The Importance Of A Biblical Worldview- Part 1 by Allan Turner (http://www.allanturner.com)
All of us see ourselves and our world through a particular set of beliefs, attitudes, and values. These operate as a filter or grid through which we process all information. For the Christian, this filter or grid is shaped by the truths taught in the Bible. The Bible, of course, has a beginning and an end. Although this may seem obvious, it isn't. Many believers, who either ignore, or are ignorant of, the beginning-to-end continuity and theme of the Bible, think they can pick up the Bible, begin reading just anywhere and, as a result, conjure God-given answers to every little personal problem they think they have. In other words, they believe there is something mysterious, even magical, about reading the Bible. They are unaware that the same rules for understanding other kinds of literature are to be applied to the Bible as well. Then, on the other hand, there are many serious critics of the Bible who have never read it, know very little of its stories, and absolutely nothing of its general theme.
Consequently, they have no appreciation at all for the superb nature of the book they criticize. However, the sincere student of the Word, the one who is willing to study to show himself approved of God, is capable of rightly dividing the Bible (2 Timothy 2:15). Not only does he know it has a beginning and an end, he also knows that in between are many different biblical stories, all of which mesh into one grand theme-the scheme of redemption. As he learns these biblical stories and comes to grips with the great scheme of redemption, the sincere student develops a biblical way of looking at himself, and everything else in the world. It is this biblically based way of looking at things that I am calling a biblical worldview. Therefore, a worldview can be likened to a pair of eyeglasses through which one looks at the world-eyeglasses that focus, shape, and color all one's experiences.
Different Worldviews And Their Consequences
Every person, whether he realizes it or not, has a worldview.
The modernist, for example, sees (we're talking worldview here)
humans as purely physical machines. Blinded to the spiritual dimension
of God's creation, he believes nothing exists beyond what he can
perceive with the five senses. On the other hand, the Christian
sees (again, we're talking worldview) humans as the only beings
on earth who are made in God's image. Like the modernist, he is
aware of man's physical nature; but, unlike the modernist, he
is not blinded to man's spiritual dimension.
It is true-"Ideas have consequences." The Bible says, "[As a man] thinketh in his heart, so is he" (Proverbs 23:7). This means that worldviews exercise tremendous influence on behavior. Because the modernist believes this physical world is all there is, he is convinced there is no life beyond the grave. Therefore, eating, drinking, and making merry is the central meaning of his life. If he can't see it, hear it, touch it, taste it, or smell it, then it's just not important to him. Believing "you only go around once," and convinced that he must do just what the now famous beer commercial commanded, he uses all his energy trying to get "all the gusto" he can out of life. According to the modernist, that so-called "pie in the sky by and by" that preachers talk about is just a bunch of religious gobbledygook. Reflecting the hedonism inherent in his worldview, the modernist wants, even demands, his dessert right now, and he wants it with chocolate fudge and a cherry on top. Putting others before himself makes absolutely no sense, therefore, he aggressively goes through life looking out for "Number One."
In contrast to this, the Christian, who knows who and what he is, realizes the meaning of life (i.e., "the whole duty of man") is to fear God and keep His commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13). He knows that life on this physical plane is not all there is to living. By faith, he understands there is life beyond the grave, and this, he realizes, is associated with Christ Jesus (1 John 5:11). His "living hope" (1 Peter 1:3) is based on his heavenly citizenship (Philippians 3:20). Hence, he views himself as a stranger or pilgrim while here on this earth (Hebrews 11:3; 1 Peter 2:11). Instead of storing up his treasures "where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal" (Matthew 6:19-20), the Christian is laying up treasures for himself in heaven. As he develops the "mind of Christ" (Philippians 2:5), he learns to humbly put others before himself (James 4:10; 1 Peter 5:6) and gladly bears their burdens (Galatians 6:2).
Americans Have Changed Their Worldview
As recently as 50 years ago, the majority of Americans never really
questioned biblical ethics or morality. Back then, most people
looked upon divorce as disgraceful. They thought pregnancy outside
marriage was a disaster; that chastity was a good thing; that
an honest day's work was the responsibility of any respectable
and dependable man; that honesty was the best policy. But, not
today. Things have changed.
Americans no longer view themselves and their world through
the truths taught in the Bible. As a result, Americans teach their
children that evolutionary theory is to be believed unquestionably.
They teach them that there remains no objective standard for judging
what is right or wrong. Spawned by the modernistic worldview,
these ideas have produced the current decline of moral standards
being evidenced in America. As our countrymen have learned to
think in their hearts, so they have become (cf. Proverbs 23:7).
[Editor's Note: Bro. Turner will continue these thoughts in next
week's bulletin.]
What Will I Do When I Suffer? by W. Frank Walton (wfwalton@juno.com)
"The LORD said to Satan, 'Have you considered My servant
Job? For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and
upright man, fearing God and turning away from evil.' Then Satan
answered the LORD, 'Does Job fear God for nothing?'" (Job
1:8-9).
Terrorists have attacked America and thousands of innocent people were randomly killed. Many are perplexed. Many ask, "WHY?" If God is loving, all knowing and all-powerful, why did He let this seemingly unfair tragedy happen?
The book of Job deals with the problem of human suffering. It doesn't deal as much with "why" we suffer but with the question, "What should I do when I suffer?" Job was never told that Satan was the original cause behind his suffering.
God was very pleased with Job's godly life. Satan began a debate in heaven, with the central question being, "Does man serve God for nothing?" He made a wager with God that righteous Job would curse God, if he suffered the loss of all his wealth, family and health (Job 1:8-12, 2:3-7). Satan accused Job of only served God for what he selfishly got out of it. God allowed this test of faith, confident that Job "served God for nothing" - simply because man's devotion to God is ggood and right. All evil and suffering has its ultimate origin with Satan, not God (cf. Genesis 3, Luke 13:16, 1 Pet 5:8)!
Job knew God is the Creator and we're the creature made for God. "Job worshiped...'Blessed be the name of the Lord'" (1:20-21, cf. 2:10). We exist for God's glory (Isa 43:7, Rom 1:21). It's true: "God without man is still God, but man without God, is nothing." God made us to freely choose to love and serve Him, which is life's highest good (Mark 12:30). This prepares us for eternal joy and fellowship with Him in heaven's love.
Man's freedom of choice means some may make the wrong choice. We often suffer due to the bad choices of sinful people (Job 1:15,17, 2:9). If God stopped everyone from making an evil choice, no one could have freewill to choose right from wrong. The purpose of life is our character development that fits us for eternal life. Satan tempts man away from God. Note, Satan used the freewill choices of the Sabean and Chaldean raiders to steal Job's wealth (Job 1:15, 17). He can also sometimes use natural calamity to get us in our pain to renounce God (Job 1:16, 18, 2:7).
Job's grief and pain was overwhelming. He had 10 children suddenly killed; all his wealth was stolen, and suffered painful boils all over his body. Yet, he said, "Though He slay me, I will hope in him...I know that my Redeemer lives" (Job 11:15, 19:25). Job grew "testy" in his pain, and accused God of being cruel and unjust to him, as well as being inept in running the universe, but Job repented of this (Job 42:3,6). Yet, Job's spiritual reward for suffering was becoming closer to his Creator. He better knew His awesome power and glory (Job 42:5). In the end, this is the true purpose of our lives. God, in mercy and compassion, blessed him richly for hanging on through the ordeal (Ja 5:11).
Suffering can move many to seek God for help and salvation. God has proven He deeply loves us all by watching His innocent, sinless Son murdered on the cross for our sins (Jn 3:16). This world's pain helps us see we're weak and limited. In our midnight of sadness, God alone "gives songs in the night" (Job 35:10). "In eternity, all suffering is of no ultimate negative consequence" (T.B. Warren). Paul, who unjustly suffered as an apostle, said, "I do not consider the suffering of this age worthy to be compared to the glory that shall be revealed" (Rom 8:18). To trust the trustworthy God is not demanding an immediate explanation to our satisfaction for suffering.
Let's pray that America's suffering and sad will turn to God in obedient faith (Matt 11:28-30, Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, Heb 5:8-9). In Christ, Americans and all mankind can find "peace passing understanding" (Phil 4:7).
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