[Oziie]

A Biblical concept of the study and existence of sin is required in every believer’s life walk with Christ. Understanding sin from the standpoint of God not only informs us of its seriousness, but also leads us to further thankfulness for God’s grace, and enables us to live victoriously through Christ. Without a Biblical understanding of sin, sin can easily become mundane, sin becomes excusable, and God’s dealings with man get misunderstood. But if we view sin in Scripture, we are more likely to appreciate the holiness of God and the work of salvation, and we become more intentional about pursuing righteousness.

Three things regarding sin from a Biblical perspective are:
A. Sin repels man from God:
Isaiah 59:2 informs us, “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you so that he will not hear.” This reminds us that sin is not merely an error or a bad habit—sin is a spiritual barrier that breaks fellowship with God.

B. Sin is a global problem:
Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Sin affects every human being. No one is exempt from its influence or consequence. This fact humbles us and helps us see the need for God’s mercy.

C. Sin leads to death, but God offers a solution:
Romans 6:23 instructs, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” The end of sin is death—spiritual removal from God—but God, who is kind, provided a plan of redemption in Jesus.

Learning correctly the first fact—that sin distanceth man from God—has made a real difference in my Christian life. It made me conscious of the things I do on a daily basis, knowing now that sin isn’t just about doing evil, it’s about refusing fellowship with an ever-loving Father. That made me realize I woke up to an unbearable desire to continue communion with God at all costs, to never be compromised and be quick to repent as soon as I sin. It has also deepened my appreciation for the sacrifice of Jesus, who bridged that gap through His death and resurrection.

In conclusion, knowing how sinful sin is to my walk with God has made me more intentional about holiness, prayer, and accountability. It keeps me in mind that God is not merely concerned with my obedience, but with my heart, and that being close to Him takes constant surrender and sensitivity to His truth.

[Oziie]

Praise God Before Seeing the Answer – A Posture of Faith and Trust

Praising God in expectation of answers to our prayers is a fundamental act and posture of faith, trust, and intimacy with God. It indicates that our trust is not in that which can be seen alone but in the unchanging character and promises of God. In doing so, we place ourselves in a biblical precedence of trusting worship and activate our spiritual position to receive in expectation.

Then, praising God prior to the answer shows faith in His faithfulness. Hebrews 11 says that “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Praising God before we witness the outcome declares that we have faith He is working even when we cannot see it. It’s a way of saying, “God, I trust You more than I understand.” That sort of praise glorifies God and stabilizes our walk with Him.

Secondly, early praise is an attitude of gratitude, not entitlement. It diverts our focus away from the problem and toward the God who is the problem solver. It reminds us that He has done it before, and He will do it again. This kind of praise aligns our hearts to see God’s hand at work in ways we otherwise wouldn’t. It also guards our hearts from bitterness, worry, and impatience, which find their way in when we’re focused on results.

Thirdly, praising God in advance becomes a prophetic declaration of victory. In 2 Chronicles 20, King Jehoshaphat sent singers ahead of the army to sing praises to the Lord, and God caused the enemies to kill each other. They conquered through worship. In Acts 16, Paul and Silas worshiped God in prison prior to any doors opening. Their worship opened heavenly intervention. These examples teach us that praise is not always a product of victory—it can be a prelude to it.

Lastly, this kind of praise enhances intimacy with God. It is not so much about what we get but about who He is. When we praise Him ahead of the answer, we are declaring that He is worthy—whether He decides to give us what we want or not.

In conclusion, praising God before seeing the answers is a faith-filled practice that honors Him, strengthens us, and invites His power into our situation. It’s a declaration that our hope is not in circumstances, but in the unchanging, all-powerful, ever-faithful God.

[Oziie]

Your essay offers a rich and reflective narrative of the verities involved in healing and health in the Lord’s Table, and I enjoy the parallels you drew between Old Testament Passover and New Testament Communion. It is powerful to see how the blood of the lamb in Exodus foreshadows Christ’s redemptive blood. You brought out so beautifully how the Communion is not just a memorial, but an experience of spiritual transaction—where believers re-affirm their healing, deliverance, and unity with Christ.

How you brought forth Isaiah 53:5 and 1 Peter 2:24 to demonstrate that healing is part of the atonement sticks to me. The fact that Christ purchased both sin and sickness on the cross provides such a great feeling of encouragement. And the bridge to James 5:14–15 is beautiful as it ties physical healing to healing spiritually, showing the completeness God wants His people to be.

Your statement in John 6:56, regarding taking Jesus’ DNA inside of us, is a real and intimate way of expressing the truth of Christ in us. Overall, your essay confirms that Communion is not only a memorial but really a sharing in the completed work of Christ, which is healing, forgiveness, and strengthening. Thank you so much for having such a Spirit-led understanding!

[Oziie]

I was especially encouraged by how you emphasized that worshiping God before receiving the answer is not only an act of faith but a declaration of trust in His character. It’s so true that when we fix our eyes on God and not the situation, the perspective shifts from one of fear to one of hope. I also appreciated the reminder in Hebrews 11:1—that faith is trusting even when we don’t have the big picture.

The biblical examples you highlighted, like Jehoshaphat and Paul and Silas, really struck me. They demonstrate to us that praise can be used as a spiritual weapon, not just a response to a triumph but a prelude to one. Sometimes we must remind ourselves that God is working behind the scenes, and our praise is a way of consenting to His will even before it is revealed fully.

I also loved your point regarding gratitude over entitlement. Praising in advance is a reminder that God’s faithfulness isn’t dependent on how or when He decides to respond. He is worthy nonetheless.

Though i’m familiar with all of these, your essay really spoke to my heart to be more intentional in praising God in advance before I see the fruit. It’s a good reminder to keep trusting and to worship anyway.

[Oziie]

Thank you for your thoughtful response. I completely agree that Scripture clearly affirms God as the originator of the soul, especially in Genesis 2:7 and Isaiah 42:5. These verses provide a solid foundation for the Creationist view and uphold the dignity of human life as directly formed and breathed into by God. I also appreciate your emphasis on the supernatural nature of the soul’s origin—something that transcends human understanding and scientific observation.

However, while the Creationist perspective honors God’s role, one area that still presents a theological challenge is the explanation of original sin. If every soul is directly created by God at conception, how then do we account for the inherited sinful nature of all humanity, as taught in passages like Psalm 51:5 and Romans 5:12? This is where Traducianism seems to offer a more coherent framework, as it connects the soul’s origin with human lineage and the fallen nature passed down from Adam.

I acknowledge that both views have their strengths and limitations. Ultimately, the mystery of the soul’s origin invites us into a deeper reverence for God’s creative power, even as we hold differing theological interpretations.

[Oziie]

This write-up thoughtfully emphasizes Jesus’ self-awareness of His divine identity during His earthly ministry. The exploration of Jesus’ deity is clear and well-grounded in Scripture, highlighting His relationship with the Father, His role as the Messiah, and His divine origin and authority.
John 2:16 effectively captures Jesus’ zeal for the temple as His Father’s house. It rightly connects His actions and declaration to His awareness of being the Son of God and His active role in safeguarding God’s worship.
John 4:25-26 provides a strong link between Jesus’ affirmation to the Samaritan woman and His divine mission as the Messiah. The acknowledgment of His power to forgive sins and reconcile humanity to God reflects a deep understanding of His redemptive role.
In John 6:32-33, the emphasis on Jesus as the true bread from heaven eloquently underscores His pre-existence and divine origin. The connection to His equality with God is well-made, revealing His role as the sustainer of eternal life.
Finally, the analysis of John 7:33 insightfully points to Jesus’ divine origin and destiny, affirming His unity with the Father.
This reflection powerfully demonstrates how Jesus’ words and actions reveal His deity.

[Oziie]

The Gospel of John presents a compelling case for the deity of Jesus Christ, emphasizing His divine nature and unity with God. Four passages—John 1:18, John 3:13, John 6:35-40, and John 20:28—highlight His unique identity and role in God’s redemptive plan.
John 1:18 declares, “No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.” Here, Jesus is identified as the “only begotten Son,” who reveals the invisible God. The phrase “in the bosom of the Father” signifies an intimate relationship, underscoring Jesus’ divine essence and eternal existence. This passage affirms that Jesus is not merely a prophet or teacher but the visible representation of the unseen God, fully qualified to make Him known.
In John 3:13, Jesus states, “No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven.” This verse highlights Jesus’ pre-existence and omnipresence, attributes belonging solely to God. His claim of coming down from heaven emphasizes His divine origin, while His reference to being “in heaven” even while on earth reveals His transcendence over time and space. Such statements confirm His unique identity as both fully God and fully man.
John 6:35-40 further affirms Jesus’ deity in His role as the sustainer of eternal life. Jesus declares, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.” By offering Himself as the source of spiritual nourishment and eternal life, Jesus assumes a role only God can fulfill. Moreover, in verses 38-40, He claims to have come from heaven to do the Father’s will, promising to raise believers on the last day. His authority over life and death unmistakably points to His divine power and purpose.
Finally, in John 20:28, Thomas proclaims, “My Lord and my God!” This declaration encapsulates the essence of Jesus’ deity. Thomas’ worshipful response acknowledges Jesus as both Sovereign Lord and the true God. Notably, Jesus accepts this worship, affirming His divine status and role within the Godhead.
These passages collectively testify to Jesus’ deity. Through His unique relationship with the Father, His pre-existence, His role as the giver of eternal life, and His acceptance of divine worship, Jesus is revealed as God incarnate—the Savior of the world. This truth remains foundational to the Christian faith, inviting believers to trust in Him as Lord and God.

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