When we say the term a Biblical worldview, do we truly mean a view of the entire world? In other words, does our ‘worldview’ stand up to the test of being more universal than cultural; more global than local?

While in Nicaragua a few years ago, I recall giving a presentation to some Christian leaders and the word ‘worldview’ didn’t translate directly. Instead, my Latin American brothers rendered it, ‘cosmo view’ and in a very real way, that made more sense than what I was trying to convey. Our worldview and in particular a Biblical one, should consist not simply of truths from our own local contexts, but truths that make sense universally. Michael Horton, in his book the Gospel-Driven Life, makes the following comment that is relevant to this discussion:

The gospel is unintelligible to most people today, especially in the West, because their own particular stories are remote from the story of creation, fall, redemption, and consummation that is narrated in the Bible. Our focus is introspective and narrow, confided to our own immediate knowledge, experience, and intuition…

When I asked my friend Adina to describe Urbana 09 to me recently, she simply said, “It's insane!”

Urbana 09 is happening right now in St. Louis.  Adina said there are 17,000+ college students from around the world in attendance this year. They are discussing topics such as human trafficking, poverty, HIV/AIDS, divisions between peoples, and even environmental degradation affect missions.

One of the key themes of this years Urbana is on incarnational missions. They are taking a close look at the first four chapters of John’s Gospel for a rich understanding of Christ who came and dwelt among us.

Adina is very excited about all that she is learning and taking away with her from this event and she mentioned she is thinking hard about what it looks like to bring Urbana home.

Tonight was commitment night at Urbana. This is the night when the students have the opportunity to publicly commit to an area of mission involvement. That can be anything from committing to pray and learn more about God’s direction for them to committing to joining cross-cultural service anywhere in the world.

These students represent a rising, contagious love for God and for justice. As they make their commitments tonight, finish their college educations and venture into their illuminated path for righteousness, they need encouragement and prayer. For some, they are taking risks to live out bold fiery faith.  

I am excited for Adina. I have seen a joy in that woman that will no doubt bless countless others no matter where she ends up. And to think there are over 17,000 others like her, making courageous life altering decisions tonight excites me.  Like Adina said, “It’s insane!”

Recently, a friend asked me to explain to her the difference between ‘mission’ (singular) and ‘missions’ (plural).

Over time, mission and missions have become interchangeable.

Put into the simplest terms, mission is what God does to reconcile with  his children. Missions is what we do in response and obedience to that.

Once upon a time, there was a garden. There was a couple living in the garden, along with some rivers, lots of animals and God. There was also a serpent in the garden that coerced the couple into eating some fruit found on a tree called the tree of knowledge of good and evil. It was the same tree God had told them not to eat from (Gen 2:16,17).  They ate the fruit anyway. What was the result? The couple had to leave the beautiful garden, therefore leaving the presence of God.

Since then, every person who has ever lived has been born outside the garden.

God never wanted his children to live outside the garden and away from him. He created them inside the garden to be with. He has always wanted them in the garden with him again. In fact, God even started his search for the couple while the two were still in the garden.

“Where are you?” God cried out (Gen. 3:9).

Since the garden incident, God has been relentless in seeking after his children, even though they are outside the garden.

As you read through the action packed Old Testament (OT) stories, you’ll see a common theme weaved throughout. God is actively after his people. He shows up on the scene in some pretty remarkable ways at times. Some of the familiar ways we see God in the OT are in the burning bush or the thunderous cloud hovering the top of Mt Sinai. These supernatural revelations of God are called Theophanies. But God didn’t just use the supernatural approach. The scriptures say there are times when he speaks in a still, small voice. (1 Kings 19:12).

The most incredible act God has done to reconcile with his children was done through the birth, the life’s works and teachings, the death and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. God went so far to get his children back he literally gave up his beloved son, Jesus, so that the gap that was created when mankind left the garden could be closed once and for all.

When Jesus Christ conquered death he paved the way for us to re-enter the garden. In other words, we can live in the presence of God again, just as the couple did while they were in the garden. In fact, the presence of God dwells within us. Incredible isn’t it?