Campus Blogs

by Billy Graham

The bickering, prejudices, ill will, envy, jealousy, bitterness and criticism among Christian people today must end before revival can begin. Revival must begin in the hearts of Christians before evangelism can be brought effectively to the world. When Christ’s disciples settled their differences, gave up their selfishness, confessed their sins and allowed God’s Spirit to fill them, revival came. We must forsake our evil ways. God’s Spirit cannot operate in a climate of dissension and quarrels. We must forsake our pettiness, our peevishness, our littleness and our whims. The enemy of souls has weakened the effectiveness of the Church because we have majored on controversy and dissension rather than on going forth weeping and bearing precious seed. May God forgive us and help us to forsake our wicked, contemptuous ways.

We've been back now a couple of weeks from our tour of Reformation Germany, Switzerland, and Geneva. I have been thinking about what we saw, and the events and personalities from 400 and 500 years ago. The experience of being at a place, seeing where Luther, for example, lived and taught (Wittenberg), where he hid for a year and translated the New Testament (The Wartburg Castle), and where he did his university studies (Erfurt) have a powerful impact. It is one of the things that compels us to travel, and one of its most enjoyable results—we see, think and feel differently because of it. So the travel has stirred me up, especially the historian in me. I have taught the Reformation since the early 80s—30+ years. I've read hundreds of pieces—articles, documents, books—on it. I've written a few small things. But I saw things that helped me understand with a new emphasis, and perhaps a few things for the first time. I was struck by the distances between cities and regions, each of which developed in its own way according to the multiple influences of personalities, the theological teaching of different reformers with their own emphases and sometimes unique understandings, the decisions and actions of those in power, and the local and imperial conditions. The differences in developments now make greater sense to me imagining the travel by foot or horse from city to city and region to region. Geneva or Strasbourg is a long way from Wittenberg. Their different histories and well as the way one influenced the other are more tangible now than before. I was reminded of the power of theological ideas to shape how we live and act in this world, and our understanding of how what we do in this world reflects the world of eternity. In our own age we underestimate, I think, the power of theological commitments and religious faith. The new ideas that came from Luther's fertile study and imagination—sola fides, sola gratia, sola scriptura, alien righteousness, simultaneously justified and sinner, the priesthood of all believers—and that were adapted in varieties by his followers and enemies began a new tradition in the church that has now flowered in those many varieties for several centuries now. Historians debate how the Reformation in significant ways created the modern world. The how is debatable. That it did seems beyond much doubt. It was a movement and century of great importance for us today. At the same time, it was apparent once again to me, how the church is often (perhaps always) reformed through the rough and tumble political world, whether in the political world of the church, the city, or the empire. That political struggle too has consequences for good and bad. Sometimes politicians, city magistrates for instance, moderate the extremes of the theologians. We saw this in Amsterdam and Switzerland. Sometimes wise theologians guide cities. Politics and political leadership is an important vocation in the city, state, world, and church. We need wise leaders in all of these realms. We also saw how individual leaders could take action to shape the future, despite risk, Frederick the Wise of Saxony is one example in his hiding of Luther from the agents of Charles V. A cartoon of the "Seven Headed Luther" by his enemies: I saw how much was at stake. For some it was the future of Heaven or Hell. For others it was the wealth of church estates, and churches themselves that would could accrue to a prince or city when it appropriated church property. For some it was autonomy from distant political authority; for others it was retaining authority and power over distant peoples. Most of the time, I suspect, these were all mixed up together. In all of this a few things were missing. Today historians study the influence of women during the reformation. We saw the statue of Katherine von Bora, wife of Martin Luther, and personal equal to him (Herr Katie, equivalent to Sir Katie, she was sometimes called). And Katharina Zell, wife of one of the leading reformers in Strasbourg, Matthew Zell, was mentioned by our guide. She defended marriage by priests/pastors in writing and in her marriage itself when it was still outlawed, and left a prominent body of work that has only been edited and translated in the last generation. We heard story of at least one female Anabaptist martyr, but that was because we had a Mennonite guide who introduced the group to the stories. But other women were not much in evidence, though there is plenty written about them now. We also heard little about the "people's reformation" and the reformation of the refugees. But perhaps these will be highlighted in future anniversary celebrations. This was the year of Luther! Finally, I was reminded that there was both grandeur and tragedy. Luther's "Here I stand, I can do no other" was one. War, persecutions and martyrdoms, sometimes because of misunderstandings and fears, sometimes because of simple exertions of power, was the other. Sometimes they were mixed up together. Such is our world. This is the world we try to introduce to our students. Being forced to consider the complex issues that have created our world by the stunning presence of historical events and sites is one of the reasons we encourage them to travel. We too can benefit from it, even when we have been teaching for a long time.

John 17:23 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.   During high school, Blair Middlebrook never experienced much depth of connection with her friends or with God. This deficiency of connection, along with her high-achieving personality, made her vulnerable to the stress that comes with attending college, especially an academically-challenging one like the school she chose to attend, Texas Christian University (TCU) in Fort Worth, Texas. Fortunately for Blair, TCU has what Victor Boschini, its Chancellor, describes as a “culture of connection.” With a wide range of more than 200 clubs and organizations on campus, there is something for everyone to be part of! Plus, as part of its culture, TCU invests in programs specifically designed for freshmen and transfer students that develop supportive relationships to help them cope with stress and increase the likelihood they graduate. The summer before her first semester, Blair attended Frog Camp. This 3-5 day experience (length depending upon location) helps incoming freshmen connect with one another while also learning about TCU’s history, values and traditions. Blair chose to go to the Frog Camp being held that year in Washington, D.C. while others went to the Colorado Rockies, a campsite in rural Texas, an international city or got to know their new adopted hometown of Fort Worth. Shortly after moving into her dorm, and before the first day of class, Blair attended one of the “Frogs First” dinners held in the homes of TCU faculty and staff members for small groups of freshmen. Over a period of six weeks that fall, she took part in TCU’s “Connections” program to help freshmen get off to a good start and she made friends she’s still close to today. In addition, Blair cheered on the Horned Frogs at every home football game, and went to the fall concert and other events held on campus. One of her classes was taught by the Chancellor and he invited the class over to his home for lunch one day. Professor Ron Pitcock, another of her teachers her first year, would invite groups of students to his family’s home for a barbeque or for hot chocolate on a cold day. Blair joined a sorority that connected her to a family of sorority sisters. Wherever she went on campus, she ran into her sorority sisters or someone she had met through her sorority. Blair enjoyed waving to people she knew as she walked to class or at social gatherings, and she routinely spotted friends to sit with so in the campus dining room she didn’t have to eat alone. Something Different about Supportive Friends One of the groups that Blair began attending was a ministry named Ignite, one of 22 student religious organizations at TCU. Ignite was started by 11 TCU students, including Andy Dalton when he was at TCU and excelling as the Horned Frogs’ quarterback (he’s now the starting quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals). Blair became a regular attender of Paradox Church in downtown Fort Worth. Worshiping regularly with fellow students during the week and with her new church family on Sundays, Blair’s faith flourished. She developed friendships with fellow believers who supported her with love through the highs and lows of college life. In a TCU course on character strengths taught by professor Paul Witt, Blair had to reflect on and write essays about how certain character strengths applied to her life.  One of the character strengths was connectedness. In Blair’s essay, which she allowed me to share here, she observed: “…most of these amazing people who became my friends had something in common: they were all faithful Christians following Jesus. I could tell that there was something in them that I didn’t have, and something that I had never seen in the people I knew in high school. These friends cared deeply about me, made sacrifices for me and challenged me to think about how I was approaching life and did the same for everyone they met. Through many conversations, observations, Bible studies, church services, and friendships, I began to fully understand what it meant to be a Christian and gaps between pieces of things I had learned throughout my life began to be filled in. I renewed my commitment to my faith with a new understanding of how my beliefs transcend every aspect of my life, and have since continued to grow and strengthen my relationship with God… pursuing my faith is a process that requires a humble attitude that allows me to acknowledge how deeply I need Him and make a daily commitment to serve and connect with Him.” Blair’s connections with God and friends helped her thrive spiritually, academically and socially. Crisis of Connection, Addiction and Suicide on Campus Unfortunately, unlike Blair, many college students today are struggling. Research shows that one of the Millennial generation’s highest desires is for connection, yet many don't experience it, even though social media is second nature to them. This lack of connection contributes to mental health problems, including anxiety and depression, and it puts Millenials at greater risk for suicide. College freshmen’s self-reported perception of their state of emotional health has steadily declined over the last three decades. Research shows that record numbers of college freshmen feel lonely, stressed and overwhelmed. The combination of stress and loneliness can fuel addictions to food, smoking, alcohol, drugs and/or sex as students try substances and/or behaviors to temporarily ease their pain. The opposite of addiction is connection. College students who feel connected to people in their lives and to God are more resilient in handling stress, and less likely to develop addictions or commit suicide. Jesus said the most important commandments are to love the Lord with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength, and to love your neighbors as yourself. God made us so that when we love Him and others, especially with the unconditional love Jesus taught and modeled, it develops a bond of connection that helps us become more fully human in the ways that He originally designed us to be. Prepared to Connect Before graduating from TCU, Blair accepted a job offer to work for a well-respected organization that provides health care services. In addition to the skills and knowledge she gained during college, Blair will also bring to her employer her personal desire to connect with colleagues and patients. As someone who connects with God and is intentional about connecting with others, Blair will help her organization develop the type of culture where people connect. I’ve described this culture of connection, and contrasted it to cultures of control and indifference, in my most recent book titled Connection Culture: The Competitive Advantage of Shared Identity, Empathy and Understanding at Work. Remember, God’s Word tells us it is not good to be alone. From the opening chapters of Genesis and all throughout the Bible, it is clear we were created to connect. If you know students who will start college in the fall, pray that God will give them favor and pray for His lordship over their lives. Consider sharing this article to encourage them to be intentional about reaching out and connecting with the leaders of campus ministries over the summer so they can meet with them as soon as they arrive on campus. Also encourage them to get involved in campus activities and organizations that will connect them with other students who share their interests. When college students follow Jesus by intentional loving and connecting with God and others, they will thrive and, as John 17:23 states, they will be showing their fellow students that God exists and He loves them too.  

"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me! Isaiah 6:8 (NIV) Henry Martyn was the most capable undergraduate at Cambridge University of his generation. To the surprise and consternation of many, Martyn, at 24 years of age, sailed to India to attempt to reach the peoples of that vast land for Christ.  He is considered by some to be the first modern missionary to the Muslims Preparation for Service What would lead a cultured young man with so much promise to ‘bury’ his life in the Orient? I found it helpful to trace the influences that led him, first to come to know Jesus, then to grow as a Christian, and finally to make the heart wrenching decision to leave his girlfriend to obey God’s call.   Martyn’s spiritual journey challenged my own life; I share some details with you, often quoting his own words. His Conversion           Raised in a devout Christian home, when Martyn left for university his sister made him promise that one day he would read the Bible for himself, and she prayed diligently for him. The excitement of university life pushed her words aside. However, the crushing death of his father forced him to think of eternity and whether he himself was ready to die. As a result he began reading the Bible, searching for answers.           Through reading most of the New Testament, his spirit came to discover not a doctrine, but a Person (p. 47) and he experienced conversion. Four years later he wrote,           The work is real. I can no more doubt it than I can my own existence. The whole current of my desires is altered, I am walking quite another way, though I am incessantly stumbling in that way (p. 48). His Conversion           Raised in a devout Christian home, when Martyn left for university his sister made him promise that one day he would read the Bible for himself, and she prayed diligently for him. The excitement of university life pushed her words aside. However, the crushing death of his father forced him to think of eternity and whether he himself was ready to die. As a result he began reading the Bible, searching for answers.           Through reading most of the New Testament, his spirit came to discover not a doctrine, but a Person (p. 47) and he experienced conversion. Four years later he wrote,           The work is real. I can no more doubt it than I can my own existence. The whole current of my desires is altered, I am walking quite another way, though I am incessantly stumbling in that way (p. 48). Scripture Three times a day he set aside time to meditate on passages from the Bible and learned whole books by heart. Though he appreciated his fellow students he marveled at their lack of spiritual sensitivity. It sometimes appeared astonishing that men of like passions with myself, of the same bodies, of the same minds, alike in every other respect, knew and saw nothing of that blessed and adorable Being, in whom my soul findeth all its happiness, but were living a sort of life which to me would be worse than annihilation (p. 69). David Brainerd While still a student, Martyn read the journal of David Brainerd, the American missionary to the Indians in New England, and found his hero. Brainard’s passion for the salvation of his indigenous friends touched Martyn deeply. He wrote in his journal:  I thought of David Brainerd, and ardently desired his devotedness to God and holy breathings of soul…I long to be like him; let me forget the world and be swallowed up in a desire to glorify God (p. 75).  Called to Missions   Challenged by his young hero, and against the inclinations of his own nature, Martyn decided to seek service in India as a missionary. Both in Cambridge and in his hometown, his decision was regarded as “fantastic and absurd.” One of his friends “thought it a most improper step for [him] to leave the university to preach to the ignorant heathen, which any person could do” (p. 76). Martyn recognized that following this path would be a “life of warfare and constant self-denial.” He wrote in his journal, “To climb the steep ascent, to run, to fight, to wrestle was the desire of my heart” (p. 77).   The Lord gifted him with personal friendship with such spiritual giants as William Wilberforce[2] and John Newton[3] who encouraged his dedication and vision for ministry. The latter supposed that “Satan would not love me for what I was about to do” (p. 93). Lydia Perhaps the most difficult experience Martyn had to work through was his love for Lydia Grenfell. He daydreamed about a country manse together with Lydia, a quiet study, and children in the garden. But he soon saw this relationship coming in direct opposition to his devotedness to God and his call to missions. Though she had feelings for him, she would not consent to go to India with him. He wrote in his journal: At night I continued an hour and a half in prayer, striving against this attachment… I was about to triumph, but in a moment my heart had wandered to the beloved idol. I went to bed in great pain, yet still rather superior to the enemy; but in dreams her image returned, and I awoke in the night, my mind full of her (p. 99).The next morning, he reviewed his call to sacrifice and made his decision.  My dear Lydia and my duty call me different ways, yet God hath not forsaken me but strengthened me….At chapel my soul ascended to God, and the sight of a picture at the altar, of John the Baptist preaching in the wilderness, animated me exceedingly to devotedness to the life of a missionary (p. 103). Though the decision was made, she was not forgotten. Six years later, on his way to Persia, he wrote in his journal, “My thoughts so much on Lydia, whose old letter I had been reading the day before…” . Last Thoughts Six years later he had translated the New Testament into Hindi and Persian (with the help of national scholars), supervised its translation into Arabic, and translated the Psalter into Persian and the Prayer Book into Hindi.  He spent his last year in Persia revising his New Testament. The next year he died in Tokat, Armenia, suffering the last effects of tuberculosis and fever, while on his way back to England hoping to regain his health.  He was 31.  Seven months earlier he wrote the last entry in his journal: I sat in the orchard, and thought with sweet comfort and peace of my God; in solitude my company, my Friend and comforter. Oh, when shall time give place to eternity?! When shall appear the new heaven and new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness! (p. 252). Some Reflection Questions

1. What human instruments did God used in helping Martyn grow in his relationship to God?
2. What expressions of his devotion to God in Martyn’s life challenge you?
3. What do you think was the secret of his great delight in God?
4. I would suggest that you read once again Martyn’s quotations scattered through the essay.

 

God is the Creator of Life Romans 1:20 - 21 (NIV) 20” For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. 21For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.” God reveals himself to us – His divine nature and personal qualities - through nature. We must acknowledge God as the Creator and sustainer of life. Second stop on The Roman Road to Salvation… Why We Need Salvation – The Fact of Our Sin Romans 3:23 (NIV) 23 ”for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” We must recognize that we are sinners and that we do not meet God’s perfect standards. Sin is serious in God’s sight and that sin includes thoughts, words, and actions. All sin (i.e. hatred and lust) makes us sinners not just the big obvious sins, like murder and adultery (Romans 5:12). Third stop on The Roman Road to Salvation… Man’s Inability and Responsibility Romans 10:9 – 10 (NIV) 9 ”That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 "For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” We must believe that the Lord Jesus Christ is the Son of God, who died on the cross, rose from the dead, and is Lord. We must trust in Jesus alone to make us right with God. Salvation involves believing in our hearts (inward belief) and an outward confession that Jesus is Lord. Romans 10:13 (NIV) 13 for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." There is no complicated formula to salvation; Jesus paid the price of our sin for us. Our response is to accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. If we do we will be saved from the eternal death in Hell to the eternal life in Heaven. Final stop on The Roman Road to Salvation… Results of Salvation Romans 8:1 (NIV) 1 ”Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” By accepting Jesus’ death as a payment for our sins, we will never be condemned for our sins. Romans 5:1 (NIV) 1 ”Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,” Peace with God means we have been reconciled to Him through Jesus Christ. We can now have a relationship with the living God, because sin no longer separates us from Him. Are you uncertain whether or not you would go to heaven if you were to die today? Have you followed The Roman Road to Salvation? Will you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior today? You can pray to God right now and claim the promises of His word as your own.  

HOW TO BECOME A CHRISTIAN

A Christian is a follower of Jesus Christ.  A Christian has a growing relationship with Jesus Christ, tries to obey Him in all things, and draws on His strength to help with problems. God made us for Himself and our souls are restless until they find rest in Him.  Only God can fill the void in your life.  The answer to your search is accepting Jesus Christ as the Lord and Savior of your life.  To become a Christian, you need to know these basic facts from the Bible. God loves you. Because of God’s love for all persons, He desires that you have unbroken fellowship with Him.  (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:4-5) You are a sinner.  All persons are sinners in that they disobey God.  Sin is choosing to go your own way and do your own thing as opposed to being obedient to God.  (Isaiah 53:6; Romans 3:10) Sin separates you from God.  Sin forms a barrier that prevents you from entering into unbroken fellowship with God, who is Holy.  As an unholy sinner, you can’t have fellowship with God.  You are headed for a Christ-less eternity that the Bible calls hell. (Isaiah 59:2; Romans 3:23 You can’t save yourself.  People often think that through their efforts they can overcome the sin barrier between themselves and d God.  That isn’t true.  There’s nothing you can do to restore the broken relationship with God.  You can’t earn God’s salvation.  (Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5; Romans 4:4-5) God sent His Son Jesus to remove the sin barrier.  The death on the cross of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, removed the sin barrier between you and God.  Jesus died for your sins, taking your punishment on Himself.  God did for you in Jesus Christ what you couldn’t do for yourself. (1 Peter 2:24; Romans 5:8’ 2 Corinthians 5:21) You can receive Jesus Christ through faith.  Faith is trusting in what Jesus has done for you rather than trusting your own efforts to restore fellowship with God.  Faith is complete reliance on Christ to put you in right relationship with God, allowing Him to live His life through you.  Faith also involves repentance or genuine sorrow for sin and willingness to turn away from sin.  (John 14:6; Acts 16:31; Romans 10:9-10) Through prayer you can trust In Jesus Christ.  Admit to God that you are a sinner.  Express sorrow or repentance for your sinfulness.  Ask Him to forgive your sins.  Invite Jesus into your life as Savior and Lord.  Thank Him for entering your life.  Commit yourself to live for Him. Accepting Christ is the beginning.  After accepting Him, be obedient by following Christ in baptism and by uniting with a Church.  When you do, you will find that life truly does have purpose and meaning.  Talk with another Christian about your decision for Christ.