What is the definition of the word envy?
This is an essay that is based on the word envy. Let’s start off by asking a question. What is the definition of the word envy? The word envy mean being discontent over someone else’s desires or possessions. When it comes to the word envy, what really comes into mind for biblical sake is covetousness. Envy also has a lot to do with the fixations of the things that we do not have personally.
Next, the word envy and jealousy have the same connotation. Envy is a universal thing and it is very destructive. Envy is also hidden. It causes us to become distracted when it comes to God’s plan. This is also a barrier to withholding God’s will in our lives. It causes us to miss out on God’s plan for our lives. An example of this for me personally is when I used to have problems with my family members. The reason why this has happened in my life personally is because they were upset with me based on maintaining poor behavior.
Further, when it comes to envy, it denies our uniqueness in the eyes of the Lord. Also, let me inform everyone that I had been disappointed for most of my life. One reason or another, I will admit to having a fear of failure. I usually get down on myself and I tend to refuse to communicate because of my guilt and shame. Therefore, envy blinds you to your own self. You get a divided allegiance when it comes to envy. I can only be myself when it comes to living in a changing society.
Moreover, I want to indicate to everyone that I am not a perfect person. There was a period of time when I used to exaggerate things because I have my own cross to bear. I will admit that I am competitive when it comes to certain things. For instance, when it comes to employment, I will admit to being a type of person that usually challenge others by gaining an advantage so that I can get a job. I do have character defects that I really need to work on personally by giving it all to the Lord.
Finally, I want to say that I cannot serve God and my possessions. I have to choose between the two. I will admit to becoming selfish and impatient with myself. I also will admit to becoming a hoarder by collecting things that I do not need. It I lose them, I tend to get angry. I also will admit to acting like someone else. I tend to talk proper and I also adapt to a set standard. When you feel this way, you insult the Lord. I will admit to placing too much emphasis on politics and the things of the world. Romans 12:2 states; Do not conform to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Envy also causes people to waste their time that God has deserved for you. I cannot be like anyone else. It is very important that we allow God to help us in our lives. Thank you for reading my essay.
Learning How To Respect Women!!
How important is it for men to learn to listen and respect women?
What do we mean for a boy or a man to learn how to listen and respect women? The answer to this very important question is simple? Communication is performed verbally and nonverbally between men, women, and children on a daily basis. When a boy is inside of the womb of its mother, communication has already been established. His mother is solely responsible for teaching him how to love, honor, cherish, and respect his mother and other women. As far as communication is concerned, this is done nonverbally at first with a child by the use of touch, looks and stares from the eyes of his mother as well as a mother’s innate abilities when it comes to childrearing practices are concerned.
Next, communication is also done verbally through the use of communicating with him in her own native language. However, from a nonverbal perspective is concerned, when a mother looks at a child, the child himself responds by the looks and stares from his mother. Also, when a boy hears his name being called, he is also responsive to her native calls for attention. When a child is between the ages of 0 to 3 years, a method of touch is important. This is very important because it is a form of attachment and bond between mother and child. Touch is also important even in our adult lives because it allows humans to feel appreciated as a member of the human race. Touch is very important because it is the first initial response to a child’s needs.
When a child cries, a parent has to see what is wrong with the child. Maybe, the child himself/herself has issues that need to be addressed. Touch is also therapeutic because it heals the body from infirmities and injuries. For instance, physical, mental, emotional, psychological, and psycho-social related injuries that can cause harm and permanent damages to people. This comes in the form of scarring that is extremely hard to heal; as long as there is a power that is greater than oneself to heal anyone from these social, emotional, mental, and psychological ills that people usually face on a regular basis.
From birth to 18 years, a boy learns how to respect his parents, sister, aunt, grandmother, as well as any other members of his family. Listening is very important!!!! When a boy learns how to listen to women, they respond by giving women respect for the person that she is as a member of the human race. Listening from a child’s perspective comes from learning and training that he receives from his own mother. Learning how to say yes madam and no madam to her is respect for one’s mother and elders as a whole if they are mature women. There are times when a child’s father is completely absent in his life. This adjustment for a child becomes extremely difficult. This is simply because a biological father is supposed to validate a child’s existence!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
For example, my biological father was never around so, I had to rely on my grandfather as well as caretakers that I had perceived as positive until I had found out otherwise!!!! There are times when the people who are deemed as stepfathers and those who are classified as being involved in a child’s mother’s life are not positive role models themselves. They are classified as replacements!!!! A replacement is just someone who is just taking up space inside of a household. This is classified as matter. The definition of matter is anything that takes up space!!! This is a scientific definition and it applies to everyday life.
A male child also learns how to respect his female siblings by calling her by her first name and respecting her as a person. Remember, a boy’s mother, sister, aunt, and grandmother are members of the immediate family; as well as members of the human race. As far as a boy becoming a man is concerned, he also has to learn how to demonstrate good communication skills as well as learning how to talk and listen to women. In most cases, there are times that boys do not demonstrate these skills when it comes to learning how to communicate with women and girls.
Learning How To Talk to Women!!
How to Talk, Listen, and to Understand Women!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is a very special blog on the importance of learning how to listen, talk, and to understand women. First, it is very important to understand that women are a creation of God Himself. Her creation is derived from the womb of man; who is named Adam. A rib of man was removed while he slept and afterwards his female counterpart was right directly in front of his face. Her name was Eve because she is an auxiliary for man. This meaning his counterpart or companion while joining him on earth. A woman is unique as a species because she is the bearer of children and she is very intelligent.
Second, in an institution of marriage, a man is supposed to leave his own parents home and join his wife and live with her inside of a house of their own. This is the institution of marriage. However, in contemporary times, women do not bear the last name of their own husbands. This is done for personal reasons. In some cases, this has a lot to do with pre-nuptial agreements that has been made prior to marriage. Also, in some cases, this has a lot to do with assets and information that couples cannot gain access to throughout the marriage.
Third, let’s get to the lesson of learning how to communicate with women. As children, a little boy is supposed to learn how to respect his own mother. This is first and foremost. This is by making sure that he is able to say yes madam and no madam to his own mother to begin with. In retrospect, he is also supposed to learn how to respect his elders. This means that he is supposed to respect those who are older than him. When it pertains to women, a boy or a man is supposed to stop whatever he is doing at the moment and go directly to women. This is a respect factor. By doing this a boy, girl, man, or another woman is supposed to pay attention to what she is saying to you.
Fourth, women deserve respect simply because they are emotional creatures just like men. It’s that men deny or in most cases refuse to acknowledge their personal feelings. Nor even recognize their sensitive side at times. There are times that disagreements might occur, but it is very important to learn to listen to both sides of any disagreement. The primary purpose of learning to talk, listen, and to understand women is to improve communication skills and to learn how to become active listeners in all situations.
Fifth, listening is very important because it is a key to communication. How come listening is a very important key to good communication skills? The answer is that when a message is relayed or an oral exchanged takes place, it’s very important to understand what is being said at all times. If someone is telling me something, I am supposed to listen with my ears the message and if necessary tell them what they have said; so that I can fully comprehend the message. I know in my case, I would write all of my notes on paper and clipboard so that I can fully understand what is being expressed to me personally.
Expression is the next because it takes a very good communicator to send a great message. When it comes to listening and communication skills, it is very important to eliminate all of the distractions that are in your way in order to understand what is being expressed. When it comes to women, men really need to turn the television off and look directly at women while they are speaking to them. Men and little boys are guilty at times of trying to tune women out. How come this happen on a daily basis, this is because men and boys tend to become obtuse and reluctant to listening at certain times at women. Men and boys usually think they are superior to their female counterparts.
Sixth, how do we really learn how to talk, listen, and understand women? The answer is by learning how to pay attention to what is right in front of you. At least mankind is supposed be allowed and be entitled to their freedom of speech. Listening is very easy for some and difficult for others. Why is this problem for others? This is because of the breakdown in communication that had taken place prior to full communication itself. This is caused by a lack of understanding of people as a member of the human race. Understanding others come from spending time with members of your own family.
This begins by understanding your own family dynamics as well as yourself as a person. Understanding of a woman is very easy. This starts off by acknowledging the person who had brought you into this world first. This is God and your own mother. When a man learns to respect his own mother, grandmother, aunt, or elders that are women, then he learns to respect women as a full member of the human race. When a man is around women, he is not supposed to use vulgarity and course language on a regular basis. When this happens, it breaks communications down and it makes things very difficult for men to relate well with women.
A Complete Inventory of Ourselves!!
What are some reasons why People do not serve the Lord?
This is an essay that asks a very important question. What are some reasons why people do not serve the Lord? I understand that we face ups and downs in our personal life. We stumble and walk away. According to Lamentations 5:21; it states, turn us back to you, O Lord, and we will be restored. Some of the reasons why people do not serve the Lord is simply because they do not have the time. They do not allow the Holy Spirit to lead them and guide them in the right direction. Where your treasure is, your heart will be also. If a person stops praying, how does God respond? God feels very disappointed whenever we do not pray and do His will.
Next, I have another question to ask. How do you get your joy back? Joy is the settled insurance and the determined feeling as well as the excitement in our life. God is interested in doing things through us. God will cause our thoughts to agree to His will. Please ask God to give you the energy in your life. God will show you what He wants you to do.
Over confidence is another reason why people do not serve Him. There are times in our lives when we really need Him; He is there!! All things are possible through him who believes. We must continue to pray and ask God for His will in our lives. Some people think that they will not need God for anything. I cannot say that. Anyone is capable of sin.
We do not know why some people are overzealous. There are times when we do not know exactly what to do. There are times in our prayer life; that God feels that we do not need at a period of time. Without the resurrected Christ, there is no Christianity.
Further, there are times that some people get a fear of disapproval. I will admit that I have been giving to charitable organizations and to others. I feel that I am overwhelmed and tired. There are times when people tell me that they do not want me to pray for them. I have another question. Have you ever followed Jesus Christ at a distance? I feel that I have at one point in my life. I am a true believer of Jesus Christ right now. I want to be accepted. I want the Lord to accept me as a member of the Human Race. God has accepted me as a new creation.
According to Ephesians 2:10 says that we are God’s masterpiece and workmanship. There are times when I feel that Mankind does not accept me as a person. One of the signs is that we feel ashamed of Jesus Christ. If you try to enjoy the world’s campfire, you will get burned. When you start feeling ashamed of God; He will be ashamed of you. Another reason why people do not serve the Lord is laziness. We tend to feel lethargic and lazy some point in our life. When you get tired, you are setting yourself up for temptation. It takes a whole lot of effort and stamina to serve the Lord. There are times when I feel unaccepted in certain places where I go.
This is because I suffer from a mental illness. I suffer from schizophrenia right now. I have been suffering from a mental illness for 21 years now. Therefore, I am more than likely to suffer from fatigue. I will also admit that I am a Christian man who has a lot of common sense. I am highly intelligent, polite, respectful, helpful, giving, kind, warm and compassionate. I also will admit that I have allowed people to take advantage of me personally because I do not say the word “No!” Lamentations 3:40 says Let us search out and examine our ways, and turn back to the Lord. There are times when people take my kindness for a weakness. I will also admit that I give to the Church all of the time. I am on the verge of writing my own autobiography. I am writing my own book because I feel that I have a lot to share with the world.
The Word of The Lord is as Sweet as Honey!!
The Word of The Lord is as sweet as Honey!!
I would like to start this essay by asking a very important question. Do you think that the Word of God taste as sweet as honey? The answer is yes!! According to Jeremiah 15:16 it says that when your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, LORD God Almighty. When I think of this Bible verse, The Word of God is very refreshing. I also gives me freedom and truth. I really enjoy God’s word every day of my life.
Further, I want to tell everyone that God is Love. God has changed me for the better. I really do not like to use any vulgarity or engage in any behaviors of my past. The Holy Spirit is inside of me. I have been born again on 2/15/2015 at Fort McKinley Church in Dayton, Ohio. I got baptized in the name of the Father of the Son, and the Holy Spirit. I am changed by the power of the Holy Ghost. My mind itself has changed. I am educated about the Word of God. Psalms 19:10 says they are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. The word of God has changed me because I am taking ownership and responsibility for all of my actions.
Moreover, I know that I have to read the Bible and remember a lot of verses. The Lord has touched me because I feel a whole lot better by listening to worship music instead of rap music. I do not listen to the music from the past and watch movies from my past because it is of the world. The world itself has changed so much from the time that I was a child that I would prefer to attend church on a regular basis, read the Bible each day, and pray honestly to God. My prayer life has changed because I always tell the truth to God. Matthew 6:8 says the Lord knows the things that you need of long before you ask Him. This is the reason why I recite the Lord’s Prayer and the Serenity Prayer each day.
Also, I always pay attention to my environment because it is changing as well. According to the State of Ohio Department of Commerce, over 9,000 people moved out of Dayton, Ohio last year. I did not know this until I saw it on the local news. Frankly, the Lord is keeping me here in my hometown of Dayton, Ohio for a reason. Even though my family members are upset with me because I attend AA/NA Meetings on a regular basis.
I have been clean and sober for 34 years as of this year. In order for me to have a conversation with God, I must open up the Bible and ask God to speak to me through His word. God’s love for us will never cease. The Lord will be with us every day of our lives. God has not stopped loving you. God will never give up on you, we should not give up on Him. The Word of the Lord is true. The love of God works as long as we give Him a chance in our life. Love never fails. The Bible is a conversation material for us. The Lord God will engage us with His word.
Finally, I want to say that ever since I have dedicated my life to Christ, I feel a whole lot better. If you want to change, that will put a smile on God’s face. God is smiling on all of us who want to change. Forgiveness is a part of spiritual healing. I have been learning how to appreciate all of the small things that God has done for me. I thank Him when I wake up. I thank Him when I read His word and listen to His music. I also ask God to follow me everywhere I go. I even thank Him for allowing me to write, read, and to use the computer. I ask God to reveal all of the strongholds in my personal life. I am happy to disclose this information to others. I ask God to do all of the work in my life. Thank you for reading my blog.
My name is Anthony Joseph Hopkins and I am a Blogger. I have been born again since February 15, 2015. I have been writing for the past 30 years now.
We Do Not Understand Our Errors!!
Is it true that we cannot understand our errors?
By Anthony Joseph Hopkins
Is it really true that we cannot understand our errors? This is a very good question because it means that the only person who literally understand us is God. This does not give me free will to do whatever I want. It really does not mean that we have a right to commit a crime and think it is not our fault. Proverbs 20:11 says that every child is known by their deeds; whether it is good, pure and right. This means that we were taught morality from our parents. This means that as children, we are taught the things we can do, compared to the things that we cannot do. According to 1st Corinthians 13:11 says that we once were a child, so we acted like a child, I thought as a child, so when I became a man, I learn to put away childish things.
It is not very easy for certain children and adults when it comes to maturity. However, God makes a way for all of us to advance in our personal lives. As far as our secret faults are concerned, everyone has them. There are people who think that they have things under control, but they do not. It is time to focus on boundaries for a moment. When it comes to boundaries, this means that there are a set of rules and goals that were defined in advance. The Lord knows exactly what we need, long before we ask Him. Psalms 18:18 says that they confronted me in the day of my calamity, but the Lord is my support. Only God knows how to deal with our circumstances.
Further, I want to say that it is very hard to admit to our errors to other people. God knows us very well. Jeremiah 1:5 says before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, I ordained you as a prophet to the nations. This means that God knows us in advance. He even know exactly how long we are going to live. God also have plans for all of us. Some of these plans are prevalent in some as it is for others. When it comes to Spiritual Gifts and talents, God has a divine plan for mankind. As a child, I wanted to join the military or become a fireman. There are things that I have always wanted to do, but I did not do them.
Moreover, I will admit that I have followed others and imitate the behaviors of others. In the long run, it was not something that I really wanted to do in the first place. It might have been good at first because of peer pressure and I ended up doing failing at my attempt to be like everyone else. Currently, I ask God in advance for the things that I want to do. I ask God because I do not want to make the mistakes of the past. My mother and my caretakers always encouraged me to do whatever I really want. I have learned a whole lot from all of my past relationships with women and other people.
Finally, I want to say that I have learned a lot of things from simple trial and error. Proverbs 15:3 says: The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good. God knows what is good for all of us. I have to simply keep asking Him for it. I only wish that I can only see Him for myself. I need God to help me out for the rest of my life. I cannot just keep doing things for myself without God’s help. I will admit that I am guilty of wanting something when I want it. I cannot do that anymore. I have to allow God to show me the way to the promise land. God Bless All of You!! May the Lord God continue to bless all of you! Thank You for reading my blog.
Proverbs 28:13
What does it mean to Repent of Your Sins?
What does it mean to repent of your sins? When it comes to repenting, it is a complete turn by asking God to forgive you of everything that you have done wrong in your personal life. Proverbs 28:13 says he that covers his sins shall not prosper: but whosoever confesses and forsakes them shall have mercy. I had to confess of every single thing that I have done wrong in my life. I told God that I am sorry for being a very disrespectful little boy growing up. I have hurt my family members and friends with all of the wrong things that I have done as a child as well as an adult. I had to learn how to also forgive others whenever they do something wrong to me. I had to learn how to stop taking revenge on others when they do wrong to me. I am very sorry for all thing both past and the present.
I want to inform everyone who is reading this blog that I have completely asked God to forgive me of all of my sins that I have committed even when I was a child. I told God and Jesus Christ that I was very sorry for doing all of the wrong things to other people and to myself. For instance, I have to forgive my family members and others whenever they use curse words towards me personally. I have to learn how to learn from my past sins.
I do not have any business getting sarcastic at my family members and friends. When it comes to petty things, I have to let them go. My mother’s prayer to me as well as my siblings was “Lord, please build a fence so high that trouble cannot get over it, and so low trouble cannot get under it; in Jesus name I asked these things Amen”.
I will not forget what my mother and grandmothers told me when I was a child. They always told me to go home and pray for those people who have wronged you. They also told me to pray for those people who have hurt me and disrespect me by all means. I have learned a whole lot from everyone that I have been in contact with during the past 45 years. Please continue to pray for me because it is the Lord who have saved me and the Lord who will take care of me. I thank all of you who have supported me during the past few years while I was blogging. Right now, I want to say that I love all of you to everyone who have shown me nothing but love from the very beginning. I am very sorry to all of those that I have hurt in the past as well as the present. Thanks for reading my essay.
Sincerely,
Anthony Hopkins
What Are Values and Norms?
Values & Norms
This is a blog on values and norms. It is very important that we have values and norms in our daily lives. It is extremely necessary that we have them because it provides structure, direction, consistency, as well as a basis for mankind to follow. What are values? A value is something that we believe in from the very beginning. This is established just from being around our parents. Our traditional beliefs such as maintaining life abundantly, as well as the importance of education are examples of values. Values can also be religious based as well as it can pertain to the things that our parents were reared with.
Values can also give us the guidelines and the basis for life because it keeps our behavior in check. What are norms? This is a very good question. A norm is rule based. This is simply because we as human beings will have to follow and obey the laws of society. These norms are also pertaining to the Bible as well as the laws that mankind has established for us. For instance, if a child does not attend school, it is the parents fault. The child and parents are responsible for this behavior. Accountability is very important because this is taking full responsibility for your own actions. Admitting your role in your own situation and being truthful and frank about it is very important.
If there are 10 Commandments inside of the Holy Bible, there are also laws that apply to mankind, so it is important for men, women, and children to adhere to these laws on a daily basis. I am going to admit that I am a private citizen as well as one who complies with the law on a daily basis. I am also one who adheres to the laws of the Bible on a daily basis. This is also based on reading the Bible as well as performing deeds that God and Jesus Christ wants mankind to do. This is simply by having unconditional love inside of your entire heart. There are men, women, and children who do not adhere to the laws of both the Bible and mankind. I pray for these individuals each and every day that these individuals would reform. I am prayerful and truthful by saying that anyone can change, only if they give themselves a chance.
Even when it pertains to the Criminal Justice System, it is very important that all criminals as well as those who are already incarcerated should be entitled to change. Justice for the guilty comes from the courts by proving that those who are guilty be tried and convicted for all of their wrongs. This is the truth in many cases of those who are fleeing from justice. It does not make sense to run away from your problems. You must face your fears as well as all of your problems head on. If someone is afraid of justice, this means they are afraid of themselves as human beings as well as the devil that they are serving.
This is not a service of God for mankind to avoid their problems and put them behind. This means that you are a person who has a real problem with yourselves. I am not a person who is neither judging nor one who passes judgment towards others. This is a call for all of those who continue to run away from their own problems to examine yourselves and get real. Because sooner or later, God will call you on your stuff all by Himself!!!!
Norms and Values go hand in hand in our society because it gives mankind the consistency that it needs as well as the equality that our society needs. Humans and Society itself needs balance as well as equilibrium in order to survive and live in a changing environment. This also means that men must respect women as well as women respect men and children. This also means that we are supposed to learn to love one another and to talk to each other when it comes to specific problems that we have with each other. I personally value peace, love, harmony, family, education, diversity, religion, as well as harmony in relationships. If there is no peace inside of families and relationships, then there is no love or equity within mankind itself. Therefore, it is extremely important to release whatever garbage that one has inside of them constructively and positively. This in fact can have an adverse affect on our values and beliefs system. This can distort and disrupt our personal lives. Never allow your values and norms to cause disruption in your personal lives as well as relationships with others. Always become law abiding citizens for a change.
Sincerely,
Anthony Hopkins
Dayton, Ohio
A Bridge Between Sin, Transgression, and Iniquity.
A Bridge Between Sin, Transgressions, and Jesus Christ
This essay is very simple. This is titled a bridge between sin, transgressions, and Jesus Christ. First, I would like to mention the definitions of sin, transgressions, and trespasses. 1. Transgressions are actions that are enormously and excessively wrong. You knew you were wrong and you did it anyway. 2. Trespasses are when saints miss the mark. This means that you are intentionally missing the mark on purpose. 3. Sin is when a person commits a mistake or an offense that is either minor or serious in nature. 4. Debt is a property and ownership; you owe something because of your actions. Sin is really you have broken a law. Sin is that you have broken a known law and the transgressions are the repercussions that come afterwards.
Next, according to John A. Studebaker, Jr; a sin is one of the greatest obstacles of the church today is this very issue. We no longer see ourselves as sinners’ in need of forgiveness. Perhaps, sin used to be a problem, but now we’ve outgrown that. So while the church has a solution for the problem of sin, it’s a non-problem in the eyes of most Americans at least not a serious problem.
Further, when it comes to sin, transgression, and Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ is the bridge to mankind and sin. What I am trying to say here is that in my personal life, I know that according to the 2nd step in AA/NA there is a power that is greater than myself that can restore me to sanity. This is one of my steps that allow me to realize that I am not all by myself. God and Jesus Christ are there whenever I need them. I know that Jesus Christ is the mediator between man and God.
I know for myself that God is able to do all things; as well as Jesus Christ His Son. I know that my expectations might be different than any average person. I know that what I expect to do is survive in a changing society that has many different people from various nationalities.
In addition, I know that sin is both avoidable and non avoidable in many cases. I know that no matter how I am in my life, I cannot avoid sin. I can avoid committing any form of sin; especially; the violent acts that exist in America. I know for myself as a person in recovery, I can control my speech and tongue whenever I am talking with others. I know that I am still a work in progress. This means that I am not a perfect person, but as long as there is Jesus Christ in my life as my personal savior, I know that I am healed from all of my injuries.
I am healed from all of my sicknesses and illnesses. I know that Jesus Christ is the one who is responsible for blessing each day of the week.
Moreover, we all have fallen short of the glory of God. I know that we are all born into sin. Ever since the first sin had taken place between Adam and Eve, it has been very difficult for people to accept the first concept of original sin. For some, many believe that the original sin was only a myth. This is according to Charles Darwin Theory as well as those who do not believe in God. Just because the first sin had taken place, does not mean that mankind is completely doomed.
We all still have a chance to be with Jesus Christ. I still have a chance to be with Him because I believe that He died for my sins personally and Jesus Christ died and came back to life.
Therefore, I believe Jesus Christ is the bridge between sin, transgression, debt, and trespasses. Everybody on earth belongs to God. The Lord said to me personally in a dream that He is not finished with me yet. This means that God has a great deal of tasks for me to complete for Him. Jesus Christ has expectations for us as well. Jesus Christ is somebody; he is a spirit that exists inside of all of us. Holiness is on top of the line. When you become a child of God, you are somebody. All souls belong to God. Even if you commit sin itself, your soul belongs to Christ. Call on Jesus; help is immediate. Keep on praying because praying helps when it comes to communicating with Jesus Christ.
Also, grace is something that you didn’t deserve. Grace is a gift. This is a special gift that God has for man through His son Jesus Christ. We have to accept the gift. We should accept this through faith.
Grace is an unmerited favor. Faith is the knowledge of knowing who God is with going through judgment. It is the knowledge if knowing Jesus without proof; not of works. It is not enough. Sanctifying faith is when we do our works because it is your worship to the Lord.
Finally, we are alive in Jesus Christ each day of our living lives. We will be lifted up and sit with Him each day as long as we believe. This is my bridge between Jesus Christ and myself. I am trying to say that a bridge between God, Jesus Christ, man, and sin is very important. This is a bridge that is very important in our lives. For instance, God is in charge of everything in life. Jesus Christ is second in command and man- himself as well as women is last. Women are considered as the weaker sex among men according to 1st Peter 2:7.
Pop culture sometimes obsesses over bad behavior—who’s doing the wrong things, who’s saying the wrong words, and who’s to blame. Our most popular movies and books often depend on the “good guys versus bad guys” storyline. Whether we know it or not, we’re obsessing over sin.
The same goes for church culture. Pastors and priests preach about sin on Sundays. Small group leaders encourage you to confess it. Jesus and the apostles never shy away from bringing it up. And churches throughout history have been celebrating a 40-day season called Lent, which is devoted to reflections about sin and its ongoing corruption.
But what is sin? And what does the Bible say about it?
Perhaps you’ve developed a mental checklist of what constitutes a sin. Depending on your background, that list may include moralistic stuff like lying, cheating, cussing, lust, drunkenness, etc.
Maybe sin has been weaponized against you with threats of fiery torture and condemnation. And many of us have used sin to measure ourselves against others—am I better than that person? Am I doing okay? Am I a “good” person? Am I worthy of love, forgiveness, and acceptance?
Contrary to some popular assumptions, when the biblical authors talk about sin, they are talking about something much deeper and more complex than regulatory lists of good and bad behaviors or good guys versus bad guys. They’re talking about a corruption of God’s good world that shows up in human relationships and choices, something that we do and something that happens to us.
The story starts with God creating everything and repeatedly calling it good (or tov in Hebrew; see Gen. 1
for all seven references). But then a snake enters the narrative, corrupting that goodness. As the story unfolds, the biblical authors use language like “sin,” “iniquity,” and “transgression” to explain this corruption and the harm it causes. So let’s take a closer look at what these words mean so we can understand the authors’ perspectives.
Defining Sin: Missing the Goal
The Hebrew word khata’ is most commonly translated as “sin.” Khata’ means “to fail” or “to miss the goal,” and the word is not always about morality.
In Judges 20:16
, we learn that a slingshot expert who successfully nails the bullseye does not khata’, which means he does not fail or miss the target. Similarly, we read in Proverbs 19:2
that people who act hastily while traveling are likely to khata’—to miss their intended destination.
So if sin is missing a goal, what’s the goal?
When God creates humanity in his divine image, he sets the goal. Genesis 1:26
captures an interesting statement from God, “Let us make humankind in our image, after our likeness,” reminding us that this single God exists in three different yet undivided persons—Father, Word, and Spirit—inseparable but distinct, forever together in unbreakable love. To be created in the image of a God like this suggests that humanity’s most essential nature is divine love. Living with love for God and one another and all creation is our primary human goal. Choosing to not love invites corruption into the goodness of creation, so it is khata’—sin.
In Genesis 3
Cursed are you more than all cattle,
And more than every beast of the field;
And between your seed and her seed;
He shall bruise you on the head,
And you shall bruise him on the heel.”
In pain you will bring forth children;
Yet your desire will be for your husband,
, the first human beings miss the goal of loving God when they ignore his instruction and redefine good and bad on their own terms. Their choice fractures their relationship with God and each other, leading to death. In the next chapter (Gen. 4
), we see the Bible’s first use of khata’. Cain is faced with the decision to be truly human and love his brother or to corrupt himself and others by murdering his brother Abel.
God warns Cain: “If you do not choose what is good, khata’ (sin) is crouching at the door. It wants you, but you can rule over it” (Gen. 4:7
). Here, the author describes sin as something outside of Cain, like a crouching predator waiting to attack and destroy life. But Cain can resist sin if he chooses to—he can rule over the crouching beast.
Examining khata’ in the Hebrew Bible simultaneously makes the idea of sin clearer and more mysterious. Sin is like a crouching monster outside of us, waiting to pounce and corrupt by tempting us to be unloving toward God and others. But every human can reject it by choosing to aim for the truest human goal—becoming infinitely loving toward God and others.
Dysfunctional Family!!
What does it mean to come from a dysfunctional family?
Good Evening and God Bless You!! I have a very important question to ask everyone. What does it mean to come from a dysfunctional family? I am asking this important question because according to the Pew Research Center; it specifically states that 54% of the families in the United States come from dysfunctional families in 2017. The reason why is simply because there is a history of drug and alcohol abuse in families in the United States. However, according to the Pew Research Center it states that 46% of families are a two parent family or are remarried in 2017.
Next, I want to inform everyone that the very first dysfunctional was Adam and Eve in the Bible. This is simply because Adam and Eve’s Son Cain killed Abel because God favored his younger brother over him. Throughout the Bible, it has been confirmed in Genesis 25:1-40, during the Esau and Jacob story, states that Esau wanted to kill his brother Jacob because Jacob robbed Esau of his father’s divine inheritance. Jacob deceived his father by tricking him by using goat skins on his arms and body to pretend to be his brother Esau.
Further, I want to inform all of you that even David, a man after God’s own heart came from a dysfunctional family himself. David was a man who had numerous of wives, and his children rebelled against him. Even though David was king of Israel. He still had family problems. I want to state that in the Bible, it promoted polygamy. It is not very easy being in a dysfunctional family to begin with.
Moreover, according to the United States Department of the Census, in 2016, less than 69% of the children come from two parent families. While in dysfunctional families, 55% of the same children are in this type of family. A dysfunctional family is a family that has a lot of strict rules. Most of these families have domestic violence, physical, mental, and emotional abuse, inside of these families. When it comes to this type of family, there are children who are inside of the home all by themselves. The definition of this type of children are called latch key. This is because their parents are working outside of the home. It really hurt these children because they really miss their parents.
In Addition, when it comes to a dysfunctional family, it really causes problems in the family. Children do not perform very well in school because they are worried about the things that are going on inside of their home. The siblings inside of a dysfunctional family, there are roles that each child participate in just to maintain the family household. This is very true because I had to fulfill obligations inside of my own family myself. It really hurts me to say this because I am the oldest person inside of my family.
Also, I had to take care of my siblings from age 7 to 16. This is because my mother and stepfather were gone most of the time. There were times when my mother did not come home and take care of the children. She was there at least 65% of the time. This is the truth in minority families. When it comes to my individual family, I had to seek refuge at my grandmother’s house. My grandmother’s house was a safe haven for me and my siblings. My stepfather was an alcoholic. He was very aggressive towards me and my siblings. It really hurts me writing this because my own family do not respect me like I want them to.
In Summary, a dysfunctional family can be a man and a woman that is not married. It is a very serious problem because younger people under the age of 50 live together inside of a household before marriage. According to the Census Bureau, in 2017, 65% of them are living together without marriage. This age group prefer to live together first before getting married. Other statistics states that this age group obtain a divorce within the first few years of marriage. In some cases, the police are called to their residence just to keep the peace. It is not easy living inside of a household with someone who had or has been raised inside of a dysfunctional family. The reason why because either the man or woman wants control of the household. Control is always an issue in dysfunctional family. Financial problems are another issue inside of a dysfunctional family. In 2018, women want to work outside of the home. Women want to obtain a college education. If a woman is inside of a dysfunctional family household right now, she is more likely to leave the residence permanently and do not come back. Men are the same way. It is that men want women to accept them and understand them more than a man understanding a woman. Therefore, it takes two people with a sound mind and common sense to maintain a household.
In Conclusion, it is time for a member of a household to get closer to God. If a household is able to compromise, and understand each other, there is a likelihood that a family will thrive, if not, then there are problems that need to be resolved between each family member. Therefore, life is what you make of it.
