Sunday, September 29, 2013

The Dignity of Man

By Edison D Bynoe

Text: Hebrews 2:5 - 9; c.f. Psalm 8:3 - 8
Introduction
Our text reveals that everything has been put in subjection to Jesus. He was made a little lower than the angels, but He is now crowned with glory and honor because of His death (dying in mankind's place to pay the penalty for their sin). He will rule over all things: the fullness of this reign is future; He has begun to rule, but there are still areas of resistance. Eventually all antagonistic forces will be made subject to His authority. One of the intents of the author in this passage is to show the superiority of Jesus to angels. His humanity made Him a little less than the angels because of the limitations of the body. However, His exaltation puts Him at a position higher than the angels.
In this passage, Jesus is representative of mankind. Psalm 8:3 - 8 (which is the background for these verses) makes that clear: man has been crowned with glory and honor because he has been made ruler over creation. Man is created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26 - 28). We are created with the ability to make choices (that is we have been given free will). We are created with the ability to communicate with God and each other. Man is the only biological creature that has a spirit; it is through our spirit that we connect with God. We are not created to be God or to become a god, but we are created to be like God.
Problems that develop when we have a low view of ourselves
God has given us dignity; we are His special creation. Unfortunately, many people have a low view of themselves and this leads to various problems. One such problem is suicide. Recently (as at the time of writing), five persons have committed suicide in Barbados in the past five weeks, the most recent of which was a middle-aged man who hung himself. People kill themselves for various reasons, some of which are depression, psychosis (mental illness), impulse (rash decision to end it all) and demonic influence. They also kill themselves because they no longer see their lives as valuable, as worth living. The feeling is that the world will be better without me. People who recognize their worth in Christ and stay in that mental position will never kill themselves. Whenever Christians reach that point of desperation, they have forgotten who they are in Christ; fear and depression displace faith.
Another problem that results when people have a low view of themselves is sexual immorality. People who don't value themselves, don't value their bodies either. Some individuals are victims of rape or abuse, and they feel that they have no worth. In some cases, they have sex with the first person that expresses any kind of affection to them. In other cases, they become promiscuous. Sometimes, they allow themselves to be abused even though they may have the power to stop the abuse. To Christians, I want you to know that you're worth it because God made you valuable. Don't compromise your integrity; the risks are too great. There are the spiritual risks of moving away from God. There are emotional risks of doing further psychological damage to yourself and perhaps to others that are genuinely concerned about you. There are physical risks of sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies.
When we have a low view of ourselves, we doubt God and His promises. People who have a low view of themselves have a hard time seeing God as their loving, heavenly Father: if we're unimportant then why should God love us; they project their view of themselves on to God. Theologically and intellectually, we may recognize God's promises as true, but we lack the faith to appropriate them in our lives. This affects our worship and our ability to live to please God. There is a feeling that I can't get close to God. Others can get close; God has His favorites, but I'm not one of them.
People who have a low view of themselves often have a wounded spirit. A wounded spirit can be a cause of a low view of self or it can be the effect of a low view. A wounded spirit develops as a reaction to past hurt and negative experiences. These could include insults, various forms of abuse, broken relationships, disappointments (academic failure, loss of job, being overlooked for promotion). Those hurts and experiences were never really processed and left at the foot of the cross. In other words, persons did not find healing for their hurt through means like counseling, talking to a friend or just thinking through the problem to come to a resolution; nor did they spend time praying about the problems, allowing God to bring emotional healing.
Persons who are wounded have strong feelings of rejection. They have a distorted view of reality - people are always against me; people are always looking at me and judging me. They have negative feelings of anger, jealousy, unforgiveness and bitterness. These negative emotions cause them to lash out at others, even at those that genuinely love and care about them. Persons who are wounded may withdraw from others or engage in anti-social behavior (insulting, bullying, constant talking, or not talking much). Persons who are wounded are often suspicious, skeptical and sarcastic. Wounded persons are often fearful - afraid of losing people and afraid of new situations.
Persons who have a low view of themselves suffer with insecurity. Insecurity can manifest itself in various ways and have different impacts. One of these is pride: insecure people overcompensate; they may act like "big shots." They may boast of what they can do or what they have. Insecure people are afflicted with self-doubt. They often question their ability to get things done. At work, they might be afraid to try new things or take risks. They dislike change. Self-doubt affects people's performance at school and on their job. It can lead to doubting God because we see God as we see ourselves.
Insecurity also leads to problems in relationships and marriage. One such problem is smothering. Insecure people are needy people who look to the other person to meet all of their emotional needs. They also fail to give the other person personal space. Another problem is accusation characterized by lack of trust of the other person and the feeling that he or she is unfaithful. Insecure persons often practice control and manipulation: they try to dictate how others should live and they make the other person feel guilty through various actions and statements like you don't really show me that you love me; you used to do this or that. They also are guilty of fathering/mothering the other person, treating the person like a little child. Insecure persons lack a strong sense of identity. They have an overpowering need to be accepted by others. They are overly concerned about what people think about them and they readily live to please people.
God's view of us
Instead of having a low view of ourselves, we need to see ourselves as God sees us. We're valuable because God redeemed us. He paid a significant price for us - the blood of Jesus Christ. That alone tells us that we are valuable. Under the old covenant, the blood of animals was shed to cover sin, but it was inefficacious because human beings are worth far more than animals. Only the precious blood of the Son of God, shed as a human being, as a brother of mankind, could fully atone for sin. Even if as sinners we felt we had no value, as saints we are valuable. It was only after God created the world and fully prepared it that He placed man in it. He ensured that man had everything that he needed. Man was told that he was free to eat from any tree in the Garden of Eden. God's provision shows His love for us.
We are valuable because God protects and delivers us. You do not protect something unless you are convinced of its worth. We put certain possessions in a secure place because of their value. Further, God gave man authority to rule over creation. We are God's delegated authorities in the world. Jesus was given the authority to sit on the throne of David. Psalm 8, in spite of the fall of man, clearly demonstrates that man was given dominion over the earth, a dominion that was restored through Jesus Christ and that will fully be realized when Jesus establishes His kingdom in the Millennium. Also, God has promised us His abiding presence. He is with us through the good and bad times. His Word declares that even if our father and mother forsake us, He will never leave us.
We are sons and daughters of God. We are not simply the servants of God or the friends of God. Through our adoption, we are the children of God, heirs of the kingdom. Further, we are a royal priesthood, a holy nation. We are called out, specially chosen by God. We are a chosen generation, a people belonging to God. We are the apple of God's eyes; His eyes are constantly on us (imagine a newly-wed husband fascinated with his wife, so enamored and in love). Scripture is replete with references to the special status that we have been given.
Seeing ourselves as God sees us will cause us to carry ourselves with confidence. Persons who are secure and that know who they are will be confident. That confidence will enable them to take appropriate risks and live life. It allows them to maximize their potential and enjoy the abundant life that God has promised. Seeing ourselves as God sees us will empower us to pursue the call of God on our lives. The secure Christian embraces God's call, responds obediently to that call, accesses the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit. He sees ministry possibilities locally, regionally and internationally. She allows God to determine her boundaries recognizing that there is no limit in God.
Seeing myself as God sees me allows me to be me, to have a strong sense of identity. I know who I am. I am not somebody else. I am unique. I am in a category all by myself. I am not proud, but I rate myself with sober judgment. I am beautiful. I am strong. Having a strong sense of identity allows me to know who I am and what I am capable of. Seeing ourselves as God sees us enables us to love others, because I love myself. Whatever you feel about yourself is what you will project on others. It is an anomaly to feel that you can truly love others when you don't truly love yourself, when you look in the mirror and despise who you see. I love me because God loves me and that love allows me to love others.
Seeing ourselves as God sees us allows us to freely and enthusiastically worship. Psalm 8 begins and ends with praise. However, all the other verses deal with the dignity of man, the position of privilege that God has given man. The point is this: if God has created man to be great, then how much greater is He who created all things. How can I not help but magnify this great God? I marvel at man's ingenuity, his ability to take metals and plastic and make amazing technological devices. If man who is finite and limited can do this, how much greater is the God who out of nothing created this vast universe with all of its diversity. If I don't feel good about myself, it will hinder my worship. If I feel less than what God has called me to be then I will struggle in my praise.
Seeing myself as God sees me allows me to carry myself with dignity. I don't want to have an overinflated view of myself, but when I walk into a room, a son of God is walking in, a prince is walking in, a holy man of God is walking in, a man anointed by God is walking in. The same applies to you. The world must not define you. You are more than an employee, more than an athlete, more than a student, more than a teacher. You are a child of the kingdom, eternity runs through your spirit; you will reign with Christ; you are an ambassador of the kingdom. In light of all this, how can I not carry myself with dignity? Why should I not walk and dress with dignity?
Seeing myself as God sees me allows me to accept certain things about myself - strengths and weaknesses. The Bible challenges us to have a right view of ourselves, to rate ourselves with sober judgment. If I focus too much on my strengths I will become proud. If I focus too much on my weaknesses, I will become depressed and negative. God has given me my strengths to use for His glory. He has given me my weaknesses that I may rely on Him and on others. Some weaknesses are there so that I can work on them and become stronger, so that my character can develop. The important thing is that I accept me while recognizing those areas in which God will have me to improve.

The Christian Concept of Sanctification for Holiness

By John Omoluabi

Many congregations cleverly dodge a discussion of sanctification as the topic. While, it may not justifiable or even fair, it is diplomatically clever. The meaning or need for sanctification is commonly not the problem, but the leaders may not be clear on its process. Some pastors find it challenging to explain the interface where the Holy Spirit interacts with the young Christian. In the category of young Christians, meaning recent converts are many young adults who are beginning to define their involvement in the Christian faith inherited from their parents. These minds scientifically pruned pose astute analytical challenges to faith-based claims. Explaining concepts such as sanctification that requires interaction of a non-physical Holy Spirit component with whose modus operandi is outside of human calculation is particularly difficult, if one plans not to further alienate the young Christians. In fact, controversy exists within the Christian faith regarding the process of sanctification. The involvement of the ever-ethereal Holy Ghost baffles the logical calculations of the scientific mindset making some Christians to claim that the Holy Spirit is irrelevant to modern lifestyle. The result is a proliferation of theories attempting to explain the phenomenon of sanctification.
Sanctification is being apart by God for holiness. Among the proposed theories is automatic sanctification included in a salvation package that comes with repentance, conversion, and justification of sins. In other words, the grace that washes away one's old sins automatically empower the new convert for a life of 'sin no more'. While, this is an acceptable possibility, it is important that the Christian recognize the event for what is, if possible as clearly as Apostle Paul remembers the face-off with Jesus. Such experiences make it difficult for one to deny the truth of God, and a preference for holiness. Even then, it can be dangerous to assume that the unique experience of sanctification occurs universally for Christians at the conversion event.
We remember that Jesus prayed for his disciples to receive sanctification. He confirmed that the early disciples enjoyed the protection of his own sanctification, but now that he will be leaving them to propagate the gospel, it becomes important for them to receive sanctification so that they will succeed. Certainly, these were born-again believers because he called them one by one, and they voluntarily chose to follow him. Yet, Jesus confirmed that sanctification is a necessary tool for their new life. Therefore, salvation does not automatically confer sanctification.
Other theories on offer include an unending gradual growth in grace because of a belief that humans cannot live a pure or a perfect life, like Jesus did, and that Jesus finally purifies us for holiness at death in preparation for the rapture or the judgment day. However, these theories negate two important scriptures namely; John 15:3 and Jude 1:1 talk about the word of Jesus preserving the elected who have already received sanctification. Irrespective of whatever theory one chooses to believe, it is clear that purity, perfection or holiness is the key to living a godly life, and making it to heaven since Jesus us that:

Human Perfection in the End-Time Equation: Conscience Versus Sanctification

By John Omoluabi

Conscience and Sanctification
While, it is very obvious that sanctification is Christian word introduced through the scriptures and conscience is a general word that everyone uses openly every day, yet, these two words can be confusing particularly for Christian's trying to understand a lifestyle that avoids doing wrong. To clarify, the moment that a child is able to determine that an act is right or wrong, we accept that the child has developed a conscience. Our conscience makes us feel some responsibility to other men, to obtain praise when we do right; or to hide our actions (or feel shame) when we do wrong. The society considers anyone who cannot determine right from wrong to have mental retardation. In fact, they are generally free from punishment if they do wrong.
The concept of sanctification is slightly different. In the packaging of redemption for sinners, the blessing of sanctification is included. This gift from God is a blessing with the power of 'sin no more' for the new Christian. An anointing of power by the Holy Ghost that sets the Christian apart for holiness. It keeps Christian from committing sin and obeying God's commands. Sanctification brings with it the ability to do right, to be holy, whenever there is a need to make a judgment call. In fact, Christianity defines sanctification as the setting apart by God for holiness. The sanctification experience anoints the Christian for a life of holiness; all Christians and just the pope.
This prayer of Jesus in John 17:20-23 suggests that Christians live in the world but need to recognize that certain principles separate them from the rest of the world. This is how sanctification overrides conscience. Anyone may face temptation by acts that are potentially wrong, but our ability to overlook such evil depends on our judgment, which recognizes the act as wrong; especially that God want us to do it. This fear of God influencing our decision to move away from evil by overriding our human confusion is evidence of the Holy Ghost's blessing of sanctification. In other words, sanctification enables the Christian with an extra ability beyond the tug of conscience and will power to avoid sin. One cherishes the image of God in oneself, rating oneself one-step higher than the satisfaction of temporal personal desires; holiness becomes the unspoken watchword.
Holiness in preparation for the goal
Since, the ultimate agenda is to end up with God; we work towards the standard established in Hebrews 12:14. This is a desire to remain pure until we pass to the greater beyond. Hence, we struggle towards perfection because this is the leading of our desire for holiness. Our sanctification experience becomes a treasure as we process perfection through holy conduct

Why We Should Teach Evolutionary Concepts Even At Christian Colleges

By Lance Winslow

The other day, I was speaking with an acquaintance about evolution and we both agreed it was a "fun topic to explore on so many levels." We talked about sports, technology, business, industry, education, government, philosophy, and even our entire civilization and society as a whole. I'd like to discuss this dialogue with you, because I believe regardless of how you feel about evolution from a religious standpoint, there is a lot to be gained by understanding these principles.
Indeed, I immediately told my acquaintance that "yes I very much concur. First, I'd say that "YES" we should teach "evolutionary" theory, because it opens up doors to the understanding of the world around us. Regardless of "faith based" belief systems, which are to be honored due to our foundational promises to all comers in our "melting pot" society - we should teach evolution and everyone should understand the concept, even if they choose to dismiss these theories in humans or that the world was created merely 5,000 years ago, so be it, but we need to get over the concept that "evolution" doesn't exist.
It does, it's everywhere, in technology, education, government, philosophy, entertainment, military, sporting events, you name it and I'll show it to you. It's there and should be understood. Just as the concept of an All-Powerful Being makes for a nice philosophical dialogue as well, just the same - see that point?
Evolutionary changes occur, and it can help us understand how incremental change works, and how breakthroughs occur in an industry. How niches are won in the food chain can help explain how innovative companies can outperform mature corporations with strong entrenchment in the market and distribution channels. You can hardly have a belief of "hope and change" without honoring the concept of change, and that concept is evolution. If you are against "hope and change" then you are saying you don't want the evolution of our society to move in that direction, but you still have to address the movement, and that movement and change in its very roots has evolutionary elements.
If you don't understand the concept of evolution many things just will not make as much sense to you. It will be harder for you to understand your environment and world around you, even harder for you to change when you really need too. Perhaps, that's what I'd like you to take away from all of this, even if you don't believe in evolution of the Homo Sapiens species to which you are a member. Please consider all this and think on it.

Understanding Religions Without Tears By Charanjit Singh Arora

Fundamentalists Never Try to Understand their Holy Book
Every religious book motivates its believers,
To spread the message to others,
And convert the non-believers if possible;
If they are unwilling, do not forcibly convert them.
Fundamentalists believe in enforcing their will, on non-believers.
They are ruthless; accept bloodshed and violence in their mission.
God does not approve violence.
There Are Irrational Rewards And Punishments
*A religious book states:
A believer will go to heaven; live in the company of pretty fairies in attendance and luxury all around.
How can we enjoy sensual pleasures after death, when we have no body?
*The Day of Judgment deters the believers from sins,
Thus motivates them to live noble life.
How can we punish an entity, without a body or any of the 5 senses?
A physical punishment!
When there is no physique, the physical punishment is irrelevant.
A spiritual punishment! We are not bothered.
*A religion guides its believers to live ethically;
Or else, God will punish by denying rebirth as human being,
And we are reborn after death as animal, bird or any other lower specie.
Evolution of Universe as Explained, is Wrong Normally
*Another holy book describes evolution of life:
Third day, God created earth,
And fourth day, there was light; God created Sun.
Is earth older than Sun?
If there was no Sun, on first day,
There was no day light, no morning and no evening.
*When there was no awareness of Law of Universal Gravitation,
Some of us believed:
Our earth is resting on the horns of a great bull,
When the great bull shakes his head,
There is earthquake.
*Believers of a religion believed in geocentric theory.
All concepts were earlier based on, some axioms or postulates.
Mankind devised a theory and accepted it without any proof.
It was sacrosanct; a disbelief invited death.
The believers were violent to a non-believer scientist,
Who had proposed heliocentric model.
A Reptile Respected a Prophet
Reptiles cared for a holy prophet in a mythological story.
The prophet was sleeping outside on a sunny day,
There was no shade and it was hot.
A snake slithered, it created an umbrella cover with its hood, over the prophet.
It reverenced the holy saint and displayed its reverence.
Mythological Characters Are a Figment of Imagination
Believers accept irrational concepts with devotion, without any doubt,
There are demigods to suit every need.
A demigod, with an elephant head on a human body,
Is one of the most reverenced and worshipped demigod.
Irrationalities Are There in All Religions
*We should not criticize irrational facts in other religions.
As long as these do not affect us, we should tolerate.
To comment or make fun of other religions,
Is a democratic right, under freedom to speak; but it is not in good taste.
*Fasting results in self-cleansing,
It is universally accepted in all religions.
Hymn singing is a universal phenomenon.
Do these activities contribute towards spirituality in humanity?
We are not sure.
*We respect and remember, our friends and relatives with photographs.
We respect our leaders by erecting statues in their memory.
But there is a ban on worshipping God in pictures or with idols in a religion.
The Solution
The human concept of ethical behavior is nearly identical in all religions,
All religions expect believers to live noble life.
A religion is: beliefs/rituals and human behavior.
However in reality,
Society gives more weight to religious beliefs than to ethical behavior,
And sadly it continues to do so.
All religions teach compassion, but it is seldom practiced.
Holy people - saints and pastors continue to have loose moral code.
A spiritual behavior is desirable.
In the past, society overlooked erratic behavior in members of royalty and other bigwigs.
Patricide, fratricidal and immorality were prevalent aberrations in royalty.
Questioning a ritual or a belief of a religion was taboo,
It was neither expected nor tolerated.