Humility is a rare, universally admired characteristic that is far removed from natural human behavioral propensities. It’s rarity stems from an inordinately difficult acquisition process that requires, time, tribulation and the Holy Spirit.
Job bitterly complains because he cannot fathom a reason for the brutal sting of his afflictions. Wishing he had never been born, he pleads with God for a respite from suffering before death.
Agnostic students were customarily invited by Harvard chaplain George Buttrick to describe the God they didn’t believe in. They were usually met with the retort; “well I don’t believe in that God either”.
The descendants of Shem, Ham and Japheth spread abroad to form all the nations of the world. Ham’s sons, Canaan, Cush and Egypt are particularly noteworthy and play a prominent role in scripture.
When we wrong others we tend to assume of that sin as being limited in effect to the other person. When you perform any iniquity, including those against others, you sin against God!
(e.g. “Thus, sinning against your brothers and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ.” – 1Corinthians 8:12 also see Genesis 20:6)
Paul greaves over the unbelieving Jews but insists that effectual calling depends, not on human will, but on God’s mercy, creating vessels for both honor and dishonor from the same lump of clay.
Ultimately; theology and science are perfectly compatible as the objective of both is the same truth. The conflict lies in the inherent presuppositions, rather like comparing a chemical analyst to a wine connoisseur.
Jesus outrages scribes by forgiving sins and appalls Pharisees by dining with tax collectors and sinners. Jesus heals many and gives a legalism discourse making reference to a bridegroom, wineskins and patched garments.
A finite ‘word-of-faith’ deity, devoid of sovereignty, of physical form, who lives on a planet and capitulates to the will of his creation while bestowing on them health, wealth and divinity!
The messiah is promised as a great light to shine forth into darkness. The mighty God sits upon David’s throne and upon his shoulders the government shall rest. Judgement upon Israel is foretold.
