Bulletin

Where Do You Get Your World View

“Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name, among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ;” (Romans 1:1–6)

Many do not understand what a worldview is or do not take the time to look at where they get the information that provides them a firm foundation as to what they should believe and stand for. One’s worldview impacts one's life in every aspect of it, what they believe to be right and wrong, discernment of truth from falsehoods, make rational decisions, and the revelation of religious values.

Our worldview is formed from the beginning of our lives from the information we receive. This starts when we begin to learn from observation and listening to what others have to say. Other things include family background, the community we have lived in and experienced, our education, media, and music, the people we admire, and the experiences we have had. It all contributes to what we use as a filter or the lens that we use to make sense of the world around us.

There are three main points that drive the Christian worldview. 1) We are God’s creation, designed to have fellowship with him. 2) We have sinned against God. 3) He has redeemed us through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ, who died and rose from the dead and will be coming again. One who has a Christian worldview believes in moral absolutes, miracles, and the possibility of redemption.

The book of Romans is about worldview. It is a richly doctrinal letter to the Christians in Rome but also to us. Throughout the letter, Paul explains what it means to be justified by faith and the transforming power of the gospel. When studied and received, Romans can anchor our worldview in the most important truths.

If we are truly His, we have exchanged our old lives and worldviews for new ones. “that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:22–24, NKJV)

The Necessity of Prayer

““Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” (Matthew 7:7–11)

Prayer is often misunderstood and misused, with the focus on self and demanding things from God. In reality, it is an integral part of the Christian life where we can communicate with the Lord and praise him. Praying to the Lord and recognizing Him for who He is and what He has done is an act of worship.

Christ prayed quite often, as seen in scripture. Payer was an essential part of his ministry, and it was His connection to the Father. In all the things Jesus encountered, prayer prepared, sustained, and strengthened him. For us, it is essential as he is our example to follow. In following in his footsteps, we need to be following his example. In doing such, we become more like Jesus, and we will find that prayer works to change us.

Prayer is not an option for the Christian. Christ says, “And when you pray…” (Matthew 6:5). Not if you pray. What are some of the benefits of prayer?

·        It changes our focus – Away from here on earth to God above.

·        It brings us closer to God – communication with God builds our relationship with him.

·        It brings us into God’s Presence – The veil was torn, and we now have access to God.

·        It helps to calm us – in a world full of anxiety, it can restore our peace.

·        It brings about change – It changes us, teaching us it is not all about self.

 Prayer is one aspect of surrendering to God and placing your trust in Him.