Tag:

Impact 360 Institute

How Government has specifically been impacted by Jesus and Christianity

by Greg Lancaster

LISTEN NOW! Or WATCH FULL PROGRAM! Jesus has called us to transform nations. But, what does that look like? Bill Bright shared what the Lord revealed to him, that to transform nations, we must impact and transform all seven Mountains of Culture. When we look at just one aspect, government, we can see how Christianity has not only affected the government, but greatly transformed it.

According to Impact 360 Institute, “Christians were the first people in history to systematically fight against slavery”. It was through these transformative efforts from Christians that caused laws to be passed that made slavery illegal. ”Slavery in the west was abolished largely because of the efforts like William Wilberforce, in the England, and the abolitionists in America.” It was their faith in Jesus that was demonstrated through their convictions of seeing slavery ended. “Christianity provides the moral foundation not only of anti-slavery, but also of democracy”.

When we look at the Democracy of America’s government, we can see the Judeo-Christian values of the Bible, interwoven throughout its foundation. “The belief in free will opposes tyranny and leads to a representative government.” Even the establishment of the three branches of government, Executive, Legislative, and Judicial, comes from the teachings found in the Bible. “The idea of being governed by the rule of law, rather than the authority of man, flows from the 10 Commandments.”

When we look around the world, every place that you do not see Christianity practiced in government, you don’t see freedom. In India, there is a caste system. In Islamic countries, people are killed who do not line up with the beliefs of Islam. Look at how women are treated in Islam. Only in recent years have women been able to drive in Saudi Arabia.

What are your thoughts on how Christianity effects government? We want to hear from you. See the full conversation on how Christianity has affected government, and so much more. Greg and John shared in this segment.

Brandon Bourdages/Shutterstock.com

Discipleship Education Mountain Faith

How our Educational System has been Impacted by Jesus and Christianity

by Greg Lancaster

LISTEN NOW! Or WATCH FULL PROGRAM! Jesus has called us to transform nations. But, what does that look like? Bill Bright shared what the Lord revealed to him, that to transform nations, we must impact and transform all seven Mountains of Culture. When we look at just one aspect, education, we can see how Christianity has not only affected culture, but greatly transformed it.

As Impact 360 Institute reminds us Jesus spent much of His time teaching others. In response, many Christians have followed His lead by teaching others. “So, Christians developed schools, and later, monasteries, laying the groundwork for modern education.” As children grow up, completing high school, many are asked what their directions are regarding college. What people might not know is how Christianity affected the universities throughout America. “Christians founded 106 of the first 108 universities in the U.S.”

Of all the things that would take place in our nation’s history, it is unthinkable that we would allow God to be taken out of our schools. The schools and school systems that we see today in America would not be possible if it weren’t for God. Our education, even those in home-schooling, should cause us to be grateful to God. We would not have education today if it weren’t for Christianity. How do you feel about how education has been affected by Christianity? We want to hear from you. See the full conversation on how Christianity has affected education, and so much more. Greg and John shared in this segment.

Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock.com

Related Content

How Christianity has Affected Education

iAbide.org

Emmaus Road Discipleship

VFN Kingdom Business

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

Partner with VFNKB

Related Articles

What Would You Do if Someone Gave You $5 Billion? A Look at Our Education Department and our New Secretary of Education: Betsy DeVos. We are Called to be Kingdom Philanthropists

Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos Celebrates Students of School Choice along with Vice President Pence and President Trump

Education in the United States: Past, Present and Future- Critical Thinking verse Learning?

The School Revolution: Relooking at Education and Empowering others to Learn from Greg Interviews Malcom Thomas, Superintendent of Escambia County School District, about what is happening today in schools in America and Empowering Believers to walk in their God Given Constitutional Rights

Arts & Entertainment Mountain Business Mountain Education Mountain Faith Mountain Family Mountain Government Mountain Media Mountain VFNtv Programs WATCH FULL PROGRAM

WATCH! What is the World View of Christians in America?

by Blogger Import

LISTEN NOW!

Shocking Study! How Competing Worldviews are Influencing Today’s Christians

As we walk through our daily lives, one thing that we may not even realize that we have is a world view. On top of that, there are many different entities trying to sway and change what our world view is. We may not understand it at the moment, but our world view is pivotal to who we are. It is the lens by which we see the world that we are living in. What is our value structure? What are our priorities? If someone thinks they don’t have a world view, simply talking to them will eventually reveal what their world view is. Our world view is the sum of life’s experiences and the choices that we decide to make in response to these experiences.

In a brief animation, Impact 360 Institute reveals how a couple can come together and agree on a myriad of casual topics, ranging from music, favorite foods, to the latest tv show episode. Yet, they can have two stark realities of what their personal world view is. For instance, consider this thought provoking question: what happens when you die? Is there life after death? For those that shake their heads at these possibilities, consider, again, this thought; “If life just ends at death, then everything we do or say comes to nothing. What meaning, or purpose can our lives possibly have?” When two people begin a conversation, agreeing on casual conversations, the question of their world views may be what matters most. “A worldview is the set of lenses through which you see the world around you. It’s a web of habit-forming beliefs that help you make sense of all your experiences. Through your worldview, you interpret life in a particular way.”

One of the most important things about you is your view of the world. In today’s culture, there are endless amounts of differing world views. But if someone does not have the correct world view, shouldn’t we tell them? If someone does not have an understanding of a Biblical worldview, would we not want to help them understand the Biblical worldview? The view we have of the world, and how we live our lives is paramount, as it inevitably impacts how we look at eternity, or if we even consider eternity a reality.

Simply put, God created the Universe and everything in it. The question then arises is: what do Christians believe? A recent study from the Barna Group reveals some shocking discoveries. In this study, Barna Group looked at how the beliefs of Christians, that were surveyed, compared to New Spirituality, Secularism, Post Modernism, and Marxism.

When looking at New Spirituality, the study states, “Practicing Christians find the claims of New Spirituality among the most enticing, perhaps because it holds a positive view of religion, emphasizes the supernatural and simultaneously feeds into a growing dissatisfaction with institutions.” Nearly 3 out of 10, (28%) of Christians surveyed had beliefs that agreed with New Spirituality. Essentially, “all people pray to the same god or spirit, no matter what name they use for that spiritual being”. When you look at the geographical make up of those surveyed and their responses, it reveals more interesting information. The closer one is to the city, and the younger they are, the higher their agreement is with these statements. Naturally, the older and further they are from the city, the less one is to believe these statements.

Additionally, there are some differing responses when looking at race. 32% of Practicing Christians surveyed believed that “if you do good, you will receive good. If you do bad, you will receive bad”. 52% of Blacks agreed. 42%of Hispanic agreed. And, 27% of Whites agreed. As in the previous question, age revealed a stark difference in response as well. 50% of those under 45 years of age carried these same beliefs, while those over the age of 45, only 24% agreed.

Truth of the matter is that none of us can life a good, religious life. All of us fall short, and are in need of a Savior. Jesus paid the price for sin. Living our lives solely by what the recent magazine headline claims, or what secular media voices are promulgating, brings eternal consequences. There is only One God, who exists in 3 Persons: The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit.

When discussing the Bible, the topic of Science is often brought into the mix. In other words, “Secularism”. The Barna Group study describes it this way; “The secular worldview prioritizes the scientific method as an explanatory framework for life and advances a rational and materialistic view of the world.” If someone ever asks you, “well how do you scientifically prove that?” Asking them the same question to their question may reveal that they don’t have the answer.

When Practicing Christians were surveyed, 10% believed that ‘a belief has to be proven by science to know it is true’. Of those surveyed 14% of the males agreed, and 7% of the females agreed. Again, age and geography showed similar results. 25% of them were under 45 years of age agreed, and only 3% over the age of 45 agreed. Regarding Secularism, the study also wanted to know how Practicing Christians responded to the statement that a person’s life is valuable only if society sees it as valuable. Remarkably, only 13% of those surveyed agreed. 27% of those surveyed in cities agreed, while only 6% of those in rural areas agreed.

These results cause us to reassess what we are teaching in the Church. Never before in the history of our culture do we have the wealth of resources of Biblical knowledge and insight at our fingertips. But, is it creating disciples of Jesus? Simply because someone claims to be a ‘Practicing Christian’, does not mean much. The question is, what does their life tell you? Many throughout the world are striving to live a life that is ‘good’. But, even Jesus understood that the only good in Him was God, as was His response in Mark 10:18. “Why do you call me good? No one is good – except God alone.”

In today’s culture, there is incessant push for tolerance. The more we look at this ‘tolerance’, it appears that there is tolerance for everyone except, Jews, Christians, and the truths of the Bible. The Impact 360 Institute also released a short animation about the reality of tolerance. When people are told that Christianity is true, some balk at this claim. “People should choose their own beliefs…but that doesn’t mean that everyone’s beliefs are true.” Some may consider this ‘narrow minded’. Yet, the truth of 2+2=4, isn’t balked at. Nor is it considered being ‘narrow minded’. “It means that truth is narrow because it excludes all the answers that are not true.” As the animation continues, a dialogue of “absolute truth” and “relative truth” ensue, highlighting how confusing we can become, the further we are from truth. The words of Jesus are not only truth, but Jesus Himself is the Truth. These were His words in John 14:6, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Understanding what I worldview is greatly impacts how we see our world. It additionally imperative that we have the correct worldview. Be deeply encouraged and informed as you see the full report from The Barna Group’s Study, and so much more. Also shared in this segment: scientific evidence, science, philosophy, rationality, does God exist?, Christian Universities, Marxism, Can I talk to Jesus?, how to have a relationship with Jesus?, New Spirituality, reincarnation, Hinduism, What is a Biblical Worldview?, and life values. Greg and John shared in this segment.

See more, related content and articles for this article.

VFNRP V1F2N3P4R5O6G7R8A9M0

Arts & Entertainment Mountain Business Mountain Education Mountain Faith Faith Mountain Family Mountain Government Mountain Hope Media Mountain VFNtv Programs WATCH FULL PROGRAM

WATCH! All about Gratitude: White House Press Conference and Sarah Huckabee Sanders

by Blogger Import

LISTEN NOW!

Beautiful Expressions of Gratitude; from the White House to the Homeless: Everyone has something to be Grateful for

We may not understand the impact that gratitude can have upon us or our day. If we begin our day by thinking about what we are grateful for, the entire day can shift. Americans are the top of the wealthiest people when compared to the rest of the world. There is so much to be grateful for. When we hear others sharing what they are grateful, it can also completely shift our perspective as well. For example: the media. When Sarah Huckabee Sanders recently began a White House Press Conference by sharing what she was grateful for, she then prompted all the media representatives that were present to share what they were grateful for to ask her a question. When we see the press share what they are grateful for in their lives, we are reminded that they are just like us.

When we think about these moments of being grateful, much can come to mind. But, what about those who don’t have many of the “physical items” that may be thought about? What about the homeless? When the Wally Show got up close and personal with those who were homeless, they were asked what they were grateful for. Many recall family, friends, and the timeless memories of when families were able to come together in the past. Amidst these memories, it can be the simplest things that stand out the most. “I’m thankful to be alive”. “I’m alive and well. The streets haven’t brought me down. I’m alive and still have hope.”

Regardless of who we are, or where we came from, we can be grateful for those that helped to raise us, and to provide for us. Romans 1 highlights how the first phase of judgment comes upon a nation because of their refusal to be grateful. All of us in the VFNtv family are grateful for everyone of you in our audience that connect with us all over the world. We are deeply grateful for you and the opportunity to share so many encouraging and uplifting moments with you. Kid President also shared a humorous perspective of the many things in our daily lives to be grateful for. Everything from airplanes, to pants, to forgiveness, you’re sure to enjoy this amusing perspective of daily life.

Simply changing your attitude to gratitude brings you to a whole new latitude. When we choose gratitude, we alter our state from depression to hope. Some of the greatest transitions in our lives come when we begin to believe what God says about ourselves. He is grateful for us and sent His Son to die so that we could have the opportunity of being in a relationship with Him. This is outstanding! When you begin to see how other people’s lives were radically transformed when they gave their life to the Lord, you will be encouraged.

Be inspired as you are reminded of the awesome power of gratitude, how gratitude not only impacts our lives, but those around us, as well as a reminder of the simple things in life that we often overlook, and so much more. Also shared in this segment: military service members, health, Kid President, imagination, the internet, funny names, birthday cake, food, happiness, forgiveness, The University of Michigan, The Ohio State University, faith, and hope. Greg and John shared in this segment.

Christianity’s AMAZING Impact on Women, Education, and Government

When we look across the landscape of the world, we are seeing Christians persecuted at an increasing amount as never before seen in history. In North Korea, Christians experience unimaginable suffering and hardship under the North Korean regime. It’s important to remember that God hears each and everyone of their cries, for their labors for the Kingdom are not in vain. North Korea’s capitol city was not always as seen today. For instance, in the 1940’s, it was known as the “Jerusalem of the East”. Today’s reality of North Korea underscores the effects of what happens when we remove Christianity from society. When we look at America, Christianity has had a tremendous impact on various aspects of culture. By looking at just a few, we can see how profoundly Christianity has paved the way for what we see today.

According to Impact 360 Institute, Christianity has deeply affected the education in Western society. As Jesus spent time with his disciples, who then imparted what Jesus taught them to others, the role of teachers has been passed on through the generations. “Christians founded 106 of the first 108 universities in the U.S.”. Furthermore, the ideas found in our education system, such as” Tax-Supported Public Schools, Kindergarten, Grade Levels, Secondary Schools, Education for the Deaf and the Blind” were all implemented through Christian values.

In America, women experience equality and freedom when likened to their male counterparts. It is not always the same in other parts of the world. Why is this? When we look at women across the world, we can see clearly how Christianity has had profound affects. First, looking at the culture that Jesus was born into, provided its own issues. During that time, women were considered “socially and intellectually inferior. They were not permitted the same rights, privileges, and freedoms that men enjoyed. And, in Jewish culture, women were not permitted to speak in public.” When we look at how Jesus interacted with women in this era, we see that He transcended the expectations of culture. “Not only did he stand against the anti-female culture of His day, He also set a new standard of kindness, compassion, and respect.” It was because of this revolutionary example that we see the involvement of women in the early Church. It cannot be overlooked that in Saudi Arabia, women have just recently been permitted to drive a car.

It is so important that we understand the virtues of freedom and love. When we truly love other people, we will allow them to live in freedom as God created them to be. We will not oppress them. Countries like China are also experiencing harsh treatment for those who are Christians. With China being a Communist country, Christianity is simply not allowed. Socialism has its own comparable oppressive history. As the Church, we must remember that God has called us to GO into all the world. Be encouraged as you see just a handful of extraordinary advances and breakthroughs that have taken place throughout the history of Christianity, and so much more. Also shared in this segment: women’s rights, Christian colleges, Holy Spirit, Communism, Socialism, Capitalism, oppression, Saudi Arabia, persecuted Church, persecution of Christians, and 7 Mountains of Culture. Greg and John shared in this segment.

VFNRP F1A2I3T4H5 H1O2P3E4 V1F2N3P4R5O6G7R8A9M0