We have been discussing some of the general and basic distinctions between different worldviews. Our goal is the strengthening and deepening of our Christian worldview and understanding how we are to interact with the world.

It is crucial that we learn all of the lessons that we can from the Katrina disaster as fast as we can because more are coming. We have not even finished counting the bodies from Katrina, and Hurricane Rita is churning in the Gulf threatening Texas and Louisiana with even more destruction. It is likely, at the very least, to displace tens of thousands of more people, as well as further wreck the Gulf Coast oil industry.

     At this writing, the saga of Edward Snowden still dominates the news. There may have never been a more poignant example of how easily our media and our elected representatives can take their eyes off the ball and begin to major on minors. Snowden may be a traitor, or he may be a hero, but he is not the real story here. Chasing after the story of Snowden’s plight is like trying to swat a gnat when there is a lion charging you.

Last week I painted with some pretty broad strokes while addressing “the four winds of the earth.” This week I want to do it again with a perspective that is both historic and prophetic, and will lay the groundwork for addressing some things in more depth later.

As Paul continues to close this great Epistle, we are given an even deeper glimpse into his great character, as we read in Ephesians 6:21-22:

Our text for this week is Ephesians 5:3

We know from biblical prophecy that at the end of this age a time of trouble will come upon the world like it has never known. At the same time, we will see that for God’s people this will be the time when His glory appears upon them (see Isaiah 60:1-5). The result stated in verses 3–5 of this text is that the nations of the world will turn to God’s people because of their light. The light wins! From these Scriptures, we can conclude that the times may be full of troubles, but God’s people will be triumphant at the end.

All Scriptures NAS unless otherwise noted.

   
   
    We continue to address one of the most important questions of the present time: Should Christians devote their energy and resources to shoring up the crumbling foundations of governments and institutions or devote these to preparing the way for the coming kingdom?

A popular saying has been “Get a life!” This is typically used as a rebuke to those who are so trapped in the mundane that the insignificant is significant to them. We want this series to help all believers live lives of significance and leave a trail of significant accomplishments. To use biblical terms, it is fulfilling the Lord’s command to bear fruit, and fruit that remains (see John 15:16).