1. The Master Artist: Learning to See Him in Us
A true artist----and He is THE truest—must create and express himself
He INVENTED variety.
The artist doesn’t NEED that which he creates, but He WANTS to be surrounded by it. God wants relationship with us, and our purpose is to reflect Him.
I am a designer and a painter, there are all kinds of artistry, but that is my experience.
The Master Artist: Learning to See Him in Us
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
Ephesians 2:10

2. Which is the real Kate Winslet?
-Still only a sculpture, still only a photograph
Even the best and most creative artists are only reflecting God. He is THE SOURCE of all creativity. Only He can make all things new.

6. PERSPECTIVE
perspective  (pəˈspɛktɪv)  — n1.a way of regarding situations, facts, etc, and judging the irrelative importance
2.the proper or accurate point of view or the ability to see it; objectivity: try to get some perspective on your troubles
3.the theory or art of suggesting three dimensions on a two-dimensional surface, in order to recreate the appearance and spatial relationships that objects or a scene in recession present to the eye
4.the appearance of objects, buildings, etc, relative to each other, as determined by their distance from the viewer, or the effects of this distance on their appearance
5.a view over some distance in space or time; vista; prospect
6.a picture showing perspective

9. HIS Perspective
His perspective has everything to do with the Unseen. So, to get His perspective, I must earnestly seek Him.
But He has not left us without an Example.
Colossians 1:15-17, 19
I must change my expectations for living life to be in line with His, to actually live as He designed me to.
This must be done in His strength, with His help to set our hearts and WILLS on Him.
To prevent me from thinking this is hopeless, I can look to Christ.

10. What does He think of His creation?
It wasn’t until he created us, that he used the term “very.”
Very: exceedingly, with force, abundance, muchness
Same word as in Deut. 6:5
Psalm 139
He knows us so well!
He keeps a close eye on His artwork!
His works (even me) are wonderful!
Read vs. 1-6, 7-8, 13-17

11. What does He think of His creation?
Describe the ocean to someone who has never seen it, or even a picture of it.
We only see such a small part of His love for us.
Ephesians 3:18-19: THAT is how much He loves you, and what He thinks of you.
What does He think of us?
His thoughts of us are good because He MADE us.
Money demo

12. How did the Master Artist make me like Himself?
We are eternal from the point we were created.
Before the Fall
Eternal
Time spent with God
After the Fall
Separated from God and destined for hell
Through the Cross
Relationship RESTORED with the Artist (Col. 3:10)
Though we are not like Him in a physical sense, we are like Him in a spiritual one from the point of creation. Here are a few ways that we are like Him.
We are eternal. (Explain first two columns.)
He wanted to reconcile to Himself all things, making peace by the blood of his cross. Read Col. 1:20-23
Explain third part of chart.
Even the world is eventually going to be done away with and replaced with a new one, but we, being spiritual, and not temporal, will enjoy eternity with our Savior. HOW GLORIOUS!

13. Sistine Chapel restoration

14. How did the Master Artist make me like Himself?
We have free will.
Before the Fall
Time spent walking with God because I wanted to.
After the Fall
Chose to do things our own way instead of His
Through the Cross
His Spirit living in us helps us make choices that please Him.
2. We have free will.
The mere fact that I have free will reflects Him because He certainly can do whatever He chooses. I exercise my free will every stinking day.
I am guilty of forging His artwork when I think I can paint better, when I try to rub out His signature at the bottom and put my own.

15. How did the Master Artist make me like Himself?
He is Creative, I am innovative.
Christ was and is in the image of God, and I am being conformed to His image. (Col. 1:15, 3: 10, Rom. 8:29)
He is One with Himself, and we can be One with Him too and have fellowship with Him (unlike any of his other creation). (Deut. 6:4, 1 Cor. 6:17)

16. Artwork with a PURPOSE, a HOPE, and a FUTURE!
To have a relationship with Him!
That means I must actually do my part in pursuing a relationship with Him.
To be holy! (Eph. 4:22-24)
That means I must learn what it means to separate myself to Him.
To do good works (Eph. 2:10)
That means I must look for opportunities (and can often start with our family)
Remember God doesn’t NEED us, HE WANTS us. And for so many reasons, but ulimately to bring Him glory which means becoming like Him and using everything for Him.
Remember I do not have my best heart.
Are you forging His artwork? Presenting yourself as something you are not?

17. Artwork with a PURPOSE, a HOPE and a FUTURE!
1 Corinthians 13:12 “Now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face.”
We see only a reflection of Himself in us, but in heaven what is unclear now will be made known.
To use my gifts and talents and skills for His glory! (Ex. 35:35)
To NOT use them is an affront to His artwork.
Be careful not to forge His artwork!