The Truth Project…

Last October, the USA Today newspaper reported on the results of a Gallup poll that questioned people about their beliefs concerning the origins of humanity. The paper noted that 66% of those questioned agreed that the statement “the idea that God created humans in their present form within the past 10,000 years” was either definitely or probably true. Yet in the same poll, 53% of those questioned indicated that they believed that “the idea that humans evolved from less-advanced life forms over millions of years” was also either probably or definitely true! Houston—we have a problem! It sounds like America is profoundly confused!

 A recent survey conducted by the Pew Forum found that over 75% of the United States identifies itself as Christian. Yet as this USA Today/Gallup survey indicates, there is an obvious disconnect between what people believe in church and what they believe in society. As one fellow put it, people today have “Christian hearts and pagan heads.” No wonder our society is in the state it is; we seem unable to allow biblical truth to affect our view of the world.

 A variety of ministries are awakening to this issue; recently there has been an explosion of academic and popular treatments on Christian worldview education. One of the most substantial and solid treatments has been produced by Focus on the Family, entitled The Truth Project. This is an excellent discussion of biblical truth and how it relates to life in society.

 The Truth Project is designed for small groups. It would be a tremendous contribution to our churches, schools and neighborhoods, if we could encourage one another to allow the truths that we believe to actually govern the way we think about things in our culture and society. Imagine how our faith would come alive if we genuinely discovered how relevant and applicable Christian beliefs are to the life we live in this earth! We could strengthen our churches immeasurably, and perhaps bring some sanity back to our civil society.

 Focus on the Family is conducting a nationwide training seminar by satellite on September 27, 2008. Registration fees include the day’s instruction plus the complete 12-lesson Truth Project Curriculum on DVD. You will also receive access to Focus’s learning and support site to help you in any area of your presentation of the series.

 I am honored to serve on a committee overseeing the presentation of this seminar in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. If you are interested in helping us administer and execute our seminar, email our director Robert Wallace. For additional information, and to attend the seminar, both in Hampton Roads or elsewhere in America, visit the Truth Project web site and register for the meeting in your locale.

God has laid a burden on my heart for a return to committed discipleship within the Church. He has charged me with teaching not only the theology necessary, but also the practical life habits involved in becoming disciples. One of the greatest needs we have, however, is basic, common sense instruction in how what we believe should affect every area of our life—political, social, financial, and cultural. It does us no good to learn the disciplines of prayer and meditation, and come to understand the theology of redemption and the Christian life, if we persist in living life as practical pagans. Christianity is not about church attendance but about the Kingdom of God in this world. I encourage you to investigate this project and pursue its instruction. May our efforts bring glory and honor to the Almighty!