Gospel of Luke Archives | Core Church LA

How to Be an Imitator of God in Everyday Life

We all wake up every day. We crawl out of bed, grab coffee, check our phone, and start our routine. But God calls us to a deeper wake-up. He calls us to wake up spiritually.

In Ephesians 5:1–2, Paul writes:

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us…” (NASB)

So what does being an imitator of God really look like? How can simple people like us live this way?

Being an Imitator of God Starts with Identity

Paul does not say, “Imitate God so He will love you.”
He says, “Imitate God as beloved children.”

You already stand loved in Christ. That is your starting point. God sees you in Jesus. He calls you His child (1 John 3:1). You do not earn that place. You receive it by faith.

Because of this, being an imitator of God flows out of who you are, not who you try to be. You act like your Father because you belong to your Father. Children copy what they see at home. In the same way, you copy what you see in God.

So the first step is simple: stay close to Him. Open your Bible. Talk to Him. Watch how Jesus acts in the Gospels. That is how your Father looks.

Being an Imitator of God Means Walking in Love

Paul links imitation of God with love:

“…walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us…” (Eph. 5:2)

Love defines how God acts. John tells us, “God is love” (1 John 4:8). Jesus shows this love when He gives Himself up on the cross. True love gives. It serves. True love costs something.

You walk in love when you:

Forgive people who wrong you (Eph. 4:32).
Speak words that heal, not words that crush (Eph. 4:29).
Show kindness when others show anger.
Choose to do good when no one thanks you.

This kind of love does not feel easy. Many days it feels like death to self. Yet that is the point. You love “just as Christ” loved you. He did not wait for us to improve. He loved us while we were still sinners (Rom. 5:8).

Ask this in each hard moment:
“Right now, what does love look like?”

Then do that. That is what it means to walk in love.

Holiness Makes Our Witness Strong

Paul moves from love to holiness:

“But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.” (Eph. 5:3)

Sexual sin, impurity, and greed break trust. They harm people. They confuse the message we preach.

Egypt in Scripture often pictures the world (Lev. 18:3). God told His people not to live like the nations around them. In the same way, we live in this world, but we do not copy its ways. Jesus calls us to be “perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matt. 5:48). Peter echoes this:

“Be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’” (1 Pet. 1:15–16)

Holiness here does not mean fake perfection. It means a life set apart. It means we say “yes” to God in every area. People see our choices. They listen more when our lives match our words.

When you choose purity, you speak loudly, even if you say nothing with your mouth.

God Uses Flawed Imitators

You might say, “I can’t do this. I fail too much.”
Look at Peter.

He spoke out of turn, was bold and then fearful, and then he denied Jesus three times (Luke 22:54–62). Yet Jesus restored him (John 21:15–19). Peter preached at Pentecost, and about 3,000 people came to Christ (Acts 2:41).

God did not pick Peter because he was perfect. God saw what Peter would become when filled with the Spirit. And God sees you the same way.

1 Corinthians 1:8 says Jesus will “confirm you to the end, blameless.” He holds you, shapes you, and He finishes what He starts (Phil. 1:6).

So do not give up. Keep repenting, trusting and walking.

Imitate God in Speech and Conduct

Paul even mentions how we talk:

“there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting…” (Eph. 5:4)

Filthy talk, foolish jokes, and crude humor do not fit a child of God. Words reveal the heart (Matt. 12:34). Your speech should show light, not darkness.

Ask:
“Would I say this if Jesus stood in the room?”

If not, then do not say it. Instead, give thanks. Speak life.

As you do, your neighbors, coworkers, and friends will notice. They may not know what changed. But they will see something different. That “something” is Someone. They will see Christ in you.

This is the call: wake up, and live being an imitator of God. One choice at a time. One word at a time. One act of love at a time.

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Embracing God’s Mercy

God offers us something priceless: His mercy and forgiveness. Embracing God’s mercy provides a fresh start and can transform our lives. Let’s explore this profound gift, drawing insights from Jesus’ interaction with a broken woman in Luke 7.

Understanding the Depth of God’s Mercy

In Luke 7:44-48, Jesus highlights God’s mercy through a powerful story. He turns to Simon and says, “Do you see this woman?” Jesus points out that she has received forgiveness for her many sins because of her great love and repentance. Simon, however, treated Jesus with little respect or affection.

Jesus teaches that those who embrace God’s mercy experience profound change. The woman, who saw herself as a sinner, wept at Jesus’ feet, showing deep repentance. Jesus forgave her, saying, “Your sins are forgiven.”

Walking the Path of Embracing God’s Mercy

Embracing God’s mercy transforms hearts and lives. By acknowledging our mistakes and seeking His forgiveness, we open ourselves to His grace. 2 Corinthians 5:17 reminds us, “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

Do you feel burdened by guilt, regret, or past decisions? Jesus invites you to bring your brokenness to Him. God is eager to forgive and renew you. Experience the freedom that comes from letting go of past burdens and embracing His mercy.

The Transformative Power of Mercy

Embracing God’s mercy isn’t just about receiving forgiveness. It changes us, freeing us from the chains of our past. Through His mercy, God offers us love, grace, and acceptance.

When we embrace God’s mercy, we become empowered to extend His love to others. Just as Jesus forgave the woman, we too can offer forgiveness to those who have hurt us. This act of grace creates a ripple effect, spreading love and healing to those around us.

Do you know someone in need of hearing this message of grace? Consider sharing Jesus’ teaching with them. Invite them into the understanding that God’s forgiveness is freely available. Everyone deserves a chance to experience the peace and joy that comes from being renewed by Him.

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How To Judge Correctly

In life, we often find it easy to point fingers at others. But what if we could learn to judge correctly, with a heart full of compassion? Who better to teach us than Jesus? Let’s dive into His lesson from Luke 7, where He challenges us to look beyond appearances and see the heart of the matter.

Understanding Jesus’ View on Judging Correctly

In Luke 7:40-43, Jesus shares a story with Simon, the Pharisee. He talks about a moneylender forgiving the debts of two people. One owes him a little, and the other owes a lot. Jesus asks Simon, “Which of these two will love the moneylender more?” Simon replies, “The one who had the bigger debt forgiven.” Jesus confirms, “You have judged correctly.”

Next Jesus shows us that judging correctly means understanding the heart and circumstances of others. Simon, the Pharisee, failed to see the woman’s heart. He saw her as a sinner, but Jesus saw her faith, love, and repentance.

Applying Jesus’ Lesson to Judge Correctly

Jesus knew Simon misunderstood the woman’s actions. Simon looked only at the surface, judging her past and mistakes. Jesus, however, understood her deep desire for divine love, her tears of repentance, and her longing for forgiveness.

In our lives today, we’re often quick to judge others based on appearances, but Jesus challenges us to see things differently. We might look at someone’s actions or lifestyle and make snap decisions. Instead, let’s pause and remember that everyone has a unique story, full of past hurts, struggles, and journeys.

Reflecting on Our Own Judgments

Judging correctly requires us to reflect on our own hearts too. It’s easy to excuse our own faults while pointing out others’. Jesus calls us to compassion, not condemnation. In Matthew 7:3-5, He warns us about focusing on the speck in our brother’s eye while ignoring the plank in our own.

As followers of Jesus, let’s strive to view people through His eyes. Can we let go of judgment and replace it with empathy and understanding? Jesus invites us to love others genuinely, just as He loves us. By seeing others as God sees them, we can judge correctly and extend grace, mercy, and love.

By learning to judge correctly, we grow in our walk with God. We gain a deeper understanding of His heart and His love for all people. This love empowers us to extend compassion to others in their times of need.

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Desire for Divine Love

In life, everyone wants to feel love. This isn’t just any love. It’s a deeper kind—that desire for divine love. Many of us think we can fill our hearts with things like money, fancy jobs, or the latest gadgets. But eventually, we find that emptiness creeping back. The Bible teaches that this longing is because of a God-shaped void in our hearts. Only God can fill this space, granting us true satisfaction.

Discovering the Truth About Our Longing for Divine Love

The desire for divine love remains a core theme throughout the Bible. In Ecclesiastes 5:10, we’re reminded, “Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income.” This verse tells us that material things can’t truly make us happy. Even King Solomon, who had everything, found this true. He realized that only a relationship with God brings true fulfillment.

The Journey of Searching for Divine Love

Let’s dive into Luke 7:36-39. Here, Jesus goes to a Pharisee’s house for dinner. The Pharisee, named Simon, was a respected religious leader. A woman, known as a sinner, heard Jesus was there. She bravely entered Simon’s home, carrying a precious alabaster vial of perfume. She began to wash Jesus’s feet with her tears, drying them with her hair, kissing them, and anointing them with the perfume.

This woman risked everything to be with Jesus. Her desire for divine love fueled her bravery. She knew that earthly love was often fleeting, shallow, and unsatisfying. Her life, full of mistakes and regrets, left her empty, but she believed Jesus could fill her heart with divine love.

The God-Shaped Hole and Our Desire for Divine Love

The story of this woman teaches us about the God-shaped hole in our hearts. Romans 1:20 tells us about God’s invisible qualities, eternal power, and divine nature. Everyone can see these in the world around us, so people have no excuse for not believing in God. God created us to know Him. When our desire for divine love is unfulfilled, we feel unrest. No success, fame, or travel can replace this divine connection.

In today’s world, many people still search for meaning and fulfillment in the wrong places. They think new gadgets, big homes, or prestigious jobs will make them happy. However, true satisfaction only comes from being in a relationship with God. We must understand this desire for divine love is woven into our spiritual DNA. It drives us to seek that connection with our Creator.

Our hearts yearn for that perfect love only God can offer. Like the woman at Jesus’ feet, we, too, need to seek divine love. Open your heart to God, and you’ll find that deep and meaningful connection you’re longing for.

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God Always Sees

In a world where privacy seems more myth than reality, it’s comforting to remember that God sees everything. This doesn’t mean He’s watching to catch us doing wrong—it’s because He cares and wants the best for us.

God Sees Everything We Do

The Bible reassures us in numerous passages that God sees what we do. Psalm 10:7-11 illustrates how people mistakenly believe their actions go unnoticed: “He says to himself, ‘God has forgotten; He has hidden His face; He will never see it.'” Many live as if God’s attention remains elsewhere, but Scripture is clear that His eyes witness all.

Hebrews 4:13 further emphasizes: “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” Understanding that God sees all helps us align our actions with His divine will.

Wondering If God is Absent?

When difficulties arise, it’s tempting to believe God isn’t watching. But remember, God’s presence remains unwavering, no matter how distant He may seem. Situations like this can appear in life, but what’s hidden to us isn’t hidden to God. He always knows what’s happening, even when we’re uncertain.

For those feeling disheartened, prayer is a powerful way to reconnect. It may seem like He’s not responding, but He listens and acts on our behalf.

Embrace the Encouragement from God Watching

Knowing that God sees everything comforts us. Luke 12:3 shares the assurance that all things will come to light, including our kindness and loving deeds. God’s awareness of our actions makes them more meaningful. Seeing our charity and understanding our struggles motivates us to act with integrity and love, reflecting God’s presence in the world.

His omnipresence offers protection, guidance, and support. Hence, the idea that God sees isn’t about judgment but knowing what we need. It provides encouragement amid a dark world, reminding us to live with righteousness and grace.

Opportunities to Grow in Understanding

Jesus talked about God’s attention to the smallest details in Luke 12:6-7: “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered.” Such awareness assures us of God’s care for us in every part of our lives.

Awareness of God’s omnipresence inspires growth in faith. It encourages repentance and reliance on Him. When we accept God sees, we earnestly seek His guidance and strength to grow. Practicing awareness of God’s watchful eyes helps overcome temptations and promotes living a life befitting His presence.

Conclusion

Acknowledging that God sees all we do transforms our lives. We find courage, act with love, and live with integrity. It’s not about fear of punishment but embracing God’s boundless care and guidance. In recognizing His presence, we draw closer to Him, navigating life with His wisdom steering our course.

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Jesus’ Tomb Prophesied in Isaiah

A Rich Man’s Tomb for the Savior

Isaiah 53:9 gives us a prophecy that might seem small at first glance, but when we look deeper, it’s absolutely incredible. Jesus’ tomb is prophesied in Isaiah 53:9 which says, “His grave was assigned with wicked men, yet He was with a rich man in His death, because He had done no violence, nor was there any deceit in His mouth.”

Jesus was crucified like a criminal. The Romans usually threw the bodies of crucified men into a common grave, or worse, left them to rot. His grave should have been with the wicked. That was the plan. But God had a different plan. Instead, a rich man named Joseph of Arimathea stepped in.

Joseph of Arimathea Steps Up

Joseph of Arimathea was a member of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. These were the same men who had condemned Jesus to death. Yet Joseph was different. He was a secret follower of Jesus, and when he saw his fellow leaders execute the Lord, something in him changed. Joseph couldn’t stay silent anymore.

He boldly approached Pilate, the Roman governor, and asked for Jesus’ body. This was a dangerous move. Aligning himself with Jesus could have ruined his reputation, maybe even his life. But Joseph knew the Scriptures, and he knew Isaiah 53:9 had to be fulfilled. He understood this was his moment.

Jesus’ Burial Fulfills Prophecy In Isaiah

Joseph had a new tomb, freshly cut out of rock. It was expensive and meant for a wealthy person, yet he gave it up for Jesus. The body of Christ was placed in this rich man’s tomb, exactly as Isaiah had prophesied 780 years earlier. Think about that. Nearly eight centuries before it happened, God had already planned the burial of His Son.

This detail in Scripture reminds us that nothing happens by accident. Every part of Jesus’ life, death, and even His burial was orchestrated by God. The prophecy in Isaiah wasn’t just a vague prediction—it was fulfilled down to the last detail.

What This Means for Us

Joseph of Arimathea challenges us today. He was willing to take a stand for Jesus when it mattered most. He didn’t let fear hold him back. Are we willing to do the same? Do we boldly declare our faith, even when it’s risky?

Also, Jesus’ burial proves that God is in control. If He planned something as small as where Jesus would be buried, then we can trust Him with the details of our own lives. We serve a God who sees everything, plans everything, and never forgets His promises.

Isaiah 53:9 is more than just an old prophecy. It is proof that Jesus is exactly who He said He was. Jesus was never a victim. He was always the Victor. Even in His death, God’s plan was unfolding perfectly. And three days later, that rich man’s tomb was empty! Just as Jesus’ tomb was not the end of His story, our lives in Him are just the beginning of something far greater.

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The Rapture Is Global

In Luke 17:30-37, Jesus gives us a powerful picture of the end times and how the rapture is global. These verses tell us that the rapture will not be limited to one part of the world, but will happen all at once, across the globe. Some people will be working, others will be sleeping, but the rapture will happen in the same moment for everyone. Let’s take a deeper look at these verses and see what Jesus is telling us about this incredible event.

1. Two People in One Bed: A Global Event

In Luke 17:34, Jesus says, “I tell you, in that night there will be two in one bed; one will be taken and the other left.” This verse is talking about the rapture. The phrase “one will be taken and the other left” means that when Jesus returns, some people will be taken to be with Him, while others will be left behind.

What’s really interesting here is that Jesus specifically mentions night. He says that two people will be in one bed, which means they will be sleeping. But, in the very next verse, He talks about two people working. This means that while some people are sleeping, others will be awake and going about their day. This shows us that the rapture will happen at the same second, all over the world. It might be night for one person, but it will be morning or afternoon for someone else.

2. The Rapture Will Happen Instantly

In Luke 17:35-36, Jesus continues by saying, “There will be two women grinding grain together; one will be taken and the other left. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left.” These verses further show us that the rapture is a global event. While some are working in the fields or grinding grain, others are still in bed. This tells us that no matter where you are in the world, the rapture will happen at the exact same moment.

People in one part of the world may be starting their day, while others are going to sleep, but Jesus will come in an instant and take His believers with Him. The fact that the rapture is global highlights the sudden and unpredictable nature of Jesus’ return.

3. Who Will Be Taken?

So, who are the ones that will be taken in the rapture? Jesus makes it clear that those who are taken are His followers, the ones who have put their faith in Him. They are the ones who are ready and waiting for His return. The ones left behind are those who have not followed Jesus and have not placed their trust in Him.

This global event will happen suddenly, and there will be no time to prepare once it starts. That’s why it’s so important to live each day with the expectation that Jesus could return at any moment. We must be ready, keeping our faith strong and our focus on Him.

Conclusion: The Rapture Is Global

In Luke 17:30-37, Jesus gives us a clear picture of the rapture. It will happen at the same second all over the world, with some people working, others sleeping, and still others going about their daily lives. The rapture is global, and those who are ready—those who follow Jesus—will be taken to be with Him. The ones left behind will face the consequences of not being prepared. Let’s make sure we are ready for Jesus’ return, living each day with Him as our focus.

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