Understanding God's Redemptive Purpose In Genesis

The Genesis account of creation also contradicts secular evolution, which theorizes that all life, including humans, evolved over billions of years from lower life forms by natural processes. Theories of origins that accommodate evolution (gap theory, day theory, age theory, revelatory day theory, theistic evolution, etc.) have all generally proven inadequate explanations of the obvious contrast between the biblical account of creation and general evolutionary theory. The results of the naturalistic evolutionary hypothesis have left a spiritual void that “erases all moral and ethical accountability and ultimately abandons all hope for humanity.

The major crisis for the newly created world comes in chapter 3 with the fall of Adam and Eve into sin. This resulted in their expulsion from the garden of Eden because of their sinful acts of rebellion against God. Their descendants followed in the rebellious ways of their parents, resulting in what would become the beginning of the continuing story of human depravity and its terrible consequences. Spiritual death and human suffering came immediately as the result of their sin and eventually led to their physical death (3:3,19). As a result, apostle Paul observes, “death reigned” because of Adam’s sin (Rom 5:14). Thus, the one biblical doctrine for which there is no lack of empirical evidence is the depravity of the human race.

While the immediate consequences of human sin brought guilt, shame, fear, and broken communication with the Creator (Gen 3:7–13), God graciously confronted Adam and Eve asking, “Where are you?” (3:9) and “What is this you have done?” (3:13). After pronouncing the penalty for their sin, God provided for their redemption by clothing their inadequacy (3:21) and predicting their ultimate salvation by the “seed” of the woman who would “crush” (NIV) the head of the serpent (3:15). This promise of the annihilator of the wicked instigator by the promise of a human conqueror was the first prophecy of the Bible. It has often been called the protoevangelium or what Aalders called “the gospel announced by God Himself to our first parents.”7 No time frame is indicated, but the bible reader would see the first ray of hope to enlighten the human predicament.

Most importantly, the protoevangelium (Gen 3:15) made clear that one day God would send one who would defeat God’s enemy. This would eventually allow for the restoration of everything to God’s original design and restore man’s position as theocratic administrator. Thus, the information presented in Genesis 1–3 would help Israel understand why redemption was necessary. Putting this together with Gen 12:1–3 would help any keen reader understand why the nation was singled out for the special purpose of mediating God’s redemptive blessings. Such blessings would ultimately restore God’s original intent in creation that was lost in the fall.

The material matter collected in the reading of Genesis will therefore bring to light the redemptive purpose. And why it was prudent for the child to be born, grow and defeat the enemy.

Speaking Out

Paul came to Corinth aware of the philosophical leanings in this colony. Great images were dotting Athens which then, was the academic hub in that civilized world, and boasting of great intellectual prowess among other colonies in the larger brutal Roman Empire. Diana the goddess commanded respect among the people in the former world power under Alexander the Great, but now relegated to the periphery by the dominance of the Roman Empire. But citizens in this colony were still proud of their unrivaled worldly wisdom.

The 'might' this world generously offers, or its wisdom cannot supersede the intents of God. "Science is good, but it can't bring an end to the suffering of a human soul, that craves for freedom from its enslaved sin nature." In their thinking, the elite in Athens had mesmerized the hoi polloi with philosophical  stances. They believed in nothing else other than in the wisdom of their deities. Diana the goddess of fertility was still reverenced. And any threat to her, or doctrines that pointed to her as a goddess, were met with utter disdain, and disturbances that would literally result in great persecution. 

Paul grew up as Jew in the diaspora; where he was able to acquire his Roman citizenship. The commercial hub of Tarsus had hosted people from other nations that were under the Roman rule. He was send by his father to the religious capital ( Jerusalem) to further his education in pharisaical theology, under the tutelage of the renowned Hebrew scholar Gamaliel, because in part, the Jews loathed the worship of idols, but still participated in many of the Gentiles revelings. So he had to get the best of what the Jewish scholars would give.

Loathing any form of worship, and practically doing most of the things, or practices, that are synonymous with those worshipping in a different way, can not make one look different, or even better.

After his conversion, fired up for the Lord, he began to preach the same gospel he was opposed to. When true conversion comes, there is always a desire so strong that nothing can quench it, and it's all about pursuing after the things of God. Today the conversion has been reduced to something that means absolutely nothing in this present world. There has been a rush to get involved in ministry, and anybody can stand before a gathering and preach. 

Having encountered resistance from people of his stalk, he goes to the Gentiles to tell them about the risen Christ, the same one that was resisted by the top rabbinical echelon. As a trained young lawyer who could eloquently argue his case to both the Jewish and the learned Gentiles, Paul chose to be led of God.

He understood too well that Christ had to abide in him, and he was to remain sold out to Christ through ministry given to him by the grace of God. When he therefore comes to Corinth he understands nothing could sway the Corinthians other than the demonstrative power of God through his Spirit.

1Co 2:1  And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.

1Co 2:2  For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

1Co 2:3  And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.

1Co 2:4  And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

1Co 2:5  That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

This instance buttress the fact that Paul knew how to bring his testimony; even to those hitherto held a different view, more so, emanating from the belief system they had embraced over the years.

The whole city of Athens, was given to idolatry, and just as it is today, we have many forms of idolatry in a newer form, with a clever way of explaining as to why we have all these images. Christians today have given themselves to revelings in the guise of celebrating religious calendars, when in reality it's all about drinking and having fun.

It's not an open secret anymore that some Christians, especially those who preach, or sing in the worship teams, even pastors wives, participate in Halloween, and other cultural celebrations.

Well, how does that resonate with the word of God? How does one get dressed like a scary demon and still say they are sold out for Christ? Hosea captures that very well by telling Israel that " may people perish for lack of knowledge."

The spirit of Paul was stirred up in him on seeing how the entire city was given to idolatry, but the philosophers and the stoics mocking - christened him a 'babbler, and setter forth of strange gods,' because he preached Jesus and his resurrection.

It's not all about arguing our spiritual case eloquently to prove our point, rather to the contrary we are inclined at all times to know who we are in Christ, and speak audaciously about him, allowing the Spirit of God to lead us.

Paul allowed the demonstration of God's power to take prominence, and it was evidenced in his ministry at a time persecution was too glaring, and that would have prompted anyone that wasn't given up to christ completely beat a retreat. 

We are faced with myriad challenges, and some of us haven't been able to resist the allures of this life the world gives, even though, it hasn't stopped the few brave servants of God from keeping the fire burning, and challenging the status quo to live up to bible tenets.

In spite of what is happening, and shaping up as a new spiritual battle front, God is raising his servants who will remain categorical on all the bible indicators, and will never get themselves compromised; but shall stand for the truth.

It's time to teach the church the bible principles, and warn the church on the dangers lurking, and how the church can avoid yesteryears pitfalls. Holiness, righteous and right standing with God has to be discoursed without fear. It's not wrong to prosper, but this should not override what Christ rallied us for. Gospel tailored on the basis of prosperity will not free the human soul from the bondage of sin. It is good to prosper but that doesn't come to replace the core gospel values. It is time for us to speak up and allow God to take us to dimensions hitherto never experienced. 

Is The Present Day Christianity Missing The Point?

As 2015 gets underway we are inundated with questions needing urgent answers, especially touching on Christendom. Flurry of religious activities are widely reported as some of us come to terms with high numbers of clerics on the rise almost in every corner of the globe save for areas that aren't predominantly Christian. It's a good thing to see such a surge in ministry related activities, but a close look at what is being disseminated will make one cringe, as spiritual protocols and etiquette are quashed with abandon.

I am not a proponent of religiosity neither an ardent fan of what is channeled out, that sidelines Christ from the core Christian theme and relegates him to lower cadres within the structures we have mischievously conceived.

Being a bible expositor is something of a boon when dealing with wrong exegesis which have been contrived with a clear motive to circumvent the truth; in order to entrench our own theological order. That said, it can't be used to embellish revelatory ideologies that undermine the power of the cross biblically speaking.

Reading in the bible how the church was conceived, and the way the structures were divinely ordained, prompt some of us to shudder as a result of what we see being aggressively rolled out in the name of advancing Kingdoms' principles. In the very quest for truth, man has devised his/ her revelatory order - that contradicts the very existence of the scriptures that captures the mind of God in the realm of revelation.

Today, we are seeing on social media, and other relevant platforms emergence of a new trend that betrays the foundational gospel message preached by early New Testament patriarchs. We see all manner of religious regalia worn by men of the cloth which epitomizes according to those donning such outfits " the calling to certain office and right to it," though not thus said in a categorical sense, but it Is seen to so imply.

Jesus Christ was so simple in his illustrations and he led rather a humble life. He didn't create larger than life image of himself in his ministry heydays, on this, there is sharp contrast to what is being advanced by the clergy today, in terms of illustration, interpretation and lifestyle, because they're busy creating a larger than life image of themselves. 

His modus operandi, if you may call it was unique, it left scores of pundits of the day in awe by sheer wisdom he wielded. The way he expounded scriptures to his audience was baffling, and with godly aura around him he kept everything simple, teaching servant hood among his disciples. 

Today the gospel is marred by controversial statements, albeit, from a look of things, this has emanated from principals adopted by would be custodians of the mysteries of God. We have seen sugar-coating of the gospel almost everywhere making the word of God of none effect by sets of traditional approaches not hinged on the scriptures; but all from our cultural dictates and tastes.

We select, handpick men and women and dole out ministries as candies in the guise of hearing supernatural voice leading us, of which the audience isn't allowed to question but nod in approval even when the exercise doesn't measure up to the word of God. There is a criterion set in determining spiritual avocation. It is not the head of the "See" to pronounce you to certain office, but God to call you to some spiritual office. 

Literal Translation 

Act 13:1  And in Antioch some among the existing assembly were prophets and teachers: both Barnabas and Simeon, he being called Niger, and Lucius the Cyrenian, and Manaen the foster brother of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

Act 13:2  And while they were doing service to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, So then separate both Barnabas and Saul to Me, for the work to which I have called them.

Act 13:3  Then, having fasted and prayed, and placing hands on them, they let them go.

Looking at this very closely you will see that the office was not being doled out to yes men, or right hand people or cronies, but the very chosen of God into the apostolic office. No religious robes and rings were brought in, to be worn by them, neither was any liturgical order pronounced in carrying out a huge service which culminated in one donning fancy religious regalia and mimicking the apostolic succession order whatever that is.

We need to be sensitized on God's way of doing things, and be reminded that  man is fast abandoning that path in his quest for honor and prestige at the expense of the clarion call made by the Lord himself, which says He " take up your cross and follow me."

There are many scandals rocking the Christendom, because we have veered of the right path, and are now led by carnal dictates. We are busy competing for the worlds attention, instead of calling the world to Christ. Now what do we have in our midst? It's shame talking about those things reported in our midst, we can only say Lord have mercy on us. 

Why do we have doctrinal schism, if we all claim to ascribe to the same faith that has Jesus Christ as the head of the church? And why are we not cohesive enough in propagating the tenets of the Kingdom of God? It is because we are clouded with things that shouldn't be clouding us at this point in time. We must take heed and promote the gospel as illustrated by Christ, and live the gospel according to his command.

Our savior and Lord Jesus Christ shed his blood, paid the ransom and bought us with a price, we need to go back to the basics, and figure out where things went wrong, and revert to the first love. I do hope as I take in-depth analysis of what is gone wrong with a genuine heart, I will be able to find answers that will put me back to the track, and so is everyone called of God and has been agonizing over the very many things going wrong among the community of believers. God is ready to bless us, and move us to another level if we can acknowledge where we have erred and come back to him with humility. May this year see you promoted to another level in Jesus name!