The Authority of Mankind

The last time I stood before you, I explained some things about the number 12. I told you, the number 12 symbolizes God’s power and authority.

God has placed that fact in the forefront of my mind and as a result, our assignment in this twelfth year of the life of Love Christian Center, is to teach you about power and authority.

In this coming year, we, yes I said we, will learn about God’s limitless power and authority and the power and authority he has given to the believer. The power and authority; if you count yourself a believer, God has given you.

If you stay with us this next year, I guarantee you will come out on the other side with more confidence, more understanding, and more Holy Ghost boldness than you ever thought possible.

I invite you to come with us on this journey, whether online through Facebook, on our YouTube channel or Zoom. And if you live in the Douglasville, GA vicinity, come on over to 3500 Hwy 5, your GPS may say GA 5, our Worship service begins at 10 a.m. And, if you really want to grow, join us for Sunday School at 8:45 and Bible Study Weds at 7:00 p.m. where we have great lessons and discussions.

Today we’re going to talk about, The Authority of Mankind. Go with me to the first chapter of the book, Genesis, which means beginning. In these first verses we see God in his infinite power and authority spoke and created

the heavens and the earth.

He created the light which he called day. and darkness which he called night

He separated the waters of the heavens from the waters of the earth and he called the space sky.

He spoke and the water gathered together and made the land and the seas.

God spoke and the land sprouted vegetation. There were seed bearing plants and trees with seed bearing fruit, each reproducing after its own kind.

He spoke and the sun, moon and the stars appeared, to mark the seasons, the days and the years. In other words to mark time.

He spoke and the fish and the birds came into being.

And he spoke, and made the animals, each reproducing after their own kind.

And then we get to our Scripture text for today. If you’ve been following along you’ll see we’re at the 26th verse of the first chapter of Genesis

Gen 1:26 NRSV - Then God said, “Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.” 27 So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

In Genesis, up through verse 25 God spoke and things aligned and obeyed his voice. Now he speaks and says let us make humankind in our image. Who is he talking to? Who is us?

To answer that question let’s look first back to verse two of the first chapter of Genesis. Gen 1:2 - “The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.”

If you read it too quickly you’ll miss it. The Spirit of God, here is referring to the Holy Spirit. But Holy Spirit was not the only one God was referring to when He said let us make mankind in our image. To find out who else he was talking to let’s see what the Apostle John has to tell us.

John 1:1-5 NLT “In the beginning (We see first, John used the same words to begin this book as were used to begin Genesis) In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He existed in the beginning with God. 3 God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. 4 The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.”

The Word John speaks of is Jesus Christ.

So before anything began,

God the Father

God the Holy Spirit and

God the Son already were.

God set everything in place before he created mankind, he made sure the place was completely furnished before he brought mankind on the scene. For those HGTV buffs out there, it was move in ready, and it was all good.

Man didn’t have to finish making anything, he didn’t have to paint, he didn’t need to change out the flooring, or put on a new roof.

God didn’t need any help in what He was doing and there was no possibility of man taking credit for anything that was created.

Although man constantly takes credit. This person invented this, that person discovered that. This and that were already there, someone just figured out how to put it together, the way to use it, and where God put it.

Man simply and sometimes not so simply, takes what God created, and fashions it into another form. But watch this, it was God who gave man the intellect and ability to do so.

So God is speaking to Holy Spirit and Jesus and says, “Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness. Man did not and does not resemble any of the other animals God made.

Now I know what the evolutionist say, but apes are apes, people are people and people were made in the likeness and image of God.

Not in terms of a bodily image because God is a spirit. But in the likeness and image of God’s constitution or his nature.

Your soul is made in the image of God the Father. It is that part of you that exists forever. It is that part of you that will spend an eternity somewhere. Whether it be in the pit of hell, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth or whether it will be seeing God face to face and worshipping and rejoicing in the

light that shines perpetually,

where there is no more sickness

no more sorrow

no more disease

no more sadness

your body won’t get tired

you won’t need sleep

there only be worship and singing and joy and gladness.

Oh what a glorious time!

Then God says, “…and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.”

Let them have dominion, another word for dominion is authority. Our souls were made in the image and likeness of the creator of everything there was, is, and will be and we have authority over everything he made.

Wow! What a powerful and scary thought. But let’s look a little closer at this.

God knew who we were—he made us.

He knew what we’d do—he’s all knowing.

He knew Adam and Eve would fall into the trickery of the serpent in the garden.

He knew the heart of man would be continually evil.

He knew we’d need a Savior

Yet; he still gave us authority over his entire creation, and he never took it back, even after the fall.

Who does that? Who knows you’ll fall and still gives you dominion? Who knows you’ll mess up and gives you authority anyway? Well let me just tell you.

A loving, forgiving, powerful, gracious, merciful, benevolent, faithful, generous, magnificent, magnanimous, mighty, holy God.

God did not allow the fact that we’d fall to change his mind about creating us. He didn’t allow the fact that we’d fail change his mind about giving us authority over all his creation.

Who wouldn’t serve a God like that? We know the answer to that question is, there are many, but our job is to help them see the goodness of the Lord so that they too might be saved, first from themselves, then from the pit of hell and eternal damnation.

There is an eternity, the only question in that regard is where will you spend it?

Up to now when God created, he spoke and it was. But now when he goes into conference to make mankind, he slows down a bit. He takes a little time with this one, because this one is special.

Nothing he’s made up to this point is like him. Nothing he’s made up to this point contains his character traits. Nothing he’s made up to this point has free will.

And so God took a little dust from the ground

He made a clay and began to shape a head that would control thoughts and movement.

He made a neck to hold and allow the head to turn.

He made shoulders that would sometimes needlessly try to carry the weight of the world.

He fashioned arms that could give hugs of reassurance and comfort in times of need.

He formed hands to work and show kindness to others through giving.

He made a torso to house the organs vital to the operation of the body. Filled with all the things to keep the whole body nourished with everything it needs to function.

He formed legs for the body to stand

And feet to take the body where it wants and needs to go.

Inside he placed cartilage and tendons and muscles and nerves all to function in their respective duties. Keeping us upright, held together and aware of physical pain.

He wrapped the whole package in what would be the largest organ of the body. Skin.

Skin is made up of three layers

It’s the body’s first line of defense from germs, the UV rays of the sun, chemicals and mechanical injury.

Skin houses nerves and the cells that determine your beautiful skin color known as melanin.

It regulates body temperature by sweating to cool the body down and holding in heat when needed.

This magnificent vessel God made was not simply thrown together. It is a complex, brilliant, impressive work of God, that try as they may, man cannot replicate.

But even after all those parts were intricately woven together, still it was just a vessel devoid of life.

And then it happened, God [blow gently] breathed into his nostrils and man [inhale] became a living soul.

It was the breath of God that made man more than just a shell.

When the breath is gone, the person as we knew them ceases to exists.

When the breath is gone, their time on earth is through.

When the breath is gone, the next phase begins.

Now let me speak to the women for a just moment, men stay with me you get to hear it too.

In verse 26 God says, “…let them have dominion” and in verse 27 God says, “…he created them; male and female he created them.”

When God created man, woman was there. You may not see her but she’s there. She wasn’t created merely to keep Adam company. She was also created in the image of God, she was also given dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.”

When God created humankind in his image and his likeness, woman was there, in the c portion of verse 27 it says male and female he created them.

Ladies, you were not an after thought to God, you were, from the outset.

You’re not a second class-citizens as some countries make women.

You’re not property to be bought and sold and brokered in a deal.

You’re not just a caretaker for the children. You nurture and teach them, helping them to grow into responsible and caring human beings.

You’re not there just to cheer your husband on, cook his meals, and wash his dirty clothes. You’re also there to help him, to advise him, to help him see another side to a situation.

You’re not less than. You don’t need anyone to complete you when you have Jesus.

You are fearfully and wonderfully made. So often, especially on Mother’s Day, we hear about the virtuous woman. That’s a whole other sermon but let just highlight a few things you’ll find in Prov 31 beginning at the tenth verse.

Single ladies, if you’re looking for a husband, take notes. And men this is not a list to say what your wife may or may not be doing. Before you go there ask yourself, have you created an environment making it possible for her to do these things.

Here we go. It begins with a question, “Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?”

And now King Lemuel begins to name some of her characteristics. In it’s original language this is a poem and each verse begins with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet in order.

She is more precious than rubies.

Her husband can trust her, to be faithful, to conduct herself with prudence and discretion. To protect what they are building together.

She will greatly enrich his life. When he is earning a living she is taking care of the home front.

She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day’s work for her servant girls.

Ew ew, stop right there, she prepares breakfast, no problem. But something I think that is often overlooked. …and plan the day’s work for her servant girls.

Ladies and gentlemen, she is not doing all this alone. She has help. Gentlemen, you want your wife to be the Proverbs 31 woman, don’t miss the fact that she has help. If she doesn’t have servant girls, then guess who that leaves to help her?

Gentlemen, if your wife is working, helping you to provide for the family, then you ought to be helping her with the house and the children.

And even if she is not working outside the home and you have children, the two of you need to come up with a schedule that gives her down time every day just like you want down time when you come home from work.

We’re still talking about authority. This is the authority of women.

She is energetic and strong, a hard worker.

She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night.

She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy. Again, does she have plenty to offer?

She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns. How many times have you seen a husband and the children alert, and well dressed and mom is looking like who shot John?

She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.

When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.

She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness.

We’ve talked about the husband, now children listen up, you have a part to fulfill in creating the Prov 31 woman.

Her children stand and bless her. When is the last time you stood and blessed your mother? When did you last pray for her or thank her for being a good mother? Not a perfect mother, but one that loved you and cared for you. Bandaged your skinned knees and gave you solace when someone broke your heart. If your mother is living, call her and just say thank you.

Husbands, you’re up again

Her husband praises her: he doesn’t put her down, pointing out all her faults, as if he didn’t have any of his own. He praises her for the hard work she puts in on a daily basis. And he does it in private as well as in public. The private and public praise go hand in hand.

Men, if you don’t quite know what to say, here’s a start, “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!”

And finally know this as you choose, Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.

When you know the authority you have, you can display these characteristics much easier. When you have someone giving you support and praise, your confidence increases.

Knowing the power and authority of God, and that he gave you dominion and authority, ought to cause you to hold your head up a little higher. Make your step a little more sure.

Not in a haughty way, but in a sure way that says “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.”

Because you know that Jesus was born of a virgin.

Because you know that he walked this earth for 33 years.

Because you know that he lived a sinless life.

Because you know that he healed the sick and raised the dead.

Because you know he caused blinded eyes to see, deaf hears to hear, and silent voices to speak.

Because you know he cause the lame to walk.

Because you know he fed the people with physical and spiritual food.

Because you know he challenged the learned and those with titles who knew the laws but failed to live them.

Because you know he only did what the Father told him to do.

Because you know he died for your sins so that you might have a chance for eternal life.

Or maybe you don’t know. Well let me tell you.

Jesus Christ, that same Jesus who was with God in the beginning, before the world was created, through whom everything was made, and without whom nothing was made that was made, came to Earth in the form of a man.

He was born of a virgin, he grew into a man learning his earthly father’s trade. We call them stepdad sometimes.

He was found teaching in the synagogues at the age of 12. He didn’t need any formal training because the book he was teaching from was the story of his life. He was there for every part, he witnessed it all first hand.

According to the Apostle John, he performed miracles too numerous to write in books.

He was betrayed by one of his circle, one who walked, ate, learned from, slept with, and was followed by for three years.

Even Jesus’ friend betrayed him, so be don’t be dismayed when it happens to you. I heard on the radio one day, not everyone can stay in your life, they left you because their character couldn’t keep up with your purpose.

Come on somebody. Them leaving has nothing to do with you, it’s all about them not being able to keep up. Keep running to your destiny and know not everyone will be there when you get to the finish line.

They have to run their own race you can’t run it for them.

But I’m telling you about a man named Jesus. The Son of God and the Son of Man are one and the same.

He challenged leadership and got put on a hit list.

He was a humble man who seemed to own nothing, and had no home, but in reality, the whole of everything was his.

He lived a life and set the standard by which we should all live.

He went through a trial with phony witnesses spewing trumped up charges and was convicted and sentenced to death.

But it had to be done. Isaiah said it would be in Isa 53: 7 He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth.

It had to be done for your sake and mine. Sin required a sacrifice, it required blood be shed and the yearly sacrifices weren’t enough. So Jesus came.

He came and endured betrayal

He came and endured pain and anguish.

He came and endured beating and scourging.

He came and endured ridicule and mocking.

He could have called 10,000 angels to take him down from that cross but he endured the suffering for us.

He endured God the Father turning his face because he couldn’t bear to look upon our sins Jesus was carrying on that cross.

And so he hung from the sixth to ninth hour.

He hung until the sun refused to shine.

He hung until every sin was covered and he spoke the words, “It is finished”. He hung until his mission was fully completed and then he gave up the ghost and he died.

They put him in a borrowed tomb, that was sealed with a huge boulder. He stayed there all night Friday night. He was there all day and all night Saturday, he went to preach to the captives and set them free.

And then it happened, what he had told his disciples and they didn’t understand. Early Sunday morning he got up with all power in his hand. He busted out with the keys to death, hell, and the grave.

He walked the Earth for 40-days continuing to teach the disciples and then he ascended back to heaven where he now sits at the right hand of God interceding on our behalf.

Jesus sits next to the Father praying for us. But He didn’t leave us to fend for ourselves and navigate this world alone.

While Jesus is praying for us, Holy Spirit is living in us leading and guiding us into all righteousness.

That something that told not to go there, say or do that, is Holy Spirit.

This is the God we come Sunday after Sunday to worship.

This God is the reason we come Wednesdays to distribute food to those in need.

This God is the one whose word we study and meditate on each day.

This God is the one we desire to know more and more about and get closer and closer.

This God is the one we desire to have a relationship with. This is not about religion it’s about relationship.

Do you know him? Do you know Jesus? Have you made him Lord and Savior of your life? If not today is a good day to begin that journey. It’s a good day to start learning about the authority you have on the earth.

All it takes is a simple prayer… Father I am a sinner, please forgive me. I believe Jesus is the Son of God and that he died for my sin. I give you my heart and my life. In your name I pray, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer for the first time send contact us and share so we can celebrate and pray with you.

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If you’re here today and have not made Jesus Lord of your life we invite you to come.

If you have accepted him and don’t have a church home we invite you to join us here. The harvest is plenty, but the laborers are few and we would love to welcome you into the family of God and Love Christian Center. This place where the love of Christ is at the center of all we do, is on the move for God and we’d love you to be a part of that move.

The final call is to those who may have given their lives to Christ and for whatever reason have slipped back. Perhaps you’d like to rededicate your life to Christ. The doors of the church are open for rededication.