Morality: In God's Image
(Lecture Notes from Mr. Kersey's 8th Grade Religion Class - Morality)
Scripture
God created man in his image; in the divine image he created him; male and female he created them. - Genesis 1:27
Dignity
- Dignity is the quality of being worthy of respect.
- This results from our being created in the image of God.
- All people have dignity.
Equality
- Equality: The fact that each human has dignity and deserves respect makes us truly equal. God's love does not discriminate.
- God loves us regardless of race, gender, appearance, religion, or background. God does not even stop loving us when we sin.
Differences
- Even though we are equal in God’s eyes, we also have differences.
- These differences show us that we need each other.
Stereotypes
- Sometimes it is easy to stereotype other people.
- This can prevent us from getting to know the true person.
- Making generalizations about people and things is normal. It is one way of learning.
- But when we stop at the generalization it can become a stereotype.
Created for Covenant
- Both the stories of the Old Testament and the death and resurrection of Jesus remind us that God has created a covenant with us.
- This covenant, or sacred agreement, reminds us that we are in a relationship with God.
Grace
- To help us in our relationship with Him, God gives us grace.
- Grace is God’s life in us through the Holy Spirit.
- Grace can be difficult to define.
- Grace can most easily be thought of as the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit all rolled into one amazing gift.
- Grace cannot be earned, only given to us by God.
- Grace is what helps us respond to God’s call and to eventually get into heaven.
Faith
- Grace can also lead us to faith.
- Faith is also a gift from God.
- Faith is the desire to seek out God and believe in Him.
Better Lives
- Both faith and grace make our lives better.
- People who allow God’s grace and faith into their lives are happier, healthier people.
A Rough Road
- Living a faith-filled, moral life is not always easy.
- If you are not on a path to God, you are on a path away from Him.
- God gives us the tools to follow Him, but we must choose to do so.