Having a Biblical Worldview
A recent survey by the Cultural Research Council (CRC) found that among American adults, the biblical worldview has declined significantly since the start of the pandemic. It was already low before so it's disappointing to hear that it's gotten even worse. According to the CRC, worldview is "the intellectual, emotional and spiritual filter used to experience, interpret and respond to reality." It's the basis upon which individuals perceive reality and make decisions. As we know, many people make decisions without regard for God's will in their lives. Having a biblical worldview requires understanding God's character, His heart and plan, and His values as displayed in Scripture. With this awareness, we can walk the road of life with faith, hope, and confidence.
More than just a book of wisdom, information, and instruction, the Bible speaks to us, reveals God to us, shapes us, and invites us into its story. The Bible is made up of 66 different books divided between the Old Testament and the New Testament. The individual books were written by many authors over many years in many places to many different peoples. Around 40 authors wrote the Bible although we only know about 35 of them by name. The authors of certain books or passages are not clearly known. Of course, it was ultimately God who wrote the Bible as these authors were inspired by the Holy Spirit to tell one overarching story about who God is and what He's doing with the world and mankind. This is how the Bible informs our worldview.
The Zondervan Handbook to the Bible outlines the story of the entire Bible into six main parts. I've seen other Bibles divide it in similar fashion. Generally-speaking, the six parts are: 1) Creation; 2) The Fall; 3) Israel; 4) Jesus; 5) Christ's Followers; and 6) The End-Time. Having a basic understanding of each of these key themes is helpful for understanding the bigger picture of who God is and what He's doing. In the end, we don't need to be biblical scholars or experts to read the Bible and have it shape who we are. We just need to be open to what God is saying and faithful to obeying it.
Hebrews 4:12 says, "For the word of God is alive 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." Psalm 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." May we grow in spending time in God's Word and allow it to form us, inform our view of the world, and illuminate our path. God bless you!
Pastor Darren
