Torch, Fall 2006

Fall 2006 / TORCH 7 conflicts. Evangelical Protestants are almost non-existent. What is missing in the conflict, however, is what makes Christianity unique: grace. Grace is that strangely Divine feature of biblical reconciliation that transforms lives, restores relationships, and topples kingdoms. Without grace, belief in God can be destructive. God can be used as a justification for the worst forms of prejudice and terror. But God will not allow His name to be a ruse for destruction. The uniqueness of God incarnate in the person of Jesus Christ reminds us that He was here and walked the streets of the Middle East. The fact that Jesus incited compassion toward Samaritans and other hated groups takes on a sense of urgency in light of the current situation. He called us to love each other, even enemies who hate us. Through His death on the cross, the way is made open to God. We are forgiven and are charged to forgive others. Once-bitter enemies become brothers and sisters (Colossians 3:11), and walls of division are torn down (Ephesians 2:14). Believing in God is not enough. It is a start, but only if the fullness of God’s revelation in Christ and His incredible grace guide us in truth to peace. Dr. Bill Brown became president of Cedarville University in June 2003. A graduate of the University of South Florida, Brown holds a master of theology degree and Ph.D. from Dallas Theological Seminary. As a nationally recognized expert in worldview, he has authored three worldview-related books and is the executive producer of the re:View worldview study (www.re-films.com ) . Read his blog at www.cedarville.edu/president . T The first time you watch re:View , you’ll know it’s different. Designed to be completely cutting-edge and relevant, re:View is a revolutionary worldview study aimed at high school students. The film series captures students’ attention through creative short films and then follows up with engaging teaching segments led by Dr. Bill Brown, president of Cedarville University. Through the study, students learn how to discern the culture around them and engage it in a godly way. The project, which was two years in the making, is the result of both Brown’s desire to reach students and Producer/Director Mike Koerbel’s determination to do it as professionally as possible. The donor-funded series was a huge undertaking, requiring an estimated 27 days of filming, 46 locations from coast to coast, 64 main actors and actresses, and more than 100 extras. But the work has resulted in re:View winning some of the secular industry’s most prestigious honors — silver and bronze Tellys, an Aegis, Aurora Gold Awards, and an Accolade. Now that re:View is on the market, Brown and Koerbel look forward to seeing what God will do through it. “God will use re:View in so many ways — ways we don’t know are possible,” Koerbel shared. “Students are analyzing the video and learning how to analyze culture. There’s no way this would have happened without God. He’s going to do amazing things.” To learn more, visit www.re-films.com . TORCH readers receive a 20% discount by entering “VILLE” as the discount code when placing an order. DISCERN CULTURE. KNOW TRUTH. A REVOLUTIONARY WORLDVIEW STUDY FOR YOUR STUDENT MINISTRY XXX SF GJMNT DPN Brought to you by the educational leader in biblical worldview