World-renowned biblical scholar, speaker and teacher Ray Vander Laan is returning to the Drayton Reformed Church March 7 to 9.
The theme and topic for the conference is “Kingdoms in Conflict” a presentation about the Jewish Gospel in a Roman world.
Over the past 30 years, Vander Laan has led study seminars in Israel attended by thousands and is well known as the host of the That the World May Know video series and creator of the a Faith Lessons video series with focus on the family.
Vander Laan’s Christian education gave him a thorough training in the Bible yet it remained largely “head knowledge” until his first visit to Israel in 1975. He has been actively involved with studying and teaching the Bible in light of the culture in which God inspired it, using the methods of Jewish education and inspiring many, including well-known Pastor Rob Bell of the popular NOOMA video series.
“While I have been immersed in the study of the world of the Bible from the greatest scholars, it is the gift of teaching that God has given me. My calling is to present their scholarship to people today in a language they can understand. Their knowledge of the text is deepened as they discover the ancient message is as real today as the day it was written. The eastern mind is not satisfied knowing about God. The eastern mind hungers for an authentic experience of God in everyday life. That is the focus of my ministry,” states Vander Laan.
Vander Laan’s seminars zero in on how Jesus’ words, actions and teaching methods were in keeping with the customs and traditions of the Jewish culture. He emphasizes the need to align 21st century culture and attitudes with the time and culture of Jesus’ world, and includes a lot of humour and visuals in his talks.
“I have a special interest in using my teaching ability and background to understand and share the message of Scripture through the window of its language, culture, history and geography.” he says.
“My prayer is that my teaching will encourage people to confront our culture with the message of God. Seeing God’s Word in its Jewish context helps equip Christians to impact their own culture with the power of God’s Word. The ancient perspective can serve to make God’s Word intensely relevant and our calling to be his disciples more urgent.”
Vander Laan’s 2010 and 2012 Drayton Conferences packed the sanctuary of The Drayton Reformed Church, with attendees coming from as far as Rochester New York, so early registration is recommended.
There will be an early registration discount for those who register by Feb. 1, and special family and student rates are available. Refreshments and lunch are included in the registration fee; childcare however is not provided.
Vander Laan will also be preaching during the regular Sunday morning worship service at 10am on March 9, which is open to everyone.
For more information about the conference or for registration details, visit www.draytonreformedchurch.org, email: rvlconference@draytonreformedchurch.org or phone 519-343-3647.
