Category Archives: Worldview

A Reflection On Renewal

24 Tuesday Sep 2019

Posted by in Renewal,, Revival, Worldview

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We are living in a day that is similar to the time just before the first great awakening in America. In the 1700’s the Church in New England was declining both morally and spiritually. God used men like Jonathan Edwards, George Whitfield, and John Wesley to help as instruments for revival. But, unlike present day America, even during their spiritual decline, the colonies had a much stronger biblical foundation than we do today. In recent decades the Church in America has been guilty of excessive materialism and prayerlessness. And we have become biblically illiterate, and resistant to the work of the Holy Spirit.

Sadly, much of the western world is considered post Christian and it seems (looking at it through natural eyes) that this trend is irreversible. Much of Europe has only their great cathedrals to point to their past Christian heritage. And we in America point to a time when we had prayer in public schools and Christianity was generally accepted. Despite racism and other failures that are obvious to all.

But, I see what I call, pockets of resistance in Europe, Australian, and America, that are encouraging. God still has a remnant in the western world who have not bowed their knees to cultural idols. We must resist cultural Christianity and return to the faith of the early disciples.

Let’s pray for renewal in our churches so that we might see a spiritual revival in America and in the rest of the western world. God is using ordinary people in these days to pray and intercede on behalf of the Nations. We should all be challenged to pray for the greatest outpouring of the Holy Spirit in world history.

 

 

Strangers In A Foreign Land Of Digital Delights

26 Monday Aug 2019

Posted by in Church History, Quotes, Worldview

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I must admit that I’m happy in what author Mark Sayers calls “Non-Places.”(1) These are places where I have access to my digital world of music downloads, podcast, and my favorite T.V. dramas. Netflix, Amazon, and Facebook (even though Facebook can be stressful!) are ways to escape the harsh realities of the real world. Just give me a good book and a coffee shop and I’m content. I like to escape reality and retreat to my comfortable world. While these things can be good in moderation, they can also dry out our souls and distract us from God. The early Christians had to face the stark reality of death daily. The early Church, for the most part, was fearless. While I’m in no hurry to die and leave all my comforts – they lived like pilgrims, just passing through.

The  Church Father John Chrysostom said; “We are strangers and sojourners. Let us not grieve over  any of the world’s painful things. For if you come from a renowned country and from illustrious ancestors, and find yourself in a distant land, known to no one, having neither servants nor wealth, and then someone insults you, would you grieve as though these things had taken place at home? The knowledge that you were in a strange and foreign land would persuade you to bear all easily, and to despise hunger, thirst, and any suffering. So consider that you are a stranger and a pilgrim, and do not let anything bother you in foreign territory. You have a city whose builder and creator is God, and the journey is but for a short and little time. Let whoever wishes strike, insult, revile. We are in foreign territory, and live there in difficulty.“(2)

So instead of losing ourselves in this digital utopia we have created – maybe we need to let go of it – just a little. It might be a good idea to consider ourselves as foreigners in a strange land. And just maybe seek God for a heavenly and eternal perspective on life.

“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,” – Philippians 3:20 (NKJV)

(1) I recommend Mark Sayers book, Strange Days: Life In The Spirit In A Time Of Upheaval .

(2.) Learning Theology With The Church Fathers, Christopher A. Hall, page 198.

Politics And The Fear Of God

25 Sunday Aug 2019

Posted by in Holy Spirit Power, Prophetic, Worldview

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“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” – (Proverbs 9:10) ESV

Many evangelicals in America have never had a significant encounter with the Holy Spirit. Some of us seem to be content with accepting Jesus as Savior and avoiding hell, without a real emphasis on spiritual  growth. I’m not saying that most Christian’s in the United States are not genuine believers. But, that we have embraced a form of godliness while neglecting the Holy Spirit’s transforming power. This has contributed to a carnal version of Christianity in our Country.

The removal of the supernatural element of our faith has produced many shallow and materialistic believers. And we have come to trust in and pursue political power over spiritual power.

“The fear of man lays a snare,
but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.” – (Proverbs 29:25) ESV

We need to stop fearing the political left and rediscover the fear of the Lord. It’s not that we are to be afraid of God – but we must rediscover our awe and respect for him. We need to regain our  trust and confidence in His sovereignty.  I’m convinced there is no political solution to be found over this nations’ political divide. Christians must return to the spiritual roots of early Christianity,  when believers joyfully served God in a hostile culture.

Sadly, some evangelicals in America are more influenced by a political spirit than by the Holy Spirit. Our nation may never return to the way that many of us would like it to be. But, if we embrace the Kingdom of God (God’s rule) – we can walk in peace amid the political chaos of our day.

Remember the Kingdom of God is within us. And we take King Jesus wherever we go. Peace.

The Spiritual Nature Of Political Chaos

11 Sunday Aug 2019

Posted by in Spiritual Warfare, Worldview

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” For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. – Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” – Ephesians 6:12-13 ESV

We are living in very dark times in America today. Political division is causing great anxiety in this country. Many in the evangelical community have lost sight of the spiritual nature of this battle. Social media and the news media has been weaponized and used to divide our nation.

We are now deeply entrenched in a political civil war that is the result of  cultural chaos. We could blame the Russians, the Chinese or middle eastern countries that hate us. While there are forces outside this country that want to bring us down; our biggest enemy is us.

We’ve allowed spiritual darkness into our Churches and our culture. In fact there is very little difference in the lifestyle choices of those of us who claim to follow Jesus and those who don’t.  I could give multiple examples of this, but I won’t in this post.

The fact of the matter is we live in a materialistic culture that understands very little about supernatural cosmic beings. And the consequences of opening spiritual doors through rebellion to God’s revealed truth and authority. This has given dark powers greater access to the very soul of our nation.

Quite simply, much of the cultural and political chaos we are now experiencing is the result of a anti-supernatural worldview in the American church. Many of us have been more focused on the political landscape than what is going on in the spiritual realm.

A return to prayer is desperately needed. And following Jesus’ example of blessing and serving those who hate us. I’m not saying Christians shouldn’t be involved in politics. But that we need to understand the ‘powers’ behind political ideologies on the right and the left. As followers of Jesus we must come to terms with what the Apostle Paul wrote, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood..”

Social Justice And The Gospel

19 Saturday Jan 2019

Posted by in The Gospel, Worldview

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The Scripture

We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. – (1 John 5:19 ESV)

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free..” – Luke 4:18 NIV

“I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.” – (Luke 5:32 NLT)

The Issue

The whole world lies under the power of the evil one. That’s why Jesus came; to set spiritual captives free. The perfect life, atoning death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ makes all of this good news. In fact, its great news when we consider that all of us, except for Jesus, are broken and sinful people. No one has ever been able to deliver themselves from sin – we all need a Savior for that. We are not capable of doing enough good works in our own strength to earn our own salvation. Being born into this world without sin makes Jesus uniquely qualified to reconcile us to God.

This good news, that seems to be too good to be true, comes with a catch. Or better yet a commitment. This commitment starts on God’s end. By His divine power, he enables us to grow in godly character. He is committed to us. But, regardless of what some may say – Jesus requires total commitment to his Lordship to inherit his Kingdom. I’m not talking about works-based righteousness, actually, its grace empowered living. He clearly taught that those that lose their self-absorbed lives, will find true life in Him. In other words; you can’t receive his forgiveness, without acknowledging his Lordship. This is real and radical Gospel-centered Christianity.

As subjects of the Kingdom of God, we must take on his worldview – all of it. We are all terribly flawed people, but God is patient with us. Jesus is not asking for perfection from us, just a desire and willingness on our part to obey him.

I contend that both liberal and conservative politicians use the name of Jesus to manipulate sincere people to advance their political agendas. It’s imperative that we ask the Holy Spirit for discernment to know when we are being used for political purposes.

In the Bible, we see the social justice side of Jesus that demands justice for the poor and the oppressed. And the fact is; if you don’t see this side of God in the Scripture, you have been blinded by a materialistic and distorted view of God’s Kingdom.

On the other hand; if you champion the cause of social justice for the oppressed and overlook what the Bible teaches about sexuality and the taking of innocent life,(through abortion or any other unjust killing) you are living in deception also.

The fact is; taking up our crosses and following Jesus on the narrow road of life, involves suffering and self-denial.  Jesus bought us with the price of his own life. So, we don’t have the right to live sexually immoral lives anymore. Nor do we have the right to ignore the plight of those in poverty.

God is gracious to forgive us when we ask him, as long as we don’t justify the kind of behavior he forbids. We are now a new creation in Christ and are called to do good works. Which means we seek to alleviate the pain of humanity in the power of the Holy Spirit and live holy lives as we work in his name.

Prayer

Father, help us to be who we say we are – real Christians. In Jesus name, Amen.

When The World Will Be As One

25 Thursday Oct 2018

Posted by in Spiritual Warfare, Worldview

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The United Nations, the European Union and the power elites behind the corporate and political leaders in the U.S reject the exclusive claims of Christianity. In fact they consider biblical Christianity as a major hinderance to achieving their goals. These power elites that desire for “the world to be as one” as the late John Lennon sang, have no use for Jesus Christ or those who adhere to his teachings.  There is a very real conspiracy by those who are seeking to enslave the masses in the name of globalization. Borders need to come down and only a hand full of Technocrats (in their view) need to rule the world. Patriotism will become a thing of the past as we focus on the redistribution of wealth and our global citizenship.

Many in the western world have fallen under the spell of these power elites and have abandoned their belief in traditional values. The entertainment industry, the news media and those in higher education have become the high priest and mouthpiece for this new order. They can’t think or speak independently because they are bought and paid for by the power elites behind the scenes who actually call the shots for the rest of us. This is a movement empowered by the spirit of antichrist.  And, the same voice that whispered in Eve’s ear that “you will be like God” still speaks to some of the most powerful people in the world today.

“We the people” become the ‘useful idiots’ of those who seek to enslave mankind as they promise us a socialistic false utopia. In the book of Genesis Chapter 11 God effectively stopped Nimrod’s globalization plan by confusing the language of what had been a people of one language. They were seeking to build a tower that would come to be known as Babel (which stands for confusion) and to make a name for themselves.

Scholars believe the tower under construction was a pyramid-shaped ziggurat. This tower allowed them to have access to various deities. These people were seeking an ungodly unity with evil motives apart from the God of the Bible.

Had God not scattered the human race and confused their language they would have achieved a one world government and a one world religion at that time. This dream is still alive today in the digital age as the internet has become a tool of Globalist to achieve what Nimrod couldn’t. The movers and shakers in high places today seek to enslave the masses using technology, economic, political power and counterfeit religion.  New Age spirituality which has been growing in America since the 1960’s is an important part of the globalist strategy to replace biblical morals with new age thinking.

We know that God is sovereign over all Nations and their leaders. But, Jesus taught his followers to “watch and pray.“ Prayer and the proclamation of the Gospel are how we participate with his purposes on the earth. Jesus ask a question: “…when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”(Luke 18:8) I believe he knows the answer to that question, and he was asking the question to challenge our faith. The question we must ask ourselves is; will we be faithful to the end?

 

 

 

 

Cultural Warfare

23 Tuesday Oct 2018

Posted by in Spiritual Warfare, Worldview

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For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us,what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? – (1 Peter 4:17)

 

The United States of America is currently on the brink of another Civil War. We’ve seen many skirmishes – everything from shots being fired at congressman to attempts of character assignation. While most think our fight is between the political far right against the far left – this battle is spiritual in nature.

Being a Republican isn’t proof you are on God’s side. And it isn’t enough to believe in the constitution and the rule of law, as important as those things are. Conservatives can often believe the right things while having hearts devoid of compassion and with little desire to actually follow Jesus. Those of us who name the name of Christ need to come in line with the Kingdom of God and all that means, and repent of our earthly perspectives.

The Bibles’ teachings on sexuality, marriage, and abortion are clear. But, as Evangelicals we must take a hard look at ourselves and ask; are we more patriotic or Kingdom minded? If you are pro-life and pro-marriage according to the biblical pattern you are presently considered to be an outsider in western culture. We are living in times of such spiritual apostasy, that to believe many of the teachings in the Bible is to be considered culturally irrelevant, in the western world.

For many decades spiritually dark forces in the U.S. have worked through the political, social, educational, entertainment, and religious spheres of society to deny the teachings of Christianity. Some who live in opposition to the morals of our current culture have lost their jobs while taking a stand for truth. If America stays on its current spiritual trajectory, we will look more like China than the America in the not so distance future.

I believe God is calling his people to prayer and living lives that honor his son, Jesus. We must remember that judgement begins in the house of God. So, pray for the renewal of the Church in America so that we can become effective witnesses to a post Christian America.

Resisting Shallow Christianity

07 Thursday Dec 2017

Posted by in Discipleship, Spiritual Formation, Worldview

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I cling to your testimonies, O Lord; let me not be put to shame!  I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart!  (Psalm 119:31-32 ESV)

As finite human beings we are limited creatures and it takes an infinite Holy God to enlarge our hearts. We don’t have the capacity to grasp God and all his fullness. We need God by his Spirit to open our hearts to reveal his thoughts and loving intentions that he has for us – to us. This love surpasses human knowledge and understanding – it’s experiential in nature.

When God enlarges the heart our response is spiritual hunger. This hunger can only be satisfied by God’s Word and his presence. To be a people of the Word and not a people of His Presence makes us angry spiritual consumers of knowledge that doesn’t produce spiritual fruit in our lives.

American evangelicals have a right to hold conservative political views but when patriotism and politics becomes the main focus – the cause of Christ suffers. Our lack of spiritual depth in both conservative and liberal Christianity, has become evident for the whole world to see. Both sides use God to push their agendas. America as a whole is morally bankrupt and divided to the point that reconciliation of the right and left seem impossible. Just look at the anger and division on Facebook and Twitter.

Prayer and repentance is our only answer. God resist the proud but gives his grace to the humble. So as a proud, corrupt and political people – God is resisting us. Many of us (not all) have become spiritually shallow and our lack of internal spiritual transformation is being exposed.  Thankfully there are still Christians that are growing during these days and are bearing fruit for the Kingdom of God, but in most cases we rarely hear their voices among all the political bickering.

Prayer: God please enlarge our hearts so that we can have the capacity to love you and our neighbor as ourselves. Pour out your Spirit on your people so that we will run after your commandments with humble hearts and demonstrate the love of Jesus to a confused and conflicted culture. – Amen

Conformity To Jesus

06 Wednesday Dec 2017

Posted by in Spiritual Formation, Worldview

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Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. (1 John 2:15-17, ESV)

These words of the Apostle John are calling Christians to radical devotion and conformity to Jesus. This is a clear call to counter-cultural living and to discipleship. Debating theology can be a good and healthy thing as long as our understanding helps us grow closer to God and to love our neighbor more. All believers should desire to immerse themselves in the truth with the understanding that true knowledge leads to God, himself. But without a genuine love for Jesus and a worldview that seeks to experience the Kingdom of God (God’s sovereign rule) we will become cold and legalistic.

Our lives are like vapor and are much too short to allow ourselves to be conformed to the latest ‘spiritual’ fads and ‘pop theology’ of the world, or carnal preachers. Celebrities are the new ‘priest’ of western culture and most of them have a anti-biblical worldview that doesn’t leave room for conformity to Christ.

Our society values the spiritual  views of entertainers and politicians more than godly theologians. Many television evangelist teach their followers the love of money in the name of Christianity, while those that teach conformity to Jesus are often ignored. God has given us many things in this life to enjoy, but obsession with people, places, and material possessions, will ultimately lead to idolatry.

 What the  skeptical and unbelieving world needs is to see a Church that demonstrates the love of Jesus. When we practice what we preach – we will grow in our conformity to Jesus.

Grieving God And The Culture Wars

01 Wednesday Nov 2017

Posted by in Worldview

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“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” –  (Ephesians 4:30 ESV)

Some say that most of the violence in American is caused by guns, others blame it on prayer being taken out of public schools. This is all part of the current culture war being fought in America. A war of words, thoughts, and ideologies. I believe when people become arrogant and refuse to acknowledge their Creator – spiritual darkness and violence increase. The United States is experiencing an evil spiritual invasion which has sought to desensitize  both young and old alike through exposure to images of violence and all sorts of perversions. God is grieved by so much evil.

During the 1960’s the U.S. experienced a spiritual invasion from the east. We are all ‘gods’  is what the eastern mystics told us. That view of spirituality combined with self-centered western materialism make for a really bad combination. The new ‘priest’ of our society are psychologist,  university professors, the news media, and those from the entertainment industry. Many of their ideas form the minds of the American public. And science seems to have the final word on everything in the western world. A Christian worldview doesn’t reject all science, because God gives knowledge to the world through many different sources. But followers of Jesus understand that the supernatural cannot be explained scientifically.

Holding to a strict scientific, naturalistic, anti-supernatural worldview grieves the heart of God. We saw the results or the fruit of this atheistic worldview from the communist regimes of the twentieth century. Education, counseling, and passing better laws can be helpful, but until the human heart is changed we are only putting a band-aide on a terminal wound. Religion without the love of Christ doesn’t work either, that is why Jesus told Nicodemus “you must be born again.” When Jesus returns to the earth  to set up his kingdom those that follow him will experience the Utopia that so many long for. But until then we must share the life transforming truth that only Jesus Christ can give.