"SO, WHAT IS THE SOLUTION?"

Scripture: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) [ESV]

Open: What’s the best gift you have ever received? What made it so special?


Back ground comments:
Among Christians we throw words around like, redemption, atonement and salvation without giving it any thought of what the words really mean.
    
The last few weeks we have been going through a series titled “Forming Your Biblical Worldview”. I realize that in just six short weeks I cannot teach you what I learned in my theology classes in Bible College and Seminary but I hope that it has helped you begin forming your own biblical worldview. After all, it is highly important that you know what you believe!
    
This weekend we are going to look at how Jesus' death on the cross solved our biggest problem”. Last week we came to understand that our biggest problem is a small three letter word, SIN. That is why we need a Savior.
    
Take a moment and read the following definitions. Get familiar with these as they are part of our biblical worldview.
    
Redemption: The action of saving or being saved from sin, error, or evil: God's plans for the redemption of his world. Dictionary © 2005-2007 Apple Inc. (Theological) The purchase of God's favor by the death and sufferings of Christ; the ransom or deliverance of sinners from the bondage of sin and the penalties of God's violated law by the atonement of Christ. (Atonement: In theology, the expiation of sin made by the obedience and personal sufferings of Christ.) 1828 Websters Dictionary. Salvation: (Theological) The redemption of man from the bondage of sin and liability to eternal death, and the conferring on him of everlasting happiness.

Explore:
“We become Christians or redeemed through God's unmerited grace, not as the result of any effort, ability, intelligent choice, or act of services on our part. However, out of gratitude for this free gift of atonement, we will seek to help and serve others with kindness, love, and gentleness, and not merely to please ourselves. No action or work we do can help us obtain salvation. God's intention is that our salvation will result in acts of service. We are not saved merely for our own benefit but to serve Christ and build up the church. (Ephesians 4:12)”

 Excerpted from: Page 1982, Life Application Study Bible, New International Version, Tyndale House Publishers Inc.

“True redemption comes through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is God's solution to sin and His plan for our salvation.
   
We know the world isn't how it should be, and we long for redemption. We know in our hearts that we have sinned; guilt is the one thing all human beings share. And we know the world is broken; we want freedom from deprivation, pain, and suffering. So we seek liberation – forgiveness – and we are driven to find the good life, to find something to release us from oppression and hardship. It's hardwired into us.
    
Unfortunately, people chronically look for answers in the wrong places. Many think that politics is the answer (i.e., to change people change the laws). Other people look to education to solve the problem (i.e., to change people, change what they learn). Others believe that money will buy happiness (i.e., to change people, change what they have). Another supposed route to salvation is through psychology (i.e., to change people, change what they feel).  Others look to social change (i.e., to change people, change how they relate). Some scientists believe that the solution is biological (i.e., to change people, change their bodies). Then there are those who look to religion for the answers (i.e., to change people, change what they believe). The biblical answer is very different from all of these others, because it is the only one that produces the intended results. In other words, only the biblical worldview passes the correspondence test for truth, conforming to the way things really are. It alone correctly identifies the problem as originating in the human heart, and it reaches into the heart not only to deal with guilt, compulsion, and anxiety but also to answer the heart's deepest longings. It is also the only livable worldview. The biblical worldview provides genuine reconciliation between people.”

Excerpted from: The Good Life, by Charles Colson, pages 316 & 317

Get it:
Have you ever been persuaded by any false offers of salvation? Why do you think people resist the truth and seek other alternatives? How do other worldviews handle the problem of guilt? What hope do they offer for the future? What hope would you offer someone for the guilt they may be carrying?

Apply:
Are you facing a difficult situation in which you need to see God’s grace? In what practical ways can you and your group demonstrate Christ’s redemption and reconciliation to others?

Blessings, Pastor Ruben Ortega

"STATE OF DESPERATION"

Scripture(s): “Sin came into the world because of what one man did, and with sin came death.” (Romans 5:12) [NCV]
“There is not a single person in all the earth who is always good and never sins.” (Ecclesiastes 7:20) [NLT]
“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us ... If we claim we have not sinned, we make [God] out to be a liar, and his word has no place in our lives.” (1 John 1:8, 10)[NIV]

Open: What is the biggest deception you have ever bought into?

Back ground comments:     

Would you agree that evil is part of the human condition, and we all contribute to it? Our culture has rejected the idea of sin, placing the blame for the wrong in the world everywhere else, except on ourselves! Although culture and our environment may influence us, they should not determine our behavior. Once we accept responsibility for our actions, sin becomes clear. Even though God created us good, original sin has bent our natures so that we desire the wrong things and act on those sinful desires.

Explore:
     

Read the following statements and write down some thoughts about how you feel about them:

• The problem with the world begins with us.

• Our society encourages us to try to deny our responsibility for evil.

• Until we accept sin and our personal responsibility for it, we will never be able to understand life.     

Questions: Explain the impact of original sin (the fall). Why is it important?
What are the different explanations of the question, “Why is the world in such a mess?” “How do nature, and culture influence human behavior and sin?”

Get it: The biblical worldview teaches that sin entered the world because of our free will. God made us in His image, to love Him and to have a relationship with him. However, love must be freely given if it is to be real, and so God gave us the ability to reject Him. Man chose the non-good rather than the good, and as a result our lives have been broken on all levels! Every sin calls into doubt God’s knowledge of what is best; but, because God does know what is best, sin also hurts us and the world we live in.

Read the following statements and write down some thoughts about how you feel about them:

• God gave us free will so we could love Him. Love that isn’t freely given isn’t love.

• We often use our free will to reject the good which God offers us.

• All sin is based on lies, questioning God really loves us or knows what’s best for us.

     

Questions: How do you think love, free will and human responsibility fit together in God’s plan? Where does temptation end and sin begin?

Apply: No other worldview of sin fits reality. Only the power of Christ can change us and puts us on the road to living a good life. Therefore, those without Christ cannot consistently do good. We are called to recognize and identify sin without being judgmental! We need to take responsibility for our own failings and accept people without approving of their wrong choices.
     

Questions: Compare the biblical worldview to other explanations of the problem of suffering. Which explanation makes more sense? How have you seen God bringing good out of suffering? Do you think the idea that people cannot lead a righteous life without God is harsh or judgmental? Why? How do you respond when someone says, “Judge not lest ye be judged?” How does a biblical worldview fit with reality? Come prepared to share your insights with your group at your next meeting.

Excerpted from: Wide Angle, Framing Your Worldview by Rick Warren & Charles Colson

Blessings, Pastor Ruben

"REALLY, WHERE DID WE COME FROM?"

Text:
“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, theCreator of the ends of the earth. (Isaiah 40:28a) [NIV] & (Genesis 1 &2)

Open:
What’s the coolest thing you have ever created?

Back ground comments:  

It’s amazing to me how many Christians have varying beliefs about where we came from. They say they believe the Bible yet have difficulty believing that God created everything.
     

I guess I am just a simple guy who believes and takes God at His Word. I admittedly am one of those who believe that God created the heavens, the earth, all that is on it, under it and over it and you and me. However, this does not dismiss me from encouraging you to develop your own Biblical Worldview on this subject and then defend it. 

Rick Warren and Chuck Colson in their small group study, “Wide Angle”, stated: “God loves us and he made us for a purpose. Although we cannot contemplate life without a purpose, naturalism cannot supply us with one. According to the naturalism worldview we are a result of random mutations and are effectively “complex slime.” Despite this, naturalism, buoyed by Darwinism, is the dominant worldview in secular society today. Darwinism arose in an era that was moving away from biblical truth and replacing Christianity with enlightenment thought.”

     

Before we get into our questions there are three facts that you need to get familiar with. Again, they are excerpted from “Wide Angle” group study guide. 

• God made us in His image, which gives each of us innate dignity and provides the essential foundation for ethics.

• The naturalist, who believes in Darwinian evolution, denies our creation and thus has no basis for human worth.

• Naturalists (evolutionists) know that they do have innate value even if they can’t find a reason for it in their worldview.

Explore:
Why is the biblical idea that we are created in the image of God so important?
Is there any connection between Darwinism and moral relativism? If so, what?
Does this connection lead to ethical and moral problems in our society today? How and why?
In your opinion how do you think that science and theology should interact today?
   
How are “sanctity of life” issues related to the worldview question: “Where did I come from?”
Read Psalm 8, 19 and 139 and answer the question, “What do these passages reveal about God as our creator?
    

In light of the passages you just read, spend some time in worship. Praise Him and thank Him for creation and for creating you. Thank Him for your senses, the ability to enjoy and appreciate the world, and for your mind that helps you understand it all. Thank Him for the meaning and purpose that your life has. And finally thank Him that you were created in His image.

Get it:
Where do you see the value of human life under attack? What are the worldview ideas behind these attacks?

Apply:
What can you do to promote the sanctity of life in all its phases?
How would you explain the need for a Biblical Worldview in place of darwinism/naturalism?

Blessings, Pastor Ruben

WHAT IS THE TRUTH?

Text:
“... you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32) [NIV] & “Jesus responded, “You say I am a king. Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true.” “What is truth?” Pilate asked.” (John 18:37-38) [NLT]
 

Open:
Think about the people who have influenced your worldview. How do you think those who have influenced your worldview would answer Pilate’s question?

Back ground comments: 

(John 8:32) Jesus himself is the truth that sets free (John 8:36). He is the source of truth, the perfect standard of what is right. He frees us from continued slavery to sin, from self-deception, and from deception by Satan. He shows us clearly the way to eternal life with God. Thus Jesus does not give us freedom to do what we want, but freedom to follow God. As we seek to serve God, Jesus’ perfect truth frees us to be all that God meant us to be!
     

(John 18:37-38) Pilate asked Jesus a straightforward question and Jesus answered clearly. Jesus is a king, but one whose kingdom is not of this world. There seems to have been no question in Pilate’s mind that Jesus spoke the truth and was innocent of any crime. It also seems apparent while recognizing the truth, Pilate chose to reject it. It is a tragedy when we fail to recognize the truth. It is an even greater tragedy when we recognize the truth but fail to heed it.
     

Pilate was cynical; he thought that all truth was relative. To many government officials, truth was whatever helped advance their own personal power and political goals. When there is not a standard or acknowledgement of truth, there is no basis for moral right and wrong. Justice becomes whatever works or whatever helps those in power. In Jesus and His Word we have a standard for truth and for moral behavior.

Quoted from: Life Application Study Bible [NIV]

     

In the “Believers Bible Commentary” William MacDonald makes the following statements about John 18:37-38. When Pilate asked Him if He was King .... Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king.” But His kingdom is concerned with truth, not with swords and shields. It was to bear witness to the truth here means the truth about God, Christ Himself, the Holy Spirit, man, sin, salvation, and all the other great doctrines of Christianity. Everyone who loves the truth hears His voice, and that is how His empire grows.
     

It is difficult to say what Pilate meant when he said to Him, “What is truth?” Was he puzzled, or sarcastic, or interested? All we know is that the Truth incarnate stood before him, and he did not recognize Him. Pilate now hurried to the Jews with the admission that he could find no fault in Jesus at all.

Explore:
How would you define truth?
Is it possible to be tolerant and articulate truth at the same time? If so, how?
   
Explore:
Where do you see people advocating the idea that truth is relative-that different people can have different truths?

Get it:
American society has replaced the idea of absolute truth with relativism-the denial that there is such a thing as truth. In what situations do you find it most difficult to combat moral relativism? How might you change your approach?

Apply:
How would you answer someone who said there was no such thing as truth? In what ways can you share the truth this week to bring the freedom of Christ to other people?

Blessings, Pastor Ruben

"DOES WHAT I BELIEVE REALLY MATTER?"

Text:
“Therefore if any man be in Christ he is a new creature. The old has passed away, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17) [NIV]

Open:
What one person has had the most influence on your life. How have they influenced your decision making?

Explore:
For the next six weeks I will be teaching a series entitled: “Forming A Biblical Worldview”.
    
I have been in prayer for some time now asking the Lord to give me direction on what to teach you.
    
I am concerned that not enough Christians know what they believe. It’s evident by the way that the average Christian lives his life that there is in-congruency in our belief and life style. Do we really believe what we say we believe?
    
Does what I believe really matter? Let me  start off by answering the first and most important question, What is a worldview? 
    
Definition: My worldview is the beliefs that I build my life on. The Truth Project (Focus on the Family) defines it: “a way of looking at the world.” It’s how we view everything in life. It’s how we view God. It’s how we view ourselves. It’s how we view other people. It’s how we view Satan. Your worldview includes your thoughts about life, about death, about the past, the present and the future. it also includes what you feel about pain and about suffering and about problems and about good and about evil. Your worldview includes what you think about relationships, about time, and about money.
    
The truth is everybody has a worldview. You operate off of some kind of worldview. When you say, “I’ve always thought of life as…” The way you view life, how you view God, how you view other people. That’s all a part of your worldview.
    
Your worldview is the basis on which you make your decisions and your choices. God wired your brain in such a way that every time you start to make a decision or make a choice your mind instantly accesses all of the information, in your mind and says, “Now what do I believe about this?” And you decide – unconsciously – on the basis of the things you believe to be true and believe to be real. 
    
You see every time you make a choice, whether it be something simple or difficult you access your worldview. It’s all the ideas, all the experiences, all of the images, all of the beliefs, the convictions, the concepts, the principles, the standards and the hurts, all are a part of your worldview. You make your decisions based on your worldview. 
    
For instance if you thought in your worldview that the world was going to end tomorrow it would certainly change your decisions in the next 24 hours. Would you act in a different way based on what you believed?
    
So, what we’re going to talk about for the next six weeks, is clarifying your worldview. And, for some of you it's forming your Biblical world view  for the very first time because it's one of the most practical and important things in your life as believer. Your worldview determines all your relationships. It determines your success and failure. It determines your goals, your motivations, and what you attempt in life. All of these things are influenced by your worldview. If you want to change your life, you’ve got to change your mind first. You’ve got to change what you believe! So, let’s jump in with both feet and begin the process. Come join us beginning this Sunday for this empowering series.
     
Explore:
Go back and read 2 Corinthians 5:17. Now, restate it in your own words. What does it say about your new “world view?”

Get it:
What are some world views that you see lived out in America? What has formed this world view? How do you feel about it?

Apply:
Why is it important for us to align our thinking with God’s truth? What are some things that you can do to develop a stronger Christian world view?

Blessings, Pastor Ruben