Lesson 8

Lesson 8

LESSON VIII – THE CHRISTIAN LIFE

What is a Christian Life?
Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all,
with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed
into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
2 Corinthians 3:17 -18

And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we
suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. Romans 8:17

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

If ye know that He is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born
of him. 1 John 2:29

Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him
who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him. By this we know that we love the
children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. For this is the love of
God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.
For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has
overcome the world – our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who
believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 1 John 5:1-5

My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness.
Psalms 119:172

He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who
loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.
John 14:21

What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those
things is death. Romans 12:9

Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
Romans 6:21

Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil
speaking, as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow
thereby: He that is born of God and that retains the wonderful change which has been
wrought in him, will conform to all such scriptures, earnestly striving to advance in the
way of holiness. 1 Peter 2:1-2

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and
death. Romans 8:2

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not
after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Romans 8:1

Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:11

Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and everyone that loveth is born of
God, and knoweth God. 1 John 4:7

For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that
overcometh the world, even our faith. 1 John 5:4

If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall
be done for you. John 15:7

By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
John 15:8

These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word
with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were
so. Acts 17:11

Then He said to them, ‘Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.’ Matthew 4:19
Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits
for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and
latter rain. James 5:7

I say then: “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh
lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one
another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.” Galatians 5:16-17

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a
living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be
conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may
prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:1-2

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and
the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and
gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20

And He Himself gave some apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors
and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of
Copyright © 2004 Soul Winners for Jesus Christ
non-denominational evangelistic association
the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son
of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we
should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of
doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but,
speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head – Christ –
from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies,
according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of
the body for the edifying of itself in love. Ephesians 4:11-16

Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ Or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after
all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all
these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these
things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:31-33

And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.
Luke 14:27

Brethren, let each one remain with God in that state in which he was called.
1 Corinthians 7:24

Blessed is every one who fears the Lord, who walks in His ways. When you eat the labor
of your hands, you shall be happy, and it shall be will with you. Your wife shall be like a
fruitful vine in the very heart of your house. Your children like olive plants all around
your table. Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord. Psalm 128:1-4
For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son,
that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined,
these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified,
these He also glorified. Romans 8:29-30

Behold, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, who by night stand in the house of
the lord! Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and bless the Lord. The Lord who made
heaven and earth bless you from Zion! Psalm 134:1-3

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endured forever. Oh, give
thanks to the God of gods! For His mercy endures forever. Psalm 136:1-3

A Christian life is one that believes and obeys all that God has said. Freed from the
slavery of sin, a Christian lives in a manner pleasing to God through the power and
provision of God: not his or her own. The Christian life, not exempt from trials and
persecution, is characterized by the mercy and blessing of God, through good times and
bad. A Christian does their best in all that they do, as unto the Lord, and leaves the
outcome to God; all the while focusing on the spiritual condition of those they live,
work, and come into contact with; ministering to them, and leaving the outcome of
these efforts to God as well.

What is the Church?
Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality,
but in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. The
word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ – He
is Lord of all – that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and
began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: how God anointed Jesus of
Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing
all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. And we are witnesses of all
things which he did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by
hanging on a tree. Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly, not to
all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with
him after he arose from the dead. And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to
testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. To
Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will
receive remission of sins.” Acts 10:34-43

I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the
afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church. Colossians 1:24
According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have
laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on
it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 3:10-11

…and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that
followed them, and that Rock was Christ. 1 Corinthians 10:4

…you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to
offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:5

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who
mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for
they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of
heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil
against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your
reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Matthew 5:3-10

Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they
disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you,
they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so
that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place;
and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. Matthew 16:16-19

Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the
saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the
apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the
whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you
also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. Ephesians 2:19-22

…by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ,
which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed
by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs,
of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel…
Ephesians 3:4-6

The Lord bless you out of Zion, and may you see the good of Jerusalem all the days of
your life. Psalm 128:5

But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly
Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of
the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just
men made perfect, to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of
sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel. Hebrews 12:22-24

Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as you soul
prospers. 3 John 2

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. His own special
people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His
marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not
obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. 1 Peter 2:9-10

For I will set my eyes on them for good, and I will bring them back to this land; I will
build them and not pull them down, and I will plant them and not pluck them up. Then I
will give them a heart to know Me that I am the Lord; and they shall be My people, and I
will be their God, for they shall return to Me with their whole heart. Jeremiah 24:6-7

A disciple is not above his teacher, not a servant above his master. If they have called the
master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household!
Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and
hidden that will not be known. Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and
what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetop. And do not fear those who kill the
body, but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and
Copyright © 2004 Soul Winners for Jesus Christ non-denominational evangelistic association
body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to
the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all
numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. Therefore
whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in
heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who
is in heaven. Matthew 10:24-39

But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. And
if they were all one member, where would the body be? But now indeed there are many
members, yet one body. 1 Corinthians 12:18-20

…that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same
care for one another. 1 Corinthians 12:25

The one true church is the universal fellowship of all true believers in Jesus Christ,
everywhere: individually functioning as equal parts of an organism of which Jesus
alone is head; together doing the will of God on earth through the power of the Holy
Spirit, in the name of Jesus Christ, to the eternal glory of God the Father in heaven.

How can I live the Christian life?
Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may
present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. Colossians 1:28

And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to
faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 2 Timothy 2:2

In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:18

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-26

Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and
the Prophets. Matthew 7:12

Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.
Galatians 6:6

However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He
will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will
tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare
it to you. John 16:13

I say, then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. Galatians 5:16
I rejoice greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, as we received
commandment from the Father. 2 John 4

“He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who
loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.”
John 14:21

This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of
the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened,
being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of
the blindness of their heart; who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to
lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But you have not so learned Christ, if
indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that
you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according
to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the
new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
Therefore, putting away lying, let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor, for we
are members of one another. Be angry, and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on
your wrath, nor give place to the devil. Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let
him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him
who has need. Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for
necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy
Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness,
wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be
kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave
you. Ephesians 4:17-32

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not
lose heart. Galatians 6: 9-10

And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that
have no more that they can do. But I will show you whom you should fear: fear Him
who, after he has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him! Are not
five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God.
But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more
value than many sparrows. Luke 11:4-7

Abide in Me and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the
vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He
who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
John 15:4-5

If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall
be done for you. John 15:7

Copyright © 2004 Soul Winners for Jesus Christ non-denominational evangelistic association
If you keep My commandments you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My
Father’s commandments and abide in His love. John 15:10

This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. John 15:12

And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”
Mark 16:15

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the
Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I
have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
Matthew 28:19-20

You can’t live the Christian life, but God can live it through you: by His Spirit which
He has placed within you. Listen to Him, do what He directs, and go where He leads.

What is the Christian World View?
Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to
destruction, and there are many who go in by it, because narrow is the gate and difficult
is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. Beware of false prophets,
who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.
Matthew 7:13-15

Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in
peace, without spot and blameless; and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is
salvation – as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has
written to you, as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are
some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own
destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures. You therefore, beloved, since you
know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led
away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. 2 Peter 3:14-18

The house of the wicked will be overthrown, but the tent of the upright will flourish.
There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. Even in laughter
the heart may sorrow, and the end of mirth may be grief. The backslider in heart will be
filled with his own ways, but a good man will be satisfied from above. Proverbs 14:11-14

A world view is that basic set of values, beliefs, and assumptions from which every
other thought, opinion, decision, and action is derived within a person. The set from
which the citizens of this world operate differs greatly from those which citizens of the
kingdom of God are enjoined to embrace and from which we think and act. These
values and truths come from God, primarily through His perfect word: not from the
wisdom, traditions, or experience of men, which might have some validity, but are not
perfect. Man’s wisdom honors man and leads to destruction: God’s wisdom honors
God and is best for man.
To understand this topic, we must first understand that the universe, the natural
heavens and the earth, were created by God, not by chance, and that the way we
experience these today is NOT the way God created them. They are fallen due to the
sin of mankind. The worldview of unbelievers does not believe or understand these
things.

Consider first the Fall of Mankind:
This is the book of the genealogy of Adam. In the day that God created man, He made
him in the likeness of God. He created them male and female, and blessed them and
called them Mankind in the day they were created. Genesis 5:1-2

And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, ‘Of every tree of the garden you may
freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the
day that you eat of it you shall surely die.’ Genesis 2:16-17

And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; but
of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat
it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die,’” Then the serpent said to the woman, ‘You will
not surely die, for God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened and
you will be like God, knowing good and evil.’ So when the woman saw that the tree was
good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she
took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. Then the eyes
of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig
leaves together and made themselves coverings. Genesis 3:2-7

Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, ‘Where are you?’ So he said, ‘I
heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.’
And He said, ‘Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of
which I commanded you that you should not eat?’ Genesis 3:9-11

So the Lord God said to the serpent: ‘Because you have done this, you are cursed more
than all cattle, and more than every beast of the field; on your belly you shall go and you
shall eat dust all the days of your life. And I will put enmity between you and the
woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise you head and you shall
bruise his heel.’ To the woman He said: ‘I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your
conception; in pain you shall bring forth children; your desire shall be for your husband
and he shall rule over you.’ Then to Adam He said, “Because you have heeded the voice
of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying ‘You shall
not eat of it’: Cursed is the ground for your sake; in toil you shall eat of it all the days of
your life. Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, and you shall eat the herb
of the field. In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread till you return to the ground, for
out of it you were taken; for dust you are, and to dust you shall return.” Genesis 3:14-19

Then the Lord God said, ‘Behold, the man has become like one of Us, to know good and
evil. And now, lest he put out his hand and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live
forever’ – therefore the Lord God sent him out of the garden of Eden to till the ground
from which he was taken. So He drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at the east
of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to
the tree of life. Genesis 3:22-24

For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of
God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who
subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of
corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole
creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. Not only that, but we also
who have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly
waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. Romans 8:19-22

So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who
deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
Revelation 12:9

Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus
death spread to all men, because all sinned… Romans 5:12

For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in
Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. 1 Corinthians 15:21-22

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23

So evil originates from Satan; from evil comes sin; and from sin: death. So death
entered into the world after a perfect creation, due to the influence of Satan and the
fall of mankind. Because of the disobedience of the first man and woman, (and
subsequently of all mankind, including you and me) relationships were and are
damaged: between mankind and God, between a man and him or herself, between men
and other men/women, and between mankind and nature. And even all of nature,
over which mankind was and is to be chief steward, is cursed until some time in the
future when God will restore it all. The world neither knows nor accepts these truths,
but chooses to believe that the universe is the same as it was at its beginning, or that
God made a flawed creation. The fall of man and of nature explains the existence and
origin of sin, pain, and death: blame Satan; thank God!
With this amazing revelation, we are now better prepared to consider the Christian Vs
the natural man’s worldviews

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and
unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be
known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation

of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that
are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because,
although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became
futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise,
they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made
like corruptible man – and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.
Romans 1:18-21

There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. Proverb 14:12

Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for
darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in
their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! Isaiah 5:20-21

For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:28

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of
the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the
eyes, and the pride of life - is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is
passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
2 Peter 2:15-17

Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. For
all nations shall come and worship before You, for Your judgments have been
manifested. Revelation 15:4

You have made known to me the ways of life; You will make me full of joy in Your
presence. Acts 2:28

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father
except through me.” John 14:6

The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure,
making wise the simple; the statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the
commandment of the lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean,
enduring forever; the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
Psalm 19:7-9

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is
understanding. For by me your days will be multiplied, and years of life will be added to
you. Proverb 9:10-11

The fundamental difference in worldviews is that the Christian believes what the
Scriptures say about God, the universe, the presence of evil, the meaning and value of
human life, and the flow of history (HIS STORY) in the past, present, and the future.
The natural man believes only what he can see and discern from nature for himself,
Copyright © 2004 Soul Winners for Jesus Christ non-denominational evangelistic association
filtered through his/her own biases; and can only guess the past (and future): he was
not there!

What are some ways the Christian Worldview differs from the Natural Worldview?
Dear reader,
Except for the quotations of the Holy Scriptures, every word of this lesson is
mine. My words, and those of any and of every other man who lives, do not have the
authority of God. As the Holy Spirit is in me, and according to the promises of Scripture,
with much prayer, I have attempted to compare and contrast the thinking and practices of
this world with those things written in Scripture: which are true and cannot fail. The
following is offered for whatever good it might be to your life and thinking. Do not focus
on the details, but rather pray and seek for yourselves the truths contained herein, and
pray also for the ability to discern for yourself what is light and what darkness in yourself
and in this world is.
Your brother and your servant in Christ.

CHRISTIANITY - What the Bible tells us about selected subjects and topics.

Vs NATURALISM (Theism, Humanism, Rationalism, Relativism - whatever.)

Christianity – God exists, transcends nature, created all, loves and owns all, forever.
Naturalism – Nature is all that exists; God is within nature or does not exist at all.

True God – Only the God of the Bible, revealed to us in Jesus Christ, is the true God.
Theism – God is given different names by different religions, but is the same.

Born Again – Through Jesus Christ is the only way one can ever come to the true God.
Hereafter – A person works toward deity through religion, belief, or human effort.

Human Life – All humans were purposely created equal and infinitely precious by God.
Products of evolution – Humans, from genetic mutation, are of no special value.

Biblical Authority – God authored the Holy Scriptures as our highest authority for all.
Rationalism – Belief that human reason, as the highest authority, will unlock all.

Godhead – The knowledge of the one involved, living, transcendent, creator God.
Naturalism – The belief that natural causes alone explain everything that exists.

God as source of all – The universe depends every moment on His governance and care.
Chance – The existence and flow of everything is a matter of chance, not a plan.

Moral Absolutes – There is absolute truth and therefore absolute moral right and wrong.
Moral Relativism – No transcendent source of moral truth: we are on our own.

Equality – God values every person the same regardless of birth or their earthly situation.
Caste – Some people are privileged due to birth, position, wealth or appearance.

Identity in God – God-related individuals have a special identity and a moral advantage.
Multiculturalism – All cultures are morally equivalent: identity is in the culture.

Relationship with God – Believers are all citizens of the kingdom of God forever.
Independence of man – Each person exists briefly by chance and is on their own.

Wisdom of God – Whatever wisdom God reveals and whatever He commands is right.
Pragmatism – Every opinion of whatever works best for the individual is right.

Human Nature – God says we are naturally evil and selfish: only He can make us whole.
Utopianism – Enlightenment notion that man is good: will make himself perfect.

Eternal Perspective – Christians see life from the perspective that they will live eternally.
Humanists – Accept only the things of this life in the universe they can measure.

Accountability to God – One day our thoughts and deeds will be judged by God.
Accountability to society – If no one knows, or if not against the law: I can do it.

God as authority – God knows best, has ultimate power, rules in mercy and forgiveness.
Man as authority – Might makes right, whether by majority or from some elite.

Justice of God – Judging, vengeance, and final disposition of everything per God’s will.
Justice of man – Vengeance, punishment, retribution belong to men or to society.

Spiritual Realm – A transcendent spiritual reality exists that cannot be seen or measured.
Natural Religion – Spiritual things exist but are inherent within nature itself.

Christianity – A renewed personal and corporate relationship with God; on His initiative.
Religion – A system of man’s workings to establish his acceptance with a deity.

Value of Nature – Intrinsic worth of God’s created things over which man is just steward.
Humanistic Environmentalism – Managing natural resources for man’s benefit.

Stewardship – The responsibility of God’s people to care for all creation that He owns.
Materialism – Belief that man owns things and can use all for his own purposes.

Provision – Seek first the Kingdom of God and He will provide whatever you need.
Begging – It is man’s own responsibility to do whatever he must to eat and live.

What the Holy Scriptures of the Bible teach is opposed by what the world teaches in
virtually every arena of knowledge and philosophy. However, remember that the Bible
spoke first in all areas of current discussion (it is older than any other currently used
writings.) Remember that the teachings of man change regularly in every area while
the Bible never changes (God wrote it right the first time.) Remember that the Bible
has never been proven wrong in any verifiable area (and could not be proven wrong in
any area.) Remember that there are more original and early copies of the Bible and
that the Bible has withstood more scrutiny than any other piece of literature in
existence. So, remembering these things, isn’t it marvelous that God’s word today still
has the time proven, continuing truth and power to change lives as well as to redeem
them? Praise the Lord!