Comprehensive Biblical Studies and Christian Ethics Notes

Biblical Perspectives on Creation and Human Sexuality

  • The Biblical Basis for Sexuality (Genesis 1:271:27):
    • The scripture states, "God created man in his own image, in the image of God created him: male and female created He them."
    • This specific verse asserts that God established heterosexuality through the creation of the two distinct sexes, male and female.

The Nature and Consequences of a Fallen World

  • Impact of the Fall:
    • Living in a fallen world implies a fundamental shift in the state of creation.
    • A primary reality of the fallen state is that death became a reality, and all of creation was subsequently subjected to this reality.

Spiritual Disciplines: Prayer, Scripture, Meditation, and Fasting

  • Study and Memorization of Scripture:

    • Engaging in deep Bible study and the memorization of scripture provides profound spiritual benefits.
    • The primary outcome identified for believers is that God would reveal Himself to them as believers in Christ Jesus.

  • Biblical Meditation:

    • Definition: Biblical meditation is the act of pondering the words of scripture with a receptive heart while trusting the Holy Spirit to work within the individual through those words.
    • It is distinct from other forms of meditation as it focuses specifically on the divine revelation of the Holy Spirit through the text.

  • Biblical Fasting:

    • Definition: This is a spiritual discipline characterized by self-denial.
    • It involves the intentional abstaining from things that promote the development of the flesh, thereby refocusing the believer on spiritual growth and discipline.

Christian Ethics, Integrity, and Work

  • Academic and Personal Integrity:

    • Integrity is a core value in Christian ethics.
    • Students who engage in cheating during examinations are described as lacking integrity.

  • The Theology of Work (Colossians 3:23−243:23-24):

    • The scripture mandates: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward."
    • Key Principles:
      • The ultimate master for a Christian is God, not human figures.
      • Working for God is considered superior to working for man.
      • The reward for faithful work is a divine inheritance from the Lord rather than merely temporal compensation.

Marriage and Social Conduct

  • Christian Marriage Standards:

    • Christianity does not endorse polygamy, adhering instead to the principle of monogamy.
    • To uphold this, the church officially endorses marriage under the ordinance.

  • Interpersonal Reconciliation:

    • Based on biblical teachings regarding conflict, if a Christian remembers that a brother or sister has something against them, specific action is required.
    • The individual should first go and be reconciled to that person before coming to offer their gift to God.

Governance and Definitions of Power

  • Ghana's Executive Structure:

    • Seat of Government: The current seat of government in Ghana is located at The Golden Jubilee House.
    • Power of the Executive: Within the tripartite structure of government, the executive arm holds the specific power to enforce laws (distinguished from making laws—Legislative—or interpreting laws—Judicial).

  • Definition of Violence:

    • Violence is defined as the intentional use of physical force or power, threatened or actual, against oneself, another person, or against a group or community.
    • To qualify as violence, the act must either result in or have a high likelihood of resulting in:
      • Injury
      • Death
      • Psychological harm
      • Mal-development
      • Deprivation

Academic Supervision

  • Course Lecturers:
    1. Dr. Adina Addy
    2. Rev. Dr. Charles Amanor Commey
    3. Dr. Cephas Narh
    4. Ms. Esther