"The price paid for our redemption, the infinite sacrifice of our heavenly Father in giving His Son to die for us,
should give us exalted
conceptions of what we may become through Christ. As the inspired apostle John
beheld the height, the depth, the breadth of the Father's
love toward the perishing race, he was filled with
adoration and reverence; and, failing to find suitable language in which to express
the greatness and
tenderness of this love, he called upon the world to behold it. "Behold, what manner of love the Father
hath bestowed
upon us, that we should be called the sons of God." 1 John 3:1. What a value this places
upon man! Through transgression the sons of
man become subjects of Satan. Through faith in the
atoning sacrifice of Christ the sons of Adam may become the sons of God. By assuming
human
nature, Christ elevates humanity. Fallen men are placed where, through connection with Christ,
they may indeed become worthy
of the name "sons of God." Steps to Christ
CHRISTIAN
WORLD
VIEWS
WORLD
VIEWS
God's Final Gospel Message Three Angels of
Revelation 14:6-13
Everyone has a worldview. Whether we realize it or not, we all have certain presuppositions, biases, and
sometimes prejudices that affect the way we view life and reality. A worldview is like a set of lenses that color our vision or alter
the way we see and understand the world around us. Our worldview is formed by early education, home environment, the culture we live
in, the books we read, the world wide web, the media and movies we absorb, our religion and beliefs, friends, and many other factors.
A world view is a set of presuppositions and beliefs that a person uses to interpret and form opinions about his or her humanity, purpose in life, duties in the world, responsibilities to family, interpretation of truth, social issues, what is good and what is bad, or right and wrong - and many other areas of our lives. The way we grow up molds and fashions our minds, conscience, sub-conscience, and in older life still influences our thoughts, feelings and behavior.
A world view is a set of presuppositions and beliefs that a person uses to interpret and form opinions about his or her humanity, purpose in life, duties in the world, responsibilities to family, interpretation of truth, social issues, what is good and what is bad, or right and wrong - and many other areas of our lives. The way we grow up molds and fashions our minds, conscience, sub-conscience, and in older life still influences our thoughts, feelings and behavior.
Only by
being born again (John 3:3) can the motherboard, hard drive, and memory containing the deep imprints of early socialization of our
minds and personality be fundamentally cleansed and changed. This experience radically changes everything. For some people it is an
instant experience, but for most it also means daily growth, renewal, and enjoying the adventure of life.
Following is a short summary of some Christian worldviews. A popular therapeutic exercise these days is to find the 'child within
you.' This really is nothing new, as the Lord Jesus said 2,000 years ago "unless you become as little children..." In order
to explain the fundamental importance of knowing what makes you tick and why you feel and act the way you do, have a quick look at
the foundational structure and basis of your beliefs. Both sociological and theological paradigms are used in these succinct
outlines.
ROMAN CATHOLIC
There were originally many Catholic or universal churches. About a 1,000 years ago the Papists in Rome prevailed
over the five most most dominant. Faith and beliefs are based on the Bible plus Papal tradition. Some of the most significant
beliefs are that you can only be saved through the Papal church and its priestly ministries, the Eucharist where the bread and wine
become the actual body and blood of Jesus, ancestor worship in the form of saints, relics, apparitions, and Mary as a co-redeemer.
The vestments at all levels of the clergy hierarchy come from the ancient Roman Empire. The church is controlled by a
political state, the Vatican and the Pope as a continuation of the Roman Empire, with his own military and riches.
PRESBYTERIAN / REFORMED
Their belief system is colored by Calvinism and teachings that you need to be part of God's Covenant people.
Most of the early reformers accepted a literal faith in the Bible (Sola Scriptura) and rejected the sacraments of the Catholic church.
God has elected or chosen a person to be saved or lost even before he or she was born. The main points of Calvinism is known by an
acronym: T.U.L.I.P. - Total Depravity; Unconditional Election; Limited Atonement; Irresistible Grace; Perseverance of the saints (Once
Saved Always Saved).
SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
Members total 18 million members globally with an increase of more than one million annually,
believe in the worship of the Creator God, the Trinity or Godhead, the Bible as their only creed, preach a distinctive message of
Jesus Coming soon, salvation by grace through faith alone, daily spiritual growth, honoring the Sabbath as a day of rest and worship given
to mankind as a gift at Creation, the importance of each individual as being unique and spending time in prayer and Bible study each
day. Family life is important as well as healthy lifestyles. Adventists have a strong youth program and one of the largest educational,
mission, disaster relief, and health care systems in the world. Historically the roots of Sabbath keeping come from each continent
of the Earth, and can trace its origins as far back as the time when God created the Earth, God's spiritual teachings, with groups
of men and women staying faithful to the Word of God during the many centuries of world history, in spite of religious
and political upheavel, persecution, the struggle of mankind, and the great controversy between good and evil. Adventists traditionally
have a love for the Word of God and teach that we are living in the end times of Bible Prophecy.
EVANGELICAL / FUNDAMENTALISM
Beliefs center around the verbal inspiration and inerrancy of the Bible, mainly the King James Version,
the Deity of Christ, His substitutionary death that Jesus took our penalties and died for them, after death you go to heaven or hell,
the secret rapture, and the Second Coming. For a people believing in the Bible only, it is a mystery why they teach the
secret rapture that is not mentioned in the Bible. Many contemporary churches operate on mass scales and some churches look like enormous shopping
malls.
MODERN PENTECOSTALISM
Arose just over a 100 years ago out of emotional gatherings, rolling on the ground, laughing in the spirit, talking
garbled tongues, preaching the significance of the end-times, faith healing, signs and wonders, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Pentecostal and Charismatic churches and groups form the most diverse and splintered church organizations in the world.To be saved
you must: 1. Repent; 2. Be baptized in Jesus' name; 3. Receive the Holy Spirit.
JEHOVAH’S WITNESS
Jesus is not part of the Godhead, he is a created being. You have to go through their study courses and witness from
door-to-door a certain number of hours each week to be a member in good standing. If you start doubting, have a blood transfusion,
take up weapons in war, or read the wrong books you are shunned or can only sit in the back seats of their halls. Those whom God chooses
to save - survivors and resurrected individuals - will have the opportunity to live forever in an earthly paradise, ruled by Christ
and 144,000 humans raised to heaven. Jehovah's Witnesses have previously taught that Jehovah would return In the years 1914, 1925
and 1975, but these dates failed. Preceding these times the Watch Tower Society's publications expressed strong expectations
of Armageddon or the establishment of Christ's kingdom over the earth occurring in those years. Members are forbidden to read books
published by other religions.
MORMON
Mormons believe that they are God’s chosen people, that Jesus is the god of this earth, in ancestor worship in the form of being
baptized for the dead, and that each saved Mormon male will be a god of his own planet one day. You have to reach a high level in
Mormonism to be able wear white underwear and to go inside their temples. The beliefs of the 'Latter Day Saints' as they call themselves,
come from Christian teachings, native American myths and the mind of the founder Joseph Smith. Mormon youth spend two years
after graduating from high school spreading Mormon teachings.
BAPTIST
Some of the major views of Baptists center around the verbal infallibility of the Word of God, the need to be saved by Christ,
and that once you are saved you cannot be lost again. Baptists also believe in a 1,000 year millennium of peace when all will be led
to salvation. Even though there are many different Baptist churches, there are some similarities between them such as religious freedom
and freedom to read the Bible. Baptists still worship on the Papal Sunday.
METHODIST
Grew out of the need for holiness, prayer and systematic Bible study. Most Methodists believe in daily renewal and growth
in Jesus Christ. All persons have the opportunity and ability to choose salvation. The founder John Wesley's three basic
precepts that began the Methodist tradition consisted of:
1. Shun evil and avoid partaking in wicked deeds at all costs,
2. Perform kind acts as much as possible, and
3. Abide by the edicts of God the Almighty Father.
Also important is the acknowledgment of "prevenient," "justifying," and "sanctifying" graces.
1. Shun evil and avoid partaking in wicked deeds at all costs,
2. Perform kind acts as much as possible, and
3. Abide by the edicts of God the Almighty Father.
Also important is the acknowledgment of "prevenient," "justifying," and "sanctifying" graces.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
For his name's sake.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
For his name's sake.
ANABAPTIST
Adherents mostly belong to the Brethren, German Baptist, Amish and Mennonite communities. The historical background
came from Bible study groups during the Lutheran Reformation starting the 16th century. These were Christians who taught
that believers baptism should be administered when a person is older, able to repent and capable of receiving adult baptism.
Some of these early groups kept the seventh-day Sabbath. Hundreds fled to America because of persecution. The Anabaptists made valuable
contributions to the Protestant Reformation and Christian faith.
A Movement of
the Holy Spirit
the Holy Spirit
Loma Linda University - Healing Ministry
"Fear God and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come, and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water."
"Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who made all nations drink the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality."
"If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink the wine of God's wrath."
GOSPEL INVITATION - Verse 12:
"Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus."
"Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who made all nations drink the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality."
"If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink the wine of God's wrath."
GOSPEL INVITATION - Verse 12:
"Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus."
"In the beginning the church was a fellowship of men and women centering on the living Christ. Then the church moved to Greece where it became a philosophy. Then it moved to Rome where it became an institution. Next, it moved to Europe, where it became a culture. And, finally, it moved to America where it became an enterprise." Richard Halverson
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT to know where we came from, why we feel, think and behave as we do??? Often we say things or act in a way we do
not understand - this is because of the way we were brought up or socialized. BUT - THERE IS HOPE AND HEALING. This is why our Lord
Jesus said:
"YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN." John 3:3
Some folks come out of dysfunctional families, wrong lessons learned, maybe anger, frustration,
hurt, abuse, loneliness, too much control, or lack of guidance, or maybe trauma and wrong teachings in later life. Even adults experience
struggle and frustration, lose jobs or lack money, are affected by alcohol, drugs, ill-health. BUT GOD HAS A NEW FAMILY FOR YOU -
YOU HAVE TO BE BORN INTO THAT CHURCH FAMILY . . . with new brothers and sisters and a heavenly Father. We must be washed clean in
Jesus' blood! "YOU
MUST BE BORN AGAIN." John 3:3
Psalm23:1-3