water, earth and sky

Fantastic weekend. The conference was phenomenal. Diane and I attended with the sponsorship of our church, with the expectation that we’ll lead a small group using the curriculum, something we’re certainly very keen on doing. My mom came as well, on her own initiative. She’s been interested in worldview studies for years and years (indeed, she introduced me to the area of study in high school), so it was wonderful to have her there and to be able to share ideas and responses among the three of us.

The conference equips believers to lead a small group based around the Truth Project curriculum, a curriculum that stresses the need for an overarching biblical worldview. It touches on every area of human experience either directly or indirectly and demonstrates a biblical approach to and mindset for each area. Given the fact that, based on a recent study, only 4% of professing Christians in this country have a biblical worldview, and that more often than not we are indistinguishable from the culture around us, this wake-up call is sorely needed. The sea of false assumptions and counterfeit truth claims around us is vast and deep. Some key verses from the weekend:

“‘You are a king, then!’ said Pilate. Jesus answered, ‘You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.'” — John 18:37

“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.” — Colossians 2:8

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…” — 1 Peter 3:15

“And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth…” — 2 Timothy 2:24-25

Good stuff. I can’t express how encouraged, refreshed, affirmed and grounded in my faith I feel. There will be times of hardship, to be sure, but I am equipped with an increasing knowledge of the Word, which is Truth (John 17:17), and thus our final authority when it comes to our interface with the world, indeed our very perspective on reality itself. Soli Deo gloria.

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In other news, here’s:

a picture of the three of us (Diane, myself and Luke) taken a few Sundays ago when we were back in Chapel Hill for the meet ‘n’ greet with Rachel’s family, leading up to David’s and her wedding. Yeah, they’re with me.