Biblical worldview and being who we really are

What happens when my generation leaves this earth?

among born-again Christians, the incidence of biblical worldview among them fell from 19% in 2020 to 13% in 2023,” wrote Peter LaBarbera in World Net Daily.

A Biblical Worldview Has a Radical Effect on a Person’s Life

https://www.barna.com/research/a-biblical-worldview-has-a-radical-effect-on-a-persons-life/

Excerpts

Citing the findings from a recently completed national survey of 2033 adults that showed only 4% of adults have a biblical worldview as the basis of their decision-making, researcher George Barna described the outcome. “If Jesus Christ came to this planet as a model of how we ought to live, then our goal should be to act like Jesus. Sadly, few people consistently demonstrate the love, obedience and priorities of Jesus. The primary reason that people do not act like Jesus is because they do not think like Jesus. Behavior stems from what we think – our attitudes, beliefs, values and opinions. Although most people own a Bible and know some of its content, our research found that most Americans have little idea how to integrate core biblical principles to form a unified and meaningful response to the challenges and opportunities of life. We’re often more concerned with survival amidst chaos than with experiencing truth and significance.”

Not Just Any Worldview
The research indicated that everyone has a worldview, but relatively few people have a biblical worldview – even among devoutly religious people. The survey discovered that only 9% of born again Christians have such a perspective on life. The numbers were even lower among other religious classifications: Protestants (7%), adults who attend mainline Protestant churches (2%) and Catholics (less than one-half of 1%). The denominations that produced the highest proportions of adults with a biblical worldview were non-denominational Protestant churches (13%), Pentecostal churches (10%) and Baptist churches (8%).

For the purposes of the research, a biblical worldview was defined as believing that absolute moral truths exist; that such truth is defined by the Bible; and firm belief in six specific religious views. Those views were that Jesus Christ lived a sinless life; God is the all-powerful and all-knowing Creator of the universe and He stills rules it today; salvation is a gift from God and cannot be earned; Satan is real; a Christian has a responsibility to share their faith in Christ with other people; and the Bible is accurate in all of its teachings.

The Difference a Biblical Worldview Makes
One of the most striking insights from the research was the influence of such a way of thinking upon people’s behavior. Adults with a biblical worldview possessed radically different views on morality, held divergent religious beliefs, and demonstrated vastly different lifestyle choices.

People’s views on morally acceptable behavior are deeply impacted by their worldview.

“These are not perfect people, but once they catch on to the critical principles found in the Bible and train their minds to incorporate those views into their thinking, their behavior varies noticeably from the norm.”

This watchman’s notes:

I read the above with my own thoughts and revelation from the Lord and grace and faith teaching, based on the foundation of Jesus’s complete salvation. He asked His disciples to make disciples of all nations with signs and miracles from the Lord confirming their teachings of the Gospel of Jesus, the kingdom of God.

What happens when my generation is gone?

In the Bible book of Joshua an obedient people conquered and possessed the promised land through trust in the power of God. Right after Joshua’s generation passed away, in the book of Judges, a disobedient and idolatrous people are defeated time and time again because of their rebellion against God.
This history of an ancient people is a mirror for today’s Christian generations.
My generation (post WWII) vs the generations after us. Reading the Old Testament books really makes me think again of what’s going to happen when we are all gone. There seems limited options for successors that can be trained in time unless we ask the Lord for redeemed time and acceleration in producing results (fruits and harvests) which has become my latest daily prayers.

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where the end is not the end

the word ‘end’ does not necessarily mean THE END. Indeed there is a demarcation line drawn, which shall end the age before that line. After that line there is another beginning of another age. This is the Christian hope and assurance of our belief.

There are many unknowns that are real and existing after crossing the demarcation line for each of us. Reading the Bible we know enough to give us the hope and the faith to walk by the Spirit towards finish line on this side of the line. The line has two sides. On the other side it is a beginning line.

What you can’t see doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist

Everyone fears the word. After the end what happens? Even with a story. When I came to the alphabet E with the word “end” I could not continue. Then I realize that the end is not really the end. Lewis wrote: “All their life in this world and all their adventures in Narnia had only […]

A DICTIONARY FOR NAVIGATORS ON SPIRITUAL ROUGH WATERS chapter 5: writing the end where the end is not the end

Is life continuing indefinitely?

Can life continue? In another form it does. Indefinitely. Reading the Bible with hope again.

Why do some see and some cannot? For example, when we come to the word everlasting, can I believe without seeing it with my physical eyes? How do I know it will take place if I cannot see it manifesting and besides no one has been through everlasting, so how can anyone know it is […]

A dictionary for navigators on spiritual rough waters chapter 6: continuing indefinitely

My biggest wish

You would have been 61 today. My biggest wish is that you could have stayed.

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What did we do last year this day? What will I be doing next year this day? Someone asked me about next year. I know they meant well. I also realized lately how one must bear certain moments alone such as grief.

One young pastor and his wife lost their first born twin boys at birth. They subsequently have two girls and one boy. Someone said that God compensated them.

I listened at that time and thought it wasn’t right to say that. No loved ones can be substituted. Each life is precious on its own just being a life. I believe God treasure every life.

For that matter, don’t try to assume anything to fill up the void. In the grief over the loss of a loved one there’s nothing and no one who can replace him or her. Every one must only handle his own loss and grief in ways only he can.

What shall I do next April? When Spring arrives? I shall come with the same flowers she loves. Talk to the beloved in heaven and talk to God in heaven. 

Having thought through this, I can see that this journey is more for me to reconcile with my life parts that fell apart due to the sudden onslaught of sadness which I never thought could have happened.

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Random notes on the subject of death and life span:

David aptly described the shortness of life. He only lived until 70.

Psalm 144:4 Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow.

David described his wish for long life even though he knew no matter how long a man’s age may be, it’s like just one breath compared to eternity with God.

He also recognized the more important finished line, that is being with God forever.

Psalm 21:4 he asked life from You, and You gave it to him–length of days forever and ever.

Psalm 23:6 and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

How did another psalmist handle the inevitable question of death? Trust God to know best, even to death.

Psalm 48:14 For this is God, our God forever and ever; He will be our guide Even to death.

Summary: Bearing grief is a personal and very private experience which gradually runs its course. Every one has his own definition and purpose of long life. God guides each individual when we ask Him and trust Him.

Letter to two young brothers (1)

Beloved nephews of mine, and children of our Abba Father in heaven:

This is the time to pray and seriously consider your life.
The Lord’s Prayer Matthew 6:9-15

9“Therefore, you should pray like this:

“Our Father in heaven,

your name be honored as holy.

10Your kingdom come.

Your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.

11Give us today our daily bread.

12And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.

13And do not bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

For Yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever.”

Jesus added the following points about how offenses could cause obstruction to receiving your blessings for specific areas of your life. Jesus spoke this before the cross.

14“For if you forgive others their offenses, your heavenly Father will forgive you as well. 15But if you don’t forgive others, your Father will not forgive your offenses. (Don’t let any offense from others block your heart. It’s not worth it!)

Jesus has paid the penalty for our sins on the cross.

So by believing and accepting Jesus as your Savior and Lord you are each already forgiven.  This forgiveness and redemption were accomplished through the crucifixion of Jesus on the cross, His death, and His resurrection that proved that He has overcome sin and death for you.

You are now the children of God and are given the authority of His name and the power of His Spirit in you to live His victorious life in His kingdom of light, and not a defeated life in darkness like an unbeliever.

You are a new creation by the new birth with the Holy Spirit. Your old person is dead. The past is gone. Your real life is in Christ now. It is He who lives in you.

You are babies in God’s family and need the feeding of His milk to grow up so you can eat solid food to develop maturity in Christ and enjoy the full abundant life He promised.

His milk is His words. Daily intake of His food is of utmost importance. Which baby could survive without milk? Physical work-out is profitable but spiritual work-out is far more profitable!

I pray you both grow up strong and healthy both inside and outside as you pursue His godliness. Let the light of God shine through you inside out. Our God shall supply all you need according to the riches of His glory!

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Bible verse on forgiveness

Colossians 3:13 accepting one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a complaint against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive.

Picture credit: biblelyfe.com