Image of God in the Parables

Stephen W. Hiemstra

Summary

Our image of God reveals not only God’s character, but our own.

Jesus’ parables reveal a God who is intentionally available to those who seek him. They invite the listener to enter the narrative and engage with God one-on-one to expand our understanding of faith and of ourselves.

The image of God in the New Testament takes at least three forms: The person of Jesus, Jesus' teaching about the kingdom of God with the parables, and the founding of the church on Pentecost by the Holy Spirit. In this book I will focus on the image of God the Father found in the parables.

The authenticity of the parables as Jesus' own words is seldom questioned, in part, because Jesus' parables are unique, a genre unto themselves, but not a typical genre. A typical genre might adhere to a particular structure or story form, but not a parable.

Image of God in the Parables is written in a devotional format with a reflection, prayers, and questions for study.

Cover art by C. Hiemstra (2023), The Lost Sheep, Used with Permission

Hear the words; walk the steps; experience the joy!

Author Stephen W. Hiemstra (MDiv, Ph.D.) is a slave of Christ, husband, father, author, and volunteer pastor. He lives in Centreville, Virginia with Maryam, his wife of more than thirty-five years. They have three grown children

***********

Clear, well-researched, and innovative, Hiemstra has produced an important work investigating the defining feature of humanity—the Image of God.

Paul Lauerman, Pastor

Image of God in the Parables introduces you to a different perspective of God that you might not have considered before, an intimate God that seeks you out to have a relationship of Creator with created.

Nohemi Zerbi

The book will deepen your spiritual walk with the Lord as He continues to disciple us daily through His written word and many of life’s experiences.

Eric Teitelman, Pastor

In Image of God in the Parables, Stephen Hiemstra uncovers the image of God as Jesus taught in his parables

Sarah Hamaker, Author

Stephen W Hiemstra helps us deepen the truths of the Kingdom of our beloved God.

Julio Martinez, Pastor

Stephen reminds us that: “We can never fully comprehend God, but he invites us to try. When we do, the forms that lead us to him, like the parables and worship, no longer constrain us. They simply launch us into this new dimension available only through faith.”

Briane Pittman Kairns

“Jesus’ parables are like the water offered to desert traveler lost, faint-hearted, and close to death.“ The Image of God in the Parables is a drink from the Living Water for the seeker who longs to quench his thirst for God in the arid desert of modern materialism.

Sharron Giambanco

Available since: 05/20/2023.

Print length: 210 pages.

Religion

Other books that might interest you

Divine Protection During Sleep

Olusegun Festus Remilekun

When you lose the battle in your sleep, you may lose all battles. Satan has destroyed so many good things in the lives of believers, because of sleep. When you are addicted to sleeping physically it is bad, but it is even worse when it is transferred to the spirit man, that is why your spirit man must be on fire every night before you sleep. Sleep gives the enemy a chance to sow tares. While men sleep, many human tragedies occur. This mini book is powerful and full of revelation. It will reveal to you the secret of a sound sleep in the night.

Show book

Powerful Night Prayers to...

Dr. Olusola Cokera

For more than two hours or more every individual on earth dreams. The dreams might be bad or good, but if they are bad, it indicates an evil attack on such person. This book contains powerful night prayers that will put an end to bad dreams.  You will also discover various types of bad dreams, their meanings and powerful prayers that specifically address each category of bad dreams. This book is invaluable for those that desire good dreams and sleep well.

Show book

MORNING SHOWERS - 5 MINUTES...

Olusegun Festus Remilekun

Psalm 5:3 says, ‘’My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.’’  
Morning Showers is a powerful morning prophetic prayer release manual from the mouth of the oracle of God. The daily prophetic release is a wonderful way to focus your time and attention on seeking God’s plan for the day ahead. Whether you need encouragement, peace, strength, or rest, God can meet you in a very real and present way when you come before Him with a humble heart. Seek God’s presence each morning before your energy and attention are pulled by all the tasks you have ahead. 
Jeremiah 1:7 says, “But the Lord said to me, ‘Do not say, “I am too young.” You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.’”  
God has commanded me to declare His words upon your life. These are special Holy Ghost, vomited prophetic prayer release, from my mouth to you, for your daily blessing, victory, favor, breakthroughs, and open doors. 
Through these daily prophetic prayers, your destiny will be revived, remolded and manifest the glory of God, and you will possess your possessions every day.

Show book

The Most Powerful Prayer:The...

Olusegun Festus Remilekun

Introduction
‘’And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.’’
Luke 24:49
Friend, it is time to walk in power and authority! You are a creature of power; you have to become conscious of the power in your walk with God. Power is the ultimate! It’s time to walk into your liberty and get to your Canaan land! Your land flowing with honey and milk is waiting for you to possess.
In my country, Nigeria, we have three major tribes namely the Hausa’s, the Yoruba’s and the Ibo’s. The Ibo men are looking for money and they have it. Yoruba men are looking for education and they have it. Hausa men are looking for power and they have it. But the Hausa men are controlling both those with money and those with certificates. A man in power can control a man with money and with degrees. You can hate a man with power but you are still under him. You can speak grammar more than him but you are still under him. Just one decision he will make can affect your source of money.
That is why Jesus did not promise His disciples money or scholarships. But he said: ‘’ And ye shall receive power………
Because He understands that there are powers of darkness that are on assignment against our lives. Do not just pray for promotion in the office. Pray for promotion in the school of power. No matter how religious you are, Pharaoh won’t let you go without a demonstration of power. Your grammar, your education or your money makes no difference.
Friend, the kingdom of God is not in words, but in the demonstration of the Spirit and of POWER! (1 Cor.2:4).
The power I am talking about is the RESURRECTION POWER!
In the book of John 11:25, ‘’Jesus said unto her (Martha), I am the resurrection and the life; he that believeth in me though he were died, yet shall he live.’’
The resurrection power is the power that makes alive! It is the power that creates! It is the power that will ascend you to glory! This power will give you ceaseless open doors, breakthroughs and victory in life! The resurrection Power is not a theology; it is a person.
The resurrection power is the ultimate power for the believers!
In this book, you are going to have an unforgettable encounter with His resurrection power. Can you cry to heaven for His power this day?

Show book

Trusting God for your Miracle...

Dr. Olusola Coker

As a Christian, you must have been hearing the word Miracles in various church programs, crusade, church services, Television Broadcast, Radio etc, but what exactly is the meaning of the word Miracle? A Miracle is something that according to the laws of nature isn’t supposed to happen but happen. All of us have needed a miracle in the past, need one now, or will need of one in the future. The problem is that most Christians don’t know how to receive a miracle from God.   One of the purposes of this book is to show you how to receive a Miracle from God?  Most Christians believe that God does miracles, but simply believing God is able to do it is not enough. You must know how to receive it. You will also know whether a Miracle is from God or Satan. 
You must also be hearing of Breakthrough in your marriage, Business, Your life etc. The breakthrough means an instance of achieving success in a particular sphere or activity. You will also know how to breakthrough in any department of your life. When do you achieve a breakthrough? How do you create a breakthrough? What can stop you from achieving a breakthrough? Find out from this book.  The wonderful daily devotional in this book is designed to ensure that you achieve a miracle and breakthrough in any department of your life.

Show book

I Am Not Ready To Die - Warfare...

Olusegun Festus Remilekun

God created man to fulfill his purpose on earth. But today, the cemetery is full of unfulfilled destinies, cut short in the prime of their life and as a result, they could not fulfill the original purpose of God for their life. Premature death is now frequent, even among believers. 
 I am happy to tell you that every believer can claim victory over untimely death. Long life is one of God’s covenant rights for us. Are you ready to live? Do you want to fulfill your days after the orders of our covenant fathers in the Old Testament, who lived for many years on the earth? If your answer is capital YES. Then, this book is for you. 
This book will show you the top secret of long life, and reveal to you how you can avoid, and defeat the spirit of premature death. Get this book, and you will set yourself, free from the fear of premature death. Long life is your heritage!

Show book