Wide Angle Session 1 - My Worldview Matters

Opening Prayer - Pray that God will help you be open to what He wants to teach you through this series.

Key Verse - "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2 NIV

Summary #1 - A worldview is simply the way we think the world works, and how we fit into it.  Everyone has a worldview, though most people are not aware of it.  Understanding these worldviews is vitally important, because they shape our thoughts, attitudes, and actions.

Summary #2 - Our worldviews will inevitably be shaped either by the media or by the Bible.  Unfortunately, Christians have all too often neglected the command to love God with our minds, not just our hearts.  This often is a result of having emphasized feeling over thinking.  We need to learn to think biblically and to have the integrity to live out what the Bible teaches, since the Bible alone provides a true, livable worldview.

Summary #3 - Worldviews have consequences, and false worldviews can be disastrous.  The Bible speaks to all of life, and its teachings compete with false worldviews for our allegiance.  Since only the biblical worldview accurately describes reality, we need to implement it to avoid disaster.  Moreover, to do that, we need to be good stewards of our minds, learning to think biblically ad to apply truth to all areas of life.

Prayer Direction

1. Thank God for giving us the Bible as a guidebook to tell us the way the world really works and how we should live in it. 
2. Ask God to help you see the world the way He sees it, to show you where you need to change, and to give you the wisdom and courage to do so.

Putting It Into Practice - Rick and Chuck told us that Christianity is a worldview, one that should shape the way we think about the world, make decisions, and take action.  At the same time, false worldviews are influencing the way we look at the world and the way we live.  During this week, pay attention to the variety of messages you are getting about worldviews and the four worldview questions.  Using your knowledge of the Bible, think how you should respond.  Blog your answers here to share and/or prepare for your next Life Group meeting.