There is the story of three major league baseball umpires in a bar before the game.
“I call ’em like I see ’em,” the first ump says.
“I call ’em as they are!” the second umpire states.
“They ain’t nothing until I call ’em, then that’s what they are!” growled the third official.
It’s the third ump’s view that prevails on campus today.
“There is no universal truth.”
“There is no right or wrong that transcends race, culture, and generations.”
“Everything is relative.”
“One religion is as true as the next.”
“I’m glad for your story, Stephen, and how Christ fits in. My story is different. And my faith is in myself and materialism.”
I call it the sovereignty of the self.. “Nothing exists or is true or means anything unless I agree to allow it.”
This is a religion of Me, first; Me second; Me third! And, if there is anything left, I’ll take that too! Call it narcissistic indulgence or selfish existentialism. But remember the Bible warned us! Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3:1-2, “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of stress. For men will be lovers of self….”
God’s word to this generation is rather blunt: There is a God. You are not Him! Jesus is the Christ. Every knee will bow to Him!
Pray for me. One of the big questions I have to strive over with students is, “Says who?” “Why is Christ unique?” “Why is Scripture authoritative?”
Indeed, there are answers for all who’re willing to listen and think.
Love,
Stephen
Notable Quotable
“How foolish it is to wish to measure His immeasurableness by our measure.”–John Calvin
Bible Memory Verse:
I John 4:1 esv
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
Thanksgivings
We’ve come through a very productive summer with camps and conferences, the Reformation teaching seminar in Germany, 24 of the brightest divinity school students, writing and publishing projects, and creation/evolution trip on the Colorado River. After a rest we’re ramping up for a productive fall ministry. Events are coming into focus at Wake Forest, Furman, Elon, UVA, Kentucky, Center College, and Alice Lloyd College…and more. Thanks to you, who give so regularly and keep us teaching and training. Your gift is an investment in eternity as we reach tomorrow’s leaders today.
We are at about 90% of our budget, or about $6,000 behind. Not bad for summer’s end and a recession.
Please continue to pray for open doors, open hearts, stamina, and our faithfulness in being a servant of the Word.
