Monday, January 27, 2020

The Justification By Faith

The Justification By Faith Justification is Gods divine intervention in the life of his children. To be justified simply means to be forgiven and out of the line of fire of Gods wrath against us due to sin. We all have some areas in our lives that we need Gods grace to come in and not cover, but to forgive. God has a planned purpose for all of His people no matter what ones past transgressions are. Gods aim is to have one to be in right relationship with Him and justification is the way that He accomplishes that. This is not to excuse ones self to self-righteous nature, but it ushers in the utter importance of dependence upon Christ and forever keeping in mind his atoning sacrifice on our behalf. Jesus death burial and resurrection is the basis in which this is accomplished. As we embark upon the endeavor of wrapping our minds around the notion of not having to walk around burdened down by our sins burdensome guilt stain, we begin to live a life of one who is free. We have to learn how to lay aside the weight and sin that has kept us in bondage for years. Justification bridges the gap between our old nature to the new nature and identity that one has in Christs blood covering. No longer can we trade biblical standards for the ways of the world, for in doing so, we place ourselves back into our former mind state. A life in Christ is about forward progression and not a backwards digression. We have to learn how to persevere in the things of Christ without wavering. We have to show forth evidence that our mind has been renewed and our past no longer is a hindrance in our right now of life. Without faith, justification would not be possible. Faith is the key that unlocks my identity in Christs planned will for our lives. It can be experienced by having faith and in submission to  [1]  salvation. One who has faith is one whos actively tries to align their lives with the example of Christ. It allows one to come to see the destructive power of sin and turn from it through repentance. Faith causes one to seek out Christ on a much deeper level. Before one can understand faith, you have to understand the nature of God. As we are justified by faith, we experience a peace with God that is unexplainable. One who does not share in the justifiable faith brings about condemnation upon themselves. We have neither the power nor the intellectual skill level in order to pronounce ourselves justified. Even at our very best, we still fall short when measured up against the standards of God. Without the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit, the gospel of Jesus Christ has no merit upon our lives. One whose mind is deeply rooted in sin cannot possibly seek after nor comprehend the things of the spirit. The spirit seeks after things of the spirit while things that are of the flesh seek after fleshly things. Sin will cause one to deny their inner awareness of the existence of God. We have evidences all throughout the Bible, yet sin still blinds the eyes of those who choose to develop a cognitively distorted views of who God is. Understanding justification is one of the most critical parts of the Christian faith. Once one comes to the realization of the true essence of justification, one can experience the joy of the gospels message. There has been a great divide amongst those who favor a false view of works as being the source of justification while its true essence is derived by faith alone. Justification is explicit in the process by which God makes salvation applicable in the life of an individual. After God calls the individual unto himself through the gospels effectual pull, regeneration begins to usher one towards repentance as well as faith. Justification follows faith and righteousness in the viewpoint of God belongs to us. In the sight of God, we are declared just and have no penalty charged for our past, neither present, nor future sins. As we find our identity in God, the guilt charge of condemnation is not applicable in the believers life as we are covered once and for all by the sacrificial atonement of Jesus Christ. As we are enlightened on the subject of justification and how it correlates with the sacrifice of Jesus, we discover that this is the third observation of impartation. This righteousness that is freely given in Christ is what God sees when He looks upon his people. Our goal in this life ought not to be to have a righteousness of our own, but rather we must allow Christ to be our wisdom, our knowledge, and our guide. Our righteousness depends on our faith. The most essential heart of the gospel of Jesus Christ is his perfection in the area of righteousness. He commands of us to be you holy as I am holy. This command is not an option, but one that is of great importance if one would like to experience the fullness of Christ. Without justification, we would have no assurance of our forgiveness with God, and no confidence in our heart where the fullness of faiths instrumental cause. If we were to rely on our own strengths and were not forever mindful of our weaknesses, there would be no room for Gods grace and will leave no room for error as our faith would lays upon our imperfect selfs. Faith solely in self clouds and confuses ones view of Gods grace and ultimately destroys the heart of the gospel.  [2]   Justification by Grace Alone All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Since we are not morally competent enough to forgive ourselves or save ourselves from utter depravity, God institutes His grace and favor upon a dying world that has not the ability to redeem itself. Salvation is a free gift through the grace of God that stands apart from any works that we human beings may be able to perform. For it is by the grace of God that we are saved through faith and not by works lest any man shall boast (eph. 2; 8-9). Grace falls in direct contrast with our works and merit in such a way that grace is the only thing that saves us while justification is in direct sequence with our salvific experience. Justification through Faith in Christ In order to be justified, we have to have faith in Jesus Christ, and not works of any law of sorts. We are not justified by any inherent reason goodness of our faith as our faith earns no favor with God. Faith is the determining factor in which the obtaining of justification is possible. There is a reason why God chooses faith as the vehicle on the road to justification. Faith in the true and living God and the sacrifice of Christ is the one thing that will keep one from depending on oneself. When we come to Christ in a total dependency upon him, it is a total act of submission to the ways and the will of God. It is to say that one is totally and whole heartedly dependent upon God solely. Jesus gives one a righteous standing before God. Faith is the  [3]  opposite of self-reliance and is a declaration in the hearts and minds of those who are covered under grace. One has to have an attitude that is in alignment with thankful adoration for Gods unmerited favorable choice. The doctrinal implication of justification by faith is of upmost importance to salvation. This not only gives one hope within them, but it is a testimony to others who may be at the cross roads of unbelief. Life in Christ has an eternal cognitive. One who ministers Christ to another must attest an accurate depiction of the total submission and reliance upon what a life of faith looks like from an eternal view. When you are justified, you dont have to worry about God taking out vengeance out on ones past sins. As we come before the Lord, we shall hear not guilty as a result of the devils accusations. In conclusion, one has to be confident in Gods declaring a not guilty plea upon their lives. We are justified by faith in Christs unselfish sacrifice in which gives us a pardon from our past sins. There is therefore no condemnation in those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:31). We can now live a life free of the guilt and stain of our sins. Gods unmerited favor is what allows us to be covered by the blood of Jesus. Christ made a sacrifice to justify.

Sunday, January 19, 2020

Mersault and His Trial in Albert Camus’s “The Stranger” Essay

Is there truly any justice in the novel The Stranger, written by Albert Camus? This is a question that naturally protrudes throughout the novel, as it is not abundantly clear what Meursault, the protagonist, was, in fact, put on trial for. At the beginning of the second part of the narrative, it is understood that he is put on trial for the murder of an Arab; however, it later comes to our attention that the murder was not the primary reason of his trial, and perhaps not even an essential one for that matter. The fact remains that Meursault was undoubtedly put on trial, not for the murder committed, but for being the way he was: unemotional through the eyes of society, which was represented by the jury. To the reader it seems only natural that one should be put on trial, not for their personality, but for the harmful acts that one may commit to another person. Therefore, the idea is strongly implanted in the novel, as well as the mind of the reader, that Meursault was put on trial for murder. Nevertheless, throughout the course of the novel, it becomes apparent that he was, as a matter of fact, not put on trial for the murder of the Arab, but instead, for acting in such a stoic manner. Being the honest, straightforward man he was, he answered all questions in that same conduct. Once Meursault had been appointed a lawyer, his lawyer inquired over the events of Maman’s funeral. Meursault responded rather coldly when his lawyer had asked him if he had felt any sadness that day, saying that he â€Å"probably did love Maman, but that didn’t mean anything. At one time or another all normal people have wished their loved ones dead.† (p. 65) This quotation only demonstrates that he was unemotional. Now, one must ask the following question: how does this relate to the murder of the Arab? The answer is simple: it does not relate to the murder of the Arab. Being the representative of society, the jury opposes Meursault and accuses him of not conforming to society’s natural ways, and being what we nowadays refer to as the â€Å"odd one out†. They exclude him from society for his odd clear-cut and sincere demeanor, and for his manifestation of an inexpressive character. Another example is the moment in which the magistrate, a local member of the judiciary having limited jurisdiction, especially in criminal cases, questioned Meursault. In this particular scene, the magistrate changes the  topic rather abruptly from his love for Maman, to which he responded he loved â€Å"the same as anyone†(p. 67), to the murder scene. What followed was a vast discussion on Meursault’s belief in God, which he felt rather apathetic about; however, the magistrate, waving a crucifix to his face refers to him as the â€Å"antichrist† (p. 71). And later, during the trial, the judge and the prosecuting attorney seem more intrigued by the fact that Meursault did not grieve at his mother’s funeral and got involved with Marie the day after it, than the actual act that had been committed: the assassination of a man. The majority of the witnesses that had been called only supported the argument of his callous nature, as they very well knew that Meu rsault was frighteningly candid, and could not, or would not, create a perversion of the truth to suite his trial, as well as his need for freedom. Throughout the trial he is constantly asked about Maman, and whether she ever complained about him, or if she had â€Å"reproached him for having put her in the home† (p. 89), to which both, the answer was an affirmative. After a while, it becomes apparent that they are no longer inquiring over the murder, but instead, over his mother’s unfortunate death. It arrives at the point that the prosecutor declares â€Å"‘The same man who the day alter his mother died was indulging in the most shameful debauchery killed a man for the most trivial of reasons and did so in order to settle an affair of speakable vice.'† (p. 96) To which Meursault lawyer replies, â€Å"‘Come now, is my client on trial for burying his mother or for killing a man?† (p.96) This is the crucial point of the novel, as it is here that it becomes evident the true reason for which he is put on trial. This is the key question throughout the entire trial, and the answer is obvious as the prosecutor firmly responds, â€Å"‘Indeed (†¦) I accuse this man of burying his mother with crime in his heart!†(p. 96) This is a rather profound statement that affects not only the characters in the novel, but the reader as well, rather intensely. Thus, it becomes palpable that society, in other words, the jury attempted to fabricate and impose rational explanations for Meursault’s irrational actions. The fact that he was so straightforward and onest was disruptive and threatening to their society as they were not accustomed to it, and therefore, they saw no meaning, which would consequently create chaos in  their orderly lives. Meursault appears to do as he pleases, when he pleases, and therefore, follows no pattern throughout his life, hence, society becomes threatened by him, which ultimately leads to his execution.

Friday, January 10, 2020

Information System Management Essay

A new concept in today’s IT world is offshore sourcing in Information Systems which is a paradigm shift from the traditional Business Process Outsourcing. Although the latter has been facilitated by the lucrative IT infrastructure, it is important to focus and emphasis on what has brought about offshore Information System sourcing. This journal article has theoretically explored on factors which the authors considers are the key drivers that can influence a company to go offshore. Additionally, to practically drive the point home, the article has exclusively carried out and explained a case study on ComputerInc, an Australian IT services company. Consequently, some of the key-driving factors include becoming and remaining competitive, reducing operational costs, and increasing the market share. Nevertheless, key challenges include overall strenuous management, staff demoralization, and lowered quality of services. This article is relevant in that the roles of the management for instance that of Chief Information Officer is critical in creating viable decisions. Such include venturing into IS offshore sourcing so as to drive organizations technologically and reap benefits such as reduced operation costs (McNurlin, et al. 2009, pp. 10-13). In the article, ComputerInc is argued to have increased its global market share as a result of IS offshore outsourcing (Beverakis et al. 2009, p. 35). In this regard, McNurlin, et al. (2009, pp. 17-20) have classified roles of IT infrastructure into three: working inward, working outside, and working across. Benefits include global positioning, partnering, and increasing the clientele base if/when proper IS planning is done by the decision makers. The article explains how viable decisions made by ComputerInc’s management drove the company into offshore outsourcing, attain a global position, and command a competitive market share (McNurlin, et al. 2009, p. 18). This corresponds to the learning outcomes of this course and for that reason I would award the article a value of four out of five on a score-scale. The Journal of Global Information Management is an academic journal published by the Information Resources Management Association. The Editor-in-chief for this journal is called Felix B Tan of Auckland University of Technology in New Zealand. Journal of Global Information Management is published on quarterly basis every year. In each year, a single volume is released but in each quarter the released journal is assigned a separate issue number. The journal is both online and in print and it is accessible at a personal level and to institutions. However, to access the journal subscription is a must whereby printed journal goes is sold at $ 545 and $ 195 to an institution and individual respectively (JGIM 2010). In all the issues of the Journal of Global Information Management emphasizes on all the concepts related to management of worldwide information resources. The journal creates a forum in which professionals and researchers disseminate current and surfacing information in both theoretical and practical perspective in relation to information technology and information resource management at global level. Therefore its main objective is put main emphasis on organizational and managerial aspects of Information Technology resources management. It covers on a range of issues such as policies, failure, usage, success, applications, and strategies of IT in business enterprises both in developed and emerging economies (JGIM 2010). The Journal of Global Information Management has laid out procedures whereby professionals and researchers especially in the field of information system management share their knowledge in regard to emerging challenges, posed by IT developments. Through its case studies, the journal proposes means on how to integrate information technology techniques into current managerial strategies. Therefore, it covers on the learning outcomes of this course such as role of IS managers, importance of IS/IT in driving companies to the global center-stage (JGIM 2010). In this article, it is acknowledged that information system offshore outsourcing has over the years increased drastically. In the research study, a number of steps involved in making such decisions at the management level have been identified. It states that IT managers weighs on the benefits and challenges of offshore outsourcing, evaluates the all the logistics involved in the process, and determines the prevailing geography. The research is based on literature review of existing companies’ statistical reports as presented in annual releases. The article states that offshore outsourcing surpasses onshore outsourcing in terms of benefits and risks involved. USA, UK, France, and Germany are the major IS offshore outsourcers in countries such as India, and China. Reduction in operation costs has been identified as the key motivator whereas it also stresses that quality services, security, and provider location must be considered. The key factors identified by Reyes, Jose and Juan (2006, p. 234) that influence offshore outsourcing are market and economic globalization, savings on operational costs in terms of salaries paid to the staff, shortage of skilled manpower, the need to reduce IS projects’ development time-cycle, and the growth or access to internet by large number of people (McNurlin, et al. 2009, pp. 7 & 33-39). This article demonstrates and emphasizes on key steps that information system managers of any organization have to take while making decisions on whether to outsource some of their services offshore. In comparison, McNurlin, et al. 2009, p. 11) in their book acknowledges the same that CIO’s should design policies, analyze possible benefits and risks so as to make informed decisions. In regard to the learning outcomes of ECOM20001, the article is explicit on what chief information officers are expected to do, have presented statistical evidence on how companies expand due to outsourcing and the impact of globalization on company activities in terms of risks and benefits. Considering such coverage on E-enablement and globalization I would award the article a score of five.

Thursday, January 2, 2020

The Border Between Mexico And United States Essay

Introduction The United States has led the fight against criminal activities from Mexican borders for many years. Criminal activities along the United States and Mexican border range from drug trafficking, human smuggling and an economy that disruptive. These are illegal activities scholars have argued could lead to the failure of Mexico as a country and the spread of violence to the United States. The illegal activities are not only a threat to the economy of Mexico and United States but also to the rest of the world due the impacts associated. The border between Mexico and US is of essential significance because it provides the link between the two countries. The border provides passageways through which either country can access the other via land or air means. Although the border is of significance to both countries, smuggling of drugs and trafficking human are main causes of violence between the countries. Drug cartels in Mexico smuggle drugs into the United States and this driv es a war between them and the US government. The economy and the peace between Mexico and US is also affected significantly due to the illegal activities. To minimize the violence caused by these illegal activities, the US government need to act against the activities. The United States needs to increase the economic aid and military intervention to Mexico to fight the drug cartels, otherwise it could become a failed state; spreading more violence across the US border. According to Basmajian,Show MoreRelatedA Brief Note On The Border Between The United States And Mexico1326 Words   |  6 PagesSouthwestern Border On the South Western border of the United States roughly 2000 immigrants cross the border illegally from Mexico every day. 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