Establishing My Presuppositions

Everyone has presuppositions. You may call them your philosophy of life, your beliefs, your way of thinking, or the basis of how you apply both theory and practice. You may even deny that your presuppositions shapes who you are and the way you live. But it is undeniable that all are different, think differently, act differently and are unique creatures in word and deed. The Wednesday night Bible Study listed a series of questions to explore your presuppositions and the impact on you as a person (the comments after each question are my own):

What is the authority for my life? Bible versus self versus false prophet(s) versus "mystery".

What is truth? Science versus Bible versus self determined. Jesus said God's Word is truth. Do I believe this, do I live it, do I understand it? Is the separation over truth between the world and myself irreparable? Is there any common ground between unbelieving teachers in all areas and the Christian believer?

How did all of this get here? There seems to be only three options: chance, ...some pagan spirit, ... or the God of Creation. The question of origins as disputable is enlarging, not decreasing.

What is the purpose for all of this? I say to glorify God. There is no other acceptable answer that gives satisfaction for self purpose or relationships. All others lead to self defeat and "nothingness".

Who am I? Am I a product of my own imagination, others' imagination, or does it even matter? If I am made in the image of God, then I should also know and understand that I came into this world dead in trespasses and sins, ...and I will go out the same way....unless... the sovereign God chooses to give me life in the Son by faith alone. The emphasis in John 3:16 is on believing.

From where did I come? The natural man does not know, but speculates that two bits of chemical stuff came together and somehow grew. He further speculates that it finally arrived at two "cells" in a mother's womb to fertilize and grow. But he cannot answer why. With authority other than the Bible other speculation leads to "other people", but where did they come from? With Biblical authority we say with conviction that Psalm 139:13-16 gives both satisfaction and wisdom of understanding.

Where am I going? The world system gives options; the Bible gives different options; the man on the street doesn't know. From reincarnation to nothingness to heaven for all to "who cares", the Word of God is explicit on our final destination: either heaven or hell. There are no other options. Choose this day whom you will follow; as for me and my house, we choose to follow the Lord. Ask what has real value versus temporal value?

How then shall I live? This answer is only twofold: unto God...or self. The world chooses the latter...the broad path and gate to destruction, and many find it. The narrow path and gate to eternal life is narrow indeed, and few there be that find it.

Why are there wrong things? This is the question of the ages. Books and books and orators and some preachers and all others decry that "it is just not fair". But the fairness doctrine comes from self desires, not from the Creator. There are none that seeks after righteousness, not one. There are none that do good, no, not even one. God's perspective is not man's perspective. His ways are not my ways, and yet He promises me that all things work together for good, to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Even my heart attack.

Why is there suffering? We are promised and labeled with frailties of the flesh, of the emotions and of the mind. We are promised with suffering as Christian believers. For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. Have I placed complete, or just partial trust in Him?

to be continued.....