The Engagement Project

Tour 0 - The Land of Nought, a Remnant of Hope

Introduction: A World Adrift, a Call to Hope

In an age where moral boundaries seem to dissolve and spiritual confusion reigns, the Engagement Project, led by Dr. Del Tackett, offers a lifeline for Christians seeking purpose. Its opening lesson, "Tour 0: In the Land of Nought, a Remnant of Hope," serves as a powerful introduction to a transformative journey. This tour isn’t just a starting point—it’s a clarion call to understand our place in God’s Meta-Narrative and embrace our role as His remnant of hope in a world that’s lost its way. Through Tour 0, we’re invited to see ourselves as active participants in God’s redemptive plan, tasked with bringing His light to a darkened world. Understanding Our Times

The Engagement Project is a ten-part video series designed to equip everyday Christians to live out their faith with intention and impact. Drawing from the success of Tackett’s earlier work, The Truth Project, this series takes a practical, relational approach to discipleship. Tour 0 sets the tone by addressing the fundamental question: “What is God’s Meta-Narrative, and where do we fit into it?” By unpacking this question, Dr. Tackett lays the groundwork for a journey that challenges believers to move beyond passive faith into active engagement with the world around them.

The Land of Nought: A World Without Boundaries

The title “In the Land of Nought, a Remnant of Hope” is rich with meaning. The term “nought” refers to a state of “no ought”—a world devoid of moral or spiritual boundaries. It’s a vivid description of the cultural landscape many Christians observe today: a society where truth is relative, values are fluid, and God’s design is often ignored. This “land of nought” isn’t a new phenomenon; it echoes the spiritual drift of biblical times, where people “did what was right in their own eyes” (Judges 17:6). Yet, within this bleak landscape, there’s hope—a remnant, a faithful group called to stand firm and shine brightly.

Dr. Tackett uses this imagery to set the stage for the Engagement Project’s mission. The “land of nought” isn’t meant to discourage us but to clarify our purpose. As believers, we’re not called to retreat from the chaos but to engage it with God’s truth, grace, and wisdom. Tour 0 reminds us that even in a world that seems to have lost its way, God has preserved a remnant—His people—who are equipped to make a difference. This remnant isn’t defined by perfection but by faithfulness, a willingness to live out God’s calling in everyday life.

God’s Meta-Narrative: The Five Epochs

Central to Tour 0 is the concept of God’s Meta-Narrative, the overarching story of His work in the world. Dr. Tackett introduces five major epochs that frame this narrative: Creation, Fall, Redemption, Engagement, and Restoration. These epochs provide a roadmap for understanding God’s plan and our place within it. As Christians today, we live in the Engagement epoch, a time when God calls His people to actively bring His kingdom’s light into a dark world.

  • Creation: God designed the world with purpose, intending humanity to participate in His creative process, fostering fruitfulness and flourishing.

  • Fall: Sin entered, breaking humanity’s relationship with God and introducing chaos into the world.

  • Redemption: Through Christ, God provided a way for humanity to be reconciled to Him.

  • Engagement: This is our current epoch, where believers are called to live out God’s kingdom values, engaging the world with love and truth.

  • Restoration: The future hope when Christ returns to fully restore creation to its intended glory.

Tour 0 focuses on the Engagement epoch, emphasizing that God has entrusted the primary work of His kingdom to ordinary Christians. This is a radical idea: the mission of God’s kingdom doesn’t rest solely on pastors or missionaries but on every believer. Whether you’re a teacher, a parent, a student, or a neighbor, you’re called to be an ambassador of Christ’s love in your sphere of influence.

The Royal Vision: Engaging with Grace, Wisdom, and Truth

One of the most compelling aspects of Tour 0 is its call to action. Dr. Tackett introduces the “Royal Vision,” a mission statement for believers: “We will build real relationships with those providentially in our Jerusalem, through prayer and action, with grace and wisdom and truth, being attractively winsome, tearing down walls, building up trust, doing the work of the kingdom.” This vision encapsulates the heart of the Engagement epoch—building authentic relationships with those around us to reflect God’s love.

The term “Jerusalem” refers to our immediate sphere of influence—our neighbors, coworkers, friends, and family. Tour 0 challenges us to see these relationships as divine appointments, opportunities to live out the gospel in practical ways. This isn’t about preaching or proselytizing but about embodying Christ’s love through grace (kindness and humility), wisdom (discerning God’s truth), and truth (standing firm in God’s Word). The idea of being “attractively winsome” is particularly striking—it calls us to live in a way that draws others to Christ through our character and actions.

The Remnant of Hope: Our Divine Calling

The concept of the “remnant” is central to Tour 0. In biblical terms, a remnant is a faithful group preserved by God to carry out His purposes in a faithless world. As the remnant of hope, Christians are called to stand firm in the “land of nought,” bringing light to the darkness. This isn’t a passive role; it requires intentionality, courage, and reliance on God’s Spirit. Tour 0 sets the stage for the rest of the Engagement Project by helping us understand that our calling is both a privilege and a responsibility.

Dr. Tackett emphasizes that this calling isn’t reserved for the spiritually elite. God’s vision is for every believer to participate in His kingdom work. Whether it’s through small acts of kindness, prayerful intercession, or bold conversations, every action counts. Tour 0 instills a sense of urgency and hope, reminding us that God’s kingdom advances through the faithful obedience of His people.

Practical Steps for Engagement

While Tour 0 is introductory, it doesn’t shy away from practical application. Dr. Tackett encourages believers to form small “life groups”—communities of dedicated disciples who support one another in fulfilling the Royal Vision. These groups provide accountability, encouragement, and a shared sense of mission. The tour also emphasizes the importance of prayer, urging us to seek God’s guidance in our relationships and actions. By rooting our engagement in prayer, we align our efforts with God’s will, ensuring that our actions bear eternal fruit.

Additionally, Tour 0 challenges us to examine our daily lives. Are we intentional about building relationships with those around us? Do our actions reflect the grace and truth of Christ? These questions set the tone for the subsequent tours, which delve into practical strategies for living out the Engagement epoch.

A Transformative Journey Begins

The beauty of Tour 0 lies in its ability to inspire without overwhelming. It paints a vivid picture of the world’s brokenness while igniting hope through God’s redemptive plan. By framing our lives within the Meta-Narrative, Dr. Tackett helps us see that our everyday choices matter. The Engagement Project isn’t about grand gestures but about faithful, consistent steps toward fulfilling God’s calling.

As we reflect on “The Land of Nought, a Remnant of Hope,” we’re reminded that the world’s darkness doesn’t have the final word. God’s remnant—His people—carry the light of hope, empowered by His Spirit to make a difference. Tour 0 invites us to embrace this calling with humility and boldness, trusting that God will work through us to transform lives and communities.

Conclusion: Stepping into the Engagement Epoch
Tour 0 of the Engagement Project is more than an introduction—it’s a paradigm shift. It challenges us to see ourselves as integral to God’s story, called to engage the world with purpose and love. As we navigate the “land of nought,” we do so as God’s remnant, carrying the hope of Christ into every interaction. The journey ahead in the Engagement Project promises to equip us with practical tools and biblical wisdom to live out this calling. Will you take the first step? Join the remnant, embrace the Royal Vision, and let God’s hope shine through you.
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The Engagement Project

Tour 0 - The Land of Nought, a Remnant of Hope

In a world that often feels chaotic and directionless, where do we, as Christians, find our purpose? The Engagement Project, led by Dr. Del Tackett, offers a compelling answer through its introductory lesson, "Tour 0: In the Land of Nought, a Remnant of Hope." This tour sets the stage for a transformative journey, inviting believers to understand their place in God’s grand Meta-Narrative and embrace their calling as His remnant of hope in a darkened world.

The title, "The Land of Nought," paints a vivid picture of a world without boundaries or "no oughts"—a place where moral and spiritual drift has left society adrift. Yet, within this landscape, there’s a remnant, a faithful few called to shine God’s light. Tour 0 introduces the five major epochs of history: Creation, Fall, Redemption, Engagement, and Restoration. As believers, we live in the Engagement epoch, tasked with bringing God’s kingdom to bear on an increasingly lost world. This isn’t just a theological concept; it’s a call to action that redefines how we live as everyday Christians.

Dr. Tackett emphasizes that God has entrusted the primary work of His kingdom to ordinary believers—not just pastors or missionaries, but all of us. Tour 0 challenges us to ask, “What should we do?” The answer, as the Engagement Project unfolds, is both surprising and empowering: we are to engage our neighbors with grace, wisdom, and truth, building relationships that reflect God’s love. This tour lays the foundation for understanding our role in God’s story, encouraging us to see ourselves as active participants in His redemptive plan.

The beauty of Tour 0 lies in its invitation to hope. Despite the “nought” around us, we’re not left hopeless. As God’s remnant, we carry the light of His kingdom, called to live purposefully in our communities. This introductory tour isn’t just a lesson—it’s a rallying cry to embrace our divine assignment with courage and faith. As we embark on this journey with the Engagement Project, Tour 0 reminds us that even in a world of chaos, God’s hope shines through His people. Will you answer the call to be His remnant?