1John 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.

These three are one. God is not made up of three gods but rather One God that eternally exists in the three “Persons” if you will of the Godhead, referred to as the Trinity.

Throughout the scriptures and nature God has demonstrated His design and structure of authority. In nature there is a food cycle in which species of animals fit. Few species are at the top of that cycle, perhaps the most recognized one would be the lion on land or the shark in the ocean. God has given man dominion over them (Gen. 1:28) and of course it is God that Has dominion over all. In similar fashion God established rulers and kings with authority over others in government, structures of leadership in the church and also in the home.

It says in John 3:16 that God gave His only begotten son. In Hebrews 1:1-2, it teaches that God appointed Jesus as the heir of all things and we see from both the Father and the Son that they act in an an authoritative way over the Holy Spirit although all three are in fact one God. As God is the Father of the Trinity and Jesus Christ is the Son we can see that there is an authority structure even in the Godhead.

1Co 11:3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.

This verse and many others show us that the Father is the authority and the architect of the eternal redemption of man back to Himself. As mentioned before, it was the Father that sent Jesus (Jn. 3:16; 20:21) and it is the Father that sent the Holy Spirit in the name of Jesus (Jn. 14:26). The authority structure that God has designed does not in any way make the value of any member of the Trinity less and neither does it make any other position of authority or subjection throughout His creation of more or less value. Instead, the leadership structure is positioned in a certain way according to God’s design so His purposes will be accomplished. We can see how everything fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth comes together to bring us to a unity of the faith and the completed body of Christ for His glory (Eph. 4:13-16). This is a reference to individuals with varying gifts, responsibilities and positions working together for the common good of the kingdom of God, each member being a crucial part of the whole.

God the Father is not only the Father of the only begotten son Jesus Christ (Jn. 3:16) but also the adoptive Father of all those who are saved (Rom. 8:15; Eph. 1:5). The redeemed are to glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ (Gal. 6:14) and it is because of the sacrificial love of the Father for the world (Jn. 3:16) that anyone can be part of His family. What an awesome thing to know that the God of the universe has a personal interest in each and every soul. He is the greatest of Fathers, perfect in wisdom and judgment and desires only the best for His children although the best for someone is not always what seems to be the easiest way (Mat. 7:11). A person can call unto Him and He will answer and show them great and mighty things that they know not (Jer. 33:3). It is not possible to understand all His ways or thoughts (Isa. 55) but the goodness of His plan can be trusted completely (Jer. 29:11; Rom. 8:14-18, 28). Wisdom can be asked of God (Jas. 1:5) and He will give it. There is not a single good gift that does not come from the Father of lights (Jas. 1:17).

Being the great God that He is, He also teaches His children how to be godly fathers here on earth. He gives instruction through His word and He demonstrates His Fatherly care through the love that He shows, patience, answered prayers, provision and even chastisement when needed. (Hebrews 12:5-11). If only every father loved their children enough to chasten them so they might learn and correct their ways, this world would be much better off. Fathers should take the valuable lesson from God that the souls of their children are far more valuable than any possession that could ever be given to them. If this truth governed the actions of Christian parents more than the materialism that infests this generation, the hearts of fathers would turn to their children and the children to their fathers. Thank you Father God for your infinite love and mercy toward man and the lessons you have made so available through your word!

Are you confident that you are a child of the Father? If not, this is the most important decision of your life. God is in the adoption business and is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. Through repentance of sin and faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ you can by His grace through faith become a member of the family of God.

1Tim 1:17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.