Helping You Understand God as a Loving Father

                                                      About MagnifyJesus.com

Adoption in Roman law during the time of Jesus was a profound and permanent act. Unlike birth children, who could be given up or sold, adopted children received irreversible rights and privileges as heirs. This historical context illuminates the radical nature of Jesus' invitation to address God as "Our Father" in prayer, a concept that was revolutionary and, to some, even heretical. While the Old Testament refers to God as Father in about a dozen passages, address Him as such.  Isaiah offers two rare example where God is addressed in second person:
     "Doubtless you are our Father... you, O Lord, are our Father, our Redeemer from of old is your name." (Isaiah 63:16, ESV)
     "But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand." (Isaiah 64:8, ESV)

When you accept Jesus Christ as your Savior, you are adopted into God's family. The Creator of the universe chooses you as His child, granting you full rights as an heir. Jesus emphasized this relationship by teaching us to pray, "Our Father," reflecting the intimate connection He designed for us.

But the relationship goes even deeper. Paul, in his letters to the Romans and Galatians, describes the Spirit of adoption that allows us to cry out, "Abba! Father!", a term of endearment akin to "Daddy" or "Papa." This signifies not just legal adoption, but a loving, personal bond:

For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, 'Abba! Father!' The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him." (Romans 8:15-17)

"Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, 'Abba! Father!' Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God." (Galatians 4:6-7)

Embracing God as "Abba, as "Daddy",transforms the dynamic of your relationship with Him. It becomes more personal, more intimate, and ultimately more fulfilling. Our hope is that you will recognize God not only as a Father, but as a loving "Daddy" who desires a close relationship with you. When you see Him this way, your spiritual life is enriched and your connection with Him deepens.

About Jim and Marsha Dixon

Jim is an author, conference speaker, pastor, and law enforcement chaplain. Jim and Marsha both gave their lives to Jesus Christ in 1987 following years of a tumultuous marriage that nearly ended in divorce. Some time after that surrender they were discussing their separation when God divinely stepped in and restored that marriage. Their book, God's Blueprint for Marriage, shares what they learned through repentance, reconciliation and a year-long restoration, and what it means to have a godly marriage. Jim's second book, No Pause Button, is about preparing for spiritual warfare by putting on the armor of God. His third book, Like a Child, identifies the childlike characteristics Jesus is looking for, why we tend to lose them and how to regain them. All three books are available at Amazon.

Jim began his pastoral ministry in 1987, and has since served as Worship Pastor, Associate Pastor and Sr. Pastor. He currently serves as Associate Pastor over his church's Small Group Ministry. He is a certified law enforcement and fire chaplain, serving the emergency service community for over 25 years.

Marsha is retired after her career in the medical industry, having served as nurse, office manager and clinic manager. Jim and Marsha have two grown sons and five granddaughter who all love and serve the Lord. They have an active missions ministry in Peru, where they have trained and equipped pastors and church leaders, encouraged churches, spoken at conferences and built lasting relationships as "Mom and Dad" to several pastors.

Last year Jim wrote two books, No Pause Button and Like a Child. Those books, and God's Blueprint for Marriage, and the encouragement of friends prompted the decision to form MagnifyJesus.com and to share wherever the opportunity arises.
If you would like to know more about their ministry and how they might help you please feel free to contact them by phone, text or email using the link provided.

You can follow Jim on Facebook @pastorjimdixon and follow Marsha @marshastiredixon

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