Dr. Jordon Gilmore

1. The Source of Resemblance

In the natural, family resemblance comes from DNA—a biological code passed from generation to generation. DNA carries traits that strengthen and shape future generations.

Spiritually, there is also a “divine DNA.” As children of God, we are called to reflect our Father. The question is:
When the world sees us, do they recognize the family resemblance?

2. Children of God – A Growing Revelation

1 John 3:2

“Beloved, now we are children of God… when He appears, we shall be like Him.”

• We are already God’s children.
• Yet we do not fully see what we will become.
• What we know of God now is only partial—like looking through a cloudy lens.
• The fullness of who He is will only be revealed when we are perfected.

Two key reminders:

1. Don’t underestimate God’s greatness. Even our greatest spiritual moments are only a fraction of who He is.
2. Don’t underestimate the promise. We will be like Him. That promise is greater than we can imagine.

3. Moses and the Glory of God

Exodus 33:18–23

Moses asked to see God’s glory.
God allowed him only to see His “goodness” pass by.

• No one could see God’s full glory and live.
• What we experience now is only the aftermath—the residue—of His presence.

Like entering a house after a fire has passed:
You see the effects, but not the full intensity.

In our lives, transformation is evidence that God has passed through.

4. What Does Looking Like Jesus Mean?

Three key attributes:

1. Oneness with the Father – Deep relationship and alignment with God.
2. Spirit-led living with visible fruit – Character that reflects the Spirit.
3. Love for people and justice – Compassion and righteousness together.

Ask yourself:

• Am I growing in these areas?
• Is there visible spiritual resemblance?

5. God Already Sees the Finished Product

Romans 8:29

“He predestined us to be conformed to the image of His Son.”

God has already seen the perfected version of you.

Unlike us, God does not start a project without completing it.
Even when we fall short, He is the One perfecting the process.

We work toward Christlikeness—but He completes the transformation.

6. From Glory to Glory

2 Corinthians 3:16–18

“When one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away… we are being transformed… from glory to glory.”

Key truths:

• The veil is removed in Christ.
• We have greater access than previous generations.
• We are in a continuous transformation process.

“Being transformed” is present and ongoing.
Every trial, every growth moment, every act of obedience contributes.

7. Generational Growth

Throughout Scripture, clarity increases:

• From Moses and the veil,
• To Christ,
• To the Spirit within us.

Access to God has expanded.

What we know of God should become the foundation for our children.
Each generation should reflect Him more clearly.

God is perfecting not only individuals—but generations.

8. A Living Picture

Our lives are a picture of Christ.

Sometimes our resemblance may look abstract—like a toddler’s drawing.
But as we mature, the image should become clearer.

The goal:

• Stronger resemblance
• Clearer image
• Greater reflection of Christ

Final Encouragement

We are in process.

God foreknew us.
He sees the finished version.
We are being transformed now—and will continue to be.

Let the world see the family resemblance.

Joshua Boyd

A Walk Through the Bible – Series Introduction

Big Picture Purpose

• This series is not just a history lesson.
• It’s about why we believe what we believe.
• Every word of Scripture is:
  • True
  • Right
  • Still relevant today

Instead of deep-diving into one book, we’re stepping back for the 30,000-foot view—seeing the Bible as one connected story and one unified plan of God.

The Old Testament: Written for Us

1 Corinthians 10:11–13 teaches:

• The events of the Old Testament happened as real history.
• They were written as examples for us.
• They are instruction for those “upon whom the ends of the world have come.”

We often quote verse 13 (“God won’t give you more than you can handle”), but in context it refers to Israel’s failures.
The lesson:

• Don’t assume, “I wouldn’t have done that.”
• Instead ask:
  • What did they do wrong?
  • What can I learn?
  • How do I avoid repeating it?

The Bible as One Connected Story

When read as a whole, you see:

• Adam (~4000 BC)
• Abraham (~2000 BC)
• David (~1000 BC)
• Christ (0)

History accelerates toward Jesus.

Matthew 1:17 highlights:

• 14 generations: Abraham → David
• 14 generations: David → Exile
• 14 generations: Exile → Christ

God was moving history toward fulfillment.

The entire biblical story unfolds in a relatively small geographic region—yet its impact spread across the Roman Empire within 300 years and now across the world.

Key Principles for Reading the Bible

1. God is always right.
   • Even when consequences seem severe.
   • God is love—Old Testament and New.
2. Always ask:
   • How does this apply to me?
   • What can I learn from their example?

The Old Covenant

• Given through Moses.
• Centered on the Ten Commandments (Deuteronomy 4:13).
• A binding agreement:
  • Obey → Blessing
  • Disobey → Consequences

The core command:

• Worship God alone.

Israel repeatedly broke that covenant—especially through idolatry.

The problem wasn’t the covenant.
The problem was the human heart.

God Promises Something New

In Jeremiah 31:31–34, God promises:

• A new covenant
• His law written on hearts
• Sins forgiven and remembered no more

What Changed?

Hebrews explains:

• The old system was a shadow.
• Jesus fulfilled the law completely.
• He satisfied the covenant perfectly—the only human ever to do so.
• The first covenant wasn’t “bad”; it was incomplete because people couldn’t fulfill it.

When Jesus fulfilled it, it was completed—not discarded.

Then came the New Covenant:

• Based on better promises
• Mediated by Christ
• Internal transformation instead of external regulation

Under the Old Covenant:

• God’s rule was external.
• Access to God required priests and sacrifices.
• Sin kept distance between God and man.

Under the New Covenant:

• The veil was torn.
• Jesus became our High Priest.
• The Kingdom is now within us.
• The Spirit of God lives in us.

Instead of rules written on stone, the law is written on hearts.

God’s Unchanging Plan

From Adam onward:

• God wanted relationship.
• Sin created separation.
• The Law created temporary access.
• Jesus restored permanent relationship.

The plan never changed—only the covenant structure did.

Our Opportunity Today

The heroes of Scripture (Abraham,

Jordon Gilmore

The Courtroom Analogy

• Imagine life as a courtroom where believers serve as witnesses.
• Our credibility is shaped by integrity. When our words and actions align, our witness is strengthened.
• If our lifestyle contradicts our testimony, it weakens our influence for God’s kingdom.

What Makes Someone a Witness?

A witness is someone who has:

• Seen something
• Heard something
• Experienced something
• Has a unique perspective on truth

This experience becomes our testimony.

Types of Spiritual Witnesses

• Eyewitness: Shares personal experiences of God’s work.
• Character Witness: Demonstrates God’s goodness through lifestyle and example.
• Expert Witness: Testifies to specific areas where God has been faithful (provider, healer, deliverer, etc.).

Testimony Often Comes Through Trials

• Many testimonies come from difficult seasons we didn’t choose.
• God uses hardships to create stories that encourage and strengthen others.
• Our testimony is not optional—it is part of our calling.

Biblical Foundation for Being Witnesses

Acts 1:8 – The Holy Spirit empowers believers to be witnesses everywhere.
Acts 22:14-15 – God reveals Himself so believers can testify about what they have seen and heard.
Isaiah 43:10 – God declares, “You are my witnesses.”

The Power of Testimony

Revelation 12:11 teaches believers overcome the enemy through:

1. The blood of Jesus
2. The word of their testimony

Testimonies are vital in spiritual victory and advancing God’s kingdom.

Four Truths About Being Key Witnesses

1. You Are Under Witness Protection

• Our identity is hidden in Christ (Colossians 3:3).
• God protects and preserves us as we share our testimony.

2. Christ Overrules Objections

• The enemy accuses believers of unworthiness.
• Jesus intercedes as our advocate (Romans 8:33-34).
• Our testimony is valid because of Christ, not personal perfection.

3. Guard the Authenticity of Your Witness

• Actions and character matter.
• A damaged lifestyle can weaken credibility.
• Believers should pursue integrity so their lives support their message.

4. Stick to Your Testimony During Cross-Examination

• Life challenges and doubts test our faith.
• Like Jesus and Paul, believers must stand firm in truth.
• Faith remains steady regardless of circumstances or outcomes.

Willing vs. Reluctant Witnesses

• Some eagerly share their testimony.
• Others hesitate due to fear, shame, or doubt.
• Regardless of willingness, believers are still called to testify.

Final Takeaways

• Every believer has been “served” with the responsibility to testify about God’s goodness.
• Our life journey—both victories and struggles—brings glory to God.
• True success is faithfully representing Christ wherever God places us.