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INTRODUCTION
The video tonight will mix the doctrine of man with the doctrine of sin. What is man, but also what is evil? My message today
focuses specifically on what is unique about the Biblical view of man, and how it is different from other philosophies and
religions. The highest value to human kind is given through Judeo-Christian philosophy/theology found in the Holy Bible.
ILLUS: Video Clip from Dr. William Provine, on evolutionist view of man.
Much of what I am saying you should already know, what I hope is different is you are seeing this evidence as proof of the validity
of Judeo-Christianity only. You will not see all these things in any other religion/philosophy.
1. Created in the Image of God Genesis 1:26-27
- A living God created a living being. Image provides us with intelligence/mind, will, emotions, reasoning. Also provides
moral awareness of right and wrong, understanding consequences, ability to communicate multiple ways, to organize, and
best of all to have relationship with the Creator Himself that provides us with eternal life.
- This more than anything else separates us from the rest of creation - taken all evidence together we are not evolved, a
monkey is not our uncle.
- Man is not a result of a cosmic accident, controlled by fate, or a product of our environment. We are a special
creation of God, the crown of creation, endowed with His image.
2. Cursed with fallenness Romans 5:12; 7:15-24
- This is the one negative in the list, but essential. For recognition of sin is the first step to redemption. We are
sinners by nature (Adam) and choice.
- We are fallen, sinners. There is a fatal flaw in our genetic makeup - we like to sin, it offends God, damages our body,
soul, spirit, relationships.
- Our root problem is not cultural, social systems, environment, political oppression, economic depravation - but sin.
- Though cursed, we do have the ability to take responsibility for our sin, not to play the blame game. But realize there
is fallenness in all that we do. Without intervention, we are hurtling toward self-destruction.
- Yet we still carry with us the image of God though damaged, it is not irreparable. QUOTE Ryrie: “One may say it
was defaced though not erased, if man lost it we would be no longer a living rational being.” (192)
3. Changed by the Cross of Christ Romans 7:25-8:3; 5:5
- Salvation, redemption, reconciliation, transformation
- QUOTE Ryrie “Regeneration and sanctification serve to renew the believer according to the image of Christ to
whose image we shall someday be perfectly conformed. Only grace can do this.” (192)
- The spiritual hope for man is not nirvana, or self-actualization, or leveling of classes as Marxism states, or economic
equality as liberalism states - not difference between the two false philosophies. Christ Alone!
HYMN: “Guilty, vile and helpless we, Spotless Lamb of God was He, Full atonement can it be? Hallelujah, what
a Savior!”
4. Cultivation of the creation - Cultural mandate Genesis 1:28; Eccl 5:18-19
- Take care of creation, called to work and be creative.
- Creative to make life beneficial - amazed at man&rquo;s creativity
ILLUS: Flying - how planes fly, looking at what man has done. Inventions: iron, printing press, uses of oil -
engines, hydraulics, plastics, discovery of electricity, electronics, greatest of inventions - sliced bread.
- Value of education, science, great centers of learning start by Christians.
- Implies we take responsibility, self-discipline in self-government.
ILLUS: Where Christianity is - culture, technology, standard of living go up.
5. Commitment to the Sanctity of all of life Psalm 139:13-16
- From the womb to the tomb. We care for unborn, handicapped, aged.
- Reject abortion, infanticide, euthanasia, value all life as a gift from God.
6. Complete hope beyond this life for Believers Phil. 1:21-23, Luke 23:43
- see death as a transition from earth to eternity.
- We honor the dead, respect for the body, a creation of God.
- For a believer funerals are not hopeless, sad of course, lose of an earthly treasured relationship, but they live
beyond this life in the presence of God and in a world of glory.
- Sadly, there is no hope for the unbeliever Rev. 20:15
CONCLUSION/APPLICATION
No other religion or philosophy can provide you with all of these values. They can come up with some counterfeits, but they are
illusions and lies, and very temporary not eternal. Thus, all mentioned here is wasted if you do not know Jesus Christ as your
Savior.
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