As registered voters all over the country submit their votes for the next President of the United States of America, I thought it would be fitting to talk about the difference between living biblically correct compared to politically correct. It has been said that if you want to get along with someone, you should leave topics related to religion or politics out of the conversation. Since I will be talking about both, perhaps we can agree to disagree on some of the differences and points I have outlined below.
When I think of living biblically correct I’m reminded of Psalm 40:8 that says “I delight to do Your will, O my God, and your law is written within my heart.” What exactly does it mean to delight in God’s will? I will be the first to admit I do not have all the answers in life; however, as the Holy Spirit guides these fingers typing and processes the thoughts in my mind regarding this question, I’m inclined to share Deuteronomy 26:17. It says “Today you have proclaimed the Lord to be your God, and that you will walk in His ways and keep His statutes, His commandments, and His judgments, and that you will obey His voice.” As we personalize this Scripture in relation to how we live our lives, are we delighting in walking in His ways and keeping His commandments? Are we more concerned about what God thinks or what our society now considers the norm? What would God think about abortion or same sex marriages? These are questions you do not have to ask because He is clearly against both in the Bible.
As we consider what it means to live politically correct, I picture a country that is more concerned about not offending another person regardless of their moral compass than offending God. Instead of encouraging others to grow closer to Christ, these individuals are left to fend for themselves and continue in their destructive behavior and lifestyle. The word liberal is defined as “showing or characterized by broad-mindedness.” When we are tolerant to change that is against God’s laws and commandments, we find ourselves living politically correct.
As you stand in line to vote this election, I encourage you to vote based on the issues that are aligned with God’s laws. Of course, healthcare & economic growth are important for our society; however, issues like abortion and same sex marriages clearly go against God’s Word. The choice is ultimately yours to make and believe it or not, your vote does count.
Your Brother in Christ,
Miguel "The Hitman" Viera #40
"Committed to tackling souls for Christ"
Visit www.trafford.com/06-0375 to read about Miguel's book "Walking on Higher Ground and Awakening the Spirit Within: A Christian Student Athlete's Spiritual Journey Through the Doors of College and Beyond." To learn more about Playing for Jesus Ministries, visit http://www.playingforjesusministries.com.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Amazing You
Have you ever thought how precious you are in the eyes of our Creator? Have you recently taken the time to gaze upon the countless stars that paint the night sky and ponder how God could possibly know you individually when the Universe is so vast and more than six billion people populate the Earth? I often think of Ephesians 2:10 when reflecting on those two questions. It says “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”
Let’s put aside for the moment the amazing fact that God created us in resemblance of His image to bless others through unselfish deeds. When we truly comprehend that He prepared all of this in advance of you being created, it ultimately reflects the distinct attributes of our sovereign God. He truly is all-knowing, all-powerful, all-present and all-loving.
He has chosen not some of us but all of us to function as the body of Christ. The only requirement of us is simply accepting Him as our Lord and Savior. 1 Corinthians 12:12 says, “For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.” We all have the potential to fulfill a different role in regards to the body of Christ. If we submit to His will and commit to know and love Him more everyday, it will only be a matter of time before our spiritual gifts are revealed.
As we seek first His Kingdom and righteousness, let us utilize all of our spiritual gifts to have a profound impact on the Kingdom of God. Never forget that God’s thoughts towards you personally “cannot be recounted to you in order” and “are more than can be numbered” according to Psalm 40:5. In addition, Psalm 139:17-18 says “How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand.” Just imagine walking on a beach and the number of sand particles if you were to attempt to count them. God’s thoughts towards you personally would far surpass that number. I’m personally humbled to know that He thinks of me so much and so often.
A fitting verse to leave you with can be found in 3 John 1:2 that says “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” Let us not neglect the condition of our souls. As we spend time studying, meditating and memorizing His Word, our souls can’t help but to prosper and grow. Let us be a blessing to someone else today and always remember how special we are viewed in the eyes of our Creator : )
Your Brother in Christ,
Miguel "The Hitman" Viera #40
"Committed to tackling souls for Christ"
Visit www.trafford.com/06-0375 to read about Miguel's book "Walking on Higher Ground and Awakening the Spirit Within: A Christian Student Athlete's Spiritual Journey Through the Doors of College and Beyond." To learn more about Playing for Jesus Ministries, visit http://www.playingforjesusministries.vpweb.com.
Let’s put aside for the moment the amazing fact that God created us in resemblance of His image to bless others through unselfish deeds. When we truly comprehend that He prepared all of this in advance of you being created, it ultimately reflects the distinct attributes of our sovereign God. He truly is all-knowing, all-powerful, all-present and all-loving.
He has chosen not some of us but all of us to function as the body of Christ. The only requirement of us is simply accepting Him as our Lord and Savior. 1 Corinthians 12:12 says, “For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.” We all have the potential to fulfill a different role in regards to the body of Christ. If we submit to His will and commit to know and love Him more everyday, it will only be a matter of time before our spiritual gifts are revealed.
As we seek first His Kingdom and righteousness, let us utilize all of our spiritual gifts to have a profound impact on the Kingdom of God. Never forget that God’s thoughts towards you personally “cannot be recounted to you in order” and “are more than can be numbered” according to Psalm 40:5. In addition, Psalm 139:17-18 says “How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand.” Just imagine walking on a beach and the number of sand particles if you were to attempt to count them. God’s thoughts towards you personally would far surpass that number. I’m personally humbled to know that He thinks of me so much and so often.
A fitting verse to leave you with can be found in 3 John 1:2 that says “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” Let us not neglect the condition of our souls. As we spend time studying, meditating and memorizing His Word, our souls can’t help but to prosper and grow. Let us be a blessing to someone else today and always remember how special we are viewed in the eyes of our Creator : )
Your Brother in Christ,
Miguel "The Hitman" Viera #40
"Committed to tackling souls for Christ"
Visit www.trafford.com/06-0375 to read about Miguel's book "Walking on Higher Ground and Awakening the Spirit Within: A Christian Student Athlete's Spiritual Journey Through the Doors of College and Beyond." To learn more about Playing for Jesus Ministries, visit http://www.playingforjesusministries.vpweb.com.
Friday, July 18, 2008
The Only Lasting Thrill to Live for in Life
The past two months I have been reading a book called “Mere Christianity” by C.S. Lewis that has been both captivating and enjoyable. Although there are many interesting sections to discuss, there is one specific area related to thrills that I would like to share with you. I have already shared this with the inmates at the Greensboro Jail, our Homebuilder’s Sunday School Class at Friendly Avenue Baptist Church, the Winston-Salem Warthog players at Ernie Shore Field and will even be preaching a sermon on it in early August at the Contemporary Service at FABC. With that said, I pray this is something that will register with the readers of this newsletter.
Let me start by asking you what it is that gets you excited in life? What is considered a thrill that gets your blood pumping? Perhaps it is the idea of flying an airplane or visiting an exotic vacation destination for the first time. The question posed to you is how long will that thrill last? It very well could be for a short or long period of time but not for a lifetime. Eventually you will be chasing another thrill or trying to extend an existing one.
In “Mere Christianity” C.S. Lewis shares this regarding thrills:
“It is simply no good trying to keep any thrill: that is the very worst thing you can do. Let the thrill go – let it die away – go on through that period of death into the quieter interest and happiness that follow – and you will find you are living in a world of new thrills all the time. But if you decide to make thrills your regular diet and try to prolong them artificially, they will all get weaker and weaker, and fewer and fewer, and you will be a bored disillusioned old man for the rest of your life. It is because so few people understand this that you find many middle-aged men and women maundering about their lost youth, at the very age when new horizons ought to be appearing and new doors opening all round them.”
As I move forward in my life at 32 years of age, I want to find myself encountering new horizons and new doors that are opening as I enjoy the different stages of my life. As I reflect on Psalm 40:8 that says “I delight to do Your will, O my God, And Your law is written within my heart,” I want to not only follow God’s will but delight in following it. May everyday be exciting, adventurous and full of God’s spirit as I pursue to fulfill His purpose for my very existence.
In closing, I hope your ultimate thrill is following God’s will for your life. The hardest thing just might be letting go and letting God. Can you imagine a thrill that doesn’t fade away and goes beyond this earthly life? It is here for the taking if we just submit ourselves to God and speak the words of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane “not as I will but as You will.”
Your Brother in Christ,
Miguel "The Hitman" Viera #40
"Committed to tackling souls for Christ"
Visit www.trafford.com/06-0375 to read about Miguel's book "Walking on Higher Ground and Awakening the Spirit Within: A Christian Student Athlete's Spiritual Journey Through the Doors of College and Beyond." To learn more about Playing for Jesus Ministries, visit http://www.playingforjesusministries.vpweb.com.
Let me start by asking you what it is that gets you excited in life? What is considered a thrill that gets your blood pumping? Perhaps it is the idea of flying an airplane or visiting an exotic vacation destination for the first time. The question posed to you is how long will that thrill last? It very well could be for a short or long period of time but not for a lifetime. Eventually you will be chasing another thrill or trying to extend an existing one.
In “Mere Christianity” C.S. Lewis shares this regarding thrills:
“It is simply no good trying to keep any thrill: that is the very worst thing you can do. Let the thrill go – let it die away – go on through that period of death into the quieter interest and happiness that follow – and you will find you are living in a world of new thrills all the time. But if you decide to make thrills your regular diet and try to prolong them artificially, they will all get weaker and weaker, and fewer and fewer, and you will be a bored disillusioned old man for the rest of your life. It is because so few people understand this that you find many middle-aged men and women maundering about their lost youth, at the very age when new horizons ought to be appearing and new doors opening all round them.”
As I move forward in my life at 32 years of age, I want to find myself encountering new horizons and new doors that are opening as I enjoy the different stages of my life. As I reflect on Psalm 40:8 that says “I delight to do Your will, O my God, And Your law is written within my heart,” I want to not only follow God’s will but delight in following it. May everyday be exciting, adventurous and full of God’s spirit as I pursue to fulfill His purpose for my very existence.
In closing, I hope your ultimate thrill is following God’s will for your life. The hardest thing just might be letting go and letting God. Can you imagine a thrill that doesn’t fade away and goes beyond this earthly life? It is here for the taking if we just submit ourselves to God and speak the words of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane “not as I will but as You will.”
Your Brother in Christ,
Miguel "The Hitman" Viera #40
"Committed to tackling souls for Christ"
Visit www.trafford.com/06-0375 to read about Miguel's book "Walking on Higher Ground and Awakening the Spirit Within: A Christian Student Athlete's Spiritual Journey Through the Doors of College and Beyond." To learn more about Playing for Jesus Ministries, visit http://www.playingforjesusministries.vpweb.com.
Why Should External Factors Affect an Internal Relationship?
Imagine for a moment sitting on the bank of a river with your bare feet in the cool water. The sun is shining brightly as you can feel its warm rays upon your face. The breeze is gently blowing just enough to rustle through the trees planted next to the river. You can hear the birds chirping as they chase each other in the blue filled sky and you can smell the flowers that are blooming around you in the middle of Spring. I wonder if visualizing this is making you feel relaxed? I wonder if this type of environment could provide you with an inner peace if it is only for a mere second.
What do you suppose would happen if a big Brown Bear rumbled down the river towards you? I bet you wouldn’t feel quite as relaxed. Maybe you might experience a little anxiety or perhaps be overcome with fear. This is an example of how an external factor can affect an external relationship with your surrounding environment.
When we take a close look at the internal relationship we have the awesome opportunity to share with Christ, external factors shouldn’t hinder our faith one bit. Psalm 1:2-3 says “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.” When we take a step back and look at our own life, what is the main source of our delight? Is it abiding in the law of the Lord and living a life that is respectful of His sacrifice on the cross for our sins?
Imagine the blessings that would follow in our lives if we would delight in His law and meditate on it day and night. Notice it doesn’t say on a particular day of the week but every day both in the morning and the evening. If we would commit ourselves to constantly thinking about the Lord and His instructions for us, the Bible compares us to a “tree planted by the rivers of water.” A tree that will bear fruit in its appointed time, a tree whose leafs will not wither and a tree that will prosper in all it does because it is living in the middle of God’s will for its life.
Should we allow external factors to affect an internal relationship with our Lord and Savior? The answer is absolutely not! Meditating on His Word day and night is an internal thing and the only thing that is capable of stopping us from thinking about the Lord is ourselves. I’m reminded of Proverbs 16:3 that says “Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established.” If we attempt to glorify God in all we do on a daily basis, our thoughts will be directed to our Creator and Savior. Walking with the Lord everyday is the only way to overcome any temptations and tribulations throughout the day.
Your Brother in Christ,
Miguel "The Hitman" Viera #40
"Committed to tackling souls for Christ"
Visit www.trafford.com/06-0375 to read about Miguel's book "Walking on Higher Ground and Awakening the Spirit Within: A Christian Student Athlete's Spiritual Journey Through the Doors of College and Beyond." To learn more about Playing for Jesus Ministries, visit http://www.playingforjesusministries.vpweb.com.
What do you suppose would happen if a big Brown Bear rumbled down the river towards you? I bet you wouldn’t feel quite as relaxed. Maybe you might experience a little anxiety or perhaps be overcome with fear. This is an example of how an external factor can affect an external relationship with your surrounding environment.
When we take a close look at the internal relationship we have the awesome opportunity to share with Christ, external factors shouldn’t hinder our faith one bit. Psalm 1:2-3 says “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.” When we take a step back and look at our own life, what is the main source of our delight? Is it abiding in the law of the Lord and living a life that is respectful of His sacrifice on the cross for our sins?
Imagine the blessings that would follow in our lives if we would delight in His law and meditate on it day and night. Notice it doesn’t say on a particular day of the week but every day both in the morning and the evening. If we would commit ourselves to constantly thinking about the Lord and His instructions for us, the Bible compares us to a “tree planted by the rivers of water.” A tree that will bear fruit in its appointed time, a tree whose leafs will not wither and a tree that will prosper in all it does because it is living in the middle of God’s will for its life.
Should we allow external factors to affect an internal relationship with our Lord and Savior? The answer is absolutely not! Meditating on His Word day and night is an internal thing and the only thing that is capable of stopping us from thinking about the Lord is ourselves. I’m reminded of Proverbs 16:3 that says “Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established.” If we attempt to glorify God in all we do on a daily basis, our thoughts will be directed to our Creator and Savior. Walking with the Lord everyday is the only way to overcome any temptations and tribulations throughout the day.
Your Brother in Christ,
Miguel "The Hitman" Viera #40
"Committed to tackling souls for Christ"
Visit www.trafford.com/06-0375 to read about Miguel's book "Walking on Higher Ground and Awakening the Spirit Within: A Christian Student Athlete's Spiritual Journey Through the Doors of College and Beyond." To learn more about Playing for Jesus Ministries, visit http://www.playingforjesusministries.vpweb.com.
Monday, April 21, 2008
What is Discipleship All About and Why Does it Matter?
We often hear stories about new believers coming to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior; however, due to a lack of discipleship in their lives, these new believers are a walking example of one of the outcomes of “The Parable of the Sower.” In Matthew chapter 13:5-6, Jesus shares a parable that describes a sower going out to sow where “Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth. But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away.” Later in Matthew 13:20-21, Jesus explains the parable by saying “But he who received the seed on stony places; this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.”
As I step back for a second and just ponder on this parable while thinking of the word discipleship, I’m reminded that discipleship is a never ending process of transformation to become the servant Jesus calls us to be. For if the Son of God came to serve and not be served, shouldn’t we have the same outlook on our personal lives? There are four particular verses in the Bible that help point me in the right direction regarding discipleship.
The first two verses can be found in Romans 1:11-12; “For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be well established – that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.” Do we enjoy fellowship with Christians that help us see the spiritual gifts God has equipped us with and do we provide each other with constant encouragement? We should be filling up each others spiritual gas tanks when we are in the presence of other Christians.
The second verse is 1 Thessalonians 5:11 “Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.” A new friend recently told me he is going to try to be a blessing to someone everyday this week. That is exactly what we should aim to do in our relationships with family, friends, co-workers and even strangers.
The last verse is Proverbs 27:17 “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” Are you a walking testimony of what God has done in your life when His Son died for your personal sins? People in your life should not have to look too long or hard to know there is something different about you. The way you walk, the way you talk, your outlook on life and your passion to know God better and love Him more should be a bright, shining light to all of those crossing your path.
In closing, does discipleship really matter? You better believe it does. Christianity is a lifestyle and not just a one-time decision. It changes who you become for the glory of God. We are called to live in the world but not be of it. By focusing on seeking God’s righteousness, we draw closer to Him and deepen a relationship that fulfills the very reason we were created. The opportunity to enjoy personal companionship with the God of the Universe and to do good works for His glory and honor.
Your Brother in Christ,
Miguel "The Hitman" Viera #40
"Committed to tackling souls for Christ
"Visit www.trafford.com/06-0375 to read about Miguel's book "Walking on Higher Ground and Awakening the Spirit Within: A Christian Student Athlete's Spiritual Journey Through the Doors of College and Beyond." To learn more about Playing for Jesus Ministries, visit http://www.playingforjesusministries.vpweb.com.
As I step back for a second and just ponder on this parable while thinking of the word discipleship, I’m reminded that discipleship is a never ending process of transformation to become the servant Jesus calls us to be. For if the Son of God came to serve and not be served, shouldn’t we have the same outlook on our personal lives? There are four particular verses in the Bible that help point me in the right direction regarding discipleship.
The first two verses can be found in Romans 1:11-12; “For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be well established – that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.” Do we enjoy fellowship with Christians that help us see the spiritual gifts God has equipped us with and do we provide each other with constant encouragement? We should be filling up each others spiritual gas tanks when we are in the presence of other Christians.
The second verse is 1 Thessalonians 5:11 “Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.” A new friend recently told me he is going to try to be a blessing to someone everyday this week. That is exactly what we should aim to do in our relationships with family, friends, co-workers and even strangers.
The last verse is Proverbs 27:17 “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” Are you a walking testimony of what God has done in your life when His Son died for your personal sins? People in your life should not have to look too long or hard to know there is something different about you. The way you walk, the way you talk, your outlook on life and your passion to know God better and love Him more should be a bright, shining light to all of those crossing your path.
In closing, does discipleship really matter? You better believe it does. Christianity is a lifestyle and not just a one-time decision. It changes who you become for the glory of God. We are called to live in the world but not be of it. By focusing on seeking God’s righteousness, we draw closer to Him and deepen a relationship that fulfills the very reason we were created. The opportunity to enjoy personal companionship with the God of the Universe and to do good works for His glory and honor.
Your Brother in Christ,
Miguel "The Hitman" Viera #40
"Committed to tackling souls for Christ
"Visit www.trafford.com/06-0375 to read about Miguel's book "Walking on Higher Ground and Awakening the Spirit Within: A Christian Student Athlete's Spiritual Journey Through the Doors of College and Beyond." To learn more about Playing for Jesus Ministries, visit http://www.playingforjesusministries.vpweb.com.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Got Worldview? How Do You See the World?
It has been more than six weeks since our Homebuilders Sunday School class has started what I believe is the most fascinating Christian growth study I have everdone. The title of the workbook is "How Now Shall We Live?" and it is written by Charles Colson and Nancy Pearcey. For those of you who are not familiar with Charles Colson, he was former presidential aide to Richard Nixon and founded the international ministry Prison Fellowship.
As soon as I opened this workbook, I literally could not put it down. This study discusses how different worldviews have influenced thoughts, ideas and actions around the world. I would like to attempt to cover the basics of what a worldview is and make a comparison between two worldviews. My hope is that after reviewing these two points of discussion, you will start to see our world in a new light.
So what in the world is a worldview? If you had asked me six weeks ago, I can honestly say that I wouldn't know what type of answer you were looking for. Based on the text listed above, a worldview is defined as "simply the sum total of our beliefs about the world, the "big picture" that directs our daily decisions and actions. What we assume or believe becomes the lens through which we then see everything around us."
Now let's take this definition a step further and review three basic questions that are at the root of every worldview known to mankind.
1) Where did we come from and who are we?
2) What has gone wrong with the world?
3) What can we do to fix it?
The big difference between worldviews is how these questions are answered. This brings us to the comparison of two worldviews: Biblical Worldview versus Naturalistic Worldview. Below we can see how a person's worldview can impact the way they see the world.
Biblical Worldview answers to three basic questions:
1) Gensis 1:1 says "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."
Ephesians 2:10 says "For we are His workmanshp, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."
2) Romans 3:23 says "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." This is due to what happened in Genesis chapter 3 with Adam and Eve (The Temptation and Fall of Man).
3) John 3:16 says "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." The belief in Jesus Christ as our personal Savior enables us to have our sins forgiven and eternal life in heaven. 1 John 1:9 and Romans 10:9-10 are additional verses to back up this statement.
Naturalistic Worldview answers to these basic questions:
1) Nature is all that exists and life arose from a chance collision of atoms, evolving eventually into human life as we know it today.
2) This answer can be different depending on who you are asking; however, the following is a list of answers you would expect to hear: human beings, Europeans, the wealthy, males, the private ownership of property, sexual repression, ignorance, religion, democracy, or many other proposed evils.
3) This answer also varies but can include the following responses: more learning, growing technical competence, complete government control and many other suggestions based on what humans can do to fix this problem.
I wonder which lens you look through to see the world in which we live. My hopes and prayers are that it is the Biblical Worldview. It is constant, never changing and rests upon the perfect Word of God. I find it interesting how often and frequent the Naturalistic Worldview can change depending upon whom you ask. The other interesting point to make is that the answers to fix the world are based on what we humans can do instead of relying on God and trusting in His Son, Jesus Christ. I hope this has been insightful and relevant to where you are in your spiritual journey.
Your Brother in Christ,
Miguel "The Hitman" Viera #40
"Committed to tackling souls for Christ"
Visit www.trafford.com/06-0375 to read about Miguel's book "Walking on Higher Ground and Awakening the Spirit Within: A Christian Student Athlete's Spiritual Journey Through the Doors of College and Beyond." To learn more about Playing for Jesus Ministries, visit http://www.playingforjesusministries.vpweb.com.
As soon as I opened this workbook, I literally could not put it down. This study discusses how different worldviews have influenced thoughts, ideas and actions around the world. I would like to attempt to cover the basics of what a worldview is and make a comparison between two worldviews. My hope is that after reviewing these two points of discussion, you will start to see our world in a new light.
So what in the world is a worldview? If you had asked me six weeks ago, I can honestly say that I wouldn't know what type of answer you were looking for. Based on the text listed above, a worldview is defined as "simply the sum total of our beliefs about the world, the "big picture" that directs our daily decisions and actions. What we assume or believe becomes the lens through which we then see everything around us."
Now let's take this definition a step further and review three basic questions that are at the root of every worldview known to mankind.
1) Where did we come from and who are we?
2) What has gone wrong with the world?
3) What can we do to fix it?
The big difference between worldviews is how these questions are answered. This brings us to the comparison of two worldviews: Biblical Worldview versus Naturalistic Worldview. Below we can see how a person's worldview can impact the way they see the world.
Biblical Worldview answers to three basic questions:
1) Gensis 1:1 says "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."
Ephesians 2:10 says "For we are His workmanshp, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."
2) Romans 3:23 says "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." This is due to what happened in Genesis chapter 3 with Adam and Eve (The Temptation and Fall of Man).
3) John 3:16 says "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." The belief in Jesus Christ as our personal Savior enables us to have our sins forgiven and eternal life in heaven. 1 John 1:9 and Romans 10:9-10 are additional verses to back up this statement.
Naturalistic Worldview answers to these basic questions:
1) Nature is all that exists and life arose from a chance collision of atoms, evolving eventually into human life as we know it today.
2) This answer can be different depending on who you are asking; however, the following is a list of answers you would expect to hear: human beings, Europeans, the wealthy, males, the private ownership of property, sexual repression, ignorance, religion, democracy, or many other proposed evils.
3) This answer also varies but can include the following responses: more learning, growing technical competence, complete government control and many other suggestions based on what humans can do to fix this problem.
I wonder which lens you look through to see the world in which we live. My hopes and prayers are that it is the Biblical Worldview. It is constant, never changing and rests upon the perfect Word of God. I find it interesting how often and frequent the Naturalistic Worldview can change depending upon whom you ask. The other interesting point to make is that the answers to fix the world are based on what we humans can do instead of relying on God and trusting in His Son, Jesus Christ. I hope this has been insightful and relevant to where you are in your spiritual journey.
Your Brother in Christ,
Miguel "The Hitman" Viera #40
"Committed to tackling souls for Christ"
Visit www.trafford.com/06-0375 to read about Miguel's book "Walking on Higher Ground and Awakening the Spirit Within: A Christian Student Athlete's Spiritual Journey Through the Doors of College and Beyond." To learn more about Playing for Jesus Ministries, visit http://www.playingforjesusministries.vpweb.com.
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