SCOTT DEPOT, WV (ANS) -- Biblical is defined as “of or in the Bible” and “in keeping with or according to the Bible.” Sounds fairly simple. Viewing and defining the world according to the clear teaching of the Bible. That is the “Christian world view.”

On the surface that seems to be easy enough. Read the Bible and follow its instructions. That does not seem to be such a difficult assignment. Just read and obey. We do know, however, that when human beings begin that translation process from word to actions, it becomes a task more formidable than most of us care to tackle alone. It becomes so complex that we begin to call for assistance from the most scholarly among us.

There is a meeting of brilliant scholars who will assist 5,000 or more of our nation’s finest pastors, laymen, college and graduate students, university and seminary professors to understand all that we mean by a Christian world view.

Dr. James Dobson, Chuck Colson, Josh McDowell, Lee Strobel, Norman Geisler, Erwin Lutzer and Hank Hanegraff are in the “world class” line-up of speakers which also includes William Dembski, Mark Mittelberg, Gary Habermas, Del Tackett, Melissa Fryrear, Sean McDowell, David Noebel, Harold Felder, Patty Tunnicliffe, David Geisler, Harold Rawlings, Warren Smith, Frank Turek, Mitch Temple and others to challenge, inspire and inform thousands who will attend The National Conference on Christian Apologetics, November 7-8, Charlotte, North Carolina.

Hosting the meeting will be Dr. Alex McFarland, President of Southern Evangelical Seminary. Registration for all ages is just $75. A special “Teen Track” will help prepare teenagers for the days when their faith will be challenged in college and high school class rooms.

For complete information and online registration, visit: www.nationalapologeticsconference.com or call: 1-800-77-TRUTH or 704-847-5600. Space will be limited. Early registration is strongly recommended. The opening event is set for Friday, November 7, 6:00-10:00 p.m. with the Saturday sessions running from 8:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. at the Hickory Grove Baptist Church.

“Does God Exist?” is the title of the great debate on Saturday from 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Scholar and Christian apologist, Denesh D’souza, author of the best-seller, What’s So Great About Christianity?, and atheist Michael Shermer, publisher of The Skeptical Inquirer will discuss the question of the ages in the final session. Attendance at the debate will cost an additional $10.00.

Pastors and leaders are also invited to attend the pre-conference worldview seminar that is “the event before the event.” This meeting will be of great help to churches that have plateaued or are in decline. The cost of this special event will be $20 per attendee and include special books, various resources, Q & A with the speakers and lunch. It will be hosted by Southern Evangelical Seminary, under the direction of John Fryler and Dr. Bob Romano, in association with Focus On the Family and The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

This is a different kind of column, but it focuses on one of the major issues of our day -- the place of Christianity in culture. Will the church be in the present culture to influence and change it or to be subdued and conquered by it?

Norman Geisler and Randy Douglas, in their exciting new book, Bringing Your Faith to Work, (Baker Books), remind us that Christians are to be what Jesus said: “You are the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13) and “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). Every Christian is to be a preservative in his world as well as a light that is revealing, guiding and clearly visible.

This could be one of the most helpful of the more than 1800 columns I have written. It all depends on how we respond to it. Our responses always make the big difference.

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Bill Ellis is a syndicated columnist, and convention and conference speaker on every continent. He is the writer of more than 1600 columns and widely known as a motivator utilizing enjoyment of life and just plain fun and laughter while speaking to high school, university and professional sports teams as well as to business and professional groups of all kinds. His keen understanding of human problems make him a favorite speaker for youth, parent, and senior adult meetings. He is accompanied by Kitty, his wife, favorite singer, editor and publisher. For information on becoming a subscriber to the Ellis Column for your newspaper or magazine, you may contact him at: BILL ELLIS, P.O.Box 345, Scott Depot, WV 25560 or by calling: 304-757-6089.