Believing the Truth: Witness and Worldview

Hi, I’m David Feddes, and this talk is about witness and worldview.

As we enter this last talk, I want to remind you: the Christian Leaders College and Institute Statement of Faith is not designed to cover every important teaching or truth of the Christian faith. But it does identify some of the most central elements of what it means to know God, belong to Jesus, and hold to key beliefs all Christians should affirm.

The last section of our statement says: God calls us to spread the gospel to people who don’t yet follow Christ, and God calls us to a worldview and way of life in which we seek to honor Christ in every area of thought and action.

The Call to Witness

Jesus’ Great Commission is found at the end of Matthew 28:

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

That final assurance is wonderful: Jesus is with us always. Under His authority, what are we called to do? Make disciples, baptize, teach obedience.

Why? Because people need the Lord, and God deserves glory only when we trust and obey Him. Our true purpose is fulfilled in Christ. So Christians cannot neglect the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations.

Even in the Old Testament, God’s people were called to declare His glory among the nations and tell of His salvation day by day. Israel was chosen not only for its own benefit but to display God’s glory to the world. In the New Covenant, we too must declare salvation day by day.

Why witness? Two reasons: God deserves to be praised, and people need to be saved.

Peter says: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”

In our time, some object that evangelism is cultural imperialism—forcing religion on others. But evangelism is not about making others like us. It’s about introducing them to Jesus, because Jesus alone is salvation and life. If we love people, we will not leave them without Him.

So let’s not be embarrassed about our mission. Evangelism is not optional—it is Jesus’ command. At Christian Leaders, we want to raise up leaders who spread good news, proclaim Jesus, and bring the gospel to others.

The Call to a Worldview

Along with witness comes worldview. What do we mean by that? That God is Lord over everything, and all we do and think must be done in His honor.

Psalm 24:1 says: “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world and all who live in it.” All is His. Not just Sunday mornings, not just prayers and Bible reading. Those matter greatly—but everything belongs to Him.

Colossians says: “All things were created through Him and for Him, and in Him all things hold together.” Christ claims it all.

The Cultural Mandate

Genesis 1:26–28 speaks of God’s cultural mandate: “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion.”

Originally this meant tending Eden and expanding the garden outward. More broadly, it means cultivating creation and developing culture—arts, knowledge, learning, human flourishing. It also means multiplying in children, in evangelism, and in influence across life’s dimensions.

Total Fitness in Personal Life

At Christian Leaders, we speak of seven spheres of personal fitness:

1. Spiritual fitness – walking with God.

2. Physical fitness – caring for your body with health, food, rest, and exercise.

3. Financial fitness – earning and spending wisely.

4. Intellectual fitness – sharpening your mind and loving God with it.

5. Emotional fitness – aligning feelings with God’s joy, grief, and love.

6. Relational fitness – treating others as you’d want to be treated, forgiving, loving enemies, caring for family and friends.

7. Vocational fitness – fulfilling your calling in work, hobbies, or volunteer service with integrity and excellence.

This is how worldview shapes personal life.

Honoring God in Public Life

Worldview also shapes public life. C. S. Lewis wrote: “There is no neutral ground in the universe. Every square inch, every split second, is claimed by God and counterclaimed by Satan.”

So whatever sphere you’re in—education, arts, science, medicine, business, government—honor God there.

• In education, teach truth under God.

• In the arts, let your creativity glorify Him.

• In science, study God’s ordered creation, as many early scientists did.

• In business, work honestly and productively.

• In government, serve with justice and integrity.

God calls Christians into every sphere of society to live out His Lordship.

A Caution for Preachers

Now, a caution: preachers are not experts in every field. Ministers must preach Christ, salvation, and God’s revealed will. But God also raises up believers in every sphere—scientists, educators, artists, entrepreneurs, officials—to apply faith in their own callings.

So while worldview is comprehensive, no one Christian knows it all. We need each other, each using the gifts and callings God gives.

Conclusion

God calls us to:

• Witness – spread the gospel to those who don’t yet follow Christ.

• Worldview – honor Christ in every area of thought and action.

Every sphere of life belongs to Him. Every square inch is Christ’s. Our calling is to declare His salvation and live under His Lordship—in private, in family, in work, and in public life.