Today if you were to ask ten people on the street if they were a "Christian", probably close to half of them would say "yes". In fact, about 40% of Americans attend some sort of church, (not all of which are fundamentally Biblical) and many people in our country would still consider us a Christian nation. The tragic fact, however, is that we have pushed God out of our schools by removing prayer, out of our courthouses by removing the Ten Commandments, and to a large extent out of our government through liberal laws and legislation. America has taken assertive steps to move away from the moral principles of God's Word which our country was founded upon, and is re-establishing itself as a secular, humanistic society - with more hope in science and technology then in the providence of Almighty God. If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, then I'm sure you would agree that we need a Holy Spirit Revival in America today. However, the problem of worldliness over godliness goes beyond the secular realm of the unbeliever. A nationwide survey completed by the Barna Research Group concluded that only 4% of Americans now hold an actual Biblical Worldview. This may not shock you, as many in our country do not believe in God, but here's the big surprise; only about 9% of people who consider themselves a "born again" believer hold a Biblical Worldview themselves. This statistic is astounding!
The sad reality is that many churches and even mainline denominations have allowed a secular, humanistic agenda to creep in and compromise the pure truth of God's Word. Many misguided pastors and politicians have chosen to part and parcel out the Word of God - selecting what they will and will not apply and believe. This simply will not work, for we know that with God it's all or nothing. This brings me to the focal point of this entry; the need for a genuine Biblical Worldview. You may be asking, "what exactly is a worldview?" Quite simply, it is the theology, ideology, and philosophy held be an individual which serves as their context and approach to their understanding of God, man, and the world. A "Biblical Worldview" is based on the infallible, perfect Word of God (the Bible). When we believe that the Bible is entirely true - not just parts of it - then we allow it to be the foundation for everything we do in life. II Timothy 3:16 tells us this; "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction of righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."
Here are four fundamental facts that every Christian believer should believe and follow, in order to truly hold a Biblical Worldview, and make a difference in this world as Salt and Light; 1.] The Bible is the inspired Word of God, perfect and complete (II Timothy 3:15-17, II Peter 1:20-21.) 2.] There is one God, eternally existent in three persons; God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 45:5, Matthew 3:16-17, Ephesians 4:4-6.) 3.] Only Jesus Christ provides forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life (John 3:16, John 14:6, Romans 10:9.) 4.] We are called to love God, love people, and make disciples until Christ returns (Matthew 22:37-40, 28:19-20, John 14:1-3.) We are called to live authentic faith, so let's know what we believe, and live what we believe, as we shine our lights for Jesus Christ! Matthew 5:16 - "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in Heaven."
