Did you make a New Years Resolution? Some resolve to be themselves, to find out who they are. Taylor Swift gave the commencement address to recent NYU graduates, and said: "I've got good news and bad news: it's totally up to you". Not the most hopeful of statements.
What is a human? Challenges include:
1. Artificial Intelligence is used in many places. Algorithms.
2. Abortion euthanasia
3. Human rights
4. LGBTQ
5. Gender designations
6. Hookup culture & pornography
7. Entertainment
8. Insufficient identity markers don't completely describe who you are.
Fundamental passage Genesis 1, the 6th day of creation v 24-31. God made the animals, then made man in His own image, made them male and female. He gave the plants for food.
What does it mean to be made in the image of God? It doesn't mean that we're made in the physical image of God. Instead we reflect resemble God. Every human being is made in his image. The best place to see God is in His people. We love our pets. But God only put His seal on humans.
Four ways we reflect God's image.
1. Rule. Let them rule over creation, over animals etc.
2. Relationships. God created man both male and female. Genesis 2 it's not good for man to be alone. We are hard wired to have a relationship with God. Amazing how many people have been praying this week for Damar Hamlin. We're made to relate to God.
3. Responsibility. Be fruitful and multiply. Distinguish between wrong and right.
4. Respect. Genesis 9:6. For in the image of God, He made mankind.
You were created on purpose, for a purpose. Some people don't see this. They see abuse of rules, no responsibility, etc. This is where the gospel comes in. Brokenness and sin had come into the world. People trust themselves instead of God. Not desiring God, but our own pleasures. But Jesus came to this world, treating people with love and truth and grace. Not a victim on the cross, but victory over death.
We come to church because Jesus isn't the center of our life, but we want to return move back toward Him. Clay's prayer: that all would find life in Jesus.
Next week: work life. God's design for work. Later on being male & female. Later marriage and dating.
1. Rule. Let them rule over creation, over animals etc.
2. Relationships. God created man both male and female. Genesis 2 it's not good for man to be alone. We are hard wired to have a relationship with God. Amazing how many people have been praying this week for Damar Hamlin. We're made to relate to God.
3. Responsibility. Be fruitful and multiply. Distinguish between wrong and right.
4. Respect. Genesis 9:6. For in the image of God, He made mankind.
You were created on purpose, for a purpose. Some people don't see this. They see abuse of rules, no responsibility, etc. This is where the gospel comes in. Brokenness and sin had come into the world. People trust themselves instead of God. Not desiring God, but our own pleasures. But Jesus came to this world, treating people with love and truth and grace. Not a victim on the cross, but victory over death.
We come to church because Jesus isn't the center of our life, but we want to return move back toward Him. Clay's prayer: that all would find life in Jesus.
Next week: work life. God's design for work. Later on being male & female. Later marriage and dating.
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