A proper concept of holiness terminates in the obvious-whatever belongs to a pure and righteous God must correspond with His nature, and be responsive to the uses of a pure and spiritual service. It matters little whether or not Christianity makes men rich; but it does matter that it make them truer, purer, and more noble. A character of this nature can only come about through a definite, instantaneous work of grace known to us as
Christians believe that God created the world and all that is in it. It is believed that humanity is created in the image of God, and that God gave people free will therefore there is good and evil in the world. The Ten Commandments are guidelines received by Moses from God on how adherents can lead good lives. They should not be avoided in fear of punishment, but embraced as a way to be saved from The Fall, where humans make sinful choices. Adherents believe meaning can be found in their response to evil and suffering.
Gifts of the Spirit and fruits of the Spirit are not one and the same. Fruits of the Spirit are produced in the life of a believer by the Holy Spirit. The fruits of the Spirit occur at some time after conversion and are related to the work of sanctification or the believer being set apart by God as holy. Spiritual gifts are given by God to be used to perform functions and service to Him. They are refined as we hone the fruits given to us by God.
Beginning in chapter 12 Paul discussed how Christians are to live. In Romans 12:1 Paul urges the Christians: “in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.” Paul continuously reminds the people to live above reproach and renew their minds so that they do not become part of the world. In the entire book of Romans Paul discusses the topic of how we as Christians should live, but Moo makes a great point in our book of how chapter 12 is a more in depth teaching on this matter. Moo states that "All theology is practical, and all practice, if it is truly Christian, is theological. Paul's gospel is deeply theological, but it is also eminently practical.
The only way for a client to change is to truly accept God and allow Him to lead them in His direction and in His time. As stated in 2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." God changes us all when we believe and follow in Him. He is the ultimate healer of all problems. The Human Personality It is important to understand how the human personality works in order to be able to counsel the client.
I believe many of us regard the Spirit as something of an essence or wind-like force that surrounds us and leads us to be like God. The Holy Spirit is not a wind. Like God and Jesus, the Holy Spirit has all the qualities of a person. This is invaluable as we consider our relationship to the Spirit, for if the Spirit is not a personified being – if he is only a surrounding essence – how can we have a true relationship with him. And this true relationship is one of the main advantages of being human – that we are “a little lower than God and crowned with glory and honor.” (Psalm 8:5) This is proven in John 14 because as Jesus, whose relationship with the Spirit is incomparable, talks of the Spirit, he uses the pronouns he and him – not it.
Throughout the story Michael’s will is tested, but he stands strong in what he believes and puts all his faith and trust in God. There is something about him, and his look makes men treat him with respect. Michael knows what he is about, even if the rest of the world doesn’t. “Redeeming Love” is a story of God’s unconditional love. Michael Hosea plays the role of Hosea from the Old Testament.
Jesus taught us a new definition for greatness, the word servant. “Anyone can be great, because anyone can serve.” He gave of Himself. Jesus showed us all by example how to be great; by giving our lives in service to God. His service to humankind was motivated by Love. Mark Twain said, “Kindness (Love) is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” That is the language that Jesus spoke.
Pity is found in the human face. Love is found in the divine human form. Peace can be found in the human appearance. So by process of association, when men pray to god in thankfulness, they are praying back to their human form. And no matter what, all men must love each other because inside each man resides god.
Christian love essentially unites persons with the ontological good – originated from God – and transforms the self to be concerned both for oneself and the good of others on the level of identity. This article presents a more subtle critical analysis of self-interest – an sich a-moral - while it proposes self-love not only as a necessary condition to undertake genuine morality but also as a guarantee for the moderation of self-interest. KEY WORDS: Agape, love, self, self-interest, selfishness, self-love. Introduction In most ethical discourses, one may observe confusion between an act of selfishness, self-interest, and self-love. Some seem to intentionally mystify their meaning while others inadvertently employ them interchangeably to explain one’s act in relation to oneself.