What is a Christian Worldview?
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— This is our first of three messages helping us understand and develop a Christian Worldview.
Understanding a Christian Worldview
Understanding a Christian Worldview
1. Definition of Worldview:
A worldview encompasses one’s convictions, and values, shaping how one perceives and makes sense of the world and life.
2. Importance of Developing a Christian Worldview:
Developing a Christian worldview is essential for living a life that glorifies God.
3. Roots of a Christian Worldview:
A Christian worldview is anchored in the belief in God's sovereignty over all creation, which should influence every aspect of life. It is centered on the teachings of the Bible and the person and work of Jesus Christ.
4. Interpretive Lens:
It serves as a lens through which Christians interpret and interact with everything around them, including beliefs, values, decisions, and actions.
LET’S PRAY
— God we are grateful for your presense with us this morning and always
— God as we learn from you and your Word the correct CWV
— Help us, lead us, guide us as we conform our hearts, minds, and souls to your will and ways.
— God we bless you this morning and ask that you bless us and we journey.
—IN Christ’s powerful name we pray
— Amen
What are the elements of a Christian Worldview?
— All together these help us Embrace God and live up to His standards
#1. The Authority of Scripture
— Centrality of the Bible
16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
— The Bible provides the ultimate standard for truth and morality, guiding believers in all aspects of life.
#2. The Sovereignty of God
— The sovereignty of God refers to the biblical concept that God is the supreme authority and all things are under His control.
— God is the ultimate ruler of the universe and has the absolute right and power to govern all creation according to His will.
— Everything exists because of His will and purpose.
1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.
— God created… And He continues to own the very hairs on our heads.
— Before sin entered the world God created mankind
Genesis 1:26 (ESV)
26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.
— All of mankind is under the direction and influence of God, the Father, Jesus and the Spirit.
— But still… God's sovereignty means that He is actively involved in the world, governing all things according to His divine plan.
#3. The Reality of Sin and Redemption
— Since “The Fall” we are born with a sin nature.
— And separate from God
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
1. Ongoing Battle with Sin
- We all continually struggle with sin until Jesus returns.
— This is an inevitable part of our human nature.
2. Sin and Human Nature
- Despite our best efforts, we sin because of our human nature.
— This is a universal experience for all people.
3. Need for a Savior
- Our sin nature makes us in need of a Savior. Jesus Christ is that Savior who redeems us from the bondage of sin.
4. The Cost of Redemption
- Jesus paid the price for our redemption with His perfect, sinless life, sacrificed on the cross at Golgotha.
5. Definition of Redemption
- Redemption means buying back or rescuing someone or something that is lost or enslaved.
6. Faith and Salvation
- Salvation is granted to us through faith in Jesus Christ, and it is given freely by God's grace, without cost to us.
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
#4. Acknowledge The Lordship of Jesus Christ
— Jesus Christ, His teachings and examples are central to a CWV.
9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name,
10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
— The power of His name, Jesus is palpable
— We are saved by that name
— We align ourselves by following that name
— Our sinful past is erased by our Faith in and reliance on the name of Jesus.
— We live, breathe and die by that name
21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.
— Embrace Christ’s example in your daily lives.
— Be an agent of His Love, Grace and Truth.
— In your life, in the life of your family, in your community and in your world.
#5 The Purpose of Life: Glorifying God and Serving Others.
- The ultimate purpose of life, according to a Christian worldview, is to glorify God and enjoy a relationship with Him forever.
31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
— If you grew up listening and applying the Creeds and Catechism in your life
— Listen to the first question in Westminster Shorter Catechism on this topic. Written in the 1640’s.
“The chief aim of man, is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.” - Westminster Shorter Catechism
— Note its not to be famous, rich or powerful that we say theses words
— But as a result of our “first step” towards God, He then offers redemption through Jesus Christ.
— And more rewards that we will ever know.
#6 What is the role of the Church in developing a Christian Worldview?
— The local church enhances our community and drives our mission
— The Church is the body of Christ, a community of believers who gather for worship, fellowship, teaching, and mutual support.
— What should the church look and act like?
Acts 2:42–47 (ESV)
42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.
44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.
46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
— Honestly, this is my vision for the church
— I first caught this vision 5+ years ago when Gallo first came into my life.
— Since then… it has guided and ruled my life.
— I hope that these 5 verses begin to embody what we do in our lives and in our church
#7 Embrace the Hope of Eternal Life
1. Faith Alone:
It is through faith alone that we are assured of our place in Heaven.
2. Eternal Place in Heaven:
This faith secures for us an eternal home in Heaven.
3. Christian Worldview and Eternal Life:
A key aspect of a Christian worldview is the hope of eternal life with God.
4. Hope Enjoyed Through Jesus' Resurrection:
This hope is rooted in the resurrection of Jesus and the promise of believers' future resurrection.
—Believers find joy and assurance in this eternal hope.
1Co 15.21-22
21 For as by a man came death [Adam], by a man [Jesus Christ] has come also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.
— We need to hold-fast in the belief that we, believers in Christ, will be resurrected from dead and join all those believers in Christ that have sent before us.
— We believe in a new heaven and a new earth where there will be no more pain, suffering, or death, and where God's perfect justice and peace will reign.
1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.
2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.
#8 The Importance of Moral and Ethical Living
Men and women who refuse to acknowledge God’s existence do so, in the final analysis, because it is contrary to their manner of living. They do not want to bow to the moral claims of a holy God on their lives.
RC Sproul
8 He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
— and a NT reflection
37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.
38 This is the great and first commandment.
39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
1. Living Moral and Ethical Lives:
— A key part of a Christian worldview is striving to live moral and ethical lives.
2. Incorporating Faith, Hope, Prayer, and Service:
— This involves integrating our faith, hopes, prayers, and service to the Lord into our daily lives.
3. Recognizing Human Imperfection:
— Acknowledging that no one is perfect except Jesus, and we all fall short of what is good and right.
4. Guided by Biblical Principles:
— Despite our imperfections, our lives should be guided by biblical principles.
Let’s Review
— We covered a lot of ground this morning; let’s see where we have been
—A Christian worldview is more than a set of religious beliefs; it is a comprehensive framework for understanding and engaging with the world.
— It is essential for living a life that glorifies God, as it shapes our beliefs, values, decisions, and actions according to the truth of Scripture and the example of Jesus Christ.
—By developing and living out a Christian worldview, believers fulfill their divine purpose and bear witness to the transforming power of the gospel in all areas of life.
Let’s Pray
— God we want to please you
— We know what we are to do
— God give us the courage to use each of these principles
— To seek you; to know you; to love you
— In Christ’s name we pray
— Amen
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Discussion and Questions for Personal Review
1. Why is it important for Christians to align themselves with the teachings and examples of Jesus Christ in developing a Christian worldview?
2. In what ways can embracing the hope of eternal life influence our attitudes towards suffering and difficulties in life?
3. How can we integrate their faith, hopes, prayers, and service to the Lord into their daily lives to reflect a Christian worldview?
4. How does the belief in the importance of moral and ethical living impact our relationships with others and our participation in society?
5. What steps can individuals take to ensure that their lives are guided by biblical principles, even in a world that may present conflicting values?
6. How can developing a Christian worldview impact the way we make decisions in our daily lives and interact with others?
7. Why is it important for Christians to acknowledge the Lordship of Jesus Christ in their lives?
8. How does the concept of sin and redemption impact the way we view ourselves and others around us?
9. How can believers find hope in the promise of eternal life with God, and how does this hope affect our perspective on life's challenges?
