Today I read in the Samaritan's Purse monthly newsletter the exciting report of the birth of the new nation, South Sudan, on July 9. We've all heard of the struggles of the black Sudanese with the Muslim Sudanese in the north and the horrific persecution of Christians. In all, an estimated 3 million southeners died since the British ended their rule in 1955. Now a new nation has emerged from this conflict and listen to the words of the first verse of their national anthem!

Oh God!
We praise and glorify you
For your grace on South Sudan
Land of great abundance
Uphold us united in peace and harmony.

The question before South Sudan now is: on what basis will they build their nation? What will be their prevailing worldview? And this is where leading Christians must help this new nation build upon biblical principles. And this is why it is important for Christians to realize our message is much more than "going to heaven when you die."

I am glad I have had assurance of salvation since I was a little boy. For decades I have had the complete confidence that when I die I will go to be with the Lord. But while we must never forget this truth of forgiveness and justification through Christ alone through faith in His grace alone, we must also learn that our message is much more than "going to heaven." Our message primarily is about the restoration of God's reign on earth and our message includes a comprehensive perspective on all of life. In other words, our message is a lot more than heaven and living a holy life. It is a message about bringing everything under submission to Christ in this life, and it is a message of hope as we look forward to the resurrection and the restoration of all things through Jesus Christ.

Our hope and prayer is that leading Christians will help this new nation develop a biblical worldview. If they do not, what worldview will they adopt? There is no other worldview that will bring peace and harmony as they sing about in their national anthem.

Word of God,Speak! exists to help Christians realize that God's truth is given to us for many reasons. It is given to point the way to a restored relationship with God. It is given to help us live a life worthy of Him. It is given to develop a worldview so that we bring every part of life under His reign, including nations that choose to follow Him. May God help us become worldview Christians.