In the first century, the writer of Hebrews proclaimed that the Word of God is “living and active” (Heb 4:12). Surely then it must speak a life-giving message even today in the midst of our most perplexing and distressing life problems. But where in the Bible do you turn for guidance on modern issues that defy proof-texting? If you can’t find the problem in your Bible’s concordance, what then? This session will propose a Christ-centered interpretive approach to Scripture that can be applied as we seek clarity and wisdom for the multitude of modern issues we face.

On most days, something hard from your past sneaks into the present. Sometimes it assaults you. When it does, we usually refer to it as trauma or PTSD. Though not strictly a modern problem, it is certainly widespread in our modern era. The challenge for biblical counselors is that PTSD is typically partitioned off from Scripture, as if the more serious problems people face need more than Scripture can offer. We will use trauma as a case study in how to break through these partitions and find that the Lord, as we might expect, says much more than we anticipated.

Thanks to social media we are more connected than ever to so many people all at the same time. We forge online communities with those who share particular interests, ideas, and beliefs. But many, especially the young, feel more alone and disconnected than ever before. In fact, the more time spent on social media, the more likely we are to feel lonely and without meaningful relationships. This plenary will explore the opportunities and unique challenges of modern isolation and friendship in a digitally interconnected world.

This past season of life has certainly taken a toll on us in a variety of ways. Nowhere is that toll more evident than in our relationships with others! People are increasingly becoming more isolated than ever, which makes constructive dialogue about contentious issues almost impossible. How does the Christian gaze impact and inform how we approach issues of church division, race/ethnicity, political disagreements, and other modern problems? This session will explore God’s vision for community and relationships—what makes it difficult, and what makes it good again? Together we will learn to navigate the challenges we face, and understand the circumstances which impede the flourishing of human relationship.

A cultural shift in sexual morality has been one of the most obvious changes in the last two decades. How can Christians wisely make sense of these realities? How can we orient ourselves biblically? Come engage with scripture as it speaks to the creation of sexuality, the corruption of it, and how it can be redeemed.

Though we find it hard to believe, the kingdom rule of Jesus has the authority to reverse the curse found in every problem. With Jesus’s absolute lordship in mind, we will sit-in on a personal encounter He has with a long-suffering woman and an important man’s daughter (Mark 5:21–43) and watch His power at work to unravel the ravages of sin and suffering that have brought such confusion and pain. The depth, and grasp, of the problems that we face are neither lost on Him, nor beyond Him. Knowing our need, with total compassion and authority, He reveals His purpose to redeem and renew all who come to Him.