Let me set the foundation of our study and research with the Scripture passage from Genesis 1:26-28, which shows the original purpose with which the Lord created us:

“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.”

There are already many different commentaries on these verses. The reason why I would like to add the revelation the Lord has given to me as well is because I believe it will help us get the right focus concerning the purpose of our existence on this Earth.

In order to explain what I mean, I would like us to concentrate on what these Scriptures are trying to say to us.

First of all, in verse 26, we see that the Lord wanted to create man in His own image.

Some say that means that man is a physical reflection of God, e.g. looks like the Lord physically. The word likeness also contributes to that effect. Of course, I believe this is absolutely so.

Others say that man being made in God’s image means, that, as man consists of spirit, soul and body (1 Thessalonians 5:23), so is the Lord. There are many Scriptures throughout the Word of God that can prove that point too.

Still others connect man’s three dimensional being to the Divine Trinity – The Godhead, consisting of:

- God the Father (Psalm 46:10; Isaiah 43:12; Isaiah 46:9)
- God the Son (Jesus Christ – Romans 9:5)
- God the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3,4)

The personal pronouns (“let us make man”, not “let me make man”) show that clearly as well.

Now all these comparisons being worthy of appreciation and further study, I would like us to see another one as well, not so connected with the physical attributes of man so much, as to the original purpose for his creation.

Let us focus on the word image again. Let us leave aside it’s meaning connected with a natural resemblance for a while and focus on the figurative one, where image means: stature, position, authority, influence, rank, etc.

We have all heard the expression: “I have to improve my image”.

Now the Lord has definitely built Himself an image. And it’s a great image – that of the Ruler of the Universe, the Lord over all, the Supreme Power over everything else. Even if we ask total unbelievers about God, they will connect Him to that same image. Even they know that there is Somebody (sometimes they say it’s something) that is Ruling and Reigning, and that has the ultimate authority and dominion.

So, the Lord has that image, stature and spiritual position. But have you noticed that the primary reason with which the Lord created man in His image was that man might have dominion? And if we try to get into God’s heart and thoughts at that moment, we could paraphrase Genesis 1:26, 27 in the following manner:

“And God said, I am the Lord! I am God! I rule over everything! The Heaven and the Earth are under My authority. That is My image. Now, let us make man in that same image, so that he also can have dominion over everything I place under his authority – everything that flies, everything that walks and everything that creeps on the Earth. Everything in the air, water and on the Earth will be subject to him, because I will impose My image upon him, and he will rule as an extension of Me.”

The blessing that follows in verse 28 continues in that train of thought and action. The Lord blessed man and woman and released 5 creative purposes in them:

1. Be fruitful
2. Multiply
3. Fill the Earth
4. Subdue it
5. Have dominion

These are the 5 aspects that reveal God’s destiny for every individual, every family, every Church, and every nation in the Earth!

The first three of them (be fruitful, multiply, and fill the Earth) require a relationship filled with true love, intimacy and commitment; while the last 2 show us the original and ultimate purpose for our existence as God’s people (subdue the Earth and have dominion).

That’s the image of God we must acquire!
About the Author:

Although English and Urdu are the official languages of Pakistan, the Pakistani media do not release all of their reports in either English or Urdu. Some of the Pakistani media cater to their Arabic speaking listeners/readers. Some cater to the French speaking residents of Pakistan. Some cater to those in Pakistan for whom Russian has always been their mother tongue.

The media in Pakistan has not ignored the native Pakistani people who do not speak and read Urdu. There are some media outlets in Pakistan that release their reports in Pushto. There are others that release their reports in Sindhi or Uzbek.

The Pakistan newspapers do not differ only as to the language of their target audience. The focus for each of the newspapers in Pakistan falls into one of three categories. Some newspapers publish general interest information. Some publish business news. A third group of newspapers focuses on religious news.

One can find both daily and weekly papers among the Pakistan newspapers. Some of the papers that come out only once a week have managed to gather a large number of readers. Readers study carefully the content of any paper. Readers also look for reports that reveal the opinion of a paper’s editor.

Readers have found both informative content and forthright opinions in the Friday News. That paper has its main office in Lahore. The reporters who submit stories to Friday News do not hesitate to deliver critical reporting on any national issue.

Among Pakistan newspapers, the best-studied papers are not always those from the nation’s capital. The Frontier Post, which has it main office in Lahore, has many readers. Those readers want to learn the latest information from the area of Pakistan that borders on Afghanistan.

The newspaper editors, editors who have long had to respect the wishes of the Pakistani authorities, have been quick to realize the potential of the Internet. There are a number of online newspapers within Pakistan. One of the largest is the Online International News Network. It does not shrink from covering stories that have received scant coverage in the national papers.

The readers of the Pakistan newspapers definitely have an open mind. One newspaper now in Pakistan is the Pakistan Christian Post, Pakistan’s first Christian paper. Pakistanis who go online for information can read very challenging statements coming from Balochistan. The information posted on Balochunity.org includes a call for the self determination of those living in Balochistan.

In 2007 the Pakistan newspapers provided their readers with a useful insight into way that Pakistan has played a key role in world events. Prior to December of 2007, the Pakistan newspapers covered the “constructive role” taken by China at the India-Pakistan negotiations. The papers also offered detailed accounts about the visit to Pakistan made by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.

After December, the Pakistan newspapers should give the world a clearer view of how the country has responded to the recent lifting of the emergency rule of law. They should also offer a continuing stream of information on any significant confrontations along the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
sweet 16 favors

The United States of America is known as the world’s big brother. After the end of cold war and disintegration of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), America has been acknowledged as the only superpower in the world. A President, being the head of the country, influences the world’s perception, either for good or bad.

Many surveys have been conducted by academic historians, political scientists and popular media to construct rankings of success of politicians who served as President of America. They were rated on parameters such as presidential achievements, leadership qualities, failures, corruption, etc. Read on to find out the present top 10 great presidents of the United States of America.

Abraham Lincoln : A Republican, he was President from 1861-1865 and rightfully deserves kudos for his skillful leadership during the Civil War to preserve the Union. Lincoln’s emphatic and strong rejection of the Southern states decision to breakaway from the union and his armed relation against the Confederates, not only ended slavery but preserved and strengthened the Union. His Gettysburg Address delivered on November 19, 1863 at the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania is one of the most quoted speeches in American history. His other Presidential acts which reaffirm his popularity among Americans of all generations are Emancipation Proclamation, Homestead Act, Morrill Land Grant Colleges Act, Pacific Railways, Act.

Franklin D Roosevelt : A Democrat he was President from 1933-1945 and gave an account of his brilliant leadership skills during World War II (1939-1945) and the Great Depression (1929-1933). He played a key role in the formation of the United Nations in 1945. He is the architect of the New Deal ( a series of recovery measures taken between 1933-1938 to get the States out of Depression). He lasting legacy to Americans is Social Security Act (passed on August 14, 1935) and Securities Exchange Act 1934 (created Securities Exchange Commission for regulating publicly traded U.S. firms).

George Washington : The first President of the United States of America from 1789-1797 refused to be affiliated with any party. He is among the most loved American presidents as he set America on-course to become a great democratic republic through such acts as Judiciary Act of 1789, Residence Act of 1790, Bank Act of 1791, Coinage Act of 1792, Naval Act of 1794. His most notable contribution has been voluntarily relinquishing power after two terms, in spite of being the only President to be unanimously elected twice.

Thomas Jefferson : A Democratic-Republican, he occupied office during 1801-1809. He set precedent for peaceful transfer of power between opposing political parties and emphasized intellectual leadership for liberty and separation of church and state.

Theodore Roosevelt : A Republican, he was President during 1901-1909. He was the first American to win Nobel Peace Prize for negotiating peace during Russian-Japanese War (1904-1905). He took the decision to start Panama Canal construction in 1907.

Woodrow Wilson : A Democrat, he occupied office of President of the United States during 1913-1921. He gave ample evidence of his political acumen during World War 1 (1914-1918) and of his skillful leadership skills that helped formulate Federal Reserve Act (1913), Federal Trade Commission Act (1914), Clayton Antitrust Act (1914) and Treaty of Versailles (1919 – that ended World War 1). He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1919 for promoting the League of Nations.

Harry S Truman : A Democrat, he was President during 1945-1953. He showed his leadership qualities during World War II and Cold war. He was forced to take many tough decisions and ordered the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombings to end World War II. He brought to fruition Roosevelt’s proposal of forming United Nations.

Andrew Jackson : A Democrat, he occupied office from 1829-1837. He greatly increased the power of the American Presidency by defusing the South Carolina attempt to nullify a federal law passed by the U.S. Congress. He encouraged political participation by American citizens (other than women and slaves).

Dwight D Eisenhower : A Republican, he was President during 1953-1961 and showed his astute leadership skills during cold war. He also showed his foresightedness by implementing the interstate highway system, emphasized free markets and enforced Supreme Court desegregation.

James K Polk : A Democrat, he occupied office of President during 1845-1849 and exhibited his political acumen during the Mexican-American War (1846-1848), annexation of Texas, acquisition of Mexican territories (like California, etc.) and settled conflict with the British over Oregon territory.

These are the 10 greatest Presidents of the United States. Do you agree with this historical ranking? Let me know who makes it to your list of top 10 great American Presidents.
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