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A Holistic Christian Worldview: Consummation (Part 4 of 4)
By Dr. Ken Turnbull, ACU Vice-Chancellor
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"...making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth." - Ephesians 1:9-10
A comprehensive and cohesive understanding of the world (a holistic Christian worldview) requires a mind that is being renewed in Christ from a heart that is united in the fear of the Lord to discern His will. This full understanding enables us Christians to witness the plan of God and to live according to where we are in His plan: His grand narrative of unfolding history. Being reconciled to God through the blood of the cross of our Savior, we receive the Spirit who is from God that we might understand the things freely given us by God. We know truth: the way, the truth and the life that is only found in Jesus Christ. It is into this creational understanding of truth that the grace of God has recreated His elect. We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for the good works in which we should walk as fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God. By God's Spirit illuminating our understanding we are keenly aware of the futility of all creation in the bondage of corruption. But, His Spirit equally gives us the anchoring hope of our souls, assured that at the redemption of our bodies God will bring freedom to the whole cosmic creation. This is God's plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in heaven and on earth in Jesus Christ. This is the consummation.
The Christian's living hope is fixed on the glory of God. Our hope matures as our character is shaped by the experiences of God's providential work through our lives (Romans 5:2-5). Through the encouragement of the Scriptures we have our hope laid up in heaven and we boldly rejoice in it. This hope of eternal life deeply motivates the Christian to fully apply every gift and talent of which God has blessed him or her in stewardship towards the restorative work of Christ, regardless of the hardship or suffering that it may bring. Every sphere of the Christian's life - be it as children, parents, students, employees, homemakers, teachers, nurses, doctors, plumbers, carpenters, entrepreneurs, pastors, politicians or artists - is to be completely given to the sovereign control of Christ. It is through our service in the kingdom that is already at work here on earth through the body of Christ that God is fulfilling His purpose in transforming culture through His stewards gifted according to His divine appointment. Fulfilling God's mandate to fill and subdue the earth for His glory requires that we live and serve according to the holistic understanding of God's grand narrative. That narrative encompasses not only what we do in the church, but it includes every sphere of His cosmic domain which is being reconciled to the Father in the Son. This is where Christians discover the joy and fulfilment of kingdom service in every aspect of their lives - inside the church, in the home, at school, in the workplace - wherever they have opportunity to apply themselves to work as unto the Lord.
The holistic Christian worldview is unified in the truth of the grand narrative of God from creation, through the fall, by the redemption of Christ, and to the consummation of all things in Christ. As Christians we must strive through the study and application of God's Word in our lives, by the indwelling work of God's Spirit, to keep our hearts united in the fear of the Lord as we look to the living hope of eternal life. We must fight the temptation to divide God's sovereignty in any form, be it over the natural laws or laws over cultural or societal norms, be it over creational structures or the directional effects of sin on creation, be it over the sacred or the secular. As Abraham Kuyper stated, "There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry, 'Mine!' "
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Report from the USA
By Ray Warwick, Academic Dean
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Sharing with others about what is happening (and not happening) with ACU is one of my favorite activities. God has given me plenty of "good times" since I returned to the USA during this short furlough. I found that the Christians in the USA enjoy hearing about what is going on in Zambia, and many have told me that they keep ACU regularly in prayer.
In October I attended the Midwest Regional F.I.R.E. (Fellowship of Independent Reformed Evangelicals) Conference at Assembly of Christians in Lambertville, Michigan. The theme was "Practical Shepherding in Troubling Times". Pastors Paul Craig, Glenn Dunn, Bruce Ray, and Jim Elliff all brought challenging messages. Carlos Paul joined me to represent ACU, and Carlos was able to present the ministry before the attendees.
Later in the month, I attended and presented ACU at the West Coast Regional F.I.R.E. Conference at Faith Community Church in Oxnard, California. Jim Bryant, Lance Quinn, Rick Anderson, Phil Johnson and Errol Hale all spoke on the topic of "Faithfulness in a Fallen World" from the book of Daniel. These excellent messages served as both a challenge and an encouragement.
Just recently I "manned the booth" at the Southern California Reformed Baptist Pastors' Conference at Trinity Reformed Baptist Church in La Mirada, California. The keynote speaker was Dr. Carl Trueman who gave four outstanding lectures on "The Doctrine of Scripture", supported by lectures by Dr. Jim Renihan and Dr. Richard Barcellos. In all of these confer
 ences, a general attitude of enthusiasm and interest was evident regarding what God is doing with the progress of ACU. Indeed, I heard repeatedly that individuals and churches are bringing ACU before God's throne of grace on a regular basis.
Additionally, I have been privileged to preach and/or give an update on ACU to Grace Baptist Church in Canton, Michigan; Grace Fellowship Church in Taylor, Michigan; and Hillside Church in Julian, California.
Prior to my return to Zambia, I am scheduled to speak at Miller Valley Baptist Church in Prescott, Arizona; Immanuel Bible Church in Sheboygan, Wisconsin; and Pacific Hope Church in San Diego, California. Additionally, I will be having a booth at the Evangelical Theological Society Annual Meeting in San Diego, California.
 It is a joy to represent ACU and make acquaintance with so many of God's people who take an interest in God's university. Please pray that out of the contacts, many would be moved to regularly uphold ACU in prayer, many would be inspired to financially support this great enterprise, and some would feel God's call to come to Zambia and assist us in the various academic, discipleship, and construction needs.
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An Interview with Gladys Mposha
By Kendra Hawley, ACU Librarian
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This month we are spotlighting Gladys Mposha, a member of the ACU Board. She is passionate to use the skills the Lord has given to her in assisting ACU.
ACU: Tell us about your family and where you are from. Gladys: I am a Zambian from the Northern part of Zambia. I have been widowed the last fourteen years and I have two children both of whom are in University.
ACU: Tell us about your educational, work and ministry experience. Gladys: I hold a first degree in Economics and Business Administration obtained from the University of Zambia and a Masters degree in Business Administration obtained from Cardiff Business School in Wales. I am currently the Director of Bank Supervision Department at the Central Bank of Zambia and my main duties involve supervising and regulating commercial banks in Zambia to enhance financial stability and protect depositors. Regarding my ministry experience, I am currently serving under the ladies' ministry at my church. I have also served under the Television and Radio Ministry where I was responsible for raising finance for Radio programmes.
ACU: How did you come to the saving faith in Christ? Gladys: I always thought I was a Christian until I met brother Charles Chiwele in 1979 who shared the gospel with me and encouraged me to repent and put my faith and trust in Christ. Following this encounter I attended a Christian meeting in Chililabombwe at which the Preacher from Uganda preached from the book of Romans. It was during this meeting that I was convinced I was a sinner and that very day I gave my life to the Lord.
ACU: What led you to desire to serve with ACU? Gladys: My passion for quality education is what led me to desire to serve the ACU. Further, having worked on various fund raising initiatives, I was of the view that I could contribute to this great mission by using the skills I have attained. Therefore, when I was approached to serve the ACU in project funding I was happy to accept the offer to be part of the ACU team.
ACU: You are leading the Friends of ACU programme, tell us about this initiative. Gladys: Friends of ACU is a fundraising framework put in place to raise finances for specific projects which need to be completed (or at least be well underway) in order for the university to be ready for academic activities and the enrolment of the first batch of students. Funds raised under this framework are over and above the on-going 450 Campaign in Zambia fund raising scheme that targets more day-to-day operating needs and personnel. This framework provides for a three level support pyramid which has been made of three different categories; Gold, Silver, and Bronze and affords an opportunity for Friends of ACU to identify the level of support they are capable of providing for a specified period.
For instance our immediate target is to raise K500, 000 (Zambian Kwacha) over a period of 10 months. This is expected to be achieved through this pyramid strategy, if we can have:  10 Gold Friends of ACU giving K1, 500
(times 10 months will result in K150, 000)
20 Silver Friends of ACU giving K1, 000
(times 10 months will result in K200, 000)
30 Bronze Friends of ACU giving K500
(times 10 months will result in K150, 000)
We pray that many will consider becoming part of Friends of ACU by identifying and selecting a category that suits them in order to further support the ACU.
ACU: Why do you think ACU is important for Zambia and Africa? Gladys: ACU is important to Zambia and Africa because the biblical world view based education the university will be offering, combined with the discipleship and apprenticeship programmes, will transform Zambia and Africa.
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Pray for the country of Zambia as the President, His Excellency Michael Chilufya Sata, died on October 28, 2014. May the Lord grant strength and comfort to our nation and a peaceful and democratic transition in the election of a new leader.
Pray earnestly for the Zambian Ministry of Education registration process for ACU. We have now been told that the committee will be meeting in December. Pray that they would favourably process our request. It would appear very unlikely that a January 2015 start date for the Scholars Programme can occur because of this delay.
Pray for those who have been part of the ACU development yet have had to unexpectedly return to North America: David & Terri Wegener and Gilbert
& Lydia Nigh.
Pray for the Chisamba campus land where squatters have taken over a section of the property, graded it, and others continue to remove many of the old-growth trees. A court-ordered eviction notice should be in force by early December and we are also working with the local traditional headman to secure a caretaker for the property.
Pray for the ACU team unity so that we can continue to move forward despite the challenges that disrupt progress.
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Thank God for the wonderful visits from two couples: Rod & Irene Wilton and Clayton & Lisa Huff. They have been investigating the possibility of serving with ACU.
Praise the Lord that the steel reinforcement has been installed under the pavilion.
Thank the Lord for His leading in the lives of Dr. Voddie & Bridget Baucham who look forward to joining the ACU team in August of 2015. Voddie will be Dean of ACU Seminary.
We are grateful for the various church meetings and conferences that Ray Warwick has shared at during his time in the USA.
We thank God for the members of the ad hoc Agriculture Committee that has been meeting to develop a strategic plan for initiating the ACU Academic Programmes and Student Labour Programmes in Agriculture.
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Seeking Help
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If God has gifted you as an artisan of excellence in any aspect of the construction trade, consider discipling colleagues and students with ACU. Please contact us if you believe God is calling you to serve His kingdom work in this way.
  Current Faculty Needs:Theology - Education
Business - Agriculture
with future expansion to cover all humanities and sciences
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