The Christian view of the world: Past, present and future

As Christians we have a worldview that God created this world, the entire universe and we were created in His image. Man turned from God and we have been in a fallen world ever since, however from the beginning there was a plan of redemption — the birth and crucifixion of Christ. Although we still live in this fallen world we have this redemption and also hope of restoration with the return of the second coming of Christ. The celebration of the first coming with Christmas is dominating in our culture but the discussion of the events leading to the restoration, or second coming is not on everyone’s radar!

FAITHFUL OBSERVATIONS — A biblical world view: The challenge today

“For everything in the world — the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life — comes not from the Father but from the world.” — 1 John 2:16

Family from a biblical worldview

“Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” — Genesis 2:24

A Biblical worldview and the popular culture

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” -Romans 12:2

The arts and our worldview

I would hope that our column last week on creation versus an evolutionary beginning laid the groundwork for a Theistic worldview. For instance, the Christian worldview affirms the existence of an ordered, physical universe created by an eternal, transcendental, personal God, who is inherently benevolent, loving and thoughtful. This God has instilled in people the ability to engage in rational or logical thought and empirical observation. We reject the pessimism of philosophers and theologians from the 19th and 20th century that gave us a worldview that said life is meaningless. Nihilism says everything is meaningless. It denies the possibility of any objective truth or knowledge.

A creationist worldview

One of the most basic questions every person is confronted with is, “Where did I come from?” A sense that the universe and our world was designed is an intuitive awareness that is found in virtually all cultures around the world. Colossians 1:16 says, “For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities — all things have been created through Him and for Him.” Students in our schools, however, are taught that chance and time brought about this highly complex world we live in.

A conflict of worldview this Independence Day

“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” 2 Corinthians 10:5

Jeff Cheeseborough, ministry and Father’s Day

June 21 is Father’s Day, which is a celebration of fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the influence of fathers in society. Many will hear a sermon regarding fathers but if you would rather see a sermon instead of listening, here is the life of Jeff Cheeseborough.

Bringing back the black robed regiment

Dan Fisher is a 61-year-old pastor from Edmond, Okla., who has become a student of American history and in particular regarding our founders and shapers of America from the Revolution through the Constitution. Dan and his wife, Pam, have been in North Idaho the past week giving their presentation on pastors during the early 18th century in America and were nick-named “the black-robed regiment.” My wife, Jane, and I were fortunate to hear Dan’s presentation at church on Sunday and then meet up with he and Pam for a couple hours over coffee. Here is a summary of the questions we asked Dan about what he has learned from his studies of the revolutionary period.

‘Revival or Bust’

This column was going to address the challenges faced by the church historically in the midst of unemployment, the virus upheaval and dramatic change. What a difference a week makes! The church faces challenges like never before and yet, the issues never change. To paraphrase C.S. Lewis, we’ve abandoned character and are surprised to see Antifa in our midst. To quell the violence that will likely be required will be a harsh government response. Of course this is not a long-term solution but a sign how bad things are. One analyst we listen to has been repeating over and over that for America it is, “Revival or Bust.”

Aftermath of the lockdown

First of two parts

Holiday for true heroes

We are having three days of observance close together. A few weeks ago it was Mother’s Day, this Monday will be Memorial Day and next Sunday will be Pentecost Sunday.

Shavuot or Pentecost

The weekend of May 30-31 marks the observance of Pentecost and Shavuot, holy days to Christians and Jews respectively. And both involve certain “gifts” that don’t come with wrapping and bows.

The state of the church: What is the new normal?

“The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.” — Psalm 19:7

National Day of Prayer is May 7

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” — II Chronicles 7:14

Virus effects on church, society

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.” Colossians 3:15

FAITHFUL OBSERVATIONS: Important events that changed our world

“He is not here: for He is risen …” Matthew 28:6

The power of one person’s witness

“In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.” Acts 19:20

Panics, crisis and prayer

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High

FAITHFUL OBSERVATIONS:

Resources for men’s ministries

We have some great local resources for men’s ministries in the churches and men’s groups in general. We have highlighted a couple of these in the past.

FAITHFUL OBSERVATIONS: Open Arms has banner year

Don’t you just love the anticipation of spring? The days are growing longer, the air feels warmer, and the trees are starting to bud. New life is just ahead. Here at Open Arms Real Choices Clinic, we are also eagerly anticipating our upcoming season. Everyone involved — whether it’s the board, the staff, or the many volunteers who serve our organization — is excited for all that God is doing in and through this ministry to support the women, men and families of North Idaho.

FAITHFUL OBSERVATIONS

Great Awakening

The column last week about George Washington and the theme of God’s hand on our country and leaders generated quite a bit of interest and comment. Many expressed that we need another “awakening” or revival in our country. Surprisingly to me were the people who were unfamiliar with Whitefield or the awakenings in America.

FAITHFUL OBSERVATIONS

Happy birthday, George — the indispensable president

When you looked at the headline, did you wonder why we’re talking about George Washington and his birthday? That was Monday — Presidents Day!

FAITHFUL OBSERVATIONS:

Love INC is not new across the country but relatively new in Kootenai County. We did a column about Love INC locally on Jan. 1, 2019, and thought it time to check back in.

FAITHFUL OBSERVATIONS:

Good Samaritan Rehabilitation

It has been nearly two years since we started this column and our very first one was an interview with Pastor Tim Remington, who has seen more than 3,100 people with addictions go through their program over many decades. We thought this might be a good time to check in with Pastor Tim with the drug epidemic in the forefront of the news. This is a ministry that works quietly, without fanfare and yet is so important in the lives they are rescuing and changing.