Articles
A Relationship with our Father
When was the last time you heard that you look so much like your father or mother? Since humans have 50% of each parent's DNA, we use our sight to help distinguish similarities between us and our parents. Likewise, all human beings resemble their father who is in Heaven because they were created in His likeness. The world has us believe that God has a particular image, but no matter our skin color, gender, figure, etc., we all resemble our Father in Heaven. Genesis 1:26 reads, ”Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.’” We are all God’s creation, but what distinguishes a person of God from others is faith.
John 1:12 states, “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” When people choose to place their faith in God, He commands that they be baptized and gain the mark of their eternal inheritance, the Holy Spirit. Jesus told the Pharisee Nicodemus in John 3:5, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” After baptism when God’s Holy Spirit is with us, it will help us remember righteous knowledge and gain understanding. Jesus told His disciples in John 14:26, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” Also, God’s holy spirit will guide our hearts in knowing what to pray. (Romans 8:26)
After baptism, having a strong relationship with our Heavenly Father requires diligent communication and dedicated sacrifice. During baptism, faithful children of God make a commitment to become a living sacrifice for Him. Ephesians 5:1-2 reads, “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Being imitators of Jesus Christ does not mean that we can be equal to Him because we are messengers of His gospel. Jesus said in John 13:16, “Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.” If we truly wish to have others see our Father in us, then they will notice by the fruits of our labor. 1 Peter 1:14-16, “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’”
