Jesus, an Upstander, & Me!
Jesus... as The Reign of God
What is the Reign of God?
The Reign of God is the time of God's reign, not the place of His reign. In other words, reign has to do with time and not a place.
Reign of God is inviting people into our universe of obligation. In Jesus' universe of obligation, everyone has a place of his/her own.
What is the Universe of Obligation?
JESUS
US
The name given to the circle of individuals and groups "toward whom obligations are owed, to whome rules apply, and whose injuries call for amends." (notes, 10/17/08)
Reign of god is inviting people into our universe of obligation.
(notes, 10/17/08)
In Jesus' universe of obligation, everyone has a place of his/her own.
We are all in God's Universe of Obligation. In God's reign, we are protected. He guides us in our decision making.
God wants us to expand our universe of obligation to include everyone, which also means criminals as well, instead of "throwing them away" by killing them off.
Death Penalty
Case Study
What's a death penalty?
A sentence of punishment by execution
(notes, 3/6/09)
God wants us to expand our universe of obligation and to include criminals as well because life has value since we are created in the image of God.
I can depend on God for guidance because I am part of His universe of obligation. He could help guide me and my conscience in the right direction.
My
Conscience
What is conscience?
Two Definitions:
Our awareness of right and wrong.
A sense of durty to do the good.
(notes, 2/23/09)
Our conscience is our spiritual guidance. They help us see the difference between the good and bad and help prevent us from doing the bad.
People could make mistakes in judging about good and evil.
Our conscience should always be respected. A person should not be forced to do something against his/her judgment.
(notes, 2/23/09)
My conscience helps me determine my decisions and figure out the consequences.
If I make a bad decision, my conscience would irritate me until I do someting good to make up for my actions.