I’m in Orlando awaiting the start of the Ligonier National Conference which begins tomorrow (Thursday) morning. My hotel is directly across the street from Universal Orlando and just a mile or so away from The Holy Land Experience. Juxtapose those images in your mind for just a moment and you will understand completely why I have chosen what’s behind Curtain Number Three, Carol Merrill (please tell me you get the pop-culture reference!).

Since wheels down at ORL at approximately 9:40 am today I have put my iPod to use listening to a wonderful series of messages by Tullian Tchidvidjian. (You can hear the series by clicking here, but you have to scroll to June 8, 2008 for the first sermon in the series).

I would tell you that Tullian is the grandson of Billy Graham, but since I am certain he is sick of that, and since he has now officially succeeded D. James Kennedy as the Senior Pastor at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, I’ll just tell you that Tullian is an excellent pastoral theologian.

His thesis in this six week series is that what the world needs from the church is Christ, and not the pop-culture Christ, but the Christ who is Prophet, Priest and King who has incarnated himself in human flesh, AND in the body of Christ, the church. 

As the church is the body of Christ, we too should seek to fulfill the roles of Prophet, Priest, and King in the culture.

The role of Prophet is not “foretelling” as much as it is “forth telling.” The church must be committed to transmitting truth in and to the culture.

The role of Priest is the caring ministry of the chuch.

The role of King is the social justice ministry of the church.

Individuals called by God’s grace are more than likely predominate in one of the above three areas and view the areas outside of their own dominance as inferior. The reality, however, is that the church needs all three unique roles, working together through the Holy Spirit, if the church is to be what she is called to be to the world.

There’s more to this, but I won’t take the time here to expound. 

What a foundation and prelude to what is coming for me the next three days. The table is set, and I am ready to feast. The first course is served tomorrow morning when Dr. Abert Mohler expounds on John Calvin as Preacher and Teacher.

I am blessed. Thanks to all who have sacrificed to make it possible for me to be here.