In step

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Dealing with Guilt The Issue:

Have you ever felt guilty over something you have done and find yourself continually asking, “Why did I do that?” A sense of guilt can serve a good purpose, but in some cases it can produce ongoing pain and problems. The only proper way to deal with guilt is by understanding a correct perspective of our sin and grasping what God has done about it. What does the Bible say?

Note what the Bible says is the cause of guilt:

 Ps. 53:3 – We “feel” guilty because we are guilty (of sin).

 I John 1:8 – We are all guilty, a recognition of that = guilt. Note what the Bible says is the answer to removing guilt:

 Hosea 5:15 – Acknowledge and admit our sin, seek the Lord.

 I John 1:9 – Confession bring God’s forgiveness and cleansing. Note what the Bible says about moving past guilt:

 Rom. 4:6-8 – Recognize that the cross has removed our guilt.

 Eph. 4:22-24 – Remove sin that bring shame; pursue holiness. What should I do? A sense of guilt can bring overwhelming emotions, heavy hearts and even depression. A sense of guilt is not a bad thing in and of itself, for through it we see our need for the work of Christ on the cross. But for the believer who has been forgiven, ongoing guilt is a failure to understand what Christ has accomplished.

The good news of the gospel is that our sins have been completely removed (Ps. 103:12). That fact should not leave us filled with misery over past failures, but filled with joy and peace in the victory of Christ ( (Ps. 51:12)!

 

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Integrity

The Issue:

Integrity refers to a willingness to do what is right in any situation. A person of integrity does not do what is right for the purpose of impressing people or avoiding trouble, but rather, they do right simply because it is the honorable thing to do. Integrity is an issue of character that demonstrates our faith is real and our desire to obey God is genuine. Let’s see what Scriptures has to say about the topic of integrity. What does the Bible say? Note what these verses say about the importance of integrity:

 Prov. 5:21 – God sees all we do, even things done in secret.

 Prov. 21:3 – Doing right pleases God more than sacrifices.

 Luke 16:10 – Integrity in small things = integrity in big things. Note what these verses say about the benefits of integrity:

 Prov. 11:3 – It will guide you and keep you on a good path.

 Titus 2:7-8 – People won’t have bad things to say about you.

 Psalm 18:20; Matt. 6:4– God rewards your acts of integrity. What should I do? Integrity is a choice. It is a choice to be truthful, even if it means you may get in trouble. It is a choice not to cheat on a test, even when no one is watching. It is a choice not to watch an inappropriate video, even if people around you think it is no big deal. As we do what God wants of us at all times, in all circumstances, and at all costs, we will become people of integrity. Acts of integrity are what God has “required of us” (Micah 6:8), and it is through such acts that we demonstrate true Christian maturity. May our faith be proven to be genuine as we live lives of integrity

 

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The Issue:

Laziness is a word that we do not like. It highlights a weakness we are all prone to. Yet, this issue affects many aspects of life: our work ethic, use of free time, preparation for the future, etc. Let’s see what Scripture has to say about this. What does the Bible say? Note the warning and/or consequence of being lazy:

 Prov. 24:30-34 – Laziness results in destruction and poverty.

 Prov. 20:4 – Wasting away our lives results in having nothing.

 II Thess. 3:10 – One who doesn’t work doesn’t deserve food. Note the correct attitude we are told to have toward work:

 Prov. 6:6-9 – An ant is a very hard worker, as we should be.

 Prov. 14:23 – Words/plans are meaningless without action.

 Heb. 6:10-12 – God is watching, commit to work diligently. What should I do? Laziness is ultimately a selfish desire to abandon our responsibilities and live off the hard work of others. Relaxing and doing our own thing 24/7 sounds appealing, but God did not create us for that. He created us to live meaningful and productive lives through which everything we do is done for His glory (I Cor. 10:31). Wasting our lives away by being lazy will eventually lead to depression and a sense of failure, but being productive through hard work will lead to great satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment. Taking time to rest serves a purpose, but it should not characterize us.

The best way to fight laziness is to grasp God’s purpose for your life (be who He has called you to be), establish goals for the future, and commit to using all of your time in a way that pleases the Lord (II Tim. 2:15).

 

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Popularity

The Issue: Popularity seems like such a great thing! Being loved and admired by people sounds so wonderful. However, is popularity all that it is hyped up to be? Should popularity really be one of our goals in life? Let’s see what Scripture says about this topic. What does the Bible say? Notice what can happen when we crave popularity:

 I Sam. 18:7-9 – We can become very jealous of other people.

 Acts 12:1-4 – It can cause us to do things we should not do.

 John 12:42-43 – We will live to please people more than God. Where should our focus be? > Gal. 1:10 – Our focus should be on doing what God wants. The truth about popularity:

 Acts 4:18-20 – Doing what God wants is not always popular.

 Compare Mark 11:9-10 with Mark 15:12-13 – People may love you one day/hate you the next, as even Jesus experienced. What should I do? The goal of trying to become popular is not something we as believers should live for. The endless pursuit of trying to win over people’s love is not what God has called us to do. Rather, our attention must be on pleasing God with our lives. If, while living for God, He allows us to become popular, so be it. Our popularity can be used to further shine for His glory. But if popularity does not come our way, then there is no loss. As long as we are pleasing God with our lives, what else really matters? May we live in a way that makes every effort to draw people’s attention toward Christ, not ourselves

 

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Priorities

The Issue: We have so many things fighting for our attention each day. With responsibilities at home, commitments to church, projects for school, plans with our friends (etc.) our days can be filled with activities even before the day starts. It can be very easy to allow our priorities to become misplaced. We need to see what Scripture says about priorities, and have a godly perspective on how to use our time. What does the Bible say? What does the Bible say about the priorities we should have?

 Mark 12:28-30 – Priority #1 = love God with our whole being.

 Matt. 6:19-21 – Lay up your treasures in heaven, not on earth.

 Luke 12:29-31 – Seek God’s kingdom, He will handle the rest. What are ways we can keep our priorities in order?

 Psalm 5:3 – Daily spend time with God in prayer.

 Joshua 1:8 – Daily read and meditate on Scripture.

 Heb. 10:25 – Meet with other believers (church attendance).

 Phil. 3:13-14 – Live to fulfill God’s call/will for your life.

 I Cor. 10:31 – In every endeavor = do all to the glory of God. What should I do? Our highest priority is to honor and please God with our lives. When we are determined and focused on living for God, our priorities will fall correctly into place. That is the key to fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives without getting side-tracked by other selfish pursuits. Does your schedule show that you take personal time with God seriously? Do the other responsibilities and tasks you take on line up with what God asks of you? In what ways can you better prioritize things in your life?

 

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Pushing The Limits

The Issue: Far too often we try to push the limits of what we know we should not do. We often live trying to see how much we can “get away with” without actually crossing the line and sinning. Should we really be flirting with sin and trying to get as close to the edge as possible, or should we have a different focus? What does the Bible say? What do these verses say about the focus we should have?

 I Chron. 28:9 – God knows our heart, He wants us to seek Him.

 Ps. 27:4 – Our sole focus should be to grow closer to God.

 Ps. 139:23-24 – We should ask God to direct us in His ways.

 Prov. 16:2 – Beyond just our actions, God looks at our motives.

 II Tim. 2:22 – Flee the dangers of sin and pursue godliness.

What should I do? Scripture gives overwhelming support that our focus should not be on pushing the limits, but rather on being committed to doing all things in a way that clearly glorifies God and draws us closer to Him in obedience. Some good questions we must ask ourselves are:

1. How well are my actions pleasing God? (I Cor. 10:31)

2. How well are my actions drawing me closer to God? (James 4:8) God is not pleased when our desire is to push to the edge of what we think is “okay” (He does not want us going in the direction that leads us away from Him)! However, God is pleased when we make decisions that draw us closer to Him in obedience. Let us apply these principles to every aspect of our lives, so that in all we do, we will continually be pursuing Him and His righteousness (Matt. 6:33; I Tim. 6:11).

 

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Reputation

The Issue: How do people view you? What kind of reputation do you have? Such questions are important to consider, for the way people view you often reflects the kind of life you are living. Knowing that our actions speak louder than our words, we must take our reputations seriously as we represent Christ. What does the Bible say? Note what the Bible says about a good reputation:

 Prov. 22:1 – A good name is better than great riches.

 Matt. 5:16 – A good reputation will bring glory to God. Note what the Bible says about guarding our reputation:

 Eph. 5:3 – Do not be associated with sinful behavior.

 I Thess. 5:22 – Avoid every kind/appearance of evil. Note what the Bible says about how people should view us:

 Phil. 2:14-15 – Our lives should be blameless, clearly different from those of the world. We should shine as lights for Christ. What should I do? The reputation we have will either give people a good view or a bad view of Christ. The biggest hindrance to the cause of Christ is believers whose reputations fail to demonstrate the life changing power of the gospel. Our world does not need mere “professing Christians,” but rather true believers who are serious about their faith and whose commitment to Christ pours out of their lives on a daily basis!

The only way people will know that we are different is if our lives look different! This starts with truly being different in how we think, in what we desire, and in what we live for! When people think about you, can they see that you are different?

 

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Self Image

The Issue: When you think about yourself, what thoughts come to mind? Consider your talents, abilities, personality, intelligence level, physical appearance, sense of humor (etc.). Do these things bring you good thoughts, bad thoughts, or mixed feelings? The way we view ourselves often has an impact on the way we live. It is important that we look to Scripture to get a correct understanding of who we are. What does the Bible say? Note what the Bible says concerning our existence:

 Gen. 1:26-27 – We are a creation of God, made in His image.

 Ps. 139:13-16 – We were each formed by God, being made just as He wants us. We were all fearfully and wonderfully made. Note what the Bible says about God’s view of us?

 Rom. 5:6-8; 8:39 – Though we sinned, He loved us and redeemed us. We cannot be separated from God’s great love. Note some warnings about how we shouldn’t view ourselves:

 Rom. 12:3; Phil. 2:3 – Do not think too highly about ourselves. Do not live life self-focused or consumed with prideful thoughts. What should I do? Each of us is a unique creation of God and therefore valuable and significant! There is no place to be overcome in misery over aspects of our life that are not what we think they should be, nor is there place to become prideful in areas of our life that we think are better than others! We were not given life to be self-consumed, but rather to be grateful for the goodness of our Creator and to be surrendered to allow Him to use the life He has given us for His purposes!

 

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Power of the Tongue

The Issue: The words that we say have such a huge impact on so many things. Our words can help us build friendships or create bitter enemies. Our words can encourage one person while hurting another. Let’s look at Scripture to see what God says about our speech and how to best use it for His glory. What does the Bible say? What do these verses say about the impact our words have?

 James 3:3-5 – Though our tongue is little, it is very powerful.

 James 3:10-12 – Words are used to curse & bless = problem.

 Prov. 12:18 – Words can bring pain or bring healing/comfort.

 Prov. 15:1 – Words can help keep peace or stir up anger. How should we use our words in a positive way?

 I Tim. 4:12 – Use your speech to be an example to others.

 Prov. 4:24 – Do not use dishonest and hurtful speech.

 Prov. 12:15; 16:24 – Use words to be an encouragement.

 Psalm 19:14 – Focus on pleasing God with our speech. What should I do? Our speech is an outward reflection of what is in our hearts (Matt. 12:33-37), so it is important to first confess any sin in our hearts that may be causing wrongful speech (e.g., lack of respect for parents, hatred toward someone, jealousy, etc.). Then we must realize the significant impact our words can have to uplift and encourage those around us. We must be committed to intentionally using our words in a way that honors the Lord. Opportunities are all around us to do so! How can you use your words to encourage someone today.

 

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Stewardship

The Issue: God has created each of us with abilities and talents, and has given us certain possessions that we enjoy. It is important to remember that each of these blessings, however, was given to us by God ultimately to serve His purpose. When we grasp this, we see the necessity to manage (or be “stewards”) of what we have! Let’s see what Scripture says about this. What does the Bible say? Note what these verses teach about our possessions:

 Psalm 24:1-2 – All things are made by God and are His.

 I Chron. 29:14 – Everything we have comes from God. Note what God says about being a steward of His things:

 I Cor. 4:1-2 – Stewards must be faithful and trustworthy.

 Matt. 25:14-30– We must use what God has given us wisely.

 Col. 3:23-24 – Using God’s things for His purposes = reward. Read the following verses to see some of the specific areas in which we are told to practice stewardship: I Pet. 4:10-11; I Cor. 6:19-20; II Cor. 9:6-7; and Eph. 5:15-16. What should I do? Stewardship is about using the resources God has entrusted to us to accomplish the purpose He has for them. Everything we have (from possessions to abilities) is a gift from God intended to serve a significant purpose.

As we view the totality of our existence with a God-centered focus, we will discover that God desires to use our lives for His glory in more ways than we can imagine. How can you be a good steward of what God has given to you? May we be dedicated to using both our lives and our possessions for His glory!

 

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Handling Stress

The Issue: Stress seems to be a fact of life for most teens! Never ending homework projects, extra-curricular activities, various obligations, drama within our friendships, problems that arise at home, pressure to excel in sports or in academics (etc.) all add to stress! Stress can make life seem overwhelming at times, and it can even have harmful effects on our health! Let’s see what God says about handling stress in our lives. What does the Bible say? Note what advice these verses give for handling stress:

 Ex. 18:17-23 – Ask for help, don’t carry your burdens alone.

 Deut. 20:1-4 – Recognize the Lord gives victory and relief.

 Ps. 18:6 – Take any and all burdens to the Lord in prayer.

 Eph. 5:15-17 – Seek the Lord’s will in using time wisely. What should I do? Being busy is not a bad thing, for God wants us to be productive and get things done. However, God does not want us to be overcome with stress to the point we are miserable. Looking at the above verses, consider these thoughts:

1. Are you willing to share your burdens with a friend, parent or youth leader?
Opening up and praying with someone goes a long way in relieving stress!

2. God calls us to work and study hard, but He also calls us to give the pressure of success over to Him. Do your part and give the rest over to God. He can handle it!

3. What adjustments do you need to make in your life? Consider what schedule changes or relationship changes you need to make to free up unneeded stress! Handling stress correctly is critical if we desire to be used by God. It is essential for us to turn our stress over to Him

 

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Technology

The Issue: We all love and benefit from technology. The latest devices and gadgets add a sense of luxury and excitement to life. The Internet, smart phones, game consoles (etc.) each have their part in how technology has impacted our culture and our lives. Technology has many benefits and is a good thing (after all, God created it). Yet, if we are not careful, it can be easy to become tangled in the web of technology. What does the Bible say? What principles can be learned about the use of technology?

 Deut. 6:10-12 – Don’t forget or replace God b/c of blessings.

 Ps. 101:2-4 – Don’t jeopardize your integrity b/c of technology.

 Ps. 141:4 – Don’t waste your time on useless things.

 Matt. 6:21 – Keep your focus and heart on the real treasure. What should I do? When we determine to honor the Lord with technology, endless possibilities present themselves for bringing Christ glory and expanding His kingdom. However, when we allow technology to rule our lives, sin creeps in and much time and money is wasted. Evaluate how technology impacts your life:

1. Is the use of technology ever a way you attempt to escape the real world?

2. Does your life revolve around the Internet, gaming, Facebook, (etc.)?

3. Are important areas of your life being neglected because of technology (e.g., family, friends, worship, etc.)? If you answered “yes” to any of these, consider the price you are paying. Is wasting hours upon hours and neglecting loved ones really worth it? What changes does God want you to make regarding your use of technology?

 

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Time Management

The Issue: Time can be our best friend or our worst enemy. When we have a lot of extra time in our day, we are able to enjoy life by being productive, having fun and relaxing. However, when our days are full and we do not have a lot of extra time, things can become very hectic and sometimes overwhelming. How we budget our time can make all the difference in the world. What does the Bible say? Note what God says about time and how we should use it:

 Psalm 90:12 – Understanding value of time = gain wisdom.

 Eph. 5:15-16 – Make the most of your time, work hard.

 Ex. 20:8-10 – God desires for us to get adequate rest.

 Ecc. 3:1-8 – There is a time for everything = must balance it.

 Eph. 4:1 – Accomplish your calling, prioritize things accordingly. What should I do? We must learn to manage our time if we are to live lives that are productive and meaningful. As we see in the verses above, we need to balance our priorities and schedule our days with an eternal focus. Think about how you currently spend your time, and then ask these questions:

1. Am I spending sufficient time with God in preparation for each day?

2. What things do I do that do not really accomplish anything? How can I cut back or eliminate these?

3. What can I add or remove from my schedule that will make each day more focused on eternity? The time God has given us on this earth is a gift from Him, let us use it in a way that pleases Him and brings Him glory!

 

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Unity

The Issue: Unity is one of the most important characteristics a group should have. However, when people with different interests, personalities, and backgrounds come together, having unity often does not come easy. Let’s see what the Bible says about unity and how it relates to a group of believers. What does the Bible say? Note what the Bible says is the purpose of unity:

 John 17:20-23 – The purpose is that we may be united as one.

 Phil. 1:27 – That we may strive for the furtherance of the gospel. Through this we glorify Christ and accomplish our goal. Note how the Bible says unity is achieved:

 I Cor. 1:10 – By having the same mindset to achieve our goal, and eliminating any divisions that can distract us from our goal.

 Eph. 4:1-3 – Intentionally making an effort to keep unity (v.3). Note what the Bible says real unity will look like:

 Acts 4:32-33 – United in our goal/passions, enjoying peace.

 Eph. 4:16 – Everyone involved, everyone growing.

 Phil. 2:3-4 – Looking out for each other, putting others first.

 I Pet. 3:8-9 – Showing love, being forgiving, being encouraging. What should I do? Unity is vital for any group if they are going to move forward and fulfill the purpose God has for them. Think about what you can do to bring and maintain unity among those around you! Do your part in promoting and encouraging unity!

 

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A Biblical Worldview (Part 1)

The first question we will look at as we think through a biblical worldview is “Who is God?” How a person answers this question is key to how they approach life. The Bible gives a clear and direct answer to this question. Who Is God? We know about God because He has chosen to reveal Himself to us. Scripture reveals the fact that He is:

➢ The Creator of all things (Is. 45:18-19; Jer. 32:17)

➢ Sovereign over the Universe (Ps. 103:19)

➢ All Powerful (Gen. 17:1; Matt. 19:26)

➢ All Knowing (I John 3:20; John 21:17)

➢ The Giver of life (Ps. 36:9; 104:27-30)

He is also holy, righteous, just, gracious, merciful, and loving. The list could go on and on. It is this God who also rescued us from our sinful state (Rom. 5:8) and the One to whom we will one day give account for how we lived (II Tim. 4:1). The Foundation of Our Worldview Our world came from God and therefore the way we approach our world should start with God. We must view the world through God’s eyes.

As we look to what He has said in His Word, we find an absolutely reliable source of truth by which we can understand all the issues of life (II Tim. 3:16). The Impact of God within Our Worldview We cannot take God for granted as we live our lives. When we think about Him as Creator, we realize He is the reason we even exist. Understanding His power gives us confidence to trust in Him. Knowing His love and promises gives us our hope. Studying His Word gives us direction. How we view God greatly impacts how we view life and the world around us. For that reason, we must place Him at the center of our lives (Acts 17:24-28).

 

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A Biblical Worldview (Part 2)

The question we will look at today as we think about a biblical worldview is “Who am I?” It is a simple question, but the answer will greatly impact our perspective of our world.

Who Am I?

Scripture reveals to us that we are:

➢ Created in God’s image (Gen. 1:26-27). We have qualities that reflect our Creator, such as: • Intellect (we can think about things logically) • Morality (we can understand right from wrong) • A Will (we have the ability to make choices)

➢ Designed exactly as God desires us to be (Ps. 139:14-16; Is. 44:24). Our physical features and the abilities we have were designed and given to us by God Himself. We are not creatures who evolved from a cosmic swamp, nor are we accidents here by mere chance. The truth is that we are individuals created by the Almighty God with unique qualities that set us apart from the rest of His creation.

Loved by the Creator

Our value as human beings is based in the fact that we are loved and treasured by our Creator. God not only brought us into existence, but He also redeemed us from our sin, and we remain dependent on Him (I John 3:1).

The Impact of How We View Ourselves within Our Worldview

Seeing ourselves as God sees us gives us the freedom to take our focus off ourselves and put it back on Him. There is no place for self-pity, just as there is no place for pride. We have the ability to reflect God to the world, and we must reflect Him well. We must learn to like what He likes and dislike what He dislikes. In all that we do, God must be at the center. Only in Him will we find the satisfaction we long for (Eph. 2:4- 10; Phil. 3:8-9).

 

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A Biblical Worldview (Part 3)

The next question we will tackle is “What is the role of my parents and family?” Let’s see what the Scriptures say.

What Is the Role of My Parents and Family?

Scripture says a lot about these roles:

➢ Role of parents: Their primary goal is to train their children how to live for God (Prov. 22:6; Eph. 6:4).
• This is accomplished by setting the example (II Tim. 1:5), showing love (Luke 15:20), offering encouragement (Col. 3:21), and giving proper discipline (Prov. 13:24).
• The responsibility of teens is to obey and honor their parents (Eph. 6:1-3; Col. 3:20; Prov. 1:8).

➢ Role of family: Working as God intended, the family will demonstrate and teach concepts such as respect for authority, biblical morals, developing relationships, and unconditional love (Ps. 78:5-7; Deut. 6:5-7).

What if My Family Is Not Perfect?

Sometimes we look at our parents and find they make mistakes. What then? The fact is that our responsibility to them remains the same. Truth be told, we are not exactly perfect ourselves, yet our parent’s role maintains unchanged also. Each of us is responsible for our own actions. Look up these verses and consider how you can apply them to your home life: Rom. 12:18; I Cor. 13:4-5; I Tim. 6:11.

The Impact of Family Roles within Our Worldview

Our culture often promotes an attitude of rebellion toward authority as a way to show individualism and power. This kind of attitude at home does no good. In fact, it only robs us from being prepared to face life in the real world. Our family is not our enemy, nor should we be their enemy. We must do our part to make our home what God intends it to be. Then, along the way, we can learn valuable lessons that will prepare us to have godly homes of our own one day.

 

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A Biblical Worldview (Part 4)

Our next question concerning a biblical worldview is “What is the role of my friends?”

Let’s see what Scripture says.

What Is the Role of My Friends?

Scripture tells us what a friend should and should not be:

➢ A friend should:
• Promote a godly perspective on life (Prov. 13:20)
• Build up those around them (Prov. 27:17)
• Be a help and support to others (Ecc. 4:9-12)

➢ A friend should not:
• Persuade people to do sinful things (I Cor. 15:33)
• Draw individuals away from God (James 4:4)
• Hinder one’s walk with the Lord (II Tim. 4:14-16) We must recognize the influence people can have, and take caution as to who we consider part of our circle of friends.

The Value of a True Friend

A good friend can be a lifeline in today’s culture. Believers, in particular, should have an inseparable unity that serves as a support for one another. In times of discouragement or temptation, a friend can direct us toward hope. As we seek out godly friends, we must also keep in mind that we may be just the friend that someone else needs as well (Prov. 18:24).

The Impact of Our Friends within Our Worldview

As we approach life, we must recognize that the views and attitudes of those around us can easily brush off on us. Our lives are often characterized by the things that characterize our friends. Because of this, we must be wise in who we choose to hang around. It also means that we must be prepared to face our world as a leader rather than a follower. In our world, we will find all sorts of people, some of whom we will consider friends. As we look at those friendships, we must be sure we are impacting them, and they are impacting us, in a way that honors and pleases God.

 

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A Biblical Worldview (Part 5)

Today we will look at the issue of “What is right and wrong?” Let’s see how Scripture directs us in this interesting question.

What Is Right and Wrong?

Can this question really be answered? Some people would say “no.” They would say that the answer must be based on someone’s personal opinion. Since people have different opinions, and since opinions often change with time, some do not believe a set rule of right and wrong can exist. However, in recognition of who God is, and who we are as His creation, we can understand a lot about this issue:

➢ God is the Source of all truth (Ps. 31:5).

➢ God Himself (His character) is the standard for what is good and right (Deut. 32:4).

➢ God has revealed to us what is right and wrong in the Bible (Ps. 19:7-11; John 17:17).

➢ We have a perfect picture of what is good, right and loving in the person of Jesus Christ (John 1:14; 12:35-36).

Absolute Truth

Though people’s opinions may change, God’s law does not. He is truly unchangeable. What He said was good and holy 2,000 years ago, is still good and holy today. The principles of truth He has given apply to every nation, culture, and person today, just as it has throughout all history. Our basis for truth is the absolute truth of God’s Word (Matt. 24:35).

The Impact of Moral Truth within Our Worldview

From understanding what a marriage should look like, to grasping the right way to show love, we must recognize that God is the standard and judge of all morality. We must not be swayed by popular opinion or the changing views of those around us. God has given us the answers as to what is right and wrong in His Word, and our focus should be to stand by them and make them a part of our lives (John 8:31-32)!

 

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A Biblical Worldview (Part 6)

This lesson will look at the question “What is the meaning of history?” Let’s see how Scripture deals with this topic.

What Is the Meaning of History?

As we look back in history at all that has happened, and as we anticipate the future, we may wonder, is there a meaning to all of this? Notice what Scripture reveals about this issue:

➢ God is in control and sovereign over history (Ps. 103:19; 135:6).

➢ God is directing history toward a known end (Is. 46:9-11).

➢ God will fulfill the purpose He has for our existence (Rom. 8:28; Eph. 1:11).

God’s Sovereignty over History

The course of history is a work of God as He unfolds the purpose He has for His creation. Events in the world may at times appear to happen by coincidence, and the future may seem to be unfolding by happenstance. But in reality, that is not the case at all. History is not meaningless. Through the good and the bad, God has remained sovereign over His creation. From creation and the fall, to the crucifixion and final judgment, God has and will remain in control, accomplishing His purposes during each event (Acts 15:18).

The Impact of History within Our Worldview

Understanding God’s hand in the affairs of the world helps us recognize the fact that our world is not moving forward by random events, nor is it at the mercy of an unknown future. All history is moving forward by God’s direction. We must all recognize that a day will come when we will die and stand before our Creator (Heb. 9:27). Those who have come to faith in Christ will spend and eternity with God, while those who have not will face eternal judgment for their sin. Our view of history should give us an eternal focus, along with a “big picture” perspective on the events around us.