The disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:1-4) I am learning that one of the keys to discovering truth is the ability to ask the right questions. It is interesting to note from this passage of scripture that the disciples asked "who is the greatest?" instead of "what does it take to be the greatest?" They were more interested in personal gain than personal integrity. Jesus, in his astute way, exposed the motives of their heart. Greatness is never attained by entitlement, position, or proper association, it is attained through humility.
Many of you know I have a five year old boy named Josiah. He is such a joy to raise. This stage of fatherhood has been such a pleasure for me. I love spending time with Josiah. Everytime we are together he is always asking me a ton of questions. He has such a hunger to learn. I believe he asks me so many questions for three main reasons. First, he does not know the answer to the question. Second, he trusts his father. And third, he thinks I know the answer.
Sometimes his questions are silly or selfish. I must admit, these questions can be a little annoying at times. Quite often, he is seeking truth and understanding when he asks me questions. I love when he asks me "truth seeking" questions. It is a great joy to impart wisdom and instruction to him. I believe our heavenly Father loves to do the same for us. The important thing is to ask the right questions.
The gospels are full of Jesus' teaching and instruction. However, Jesus also asked questions to many people. As the omniscient God, was Jesus really looking for the answer? No. I believe he was teaching his disciples to ask the right questions. My favorite is when he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" (Matthew 16:13) There is no more important or "right" question that will ever be asked on planet earth. All truth, wisdom and understanding begins with knowing Jesus. Truth can only be discovered by asking the right questions.
It is also important to get the right answers from the questions we ask. In order to know Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the living God, Peter got his answer from the Father in heaven (Matthew 16:16). All people ask basically the same questions. The answers they get, however, are radically different depending on the person's worldview. According to Darrow L. Miller in "Discipling Nations", all men ask questions from three main categories: epistemological, metaphysical and moral.
Epistemological questions concern themselves with the nature, limits, and validity of knowledge. "Is there truth?" "What can I know?" and "How can I know?" are examples of the kinds of fundamental questions from which all others spring.
Metaphysical questions concern themselves with the fundamental nature of reality and being. They include "What is ultimate reality?" "Is there a God?" "What is the essence of nature and of time?" The disciplines of metaphysics include ontology (the study of being), cosmology (the study of nature and the universe), and teleology (the study of purposes).
Moral questions cover values, ethics, and morals in general and the problem of evil in particular. "Is ther right and wrong?" What is good?" "What is beautiful?" and "Where did evil come from?" are examples. This field of study is known as axiology, meaning the study of worth.
The way people and societies answer these questions determines the types of cultures and societies they create. Some answers to these questions lead to poverty, barbarism and slavery; others, to prosperity, peace, freedom and civilization.
Your homework assignment for February is to read "Discipling Nations" by Darrow L. Miller. No, we are not related. Yes, we are both brilliant. Ha Ha!!! Hope you enjoy. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).
Monday, January 30, 2006
Monday, January 23, 2006
Why Does Your Worldview Matter?
James W. Sire and Darrow L. Miller define worldview as, "a set of assumptions held consciously or unconsciously in faith about the basic makeup of the world and how the world works." Chuck Colson defines worldview as, "the sum total of our beliefs about the world, the "big-picture" that directs our daily decisions and actions." Understanding worldviews is extremely important because our major task in life is to discover what is true and to live in step with that truth.
Why is your worldview so important? Because the way we see the world can change the world. Apostle Paul, who is one of my favorite characters in the Bible, had a radical worldview adjustment. As he neared Damascus, on his way to imprison Christians, Paul was knocked to the ground by a light from heaven. As he was lying on the ground, the Lord Jesus spoke words of revelation and instruction to him. As Paul returned to his feet with new direction from the Lord, Acts 9:8 exposes something insightful to the reader. It says, "Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing."
How many people are walking around today with eyes wide open, but are blind to the will of God? Not only did Saul get a new heart and a new name, but he also got a new worldview. When he regained his vision after being blind for three days, Saul had a Godly mission in life. As a result, he went from being a church persecutor to becoming a church planter. Saul, now as Apostle Paul, would go on to plant some amazing churches and become a chief writer of the New Testament. His letters of love, encouragement, rebuke, instruction and wisdom to the churches he started are read by billions today. Every Christian church on the planet is directly influenced by Apostle Paul's worldview.
In "How Now Shall We Live", Chuck Colson teaches how to study worldview. Every worldview can be analyzed by the way it answers three basic questions: Where did we come from, and who are we (creation)? What has gone wrong with the world (fall)? And what can we do to fix it (redemption)? These three questions form a grid that we can use to break down the inner logic of every belief system or philosophy that we encounter, from the textbooks we read in the classrooms to the philosophies that shape the messages we hear on our favorite TV shows. This grid can be a powerful tool to help us frame a biblical worldview on any subject, from arts to athletics, from government to science, from family to eduction, from the marketplace to popular culture.
As disciples of Jesus, I pray the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven would be given to us. Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance (Matthew 13:11-12). In Matthew 13:16, Jesus says, "But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear." Like, Paul, James, Peter and John, I want to see the Lord and hear His words.
Stay tuned for a list of the different worldviews and a new homework assignment. I hope you are reading "How Now Shall We Live". If so, I am confident you are not only enjoying this book, but becoming better equipped to think like the Master. A mind is a terrible thing to waste! May God bless your study and devotion to Him.
Why is your worldview so important? Because the way we see the world can change the world. Apostle Paul, who is one of my favorite characters in the Bible, had a radical worldview adjustment. As he neared Damascus, on his way to imprison Christians, Paul was knocked to the ground by a light from heaven. As he was lying on the ground, the Lord Jesus spoke words of revelation and instruction to him. As Paul returned to his feet with new direction from the Lord, Acts 9:8 exposes something insightful to the reader. It says, "Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing."
How many people are walking around today with eyes wide open, but are blind to the will of God? Not only did Saul get a new heart and a new name, but he also got a new worldview. When he regained his vision after being blind for three days, Saul had a Godly mission in life. As a result, he went from being a church persecutor to becoming a church planter. Saul, now as Apostle Paul, would go on to plant some amazing churches and become a chief writer of the New Testament. His letters of love, encouragement, rebuke, instruction and wisdom to the churches he started are read by billions today. Every Christian church on the planet is directly influenced by Apostle Paul's worldview.
Chuck Colson states, "Renewal can occur when Christians are committed to living out their faith, seeing the world as God sees it, viewing reality through the lens of divine revelation. Our choices are shaped by what we believe is real and true, right and wrong, good and beautiful. Our choices are shaped by our worldview. Understanding Christianity as a total life system is absolutely essential for two reasons. First, it enables us to make sense of the world we live in and thus order our lives more rationally. Second, it enables us to understand forces hostile to our faith, equipping us to evangelize and to defend Christian truth as God's instruments for transforming culture."
In "How Now Shall We Live", Chuck Colson teaches how to study worldview. Every worldview can be analyzed by the way it answers three basic questions: Where did we come from, and who are we (creation)? What has gone wrong with the world (fall)? And what can we do to fix it (redemption)? These three questions form a grid that we can use to break down the inner logic of every belief system or philosophy that we encounter, from the textbooks we read in the classrooms to the philosophies that shape the messages we hear on our favorite TV shows. This grid can be a powerful tool to help us frame a biblical worldview on any subject, from arts to athletics, from government to science, from family to eduction, from the marketplace to popular culture.
As disciples of Jesus, I pray the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven would be given to us. Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance (Matthew 13:11-12). In Matthew 13:16, Jesus says, "But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear." Like, Paul, James, Peter and John, I want to see the Lord and hear His words.
Stay tuned for a list of the different worldviews and a new homework assignment. I hope you are reading "How Now Shall We Live". If so, I am confident you are not only enjoying this book, but becoming better equipped to think like the Master. A mind is a terrible thing to waste! May God bless your study and devotion to Him.
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
No Neutral Ground!
Last year, I applied to the Centurions Program. I found out just before Christmas that I have been accepted to the program. The Centurions Program is developing and equipping an ongoing fellowship of Christian men and women trained by Chuck Colson and The Wilberforce Forum to restore our culture by effectively thinking, teaching, and advocating the Christian worldview as applied to all of life. So, my goal for 2006 is to share with you what I have been learning from this intensive worldview course. I want to encourage you to read "How Now Shall We Live" by Chuck Colson and Nancy Pearcy in the month of January. I think it should be a required read for everyone who calls themselves a Christian. I am going to give you a suggested book to read for each month of 2006 to help you improve your worldview.
James W. Sire and Darrow L. Miller define worldview as, "a set of assumptions held consciously or unconsciously in faith about the basic makeup of the world and how the world works." Chuck Colson defines worldview as, "the sum total of our beliefs about the world, the "big-picture" that directs our daily decisions and actions." Understanding worldviews is extremely important because our major task in life is to discover what is true and to live in step with that truth.
Do you know that when it pertains to the advancement of God's kingdom, there is no neutral ground on planet earth? In fact as Chuck Colson says, "In every action we take, we are doing one of two things: we are either helping to create a hell on earth or helping to bring down a fortaste of heaven. We are either contributing to the broken condition of the world or participating with God in transforming the world to reflect his righteousness. We are either advancing the rule of Satan or establishing the reign of God." Which one are you doing?
That is why Apostle Paul referred to our life of faith as a fight. The greatest war since the beginning of time has been the battle for the hearts and minds of men and women. All external wars are a manifestation of the internal war of worldviews. We tend to blame God, but it is our deceptive thinking that leads to our destruction. Our decisions determine our destinies. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 says, For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. (4) The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. (5) We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Jesus Christ.
The enemy has done a great job deceiving a multitude of people in our world. We, like Jesus, must fight this battle with the power of God's word. And no, I am not just talking about quoting scripture to people. We must know not only what our worldview is and why we believe it but also how to defend it. We must be able to identify and understand the strongholds and arguments (worldviews) that are opposing the truth, and discover why these worldviews are so prevalent today. Only then can we present the gospel in a language that can be understood. Only then can we defend truth in a way that is wise and persuasive. Only then will we be able to demolish these arguments (worldviews) by speaking what is true according to a Christian worldview, and articulating what is false about the contrasting worldview.
Whether you like it or not, you were born into a war-zone. Matthew 11:12 says, "From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing and forceful men lay hold of it." It is true that the weapons of this world have been the main instruments throughout history used by civilizations to conquer and reign. The one with the most powerful sword is the one who gained the power to rule. What is amazing about Jesus is he did not conquer with the sword of man, but with the sword of His words. Instead of using external force to advance his kingdom, he used his words to change people. His sermons and teachings transformed hearts and renewed minds. We must do the same today.
Jesus timing was simply amazing. All the world had ever known up to the time of Christ was domination by external force. In fact, the Romans had conquered the world with the power of their sword. With Caesar as lord, there had never been a more commanding force on the planet. How could a carpenter with no army overthrow such a powerful kingdom? To the natural mind it makes no sense, but Jesus demonstrated that the way of God is foolish to those who think they are wise. Although the way and word of the Lord may be foolish to the wise of the world, history testifies that its power to convert and improve civilizations and cultures can not be denied.
Hebrews 4:12-13 says, "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (13) Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account." Sharper than any double-dedged sword with the ability to penetrate to the very depth of a person's soul. What a weapon God has given us! We must be skilled to use it properly. As a mighty warrior, Jesus was the first to prove that the word is mightier than the sword.
If we are to win this war of worldviews, we must be trained and equipped to think like Jesus so we can act like Jesus. (1)In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: (2)Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage with great patience and careful instruction (2 Timothy 4:1-2). I hope this blog has inspired you to think like Jesus. If so, stay tuned for further training and equipping my fellow soldier. (Are you out there? Please comment and let me know. I need the encouragement. A big thank you to those who comment. I enjoy reading your thoughts and treasure the feedback.)
James W. Sire and Darrow L. Miller define worldview as, "a set of assumptions held consciously or unconsciously in faith about the basic makeup of the world and how the world works." Chuck Colson defines worldview as, "the sum total of our beliefs about the world, the "big-picture" that directs our daily decisions and actions." Understanding worldviews is extremely important because our major task in life is to discover what is true and to live in step with that truth.
Do you know that when it pertains to the advancement of God's kingdom, there is no neutral ground on planet earth? In fact as Chuck Colson says, "In every action we take, we are doing one of two things: we are either helping to create a hell on earth or helping to bring down a fortaste of heaven. We are either contributing to the broken condition of the world or participating with God in transforming the world to reflect his righteousness. We are either advancing the rule of Satan or establishing the reign of God." Which one are you doing?
That is why Apostle Paul referred to our life of faith as a fight. The greatest war since the beginning of time has been the battle for the hearts and minds of men and women. All external wars are a manifestation of the internal war of worldviews. We tend to blame God, but it is our deceptive thinking that leads to our destruction. Our decisions determine our destinies. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 says, For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. (4) The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. (5) We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Jesus Christ.
The enemy has done a great job deceiving a multitude of people in our world. We, like Jesus, must fight this battle with the power of God's word. And no, I am not just talking about quoting scripture to people. We must know not only what our worldview is and why we believe it but also how to defend it. We must be able to identify and understand the strongholds and arguments (worldviews) that are opposing the truth, and discover why these worldviews are so prevalent today. Only then can we present the gospel in a language that can be understood. Only then can we defend truth in a way that is wise and persuasive. Only then will we be able to demolish these arguments (worldviews) by speaking what is true according to a Christian worldview, and articulating what is false about the contrasting worldview.
Whether you like it or not, you were born into a war-zone. Matthew 11:12 says, "From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing and forceful men lay hold of it." It is true that the weapons of this world have been the main instruments throughout history used by civilizations to conquer and reign. The one with the most powerful sword is the one who gained the power to rule. What is amazing about Jesus is he did not conquer with the sword of man, but with the sword of His words. Instead of using external force to advance his kingdom, he used his words to change people. His sermons and teachings transformed hearts and renewed minds. We must do the same today.
Jesus timing was simply amazing. All the world had ever known up to the time of Christ was domination by external force. In fact, the Romans had conquered the world with the power of their sword. With Caesar as lord, there had never been a more commanding force on the planet. How could a carpenter with no army overthrow such a powerful kingdom? To the natural mind it makes no sense, but Jesus demonstrated that the way of God is foolish to those who think they are wise. Although the way and word of the Lord may be foolish to the wise of the world, history testifies that its power to convert and improve civilizations and cultures can not be denied.
Hebrews 4:12-13 says, "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (13) Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account." Sharper than any double-dedged sword with the ability to penetrate to the very depth of a person's soul. What a weapon God has given us! We must be skilled to use it properly. As a mighty warrior, Jesus was the first to prove that the word is mightier than the sword.
If we are to win this war of worldviews, we must be trained and equipped to think like Jesus so we can act like Jesus. (1)In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: (2)Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage with great patience and careful instruction (2 Timothy 4:1-2). I hope this blog has inspired you to think like Jesus. If so, stay tuned for further training and equipping my fellow soldier. (Are you out there? Please comment and let me know. I need the encouragement. A big thank you to those who comment. I enjoy reading your thoughts and treasure the feedback.)
Sunday, January 01, 2006
In The Presence of a King and Father Don't Ask For Small Gifts!
Well, it has been a week since Christmas 2005. Can you believe it is already 2006? I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas day. I’m sure you had fun giving and receiving gifts with family and friends. Did you find it more rewarding to give a gift or receive one? In Acts 20:35 Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Is it? Did you receive what you asked for? Did you ask for things you wanted or things you needed? There is one gift that I ask for everyday, not just on Christmas.
This gift I ask my Father for everyday is the Holy Spirit. Luke 11:11-13 says, “11"Which of you fathers, if your son asks for[f] a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
As a father of two sons, I love to give my boys gifts. They are not a bit bashful about asking for what they want. Trips to Wal-Mart are quite interesting. I do not give my boys everything they ask for. However, I do give to them what they need. Something magical happens in my heart when they ask me for something they need. Without exception, I give it to them. Whether it’s a glass of milk or a drink of juice, I love to meet their needs. Believe it or not, I will even get out of bed at 3:00am to get them a drink. That is a miracle. Love will cause you to do amazing things.
Luke 11:11-13 reminds us that if earthly fathers love to give gifts to their children, how much more does our heavenly Father love to give us the Holy Spirit. Since this is true, I am astonished at how many Christians don’t possess the Holy Spirit in abundance. Just as my boys need their daily dose of juice, we need are daily filling of the Holy Spirit.
There is an essential factor to my boys receiving their gifts of need. They have to ask. The same is true if we are to receive more of the Holy Spirit. Asking for something is an act of humility. First, it requires us to admit we are needy. Second, it requires us to admit we cannot provide everything for ourselves. James 4:6 says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” If we would just humble ourselves, admit we are needy, and ask God, we would receive more of His Spirit.
In Matthew 5:6 Jesus says, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” Because he is thirsty, when my two year old wakes up in the morning, the first word out of his mouth is, “juice”. Every morning he gets his juice because he asks his parents. As a child, he knows he has to get his thirst satisfied daily. He does not rely on yesterday’s cup. Jesus said in Matthew 18:3-4, “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4Therefore, whoever humbles himself like his child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” I have learned that as a child of God, no matter how old I am, I need to humble myself and ask my Father for the Holy Spirit. I too cannot rely on yesterday’s filling. My first words to the Father in the morning are “Holy Spirit”.
People often tell me that I am a positive person. My source of strength comes from my daily filling of God’s Spirit. As I stand in His presence, I know I need everything that my Father has to give. I ask for it all. To further hammer home my point, I hope you enjoy this story about Arnold Palmer.
Golfer Arnold Palmer once played a series of exhibition matches in Saudi Arabia. The king was so impressed that he proposed to give Palmer a gift. Palmer demurred; "It really isn't necessary, Your Highness. I'm honored to have been invited."
"I would be deeply upset," replied the king, "if you would not allow me to give you a gift."
Palmer thought for a moment and said, "All right. How about a golf club? That would be a beautiful momento of my visit to your country."
The next day, delivered to Palmer's hotel, was the title to a golf club. Thousands of acres, trees, lakes, clubhouse, and so forth.
The moral of this story is: In the presence of a King, don't ask for small gifts!
This gift I ask my Father for everyday is the Holy Spirit. Luke 11:11-13 says, “11"Which of you fathers, if your son asks for[f] a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
As a father of two sons, I love to give my boys gifts. They are not a bit bashful about asking for what they want. Trips to Wal-Mart are quite interesting. I do not give my boys everything they ask for. However, I do give to them what they need. Something magical happens in my heart when they ask me for something they need. Without exception, I give it to them. Whether it’s a glass of milk or a drink of juice, I love to meet their needs. Believe it or not, I will even get out of bed at 3:00am to get them a drink. That is a miracle. Love will cause you to do amazing things.
Luke 11:11-13 reminds us that if earthly fathers love to give gifts to their children, how much more does our heavenly Father love to give us the Holy Spirit. Since this is true, I am astonished at how many Christians don’t possess the Holy Spirit in abundance. Just as my boys need their daily dose of juice, we need are daily filling of the Holy Spirit.
There is an essential factor to my boys receiving their gifts of need. They have to ask. The same is true if we are to receive more of the Holy Spirit. Asking for something is an act of humility. First, it requires us to admit we are needy. Second, it requires us to admit we cannot provide everything for ourselves. James 4:6 says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” If we would just humble ourselves, admit we are needy, and ask God, we would receive more of His Spirit.
In Matthew 5:6 Jesus says, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” Because he is thirsty, when my two year old wakes up in the morning, the first word out of his mouth is, “juice”. Every morning he gets his juice because he asks his parents. As a child, he knows he has to get his thirst satisfied daily. He does not rely on yesterday’s cup. Jesus said in Matthew 18:3-4, “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4Therefore, whoever humbles himself like his child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” I have learned that as a child of God, no matter how old I am, I need to humble myself and ask my Father for the Holy Spirit. I too cannot rely on yesterday’s filling. My first words to the Father in the morning are “Holy Spirit”.
People often tell me that I am a positive person. My source of strength comes from my daily filling of God’s Spirit. As I stand in His presence, I know I need everything that my Father has to give. I ask for it all. To further hammer home my point, I hope you enjoy this story about Arnold Palmer.
Golfer Arnold Palmer once played a series of exhibition matches in Saudi Arabia. The king was so impressed that he proposed to give Palmer a gift. Palmer demurred; "It really isn't necessary, Your Highness. I'm honored to have been invited."
"I would be deeply upset," replied the king, "if you would not allow me to give you a gift."
Palmer thought for a moment and said, "All right. How about a golf club? That would be a beautiful momento of my visit to your country."
The next day, delivered to Palmer's hotel, was the title to a golf club. Thousands of acres, trees, lakes, clubhouse, and so forth.
The moral of this story is: In the presence of a King, don't ask for small gifts!
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