25-0730wc Transcript

Teacher: Scott Reynolds

(0:04) All right, so in the engagement project, Tour Zero, (0:08) the title is The Land of Nought, N-O-U-G-H-T, (0:13) A Remnant of Hope. (0:14) The Land of Nought, A Remnant of Hope. (0:18) And the opening paragraph, they say, (0:20) in an age where moral boundaries seem (0:24) to dissolve and spiritual confusion reigns, (0:28) the engagement project led by Dr. Del Tackett (0:31) offers a lifeline for Christians seeking purpose.

(0:35) Its opening lesson, Tour Zero, and The Land of Nought, (0:39) A Remnant of Hope, serves as a powerful introduction (0:42) to a transformative journey. (0:46) This tour isn’t just a starting point. (0:49) It’s a clarion call to understand our place (0:52) in God’s metanarrative.

(0:54) And that’s another word they’re going to be using, (0:57) metanarrative. (0:58) And a metanarrative is an overall encompassing story (1:04) that specifically has the purpose of giving you (1:09) rationale for your purpose and why you’re here. (1:14) The Bible is a metanarrative.

(1:17) This tour isn’t just a starting point. (1:20) It’s a clarion call to understand our place (1:25) in God’s metanarrative and embrace the role (1:29) as his remnant of hope in a world that’s lost. (1:34) Through Tour Zero, we’re invited to see ourselves (1:37) as active participants in God’s redemptive plan tasked (1:41) with bringing his light to a darkened world.

(1:46) The title is rich with meaning. (1:48) The term Nought refers to the state of no ought, (1:55) a world devoid of moral or spiritual boundaries. (1:59) It’s a vivid description of the cultural landscape (2:02) many Christians observe today, a society where truth (2:07) is relative, values are fluid, and God’s design is often (2:12) ignored.

(2:13) This land of Nought isn’t a new phenomenon. (2:16) It echoes the spiritual drift of biblical times (2:19) where people did what was right in their own eyes, Judges 17.6. (2:25) Yet within this bleak landscape, there’s (2:27) hope, a remnant, a faithful group called to stand firm (2:32) and shine brightly. (2:35) Central to the Tour Zero is the concept of the metanarrative, (2:39) the overarching story of his work (2:41) in the world of God’s work.

(2:43) Dr. Tackett introduces five major epochs (2:47) that frame this narrative, which are creation, fall, redemption, (2:53) engagement, and restoration. (2:56) These epochs provide a roadmap for understanding God’s plan (3:01) and our place within it. (3:03) As Christians today, we live in the engagement epoch, (3:07) a time when God calls his people to actively bring (3:11) his kingdom’s light into a dark world.

(3:14) Then there’s the royal vision, which (3:17) is what the movie clip deals with, the royal vision, (3:22) engaging with grace, wisdom, and truth. (3:25) One of the most compelling aspects of Tour Zero (3:28) is its call to action. (3:31) Dr. Tackett introduces the royal vision, a mission statement (3:35) for believers.

(3:37) We will build real relationships with those providentially (3:41) in our Jerusalem through prayer and action with grace (3:45) and wisdom and truth, being attractively (3:49) winsome, bearing down walls, building up trust, (3:53) doing the work of the kingdom. (3:56) The vision encapsulates the heart of the engagement epoch, (4:01) building authentic relationships with those around us (4:04) to reflect God’s love. (4:06) The term Jerusalem refers to our immediate sphere of influence.

(4:12) Our neighbors, our co-workers, friends, and family. (4:16) Tour Zero challenges us to see these relationships (4:20) as divine appointment opportunities (4:24) to live out the gospel in practical ways. (4:28) This isn’t about preaching or proselyting, (4:32) but about embodying Christ’s love through grace, kindness, (4:36) and humility, wisdom, discerning God’s truth, (4:40) and truth, standing firm in God’s word.

(4:44) The idea of being attractively winsome (4:46) is particularly striking. (4:49) It calls us to live in a way that (4:51) draws others to Christ through our character and actions. (4:57) The remnant of hope, our divine calling, (5:00) the concept of the remnant is central to Tour Zero.

(5:04) In biblical terms, a remnant is a faithful group (5:08) preserved by God to carry out his purpose (5:11) in a faithless world. (5:13) As the remnant of hope, Christians (5:15) are called to stand firm in the Land of Nought, (5:19) bringing light to the darkness. (5:21) This isn’t a passive role.

(5:23) It requires, another new word, intentionality, courage, (5:29) and reliance. (5:30) And intentionality is to be deliberate or purposive. (5:36) Courage and reliance on God’s spirit.

(5:39) Tour Zero sets the stage for the rest of the engagement (5:43) project, helping us understand that our calling is (5:47) both a privilege and a responsibility. (5:51) Practical steps for engagement. (5:54) While Tour Zero is introductory, it (5:56) doesn’t shy away from practical application.

(5:59) Dr. Tackett encourages believers to form (6:01) small groups, communities of dedicated disciples (6:05) who support one another in fulfilling the royal vision. (6:10) These groups provide accountability, encouragement, (6:13) and a shared sense of mission. (6:16) The tour also emphasizes the importance of prayer, (6:21) urging us to seek God’s guidance in our relationships (6:24) and actions.

(6:26) By rooting our engagement in prayer, (6:29) we align our efforts with God’s will, (6:32) ensuring that our actions bear eternal fruit. (6:36) When the transformative journey begins, (6:39) the beauty of Tour Zero lies in its ability (6:41) to inspire without overwhelming. (6:44) It paints a vivid picture of the world’s brokenness (6:47) while igniting hope through God’s redemptive plan.

(6:52) By framing our lives within the metanarrative, (6:56) Dr. Tackett helps us see that our everyday choices matter. (7:02) The engagement project isn’t about grand gestures, (7:06) but about faithful, consistent steps (7:08) toward fulfilling God’s calling. (7:11) As we reflect on the Land of Nought, a remnant of hope, (7:16) we’re reminded that the world’s darkness (7:19) doesn’t have the final word.

(7:20) God’s remnant, his people, carry the light of hope, (7:25) empowered by his spirit to make a difference. (7:28) Tour Zero invites us to embrace this calling (7:31) with humility and boldness, trusting (7:34) that God will work through us to transform (7:36) lives and communities. (7:38) And stepping into the engagement epoch, (7:41) the engagement project is more than an introduction.

(7:44) It’s a paradigm shift. (7:46) It challenges us to see ourselves (7:48) as integral to God’s story, called (7:51) to engage the world with purpose and love (7:54) as we navigate the Land of Nought. (7:58) We do so as God’s remnant, carrying the hope of Christ (8:01) into every interaction.

(8:04) The journey ahead in the engagement project (8:07) promises to equip us with practical tools (8:10) and biblical wisdom to live out this calling. (8:14) We take the first step, join the remnant, (8:16) embrace the royal vision, and let (8:19) God’s hope shine through you. (8:22) We’ll pick up from here next week.