Homepage Message: February & March 2008
When you think of the Bible, what do you think about? Old stories, Jesus, or salvation? It is indeed a collection of 66 books that contain a lot of stories about people long ago, and the life of Jesus and his message about salvation. It is all of that and more. The Bible is a book that records and reveals the major historical events in world history as well as what is to come. These events are rooted in history and shape one’s understanding of life, morality and salvation. These major historical events are so profound and influential that to remove or deny any one of them is to altar one’s view of life. I know that is a lot to say, however, it is true!
The 66 books known as the Bible presents a complete view of life. It sets forth what is referred to as a worldview. Of course it isn’t the only worldview. There is the humanist worldview, Marxist-Leninist worldview, Cosmic Humanist worldview, Islamic worldview, and Postmodern worldview. Every one of them is religious at its foundation. Each one will cause you to view life differently. The problem is most people don’t know they have a worldview let alone be able to articulate their view.
The historical events that shape a biblical worldview will be the topic of this year’s Lenten services. These seven events are taken from the theme of the creation museum by Answers In Genesis.
Beginning February 13, we will look at what’s known as the Seven Cs of History starting with:
Event I. Creation: Some believe our universe is the result of an explosion billions of years ago. So you and I, our thinking and our world is one big meaningless accident. The Bible says God created in six twenty-four hour days and our universe is about 6,000 years old and you and I are here for a purpose.
Event II. Corruption: After God created all things including one man and one woman he rested on the 7th day and declared it all to be very good. But when we look around it is not even good. We see bloodshed, desease, death, etc. What went wrong? Adam and Eve rebelled against their creator God and brought the entire universe under a curse resulting in death and disease.
Event III. Catastrophe: Take a look at the Grand Canyon and you see many layers of sediment. We are told it took 500 million years—give or take a year or two—to lay down all these layers. Also found all over the world are fossils embedded in these layers. The Bible gives a different answer. A global flood about 4,500 years ago destroyed all of life, but eight people and many animals were kept safe on an ark.
Event IV. Confusion: After the global flood of Noah’s day, people spoke the same language as they had prior to the flood. However, “something” happened to scatter people into different people groups speaking different languages.
Event V. Christ: Here is a man who changed history. Or was he God, or perhaps both? Who was Jesus Christ? A good moral teacher, a prophet, philosopher, or a poached egg? Where did he come from and what did he accomplish? Does it really matter what we think of a man who died a criminal’s death 2000 years ago?
Event VI. Cross: What does the cross of Jesus Christ have to do with you and sin? He wasn’t the only one who was crucified by the Romans, thousands were. What makes this cross and this person different?
Event VII yet to come. Consummation: History doesn’t move in cycles, but in a linear motion. All of life and history is moving toward a climatic event that will destroy all that is evil and be replaced as it was in the Garden of Eden. When time comes to an end man will continue to life forever, but where? We all want to be in paradise, but will we? What about you?
Your comments or feedback is desirable and welcome.