:17, And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 2:8, See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.
 
A worldview is a set of ideas, values, and presuppositions. It’s like putting on a pair of sunglasses that color how you view life, people, and ideas. People collect little pieces of their worldview through parents, school, movies, and friends. A Christian worldview is based on the Bible.https://www.theoldschoolhouse.com/what-is-christian-worldview/
 
This is one of the reasons why white churches of the 18th and 19th centuries did not work to end slavery (while many individual White believers did work to end slavery). 
In fact, in the 18th and 19th centuries many believed the Bible affirmed slavery and the inferior status of persons of African descent (which was part of their worldview at that time.)

It is Done!

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Philippians 3:10, That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection…
John 19:28, After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I thirst!” 29 Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. 30 So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. 
We can say “It is done” Because Jesus said “It is finished.”
#1 - Jesus finished the endless cycle of Jewish sacrifices and created the path to redemption
#2 - Jesus finished access to God the Father.
#3 - Jesus finished the endless cycle of guilt and self-condemnation.
 

Words Matter!

 
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Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer. Hebrews 3:13, But exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.Proverbs 18:4 (NLT), A person’s words can be life-giving water; words of true wisdom are as refreshing as a bubbling brook.”Words Matter! In many ways, we are the product of words from our parents, teachers, coaches, and other significant people in our lives. Some have been damaged and broken by words. We live in a culture full of idol and careless words.Those of us who are Christ followers have benefitted and found new live through the words of God as expressed by Bible writers such as David, the Apostle Paul, the Hebrews writer, and many others. Our pastors and spiritual leaders have poured truths and practical insight into us.We have been empowered to offer words of life and encouragement to our children, our community, and to the world.In this lesson you will learn more about the importance of the words we use as well as principles that hold us accountable and give us grace to speak blessing to our generation.
Watch on YouTube
 

Change Your Frame. Change Your Life - Part Five, The Kingdom Frame

Ephesians 3:20-21, ”Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
Over the years, we have done a lot of teaching on the Kingdom of God. We are going to again teach about the Kingdom of God as part of the series “Change Your Frame, Change Your Life.” 
There are over 6 billion people on planet Earth and only a few of them know why they exist. People have the frame that was given to them by their training as children, their surroundings, their friends, their schools, and more. All of this is part of our growth and development, but at some point in your life you connected with the Lord and His kingdom.
Because of this connection, your purpose is related to something bigger than yourself, yet is part of you, the Kingdom of God. The “Kingdom Frame” is our most meaningful and purposeful frame of life and mind. Many of the scriptures that come to your heart and mind relate to your frame and position in the Kingdom of God. 
Ephesians 3:17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rootedand grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— 19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
It is important to understand that Jesus wasn't created at birth, He is eternal and preexistent. There is the erroneous doctrine that Jesus is not God because he was born as a human, but His conception was supernatural which afforded Him the power of being the sinless Lamb of God. This is way one of His given names was, “Emmanuel,: meaning “God with us.”
Ephesians Chapter Three closes with this powerful affirmation, “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (3:20-21)
It is remarkable to note the power and ability accrued by the Kingdom of God has also been vested in us, in Christ. Now that we are part of God's kingdom, He does not want to function without us.
“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.” 
This is not only supernatural power, but every kind of power, ability, skill, favor, privilege, understanding, knowledge that He has given you and me, or allowed us to possess.
What I realized was that the power we have is not limited to supernatural power. Everything God does is not supernatural. Everything people need is not received by a supernatural act. We need everything working with power.
Whatever effective power, ability, skill, favor, privilege, understanding, or knowledge that you have is shaped by your relationship with Christ and empowered by the kingdom of God within you.
We remember the words of Jesus Matthew 6:10, Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.
This is our Kingdom Frame.