An Interesting Conversation

Back in August 2009, my blogging friend (and frequent commentator here at Talk Wisdom,) Gary Baker, launched his new blog One of Seven-Thousand. There is a really good conversation going on under his latest post titled Those Who Will Not See.

Excerpt:

My family and I are going through a series of videos and discussions at our church called “The Truth Project.” (For those of you who wish to opine that the project might contain very little truth, I would appreciate it if you accompanied such opinions with a specific complaint that would show that you have actually been exposed to the material and found a fact-based complaint or error. I don’t want to make fun of you as bigoted or ignorant, but if you approach without doing the homework you really leave me no choice.) One of our related homework assignments was to watch “Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed” by Ben Stein. (Same notations apply).

At the very end of “Expelled,” Ben asks Richard Dawkins how he will feel if he goes through his entire life seeking to stamp out religion, expires, and then finds himself face-to-face with God. Mr. Dawkins replies words to the effect of “Why did you take such great pains to hide yourself?”

Continue reading here.

I had participated in four sessions of The Truth Project back in June, 2008. They were very informative and I had planned to complete the course in the future. One of the most important things that participants in The Truth Project learn, is the influence of Jesus Christ and the Bible in the foundation of America. I wrote about my experience with the first lesson here.

I saw Ben Stein's movie several times. Dawkin's question was interesting to hear from someone who labels themselves as an atheist or skeptic.

Dawkin's question indicates that the subject of faith in a non-believer's mind is based on "seeing before believing." Whereas, Jesus asks us to "believe" first, then we shall see. The funny thing to realize is that those who believe in Darwinism actually hold to a faith in things not seen! They need to have "faith" that the scientists who came up with the theory are telling the truth. The more time that goes by and the more intelligence and design that we see in the universe and throughout the world of our existence - the more impossible the theory of Darwinism becomes.

Be sure to read through the comment section. You will see how relativism vs. faith, (and, to some extent, the Creation/Intelligent Design vs. Darwinism) arguments cause people to either believe in the absolute truth of Jesus Christ, God and the Bible; or, to believe in man's own wisdom and knowledge (and errors) as is contained in the belief of Darwinism, other religions, and/or the concept of religious relativism. (sorry about the long run-on sentence!)

Hat tip:


One of Seven-Thousand

Sexchanging the Truth For a Lie

Did that title grab your attention? I had hoped that it would! However, before we get to the explanation of that title, I wanted to share with readers a few portions of Lesson 7 in “The Truth Project” series; as well as some of my notes.

If you get the chance to participate in this DVD series, I would encourage you to do so. Personally, I would describe it as gaining a Christian college education, condensed into an awesome 13 week DVD and lesson series which, if left to your own devices for study, might take you years of studying to learn on your own! Yes! It is THAT GOOD!

I think that if more Christians get involved in “The Truth Project” - by first being a participant - and then a leader for a new group in their homes, then a Christian Truth Revival would be taking place across the U.S.A. that would transform this nation for Jesus Christ - who is - “the way, the truth and the life.”

Christine

*******

The Truth Project

Lesson 7 - Sociology: The Divine Imprint

Themes
We begin where we left off in Tour 5: with the voice of nature making loud and unmistakable statements about the nature and character of God. "Ask the animals, and they will teach you," says Job, "and the birds of the air, and they will tell you" (Job 12:7, 8). In this case, order is one of the overwhelming messages with which creation bombards us. From the atom to the solar system, from photosynthesis to the cleansing tides, from the human body to the design of a chicken egg – everywhere we look we see obvious indications of purposeful design in the things God has made. This, of course, is a serious problem for those who argue that the universe is the product of "random, mindless forces."

The same element of order is apparent in the social systems God has instituted. Dr. Tackett lays out six that he see in Scripture: family, labor, church, state, community, and the relationship between man and his Maker. But the order we detect in this area is not simply an expression of the Lord's creative design. Instead, it flows out of His very nature. It is a reflection of who He is. As Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the Triune God embodies in Himself the ultimate resolution of the old philosophical problem of "the one and the many." He exemplifies diversity within unity and the answer to why it is "not good for man to be alone" is bound up in the Triune Essence. Relationship, union, communion, intimacy, fellowship, love, and community – these things have existed from all eternity within the economy of the Godhead. Accordingly, they serve as the basis for the smooth and ordered functioning of creation. It is for this very reason, Dr. Tackett argues, that basic social institutions such as marriage, family, and church have come under such heavy attack in our day: just as the world, the flesh, and the devil hate the Creator with a fervent and undying hatred, so they inevitably stand opposed to the social order that bears the imprint of His divine nature.

As this tour unfolds, the principles of order and relationship will be examined specifically as we find them manifested in three of the social systems designed by God: the family, the church, and the union between God and man ("The Intimate Three"). During the course of this discussion, Dr. Tackett will explain how the threefold Trinitarian pattern is reflected in and fundamental to the internal functioning of each of these spheres. Special attention will be given to the subject of the family and some of the pathologies associated with disregard for the divine plan in this crucial area of human life.

I. Introduction – The God of Order
A. Psalm 19 – "The heavens declare the glory of God ..."
B. Job 12 – "But ask the animals, and they will teach you ..."
C. Listening to a chicken egg – The exquisite design and intricacy seen in a chicken egg
D. Scriptural emphasis of order – Job 25:2, 1 Corinthians 14:33, James 3:16

My Notes:

James 3:16

God of order - not disorder.
Atom
Cell
Skeletal System
Circulatory System
Photosynthesis
Coral Reef
Metamorphosis
Pollination
Water Cycle
Lunar Tides
Solar System

Result of just chance?

Evolved or Design of God?

This is where the battle rages.

“It is good” is said 7 times in Genesis.

Genesis 2:18 is the first time we read, "it is not good..."


Gen 2:18
¶
And the LORD God said, [It is] not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.

Must ask : is this a qualitative or ethical statement? Pragmatic or moral?

Our Source of Truth.

The Nature of God.

The Trinity.

Truth Project Notes:

In this tour and in the ones to follow, we are emphasizing the "roles" within the Triune nature of God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We have done so to highlight its imprint upon the social order that He has created. In doing so, however, it is possible that someone may wrongly begin to perceive the persons of the Trinity as separate beings. They are not.

One must never lose sight of the reality that God is One—one in essence and being. He exists in three persons, yet each is fully and wholly God. The Son is fully God, not a separate God. The Holy Spirit is fully God, not a separate being. So God is truly one in essence because each person of the Trinity is one in essence with the other.

But, God is not only one in essence, but He is one in unity. The three persons of the Trinity exist in complete oneness. Each person of the Trinity carries out a unique role and performs unique operations, yet they remain one in essence and one in unity. This is the nature of the eternal God.

All of this is mysterious, yes. But not so mysterious that we cannot comprehend its reality. The "mystical union" that exists within the Triune nature of God has also been impressed upon His creation. I do not understand how the flesh and the spirit within me are joined together. I do not understand how my wife and I have become "one flesh". I do not understand how the Spirit of God can dwell within me and somehow be united with me. Paul cries out in reference to these matters and calls it a "profound mystery".

So, when we refer to the Son being in submission to the Father, we are referring to the relationship that exists between the second "person" of the Trinity and the first "person" of the Trinity. When we refer to the Holy Spirit "proceeding" from the Father and the Son, we are referring to the unique operation that the Father and the Son carry out and the implied relationship that exists between the Holy Spirit and the Father and the Son. Yet, we are dealing with one God, one Being, one in essence and unity.

II. Social Order – The Divine Imprint
A. "It is not good" – Genesis 2:18 – Why was it "not good" for man to be alone?
B. Triune structure stamped upon Social Order
1. God – Father, Son, Holy Spirit
2. Family – Husband, Wife, Children
3. Church – Christ, Leaders, Flock
4. Our world – Three realms – Physical, Spiritual and Social
C. Relationships, Roles, Authority, Submission and Unity within social spheres

My lesson notes:

God is one in three Persons. There is relationship in the heart of God.

One in essence - three in Persons.

Relationship: Anything that unifies and brings coherence in diversity.

[See Westminster Confession]

Draw a circle. In it, place Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Triune nature of God.

These three are in perfect harmony and relationship with each other.

God created the family unit in a similar way.

Draw a circle. In it, place husband, wife, and children.

Submission is a negative word?

No! It’s a glorious word. The world has distorted it! Made it ugly.

Children come from husband and wife.

Picture of triune nature of God.

Devil hates both!

The Divine Mark

Primary colors
Atom
Solid, liquid, gas.

There are 3’s everywhere!

Physical realm.
Spiritual realm.
Social realm.

How has God designed these spheres? If we go against these three, we go against nature of God.

It’s about relationships.

Results of the Fall.
Relationships severed.

Between God and man.
Between man and man.
Between man and creation.

Truth Project Notes:

Importance of relationships
A. What happened at the fall? – Relationships were severed and damaged – between God & man, man & man, and man & creation
B. Aloneness - "It is not good for man to be alone" – Aloneness is contrary to God's nature; in all eternity, there had never been aloneness before
C. God's design of social institutions and social laws
D. Intimate Three – God's design for unity, intimacy, oneness - Family, Church, God and Man

In Scripture, Gen. 2:18 is the first verse that states, “not good.”

Gen 2:18 And the LORD God said, [It is] not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.

What is “not good” in this verse?
It is “not good for man to be alone. Again, this goes against God’s nature. Del called this, “the Divine pause.”

God paused to make a Divine statement about His nature.

There had never been “aloneness” before. This is the Divine Mark.

One - aloneness.
Two - Relationship and intimacy.
Three - Community.

(Four doesn’t add anything!)

Natural Law of God - when gives it - structures based upon His own Nature. To go against theses laws - we go against God’s nature.

Social Laws.

Truth Project Notes:

IV. Family & Church
A. Ephesians 5 – Roles and relationships of members in these spheres – Authority, Submission, Oneness
B. Love and Respect between husband and wife
C. Honor between children and parents, flock and church leaders

Will find ourselves more in His nature.

Intimate 3

Trinity
Family
Church

God, Family and the Church. In that order everything works. Out of that order, nothing works!

Our reverence for God includes recognizing His Authority in our lives. Second, our submission to His worthiness (our worship of Him) through confession of sin through His Son, Jesus Christ’s death on the cross, acceptance of Jesus into our hearts as Lord and Savior, and our willingness to live for Him - striving for holiness and righteousness.

God, Family and Church is designed to help us behold the glory of God! In each relationship, submission is required. As was said before, that term “submission” has been twisted in this world to make people believe that is it bad. However, submission is a great part of being born again in Christ. Submission is what keeps order in the marriage and family.

Unfortunately, we have lost the awe of what God created and have, instead, exchanged the truth for a lie.

I just created a typo and it read: “sexchanged the truth for a lie.” Hmmm…. The Microsoft Word editor automatically corrected it, so I had to re-type it to show you! What a message! That typo can actually be used to describe the various pathologies involved with humankind’s twisting of God’s design for sex and marriage.

But first, let us look at God’s design.

Ephesians 5:22-24

In the church, leaders submit to Christ and the church body submits to the leaders. Notice that if the leaders do not genuinely submit to Christ, then the body should not be obligated to submit to the leaders (in other words, find a new church that DOES submit to Christ’s authority!).

In marriage, the husband should give himself up for his wife, just as Christ gave himself up for his beloved church (people, not a building).

Ephesians 5:26-27
Ephesians 5:28-30
Ephesians 5:31-32 (ESV)

Ephesians 5:33 (ESV)

It is good to remember that the husband needs respect like the wife needs love. It’s not about worthiness - its about the design of God.

Establishing a sphere of authority is essential in any relationship.

Titus 1:5-6 discusses this pattern in the church.

Christ
Leaders
Flock

Acts 20:28
Hebrews 13:17
1 Timothy 5:17

Today, when the question is asked, “What is Family?” we find two things:

1. It’s under great attack.
2. It still evokes emotion.

The key point that was made in the video was this:

“The family unit is not ours to manipulate!”

Of course, the world disagrees. The world says, “throw off the chains.”

However, when we diligently follow God’s design - there is contentment, even in this fallen world!

Malachi 2:16 tells us that God hates divorce!

There is much pain in this world due to divorce.

Truth Project Notes:

Statements from video interviewees poignantly highlight the pain, confusion, and deep emotional reactions connected with almost any examination of family life and family-related issues. Similar emotions are almost certain to arise during group discussion. The video segments also present a broad range of popular definitions of "family," a subject that has the potential to stir up equally diversified reactions from group participants. In addition, Dr. Tackett and his students fearlessly broach the often troublesome topic of authority and submission within the context of marriage, the church, and other aspects of God's social design.

1 Peter 3:7

Malachi 2:13-17

Divorce is serious with God! “Where is the God of Justice?” Consequences are deep!

1 Peter 3
Great worth in God’s sight.

The pathologies of the family are huge. The heart of God weeps over them all.

Picture a child crouching in a corner while his parents are fighting.

Who can excuse abuse in this unity?

The union of oneness of the marriage union is reflected and positively emphasized by children who honor their parents.

*******

V. Conclusion – Pathologies of the Family
A. Divorce – Malachi 2:16 – "I hate divorce ..."
B. Lack of respect – 1 Peter 3:7 – " ... so that nothing will hinder your prayers ..."

The section about “pathologies of the family” was very convicting for all. Who hasn’t been touched by divorce? Who hasn’t been exposed to conflict, strife, verbal and/or physical abuse because God’s proper order and design for the family unit has not been followed? Why? Because of lack of submission. Yes…that “dirty word” again. People don’t like that word. However, it is THE WORD of liberation in Christian life!!

We could take any number of the pathologies that currently rage in relationships and see how they are utterly meant to destroy God’s design for relationships.

What are some of the pathologies that are intent on destroying God’s design for relationships?

Here are just a few:

1. Sexchanging the truth for a lie = adultery
2. Sexchanging the truth for a lie = fornication
3. Sexchanging the truth for a lie = pornography
4. Sexchanging the truth for a lie = prostitution
5. Sexchanging the truth for a lie = incest
6. Sexchanging the truth for a lie = child molestation
7. Sexchanging the truth for a lie = rape
8. Sexchanging the truth for a lie = homosexuality
9. Sexchanging the truth for a lie = polygamy
10. Sexchanging the truth for a lie = poly-amory
11. Sexchanging the truth for a lie = bi-sexuality
12. Sexchanging the truth for a lie = transvestitism
13. Sexchanging the truth for a lie = transgender
14. Sexchanging the truth for a lie = sexual abuse
15. Sexchanging the truth for a lie = pederasty
16. Sexchanging the truth for a lie = pedophilia
17. Sexchanging the truth for a lie = human sexual trafficking
18. Sexchanging the truth for a lie = group sexual encounters
19. Sexchanging the truth for a lie = abortion

Have I left any out? I’m sure that there are several more that could be added to this list.

This list is proof positive that sexual deviancy of any kind is detrimental to the life-blood of God’s design for the family.

And, those who think that the word "submit" in the phrase - “wives submit to your husbands” is STILL a “dirty word” consider this verse:

1 Peter 3:7
Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.

Did you read that? This is how VERY important the true family unit is to God. Scripture informs, (as well as provides a type of warning) that “your prayers may not be hindered” when you follow God’s design in marriage!

I will conclude with the rest of 1 Peter 3


1 Pe 3:8 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous;#[fn1]

1Pe 3:9 not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.

1Pe 3:10 For
"He who would love life
And see good days,
Let him refrain his tongue from evil,
And his lips from speaking deceit.

1Pe 3:11 Let him turn away from evil and do good;
Let him seek peace and pursue it.

1Pe 3:12 For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous,
And His ears are open to their prayers;
But the face of the LORD is against those who do evil."#[fn2]

1Pe 3:13 And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good?

1Pe 3:14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. "And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled."#[fn3]

1Pe 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God#[fn4] in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;

1Pe 3:16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.

1Pe 3:17 For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

1Pe 3:18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us#[fn5] to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit,

1Pe 3:19 by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison,

1Pe 3:20 who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited#[fn6] in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water.

1Pe 3:21 There is also an antitype which now saves us--baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

1Pe 3:22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him.



Footnotes:
#3:8 NU-Text reads humble.
#3:12 Psalm 34:12-16
#3:14 Isaiah 8:12
#3:15 NU-Text reads Christ as Lord.
#3:18 NU-Text and M-Text read you.
#3:20 NU-Text and M-Text


HT: The Truth Project
Blue Letter Bible

The Truth Project

Questions and answers for the first lesson.

Question: What did you see on this tour?

Answer: I saw several things. First, is the fact that absolute truth is found only through Jesus Christ and in God's Word, the Bible.

The people who were interviewed in the video did not have very solid, coherent, or convincing answers when asked, "What is Truth?"

Personally, I think that it is an easy question when one knows Jesus Christ and has studied (and comprehends) the messages that God is revealing in Scripture. Without that solid foundation, a person can be easily led astray and towards the "next best thing" - in their minds, that is - even if that "thing" is drawing them away from the God of the universe!


Question: Jesus stated plainly that He had come into the world "to testify to the truth" (John 18:37). Exactly what did He mean by this, and how is this claim connected with those other aspects of Jesus’ mission – for example, forgiveness, salvation, redemption, and healing – that we more naturally associate with the ultimate purpose of His advent?

When Jesus states that he came for the reason "to testify to the truth," it means that he knows, follows, and IS the Truth! Without Truth as a foundation, all of Jesus' other claims would not matter. Since Jesus Himself IS the Truth, and testifies TO the truth, we can TRUST him with our lives. Thus, what He has proclaimed as "the way, the truth and the life," can also be trusted. Forgiveness, salvation, redemption, and healing begins with our acknowledgement that we are sinful and in desperate need of the Savior! Repentance of our sin at the foot of the cross of Christ is the only way to be reconciled back to Father God.

Question: How does one’s concept of truth affect or determine one's concept of faith?

Answer: People can be deceived into believing anything - whether it is legitimately true or not. Christianity is both a reasonable faith and an evidential faith. We have the fact of history on our side that Jesus Christ lived, preached for 3 years, suffered for our sakes, died a death as our substitution for us and our sins, and rose again from the dead. He lives evermore and is seated at the right hand of the Father in heaven.

The Bible tells us, "Without faith, it is impossible to please God." We do not know everything, but we certainly know enough because of all that has been revealed about Jesus in the Scriptures. The Bible testifies about, and points to - Jesus Christ - as the long-awaited Messiah in the Old Testament. Hundreds of prophecies have already been fulfilled in Jesus Christ. That fact alone gives us the confidence to believe that all of the rest of the prophecies will also be fulfilled at his Second Coming.


Question: What is the key point of distinction between the biblical concept of truth and popular cultural ideas about truth? How is this point related to the concept of insanity?

I loved hearing the fact that this study will show us that there is no direction/area in life where God has not spoken. That is a profound truth that people often overlook.

This study will be a tour of extraordinary worth! We will examine truth claims in logical order. When we turn and gaze upon the face of God through this study; we cannot help but to be deeply affected!

Jesus' truth claims do not play well in this "tolerant" world. But the fact is that the Spirit of Truth battles against the spirit of falsehood. This is the cosmic battle that has been going on ever since Satan was cast out of heaven and the fall of man occurred.

Satan's lies counter God's Truth. Ever since the Garden of Eden, Satan still uses his same old tricks against man - "did God really say?" Every lie is based on that phrase. What leads us down the path of lies?

Getting man to doubt God's Word.

Getting man to doubt God's goodness.

Getting man to doubt God's Holiness and Righteousness.

Getting man to doubt the reality of the need for God's Righteous Judgment of sin.

Getting man to doubt the reality of man's need for repentance because of sin.

Getting man to doubt God's Love for us.

Getting man to doubt that He sent His Son to take our sins away; as well as the penalty for sin.

Getting man to fall for the deceptions of Satan, the enemy of our souls, whose lies help keep us in bondage to sin.

Jesus came to "set the captives free." What a beautiful Savior we have! What a wonderful salvation message! There is a close link between salvation and truth. (see Eph. 6:14)

There is also a close link between sin and the issue of the raging cosmic battle for our souls. Every sin's goal is to turn us back to belief in the lie. Satan wants to keep us prisoners in sin. As Del dramatically pointed out in the video, Satan wants to keep us in "POW clothes." (also see Col. 4:5-6) (NAS)

Question: Read 2 Timothy 2:24, 26 and Colossians 4:5, 6. Why does Paul advise believers to be "gentle" rather than "quarrelsome" in their dealings with outsiders? How does our understanding of the Cosmic Battle affect the way we relate to non-believers?

We are to view outsiders as captives - that is what we were! Therefore, we must be gentle in our witnessing to those still under the curse of Satan.

Admittedly, this can oftentimes be difficult to do. Those who are under the power of deception are not easily brought out of it. In many encounters that I have had with non-believers, I am often told by them that I am "speaking another language" to them.

A huge part of the reason for this is the fact that without Christ indwelling the heart, the Bible is difficult to discern. Those not born again in Jesus Christ do not have the guidance of the Holy Spirit who "leads us into all truth."

For example. In the last post (Oprah's False Religion), recall that Oprah thought, in her own mind, that the idea that God is a "jealous God" was appalling to her. Since this did not sit well with her and such a thought bothered her so intensely, she ended up altogether rejecting the gospel of Jesus Christ. She desired to find another way (or, many ways) to her own feelings and concepts of God. I would suspect that it probably had a lot to do with her feelings towards being tolerant.

I don't think that Jesus was being tolerant when he proclaimed that he is "the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father but by me." However, Jesus spoke the truth! He IS the Truth!

When Oprah stated, "God is jealous of me?" she unequivocally displayed her lack of proper biblical exegesis, hermeneutics, scholarly interpretation, and understanding of why God tells us that He is a jealous God.

What is the first commandment? Thou shalt love the Lord thy God. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

God is not "jealous" of Oprah. Consider this! He is jealous for her!! Why? Precisely because He does not want ANYONE to perish! He wants all to come to salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ. Naturally, God does not want any of His children turned towards false gods, religion, or any other idols.

Question: Isaiah 44:17 equates an idol to a lie. People bowed down to a block of wood - asking it to "save them." Idol worship often leads to insane things! How foolish is it to bow down to a block of wood?

As was pointed out in the Oprah example above, a lie can lead one to idol worship! What is Oprah's target for worship? I'll let you answer that question.

Insanity is "the loss of touch with reality." People in such a state believe that the lie is real. This is a description of common insanity.

The ultimate source of truth is God. Col. 2:2-3 (NAS) asks us will he not care for you - oh you of little faith?

The truth claims of God gives us hope, trust, and faith. Jesus talked about us having "the faith of a child."

The video showed incredible faith in a child at the end of a diving board at a pool. We see him overcome his fear - faith overcomes our feelings - we grab hold of Him! We grab hold of Jesus! We hang onto Him!

Just like that child who overcame his initial fear and jumped into the pool towards the waiting arms of his loving mother, we are to trust the God who loves us! Doing so, connects our faith to our emotions. We can trust Him with our lives - now and in eternity!

Question: Dr. Tackett poses the question, "Do you really believe that what you believe is really real?" How can we know what we really believe?

My answer to that first question is YES! Completely! I know it's real because Jesus is real. God's Word is trustworthy and true. Nothing else in the world matters but to be reconciled back to our Creator who loves us!

I know what I really believe because I have been studying the Bible for over 20 years. It is the inerrant Word of God which points towards Jesus Christ from Genesis to Revelation.

Besides the trustworthiness of the Bible, I have also had divine encounters and personal, spiritual experiences over the years that have cemented my confidence in knowing that what I believe is really real and true!

*******
Dear The Truth Project small group members. Please feel free, if led to do so, to share your individual answers to these questions!

Dear visitors and commenters here at Talk Wisdom . Please feel free, if led to do so, to share your individual answers to these questions! Even if you have not seen the video, you can still share your thoughts on these matters based on your own private Bible reading and studying!

*******

[Note: I am including each of "The Truth Project" blog posts in my other blog called, "The Way of God in Truth." This way, anyone can access the posts easily without having to search for them here at Talk Wisdom.]

Why Did Jesus Come Into the World?

Dear Readers -

As many of you already know, I started attending the 13 week study called, "The Truth Project" last Monday evening. The very first class was awesome!

I will be blogging about it over the course of the 13 week training. Then, I will conduct the course in my home so that others can reap the benefits!

Briefly, the first session opened up with two very relevant questions.

1. What is truth?
2. Why did Jesus come into the world?

The sessions are intended to take us on a worldview tour. I'm so excited about this!!!

I can see that it is already a tour of extraordinary worth!! It will present truth claims in logical order. When one turns and gazes upon the face of God - there is no doubt that we are deeply affected!

It was so interesting to hear the various answers given to that second question.

Jesus came to save us.

In John it tells us Jesus was born to fulfil the prophecies.

Jesus came to redeem us.

We desperately needed redemption.

Jesus came to save the world.

Now, these are all good answers - but they weren't the exact correct answer to complete the Scripture verse that our study leader was referring to in John 18:33-38.

The answer is that Jesus came to testify to the truth.

Truth was on trial.

How many times did our Lord say, "I tell you the truth" in Scripture?

How many times did he say, "Truly, truly..." to emphasize a point?

Twenty-Five times!

What is so obvious about the combined evils of our day is the fact that they ALL resist the call to discover the Truth which can only be found in God's Word.

Such truth brings forth our need for acknowledgment of, and repentance for, sin.

It is THEN, and only then where we are cleansed of our sin in order to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior into our hearts.

There are many, many deceptions floating around in the world that keep unredeemed men in bondage. Thus, such bondage keeps them from experiencing Jesus' goal for us sinners - that being -

To set the (us) captives free!

Veritology: What is Truth?

I had heard about The Truth Project several months ago. After viewing the introductory video, I was instantly interested in attending. At the time (back in March), the closest presentation was about a three hour drive away. I noticed that there would be a training session much closer to my home in September. However, my dear Christian friend, Dran, sent me an email last week and invited me to a training session at her home! Praise God!

Here is what she shared:

“In a recent study, the Barna Research Group revealed a stunning statistic that continues to reverberate throughout the evangelical world. Only 9 percent of professing Christians have a biblical worldview.



Because of this, today's believers live very similarly to non-believers. A personal sense of significance is rarely experienced, we spend our money and time on things that fail to satisfy and we begin to wonder what life's ultimate purpose really is. We are, in short, losing our bearings as a people and a nation.



To counter this slide within the body of Christ, we are launching one of the most ambitious and powerful projects in the history of our ministry—Focus on the Family's "The Truth Project.”

The primary purpose of this study…is to facilitate transformation among those who are exposed to it. That inevitably occurs when a person comes face-to-face with God Himself. It happened to Isaiah when he had such an encounter. The prophet described it this way:

"In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. . . . 'Woe to me!' I cried. 'I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty.' Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, 'See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.' Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'" (Isaiah 6:1; 5-8; NIV)

I am afraid that the vast majority of God's people in our culture today are unaware of our enemy's schemes. That is why we are not faring well in the battle.

There is one central theme running through The Truth Project: the Truth that we seek — and the Truth that stands directly opposed to the lies of the world, the flesh, and the devil — is found ultimately in the character and being of God Himself. That is why, over and over again, the DVD curriculum begins and ends with Him.

The Truth Project sounded very similar to several books that I had recently read; including John MacArthur's "The Truth War," and "The Truth About Tolerance: Pluralism, Diversity and the Culture Wars," by Brad Stetson and Joseph G. Conti. Much of Greg Koukl's great apologetics resources at Stand to Reason.org also have provided information regarding the question, "what is truth?" and how we should share it.

Well, after attending just the first installment, I can already state that The Truth Project is absolutely awesome! What an extremely valuable resource it will be for you in your walk with Christ and evangelism experiences!

The truth is desperately needed during these times of lies, confusion, and moral relativism.

Lesson One is called, "Veritology: What is Truth?"

People...the answer is that the TRUTH is, and lives, in Jesus Christ! God's Word reveals the absolute truth of this fact!

I will be discussing my notes and personal reactions to the first lesson over the course of this week. For now, I will simply share the lesson guide information to whet your appetites for more!

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you seek out this study (or start one yourself!!) at your church and/or with your own home Bible study group. It is THAT GOOD!!

You will notice some questions at the bottom of this post. Any Christian believer who knows Jesus Christ and has studied the "meat" of the Bible could probably answer some, if not all of the questions. Feel free to post your answers in the comment section.

I plan to go into much more detail about the first lesson, as well as share my own personal answers to those questions here at Talk Wisdom.

This study WILL CHALLENGE YOU! The last question is one that every Christian needs to answer:

"Do you really believe that what you believe is really real?" How can we know what we really believe?

In Jesus,
Christine

*******

In this initial episode, students receive a general introduction to the overall scope and purpose of The Truth Project. This series is designed to take participants on a guided worldview tour, following the points of the worldview compass, a tool designed to direct our thinking with regard to four fundamental issues: Truth, God, Man, and the Social Order. Along the way, we will attempt to build a logical, systematic framework of ideas by which to organize and evaluate the various truth claims to be encountered during the course of our tour. Our ultimate goal is not simply to gain knowledge, but to look upon the face of God – and to be transformed in the process.



Themes
Our destination in Lesson 1 lies due North. The focal point for this first hour of discussion is the concept of Truth itself.

What is truth?

Why is it important?

What role does it play in the biblical view of the world, God's purpose for the cosmos, His will for mankind, His plan of salvation, and the way we live our personal lives?

In his comments on this subject, Dr. Del Tackett will demonstrate how truth was fundamental to the mission of Jesus Christ in the world; how it forms the heart of the Cosmic Battle that has been raging since the beginning; how this battle has divided the world into two opposing camps or sides; how lies, the antithesis of Truth, take human hearts and minds captive by the power of deception; and how every man and woman now stands in the position of having to choose between God's truth claims and the opposing perspective of the world, the flesh, and the devil.

To answer the question "what is truth?" Dr. Tackett consults the 1828 edition of Webster's Dictionary which defines truth "Conformity to fact or reality ..." We will also see how popular notions of truth (represented by man on the street interviews) contrast sharply with the biblical concept (as articulated by Ravi Zacharias, Os Guinness, and R. C. Sproul).



Points to Watch for
Dr. Tackett concludes that, in almost every case, the perspective of contemporary culture stands in direct opposition to the Truth-centered worldview presented in the Bible. In the process of making this case, he advances the bold claim that our culture is not only filled with lies but is actually heading in the direction of social insanity. As a result, he proposes that Pilate's query – "What is truth?"– is the most important question facing our society today. He ends Lesson 1 by challenging his audience with this all-important question: "Do you really believe that what you believe is really real?"



Discussion Questions


What did you see on this tour?

Jesus stated plainly that He had come into the world "to testify to the truth" (John 18:37). Exactly what did He mean by this, and how is this claim connected with those other aspects of Jesus’ mission – for example, forgiveness, salvation, redemption, and healing – that we more naturally associate with the ultimate purpose of His advent?

How does one’s concept of truth affect or determine one's concept of faith?

What is the key point of distinction between the biblical concept of truth and popular cultural ideas about truth? How is this point related to the concept of insanity?

Read 2 Timothy 2:24, 26 and Colossians 4:5, 6. Why does Paul advise believers to be "gentle" rather than "quarrelsome" in their dealings with outsiders? How does our understanding of the Cosmic Battle affect the way we relate to non-believers?

Dr. Tackett poses the question, "Do you really believe that what you believe is really real?" How can we know what we really believe?

HT: The Truth Project.org
Go to site to view a video trailer.

With special thanks to my friend Dran!