"Save us, O Lord our God and GATHER us from among the nations to give thanks to your holy name to triumph in your praise." Psalm 106:47
Connexion purpose statement: To connect students to Christ's kingdom and church by forming authenic relationships and making passionate disciples
School is about to start and we are very excited about kicking off a new year of ministry. The first Gathering this year will be on Wed., Aug. 22, at 7:30 pm in room 249 of the Student Center on UK's campus. UK basketball player Bobby Perry will be sharing some words with us. Start talking it up around your friends. Bobby has an amazing story about God's grace in his life. You don't want to miss it.
We all need acceptance. Its a universal human phenomenon. From the time we are born to the day we die, we are searching for approval, recognition, and affirmation. To this need, God reaches out his hand to us and responds, "I accept you. Just as you are. In my Son, I accept you." This is called justification, and it marks the end of our needing acceptance and approval in other places. If we are accepted by God in Christ, why are we still searching and trying so desperately to fit in. Probably because we have not fully grasped the idea that God absolutely and unconditionally accepts us as the sinners that we are. Personality flaws and all. Whether cool or uncool. Just as we are. In this link (
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NSeWdIDepQ), Josh Harris relates from his own experiences how he struggles with trying to fit in with the culture. I think we can all relate.
'This is like the days of Noah to me: as I swore that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth, so I have sworn that I will not be angry with you, and will not rebuke you. For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,' says the LORD, who has compassion on you. --Isaiah 54:9-10
This remarkable promise comes on the heals of the Isaiah 53 prophecy of the suffering servant who "was wounded for our transgressions." Christ has held back the flood waters of God's wrath so that we can say with confidence, "God's steadfast love will never depart from me."
Let this thought comfort you as you witness horrible scenes like the bridge collapsing yesterday and Hurricane Katrina a couple of years ago. The flood waters may come here and now--and there are many Christians who will fall victim to them--but God promises us that in Christ we will never experience what we all deserve. The overwhelming flood of his fury and wrath has been subdued by a sinless Savior on a bloody cross. Thank you Christ Jesus.
Join us on Saturday, August 4, at 10:00 a.m. for a morning of soccer. Call or e-mail Casey for details.
