Effects Of Computers And The Internet On Society Essays

Effects Of Computers And The Internet On Society Before we know it, technology is going to pass us by. With the invention of the computer and the Internet, the possibilities are endless. Society is changing by leaps and bounds, with no chance of a stopping point in the near future. All this change is dealing with computers and the effects that it will have on the way we live tomorrow. The Internet affects us in every way, most importantly with our social lives, our jobs, and our entertainment. Our social lives are not just communicating with telephones and mail anymore. Going on-line is the new way we like to communicate with people. Chat rooms on the Internet are open for people to talk and explore with other people who may live on the other side of the world or the other side of the street. E-Mail is also another popular way to correspond with others. Users can electronically send mail to another person with an on-line mailbox, simply by typing in their message and sending it by the click of a button. Two seconds to send e-mail to someone on the other side of the world is much quicker than a week or more through the ordinary mail. The Internet can also affect our jobs. Computers can calculate and figure out things much quicker than the average person. This process cannot only save time, but money too. Stock trading is now on the Internet, along with banking and any other type of business you could imagine. The world wants thing to be quick and easy. The best answer to that is to have a computer do it for you. In the future, hundreds of millions of jobs will be taken away from honest hard-working employees and will be given to computers. No matter what choices we make, or what plans we change, these outcomes are going to become real. Why would a business pay someone to take phone orders, when a computer can do it in less time and make it both cheaper and easier for the business and the buyer? Computers and the Internet are definitely affecting the way we entertain ourselves. The most basic example is card games. If the computer can deal out cards on a screen with the click of a button, why would anyone want to deal out a deck of cards manually and have to clean them up afterwards? On the Internet, you can gamble with on-line casinos, place bets on a horse race, or even watch movies. People can do all of these activities in the comfort of their own home. No gas money is wasted or time spent driving around to find entertainment so people are happy. The inevitable outcome of this magnificent invention is going to change the world. Society is happy about the way things are changing. Cheaper is better, less time consuming is better. With the choice of having a computer and being on-line, there is almost nothing you cannot do. This remarkable idea of the Internet is going to revolutionize the way we live in the future. Technology Essays

Bio 101 Week 4 Assignment Essay Example

Bio 101 Week 4 Assignment Essay Example Bio 101 Week 4 Assignment Paper Bio 101 Week 4 Assignment Paper Organism Physiology: The Octopus Bio/101 The cephalopodor octopus is a marine organism that inhabits many diverse regions of the ocean. Its food source consists of crabs, small fish, clams, mussels and other marine animals. The octopus is a predatory animal and has developed many skills to aid in its survival in the environment it has adapted to. The octopus has several main organs that are vital to its survival; the brain for its intelligence; the ink sack for its defense; and the arms for capturing its prey. This paper will discuss these different organs and how they have evolved physiologically to its environment. Unlike its other cousins in the Mollusca family, octopuses have a considerably large brain in comparison to their bodies. In fact, they have the largest and most complex brain of any invertebrate. Even in the United Kingdom, under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act of 1986 has given the species a title of honorary vertebrate (Deb, 2010). The brain sits just below the optic canal and wraps around the esophagus of the octopus. The brain is composed of 50 to 75 lobes and about half a billion neurons. Roughly two thirds of the neurons lie in the arms of the octopus, which uniquely have their own nervous systems (Miller, 2009). It is hypothesized that the brain of the octopus gives a task to the arm and the arm essentially decides how to carry out that task. An experiment was done that involved separating and cutting the nerves of the arm from other nerves in the body and then tickling the arm. The response showed the injured arm reacted just as a healthy octopus’s arm would (Horton, 2008). All of this unique circuitry gives the octopus immaculate control over their bodies. The octopus prefers movement in a style closest to walking. Suckers on each arm move in unison to propel the octopus. Each sucker has up to 10,000 neurons in it (Horton, 2008). As the octopus moves along the ocean floor, these neurons allow the octopus to learn its surroundings. They can remember the environments and keep a working memory of areas they have fed on in the past that may be more dangerous than others. When feeding in a treacherous environment both prey and predator must develop a varied range of hunting and defense behaviors. Marine biologists that have studied cephalopods claim that their subjects even have personalities and â€Å"that octopuses engage in play, the deliberate, repeated, outwardly useless activity through which smarter animals explore their world and refine their skills† (Scigliano, 2003). One scientist claims that her octopus even â€Å"bubble surfs† by spreading his mantle out and letting the aerator jets from his tank run under his body (Scigliano, 2003). . Key traits were noted out of 73 lab-bred octopuses. Discoveries showed temperamental variations at different maturity levels. Young octopuses tended to be active and aggressive whereas more mature ones tended to be more alert and quick to react to danger (Scigliano, 2003). Evidence that even though their lifespan is short their brain evolves and adapts quickly. Around the mouth of the octopus are eight arms. The eight arms allow the octopus to move, crawl, and swim around in its habitat. Octopuses crawl slowly, walking on its arms to move through the water headfirst with the arms trailing behind. When necessary, octopuses can move fast using their arms to propel it through the water similar to jet propulsion. The suckers found on the underside of the arms aid in catching prey for food, and as a weapon when threatened by the enemy. Octopus facts for kid’s states, â€Å"Octopuses are stealthy hunters changing their color to match the surroundings as they hide. The octopus waits for the prey to arrive within reach, then grabs it and secretes a nerve poison, stunning the prey. † In times of distress, the octopus can detach a limb and the crawling arm serves as a distraction to the predator, allowing the octopus to escape. The octopus will sometimes eat its own arm and the arm will re-grow later with no permanent damage. A neurological disorder causes this (Octopus, 2008). The octopus will also detach a limb during reproduction. The male uses a special arm, usually the third right arm, called a hectocotylus, to insert sperm into the female’s cavity. The third right arm detaches during sexual intercourse and the male dies within a few months after mating. The excellent sense of touch in the octopus is due to the chemoreceptors in the suckers of the arms. These chemoreceptors help the octopus taste what it is touching, and sense when the arms are out but cannot determine the position of its body or arms. The arms of the octopus are physically suited to the environment it inhabits to allow movement, reproduction, feeding, and defense. The octopus is known to be an intelligent creature and over time they have developed defense mechanisms to avoid its predators. The primary defense of the cephalopod is to hide or swim away. But when the octopus is scared it has the ability to release ink in a squirting fashion. The ink sac in an octopus can be found below it’s digestive gland. Located there is a small gland that produces the ink and then a larger muscular sac that stores the ink. The sac has a gland that connects to the anus. When the octopus is scared, the ink is released from the ink sac through the anus and into the funnel where it is mixed with mucous. Melanin, the main component of the ink, clings to the mucous molecules giving morphing into a cloud-like illusion allowing the octopus to swim away and leaving the predator confused. In addition to having melanin, the ink also contains tyrosinase, a very irritating chemical that temporarily suspends the predators sense of smell and irritates the eye (Mather, Anderson, Wood, 2010). While not all species of octopuses have an ink sac the majority still alive today do. The exceptions to this are cephalopods that live in deeper, darker waters where there is very little light. The defense is useless unless the attacker has light to see (Mather, Anderson, Wood, 2010). The octopus is a unique organism that is able to adapt to any environment it inhabits. The brain enables the octopus to solve problems and the ability to remember its surroundings, the brain works with the octopus’s arms similar to the way the brain works the human limbs. The brain sends neuron signals to the arms and the arms carryout the tasks that are signaled by the brain. The octopus can detect a predator and send out a decoy known as an ink screen that disorients and confuses the predator. This allows the octopus to escape and find a hiding place. The physiological development of the organs in the octopus ensures its survival in its habitat, and makes it an excellent hunter. References Buzzle. com. (n. d. ). Octopus facts for kids. Retrieved from buzzle. com/articles/octopus-facts-for-kids. html. Deb, S. (2010). Octopus brain. Open. Retrieved from openthemagazine. com/article/voices/octopus-brain. Horton, J. (2008). How octopuses work. Discovery. Retrieved from http://animals. howstuffworks. com/marine-life/octopus3. htm#. Mather, J. , Anderson, R. , Wood, J. (2010). Octopus: the oceans intelligent vertebrate. Portland, Oregon: Timber Press. Miller, G. (2009). Tackling brain evolution with all eight arms. AAAS. Retrieved from http://blogs. sciencemag. org/origins/2009/10/tackling-brain- evolution-with. html. Octopus. (2008). New World Encyclopedia. Retrieved from newworldencyclopedia. org/entry/Octopus? oldid=794938. Scigliano, E. (2003). Through the eye of an octopus. DISCOVER. Retrieved from http://discovermagazine. com/2003/oct/feateye.

International Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words - 1

International Business - Essay Example This essay describes these benefits and hindrances, referring to further case studies as justification for the arguments provided. The advantages of diversification There are many risks of servicing only a singular market with one product or service that has been attributed to placing all of a firm’s proverbial eggs in a single basket (Thompson, Strickland and Gamble 2013). Virtually every product or service offered by a corporation has an established life cycle, moving from a growth phase to an eventual decline along the life cycle model in which sales and demand begin to decline. The life cycle of the product is determined by a number of factors, including consumer behaviour changes, innovative product releases by competition that outperforms, competitive pricing instances that drive price-sensitive buyers to rival firms, or even new market entrants that increase choice and lower switching costs for consumers to defect to a rival brand. Whatever the case driving life cycle, corporations must be keenly and proactively aware of the ability of their singular product or service in sustaining long-run profit growth. Because of the risks of a stagnating local market, businesses achieve advantages by diversifying the business into a new international market. The most significant advantage is that diversification allows the business to spread risks (Thompson et al. 2013). Risk occurs through a variety of drivers, both internally-related and externally-driven. For a business operating in a single market with a lone product, any changes to demand can impact revenue growth and even complicate many of the value chain elements that support business, including human resources, supply chain and procurement, as... As illustrated by the essay, there are many risks of servicing only a singular market with one product or service that has been attributed to placing all of a firm’s proverbial eggs in a single basket. Virtually every product or service offered by a corporation has an established life cycle, moving from a growth phase to an eventual decline along the life cycle model in which sales and demand begin to decline. The life cycle of the product is determined by a number of factors, including consumer behaviour changes, innovative product releases by competition that outperforms, competitive pricing instances that drive price-sensitive buyers to rival firms, or even new market entrants that increase choice and lower switching costs for consumers to defect to a rival brand. This paper makes a conclusion that there are actually more advantages than disadvantages in selecting a diversification strategy. Revenue increases, better cash flow position, and cost reduction in a variety of support divisions along the value chain are the most prominent of these advantages. Inclusive in advantages are better scope of control, more efficient and cost-acknowledging logistics opportunities, and even currency valuation in favour of the diversified corporation. The described disadvantages of unsubstantial cross-cultural knowledge of the foreign market, high control and power of buying markets, and disruptive innovation threats would tend to offset advantages when these situations occur in the new international market. Despite the disadvantages, the long-run benefits of diversification supersede the potential hindrances of seeking this strategy for growth.

Pope John Paul II, A man for others Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Pope John Paul II, A man for others - Essay Example In the later part of his pontificate, he spoke against war, communism, dictatorship, materialism, abortion, contraception, relativism and unrestrained capitalism. John Paul II was Pope during a period in which the Catholic Church's influence declined in developed countries but expanded in the Third World countries. During his reign, the pope traveled extensively, visiting over 100 countries, more than any of his predecessors. He remains one of the most-traveled world leaders in history. He was fluent in numerous languages. He canonized a great number of people. In 1992, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. On April 2, 2005 at 9:37 p.m. local time, Pope John Paul II died in the Papal Apartments. Millions of people came to Rome to pay their respects for his funeral. This paper researches how he was a man for others and how he developed himself through his childhood and adulthood days. Childhood days: St.John Paul II was born as Karol Jozef Wojtyla in Wadowice, a town of 8,000 Catholics and 2,000 Jews 35 miles southwest of Krakow in 1920, the second son of Karol Wojtyla Sr., a retired army officer and tailor, and Emilia Kaczorowska Wojtyla, a schoolteacher of Lithuanian descent. The Wojtylas were strict Catholics, but did not share the anti-Semitic views of many Poles..His playmate Kluger had once remarked about the pope as "The people in the Vatican do not know Jews, and previous popes did not know Jews but this pope is a friend of the Jewish people because he knows Jewish people." In fact, Wojtyla became the first pope to visit a synagogue and the first to visit the memorial at Auschwitz to victims of the Holocaust. In ending the Catholic-Jewish estrangement, he called Jews "our elder brothers." John Paul II was very athletic in his youth days: he played soccer as a goal keeper, took daring swims in the flooded Skawa River and enjoyed skiing, hiking, mountain climbing and kayaking. He was also an excellent student. Adversities: His infant sister died before he was born. In 1929 his mother died of heart and kidney problems. When he was 12, his 26 year old brother died of scarlet fever. He himself had two near-misses with mortality in his youth. He was hit once by a streetcar and again by a truck in 1944 while he was a college student. He had been beset by physical difficulties including a dislocated shoulder, a broken thigh that led to femur-replacement surgery, the removal of a precancerous tumor from his colon Passions and occupations: Wojtyla's passions in those early years were poetry, religion and the theater. After graduating from secondary school in 1938, he and his father moved to Krakow where he enrolled at Jagiellonian University to study literature and philosophy. He also joined an experimental theater group and participated in poetry readings and literary discussion groups. He was an intense and gifted actor, and a fine singer. After the Germans invaded Poland, he escaped deportation and imprisonment in late 1940 by taking a job as a stone cutter in a quarry. His father was very much interested in making him a priest before he died but died with his interest unfulfilled. After his father's death he began studying at an underground seminary in Krakow and registered for theology courses at the university. He continued his studies,

A Married Man's story by Katherine Mansfield- innovative literary Essay

A Married Man's story by Katherine Mansfield- innovative literary devices - Essay Example The questioning spirit of modernism can be seen as part of a basic search for ways to make a new sense of a society torn apart by the World Wars. The Modernist style of writing used satire and psycho-analysis, meta-narratives (story within a story), discontinuous narratives etc. The general thematic concerns of Modernist literature were a sense of alienation, despair and frustration of the individual with life and the social obligations of society. Throughout her career as an author Katherine Mansfield wrote many short stories that deal with friendship, matrimony and family life. In â€Å"A Married Man’s Story† Mansfield employs the modernist literary devices of psychoanalysis and meta-narrative to describe the emotional turmoil of an unnamed married man. Mansfield’s story takes place almost entirely inside the head of the narrator. It is composed totally of thoughts, jotted down like a confessional on paper. In this manner the reader is always distanced even from the scene of the tale i.e. the typical Modernist meta-narrative style. This man is unhappy in his relation with his wife and relates his past and present life in writing his memoirs. These are disjointed and follow no timeline giving the story a sense of timelessness; also this process leads to the writer (the married man) realizing some truths about himself and his familial relationships (self-realization is an important aspect of Modernist lite rature). The thematic style of the story also follows the modernist trend of dealing with an individual’s inner struggle to relate to a society and relationships where he feels himself exiled and out of sync. â€Å"Outside it is raining,† he writes, and he pictures himself outside in the cold darkness; â€Å"while I am here, I am there, lifting my face to the dim sky, and it seems to me it must be raining all over the world,† he concludes (Mansfield, 1923:609). These lines from the story clearly

Discovering The Kingdom Of God

Discovering The Kingdom Of God INTRODUCTION Do we really know what the Kingdom of God is, or are we only speculating? Is it that personal hope that one day after our death we will enter into the Kingdom of God and have eternal life? Or is it something else that we as human beings cannot grasp with our limited mindset. Whatever the outcome, let us explore this magnificent topic to get the best possible answer. As Christians we must be able to have Biblical answers to theological questions. 1. Write an essay presenting a biblical view of the nature of the Kingdom of God and exploring the implications of your understanding of the kingdom for ministry today: We must start off by asking ourselves the question: What does the Kingdom of God mean to us as Christians. To many this is maybe another irrelevant religious term used to describe the unrealistic visions of Christians. Some may even see the existence of the Kingdom of God altogether as part of the Church (Ladd 1981:2-3). One theologian by the name of Adolf von Harnack, when confronted over the issue, wrote the following: The Kingdom of God comes by coming to the individual, by entering into his soul and laying hold of it. For Adolf von Harnack, the Kingdom of God meant that the Spirit of life was to come and fill people personally. This hope was a universal hope for the whole creation. People had to interact with one another and the whole of creation to receive this eternal life (Moltmann 1996:131). Even Albert Schweitzer (Ladd 1981:3) says the Kingdom of God is supernatural and part of the future. Should we take the above mentioned as the only answers for the Kingdom of God or shoul d we go to the Word of God and find what it has to say about the Kingdom of God. Yes, we should definitely find the Scriptural truths in the Word of God that explains the Kingdom of God to us. First of all, the Kingdom of God is where God rules. In Jeremiah 31:33-34, LASB God writes the rights of His kingdom in our hearts and He wants us to obey Him in glory and honour (Ladd 1981:6). We see His kingdom exist in the spiritual realm which is not presently visible to our eyes, but we can persevere in faith that someday the Kingdom of God will come in all its fullness. Psalm 103:19, LASB The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all (Ladd 1981:6-7). The Kingdom of God is both in the present and in the future. We read that many times Jesus referred to the Kingdom of God in the future tense Assuredly, I say to you, I will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the Kingdom of God (Mark 14:25, LASB). Other times He indicated that the Kingdom of God was already present. Then sometimes He preached that the Kingdom of God was nearby (you could almost touch the kingdom). So we can see that the Kingdom of God progr ess through us (by spreading the Gospel) on the earth here and now (Ladd 1981:8-9). The Kingdom of God is unavailable to people that practice acts of sin. We read in the Bible the following: Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9-10, LASB). So if you are practicing some of the above and you die, you will not inherit the Kingdom of God, but if you are cleansed and forgiven by the blood of Jesus Christ, and sin no more and then die, the Kingdom of God is at hand. With the resurrection comes the Kingdom of God (Ladd 1981:11-13). In the Old Testament we also find the Kingdom of God spoken of for the first time, although the term itself is not directly used. Israel did not really care about the term Kingdom of God; they only worried about themselves and their rebellious ways. This was very sad because God actually wanted to prepare Israel to find hope in the coming of the King. For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulders. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6, LASB). This King was to deliver all people from their slavery to sin (Williams 1992:15-16). We see in the New Testament the establishment of the Kingdom of God. Jesus Christ was born to be the Ruler for us. When Jesus stood on trial for His life, before Pilate, Pilate asked Him, Are You the King of the Jews? He answered him and said, It is as you say (Luke 23:3, LASB). So we see that Jesus did tell him that He was a King, but Jes us also indicated to him that His Kingdom was not of this world. This scripture says it all, God was the Supreme Ruler and Jesus Christ was going to rule all nations of the earth (Williams 1992:17-18). Matthew records Jesus using the phrase Kingdom of heaven while Mark and Luke uses the phrase Kingdom of God. When the two are measured against one another, they are almost identical (Ridderbos 1996:39). In the above paragraphs I have tried to capture a biblical view of the nature of the Kingdom of God and know that with this discovery comes a profound responsibility for us as part of a ministry. So in closing I realised the following: Jesus tells us to seek first the Kingdom of God and Gods righteousness, and if we do, everything will fall into place. God has got one desire for us and that is to please Him and follow Him. God must be glorified here on earth because by doing so has both current and eternal implications. Our time, talents, treasures, attitudes and actions must be to serve God. We must avail ourselves to help others come to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, so that they may be saved from their sins as well, so that they can start to seek the Kingdom of God now and in the future. Conclusion Morphew (1991:52) said the following: There is every reason to be filled with hope the confident expectation that we move from the victory Christ has already obtained, to the victory of Christ still to be obtained. What a great priviledge to know that the Kingdom of God is coming and everything will change. To know that we have some insight into the Kingdom of God, but for now, change begins in us. Let us produce the Kingdom on earth through the will of God. Bibliography Barton B B, Beers R A and Galvin J C (eds) 1996. Life Application Study Bible. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers. Ladd G D 1981. The Gospel of the Kingdom. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans. Moltmann J 1996. The Coming of God: Christian Eschatology. St Albans Place, London: SCM Press. Morphew D J 1991. Breakthrough: Discovering the Kingdom. Cape Town: Struik Christian Books. Ridderbos H N 1996. In DRW Wood (ed.), New Bible Dictionary, 647-650. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press. Williams J R 1992. Renewal Theology, vol. 3. Grand Rapids: Zondervan. INTRODUCTION It is said that warfare is not only a physical reality, but it is also a spiritual reality. The enemy is around us and within us. Satan and his demonic forces are constantly prepared for an attack on Gods children. The great weapon that Satan employs in his attacks is the sinful nature of every human being. The question we must then ask ourselves is the following: First of all, is Satan really the ruler of the earth and are we under his rule. Secondly, did Jesus Christ then lost authority over us. Thirdly, can we really believe The Ransom Theory as the ultimate truth? Let us investigate the outcome so as to understand the enemys weaknesses and strengths without being afraid of him. ASSIGNMENT 2 Write an essay disputing the claim that Satan has the right and title deed to the earth. Be sure to address each of the implications listed below: The Ransom Theory of the Atonement cannot be dismissed as summarily as it usually is if indeed Satan had a right to the souls of men. The Ransom Theory personally for me creates the picture of God and Satan sitting at a table playing a deck of cards. Satan has just won and now rules the world. In an attempt to save the world and its people, God tries to negotiate or bribe Satan to give Him back the world. So God with His back against the wall gives His Son, Jesus Christ as ransom. When Origen formulated the doctrine, he said the following: It was Satan rather than God who demanded Christs blood, thus initiating this aspect of the transaction. So the ransom was determined by, paid to, and accepted by Satan. This mitigates to some extent the charge that the ransom theory makes God somewhat of a dishonest dealer (Erickson 1996:53-56). Really, we cannot believe this, for God is an honest and truthful Ruler. In Genesis 3 when Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden fruit, Satan tried to tempt everyone away from God, but he couldnt do it. Although Adam and Eve were disobedient, God was still in control. I think the idea that made some to think the title deed of the earth was passed over to Satan was the fact that God gave us our own will and some people want to believe in Satan ruling the earth. Yes, Satan is powerful, but Jesus is more powerful. Jesuss resurrection shattered Satans power and showed Gods unconditional love for us. To overcome Satan we need faithful allegiance to Gods Word and stay away from sin (Gross 1990:114-115). Jesus said: Now is the judgment of this world, now the ruler of this world will be cast out (John 12:31, LASB). Postmillennialism too becomes far more attractive and reasonable when viewed in the light of inter-kingdom conflict: If the purpose of God is to win back territory from the enemy then truimphalism and kingdom now theology is tenable. To think that Jesus Christ will return after Christians (Not Jesus Christ Himself) have established the Kingdom on this earth sounds very attractive and promising. All of us wants to believe that this world will become better and better. We want to be heroes and save this world before Jesus Christ comes. However, this is not the Biblical view of the world in the end times. Triumphalism and kingdom now theology are acceptable, but only for people that believe in Postmillenialism (Erickson 1996:160-161). We as Christians must find balance between winning back the Kingdom of God and awaiting eternal life. We should spread the Gospel until Jesus Christ comes to save us. To think that there is nothing to fear or that we are Superman is insane. Paul explains that there are difficult times for Christian service. But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! (2 Timothy 3:1-5, LASB). Morphew (1991) says that A triumphalist approach will produce unreal people who live in a spiritual bubble, or worse, arrogance and fanaticism that brings the name of Jesus into disrepute. Similarly, spiritual warfare concepts such as taking our cities for God, so much in vogue nowadays, would need to be aggressively practiced. I disagree with this concept of running around chasing the enemy. Who do we serve, Jesus Christ or Satan? As being part of the military I have realized one thing, warfare in this instance should be defensive and not offensive. We have victory in our spiritual warfare by standing in prayer and not running around trying to rebuke Satan every time something goes wrong. It is by knowing the truth and submitting to God in obedience that the devil runs (Moriarty 1992:150-151). 2 Corinthians 10:4-6, LASB For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled. When Jesus Christ arose and ascended, He revealed His victory over Satan, taking with Him those whom the devil had captured. The victory of Jesus Christ is the victory of all who are saved by faith in Him. Satan has no legitimate authority over Christians. The only influence he enjoys in our lives is when we yield to him (Moriarty 1992:153-154). It is true what Moriarty (1992:150) says The Devil does not need to be outshouted; he needs to be outtruthed. The implications for Church life also need to be considered: If the primary function of the church is to conduct a war then a hierarchical form of government would be appropriate and mega churches more effective than small family congregations. First of all we must remember that the main purpose of the church is for the praise of Gods glory and His wonderful grace. The church need not to change to really conduct war against Satan and remember that a church is not confined to four walls, the church of Jesus Christ is people. For me a small family congregation has got the same power as a mega church. Many churches and especially the new charismatics believe that the church needs a special army of Christian believers to worship with force to wipe out the devil and his demons. The people sing songs to chase away the demons and the devils and forget what the main purpose of spiritual warfare is all about. People forget that Jesus Christ is now head of the church, the ultimate authority over the world and we are the body. If we work, serve or worship together in holiness, we are one body in unity. Satan will not be able to stand when we worship together against him (Moriarty 1992:149-151). For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12, LASB). Conclusion You have read all the above arguments that were made and must make a decision. Do you serve Jesus Christ or Satan? Just remember, Christians will always be in battle, being a soldier for Jesus Christ is not an option, it is a command. Do not get excited about Satan; rather get excited about Gods Kingdom and eternal life. Bibliography Barton B B, Beers R A and Galvin J C (eds) 1996. Life Application Study Bible. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers. Erickson M J 1996. Christian Theology (2nd ed.). Grand Rapids: Eerdmans. Erickson M J 1996. Contemporary Options in Eschatology. Grand Rapids: Baker Books. Gross E N 1990. Miracles, Demons, and Spiritual Warfare. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House. Moriarty M G 1992. The New Charismatics. Grand Rapids: Zondervan. Morphew D J 1991. Breakthrough: Discovering the Kingdom. Cape Town: Struik Christian Books. INTRODUCTION Jesus handed down all His power and authority to us, but do we really appreciate this enormous opportunity to continue the legacy of Jesus Christ. Some people say that they do not experience the amazing works of God displayed in their lives. Did Jesus Christ loose His power and authority? Or is something wrong in us; we who proclaim that we belong to Jesus Christ. Let us find the answers and rekindle the flame of boldness, obedience, courage and power through Jesus Christ. ASSIGNMENT 3 3.1. The task of extending the kingdom. I agree with both these statements for the following reasons: Jesus did give authority and power to His disciples. But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as you go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give (Matthew 10:6-8, LASB). The disciples had tremendous results as they ministered with authority in Jesus name. In Luke 4:18-20, LASB Jesus told Peter and Andrew to leave their fishing business and become fishers of men, to help others find God. They had to practise Christs teachings and share the gospel with others (Grudem 1994:83). Jesus also went and designated seventy messengers. These disciples were not fully qualified, but their willingness and their awareness of Jesus power made them excellent candidates to reach all people. We read that when the seventy returned, they were delighted and full of victory. Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name (Luk e 10:17, LASB) (Grudem 1994:92). Yes I agree, we the men and women of this world needs to preach the gospel based on the fact that Jesus Christ died on the cross and through His resurrection. Yes, we can still make use of Satan through our selfishness and sin, but do we really what to hamper our relationship with God. If we do not preach the gospel, teach the principles of the kingdom of God, heal the sick and deliver the demonised, who will. John 14:12, LASB Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. Jesus Christ gave the bible to teach and direct, the Church to support and the Holy Spirit to annoint. 3.2. The role of deliverance in extending the kingdom. Are demons described in the Scriptures as malignant entities with identity and personality? Give reasoning and references. Yes I would say that demons are distinct persons with indentities and personalities. Each has a name, though we only know the names of a few, for example the serpent (snake) in the Garden of Eden. Demons possess supernatural intelligence. They demonstrated insight into the identify of Jesus when He healed all the sick and demon-possessed. Then He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him (Mark 1:34, LASB). They definitely know their future. The two demon-possessed men when they saw Jesus thought He was only going to torment them at the end of the world. And suddenly they cried out, saying, What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time? (Matthew 8:29, LASB). How did the Lord Jesus deal with demons by counselling or medicating the victim, or by delivering him/her with a word of command? Give reasoning and references. Jesus made use of practical examples in His dealings with demons and there were always people to witness this events. And He was preaching in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and casting out demons (Mark 1:39, LASB). Jesus used His name to cast out demons. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; (Mark 16:17, LASB). Jesus cast demons not only out of people with evil spirits, but also out of people who were not affected by demons. Some of the people never even realised their sickness were caused by demons. When the sun was setting, all those who had any that were sick with various diseases brought them to Him; and He laid His hands on every one of them and healed them. And demons also came out of many, crying out and saying, You are the Chri st, the Son of God! (Luke 4:40-41, LASB). Is it the Lords expectation that we should deal with demonic conditions in the same way as He did? Give reasons and references. Firstly, Jesus wants us to use the spiritual armour He gave us. Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand (Ephesians 6:13, LASB). Without the armour people will be vulnerable to Satans attack. We must walk in honesty, righteousness, faith, love, hope, peace, readiness, speaking the Word of God and praying in the Spirit. We need all this to be successful against Satan and his demons. Jesus expects us to stand against Satan. We need wisdom and power from God to overcome them. We should walk in love, though this will definitely frustrate the demons. Jesus prayed for people and so should we. We should also know the truth, and the truth will make us free. 3.3. The role of prayer in extending the kingdom. Below are three statements about the role prayer plays in extending the kingdom of God. Which one do you support and why? I want to agree with the first two statements. The second statement more than the first. Prayer is the foundation of every Christian person (Wegerle 1997:3). We should by now realise the value of prayer otherwise we will never be moved to do things. Day and night we must pray. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it (Joshua 1:8, LASB). Prayer produces a strength (a spiritual strength) that can get things done. Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force (Matthew 11, 11-12, LASB) (Wegerle 1997:4). To pray you do not have to prepare any special formulas. God knows our hearts, if our hearts are pure and good, we can tell God anything (Grudem 1994:61). Prayer definitely releases the power and authority of God. In Matthew 16:19, LASB Jesus made an enormously big statement. Jesus gave us the keys to His kingdom. With this keys we can open the heavenly treasure-house hear on earth. We have the authority to bind Satan and his demons and change the behaviour (sins) of people (Wegerle 1997:16-18). Prayer is not an acknowledgement of need. God knows what we want and we must keep on praying in faith (Grudem 1994:57). 3.4. The role of the Spirit in extending the kingdom. Evaluate the contentions made in the quotation below and support your views with Scripture. We have entered into the time where great treasures of knowledge are revealed and teached to men and women by the Holy Spirit (Grudem 1994:112). We the annointed messengers should walk in the Spirit and deliver this knowledge. I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law (Galatians 5:16-18, LASB). The Holy Spirit is Jesus Christs representative in the church. Jesus took His seat in heaven and the Holy Spirit came down to begin the work of building up the body of Christ (Grudem 1994:113-114). For by one Spirit we were all baptised into the body whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free and have all been made to drink into one Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13, LASB). We must get accustomed to proclaiming the Gospel with the Holy Spirit sent down to us with power. And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe (1 Thessalonians 1:6-7, LASB). No pastor can preach the Word of God without consulting the Holy Spirit for annointing. The Holy Spirit can manifest Himself in a Church service and create an atmosphere of love. Usually then people submit their lives and wills to Jesus Christ (Grudem 1994:111-112). Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5, LASB). 3.5. The role of sign gifts in extending the kingdom. Comment on the logic in the following quotations by John MacArthur. Contrast MacArthurs views with those of teachers from the Charismatic movement. Finally, indicate your views on the meaning of Hebrews 2:3-4. The first quotation for me personally gives the idea that God is not truly present and that God did not leave us anything. It feels as if the line Once the Word was complete, it was all over really means that Jesus do not exist for us today and God will never be glorified. Then the Messiah is not authentic and true anymore (MacArthur 1992:127). I might agree with him on some issues for instance, we read in the Bible that Jesus and the disciples did wonderful miracles and healings. They raised the dead, healed cut-off ears and restored the crippled. The miracles of healing today is not so intense and frequent as in Jesus time. I want to agree in what Edward Gross (1990:36-37) believes. God does work miracles today. He says that God will never oppose His Word. He honors His Word even in greater ways than He honors His own name (Psalm 138:2, LASB). Miracles and healings will keep on happening. Jesus ministry has given to us His teachings. Although we did not see these miracles and signs , we base our believe on the people in the Bible that were eyewitnesses. This must be encouragement for us to go on and perservere because I do believe in a miracle working God. In the second quotation I agree that miracles, wonders and sign gifts were given to the first generation apostles. And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease (Matthew 10:1, LASB). Let us face it, even during the apostolic age Christians could not do signs and miracles. Those qualities were unique to the apostels (MacArthur 1992:126). But, what I do believe is that God intervenes supernaturally in human beings today. God can heal people inspite of what medicine say. All things are possible with God. But Jesus looked at them and said to them, With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26, LASB). Conclusion Most of the time we are limiting our own power, but it is Gods will to release the power in me and you. Let us not deprive ourselves the opportunity to be in the spirit, but be guided by the Holy Spirit. The Kingdom of God is extending everyday more and more because it is the mind of God. In the Kingdom of God are peace, love and perfect joy.

Censorship :: essays research papers

Censorship   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The freedom to read is essential to the democratic way of life. But today, that freedom is under attack. Private groups and public authorities everywhere are working to remove both books and periodicals from sale, to exclude certain books from public schools, to censor and silence magazines and newspapers, and to limit controversial books and periodicals to the general public. The suppression of reading materials is suppression of creative thought. Books and periodicals are not the only things being suppressed by pressures to the political and social systems. They are also being brought against the educational system, films, radio, television, and against the graphic and theater arts. Censorship occurs often in todays society, much of which is justifiable, but in some cases is simply unnecessary.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  What is Obscenity? Obscenity is difficult to honestly discuss. After all, what makes a thing obscene? It is something too vague to be defined. People often see things differently. Some see obscenity in nude pictures, statues, paintings, etc. While others find less obscenity in these things. This is where the discrepancy is found between what should and should not be censored.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The world is filled with obscene things. And it would seem that parents are just trying to protect their children from the outside world. But does it really help? My friends sister was upset with her parents for raising her in such a sheltered environment. When she went away to college, she got a taste of what the real world was really like. These days, an average elementary school student knows many things. They are influenced by a wide range of sources, from television and other forms of media, their environment at home and school, to their personality and background. What they read does not necessarily mean that they will follow it. Literature is a valued source of knowledge for these children, and should not be held back. So rather than applying full censorship, it should be made an age-related censorship. Many complaints were issued about the immaturity of the readers. Younger children should be prevented from borrowing material intended for an older age group. Controversial materials should still be held for special order, available on request, or under a section for parents and teachers who can decide for themselves whether the material is suitable or not.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The concept of censorship is a notable effort to clean up society, but can be over used in areas where it does not apply. Our world is not perfect. We live in a world filled with violence, sex, racism, etc. Certain literature like hard-core pornography should be censored to the general public.