In Ephesians 2:17 Paul goes so far as to say to the Ephesians that “Christ came and preached…to you” though the physical incarnate Christ never went to Asia Minor. Paul means that in the preaching of the gospel, Jesus comes to us.
Timothy Keller
If you’re thinking of taking the One Year Challenge, what better encouragement do you have than the Great Commission Christ gives. He will be with us always, to the very end of the age. Read on as Timothy Keller dives into this passage and what it means today.
Another Monday Music feature for Brazil. This time from artist Leonardo Gonçalves.
“Encontrei o meu lugar, o meu lugar”
“I found my place, oh my place”
Everyone is looking for their place in life. No matter their religion, ideals or beliefs. As Christians, we really do believe that we aren’t just animals, mastered by our desires, but made in God’s image.
When Adam ate the fruit, and God cannot see him, his question is more to the tune of “Adam, where are you? You aren’t where you are supposed to be.” Since the beginning, God has provided humankind the opportunity to have a place and relationship with him, as objects of his love.
As disciples on mission, we seek to spread the good news about God, and help people find that true place with the Father, that is made for us in the Son. See what the One Year Challenge is like in Brazil!
You can see all the sites available on the OYC webpage.
Currently, the first ever FIBA Basketball World cup is in full swing, bringing the nations of the world together in China to compete for sports glory. The US, which in the realm of basketball is always the heavy favorite, is not such a sure deal this year. Instead of putting the best talent available on the court, due to many stars rejecting the opportunity, young players have stepped onto the squad.
The situation reminds basketball fans of the 2004 Olympic games in Greece, Argentina pulled off one of the greatest upsets in sports history, beating the fully supplied USA at their own game. If it were soccer, no one would bat an eye. But the team full of NBA stars walked off the court with their heads hung, while Argentina celebrated. Argentina built a team that could rise to the challenge.
Argentina, like many other countries in latin America is full of passion. And, also like other latin American countries, it is full of believers, most of whom belong to the Roman Catholic Church. Less than 10% of Argentinean Christians are evangelical.
Today, in Buenos Aires, our church is looking to build a ministry that can rise to the challenge. For brothers and sisters to have passion for God and his mission.
You can read about the opportunity to take the One Year Challenge in Argentina here.
There’s something about Campus! This is a big time of the year for both students and campus ministries around the country. As new students roll in and others return to campus, there is a lot of chances for connection on campus!
It’s a long quote but a good one. What could inspire a man do face such challenges as Hudson Taylor did and remain faithful to the mission? What could motivate us to follow in his footsteps?
Not many months after my conversion, having a leisure afternoon, I retired to my own chamber to spend it largely in communion with GOD. Well do I remember that occasion. How in the gladness of my heart I poured out my soul before GOD; and again and again confessing my grateful love to Him who had done everything for me–who had saved me when I had given up all hope and even desire for salvation–I besought Him to give me some work to do for Him, as an outlet for love and gratitude; some self-denying service, no matter what it might be, however trying or however trivial; something with which He would be pleased, and that I might do for Him who had done so much for me. Well do I remember, as in unreserved consecration I put myself, my life, my friends, my all, upon the altar, the deep solemnity that came over my soul with the assurance that my offering was accepted. The presence of GOD became unutterably real and blessed; and though but a child under sixteen, I remember stretching myself on the ground, and lying there silent before Him with unspeakable awe and unspeakable joy.
Hudson Taylor
Only by the love and power of God.
If you’re thinking about taking the One Year Challenge, take the time to read about a man who did a 52+ year challenge to China. Hudson Taylor laid a legacy for Christianity in China, despite countless afflictions and obstacles. Disciples are made in cities with churches, with believers who are walking by faith and reaching out as ambassadors for Christ. Taylor’s life can give any disciple an inspiring example of giving all for Christ.
The Indianapolis church has sent out Nate & Sarah, along with a small group of incoming freshmen, to re-start our outreach to the Ball State Campus, a thriving midwest campus of 22,000 students.
If you are thinking about taking the One Year Challenge, read about the faith and example of those reaching campuses in need. Ball State University is a great example of why college towns are one of the main focuses of the one year challenge. Often these churches send off many of their young disciples after they graduate, as a result, there can exist a gap in maturity and young leadership on campuses.
Check out the many campus ministry OYC sites on the site page.
