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I thought
you might like to know what we are doing on the campus of SIU every Friday
from 11-1 p.m. The following is a tract the we wrote and distributed today to
about 100 students while we were out on campus. Besides distributing tracts,
we also present the gospel through holding conversations with students who
stop. The students have been very receptive to our literature.
It never fails that we find some students who want to talk about Christ every
Friday. I have made the commitment to be present at the free forum every
Friday, rain or shine through the semester, so I can talk with students who
may be thinking about, or considering Christ. Pray for those who work with me
as we seek to make the gospel known to as many students as we can in this
semester.Pray for two students we are seeking to see grow in their walk with
Christ that we have recently engaged with, Nathan, a freshman from the
Chicago area, and a freshman named Melanie also from the Chicago area.
The following is the piece we wrote and distributed to over 100 students
today.
What Kind of People Aught We to Be at SIU?
This is certainly a very good question for all of us to consider. Some would
answer, "Be true to your self, this is the highest form of
morality." Others may say, "Give your self in the service of
others; this is the highest form of morality." Still others may say,
"Live for the moment for you have no confidence that you have another
moment."
So what are we to make of this question for us on October 15, 2010? Is this
question even important to our studies here at SIU? As a graduate of SIU May
1980, I submit to you that this is an entirely relevant question. How you
answer this question will guide you the rest of your life.
It was over thirty-five years ago that I discovered the answer to this
question in a well written ancient historical document. Let me share its
words with you for you to consider.
"First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will
come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say,
"Where is this 'coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died,
everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation." But they
deliberately forget that long ago by God's word the heavens existed and the
earth was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of
that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and
earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the Day of Judgment and
destruction of ungodly men. But do not forget this one thing, dear friends:
With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a
day.
"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand
slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone
to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The
heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire,
and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. Since everything will
be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to
live holy and godly lives."
Since judgment is certain and we will all stand before God to give an account
of how we have lived, the writer of this part of the Bible provides us with
the answer we all need to heed. We are to live holy and godly lives. As a
living, breathing human I know how hard that may seem, but God has provided
some very clear principles to empower us to live as He intends. Oh and by the
way this way really does lead you to a greater degree of lasting fulfillment
and satisfaction.
If you are interested in pursuing a life in relationship with God, who will
enable you to live a holy and godly life, we invite you to check us out at www.lakelandchurch.org or come by
and visit us this Sunday at 719 South Giant City Road at 10:40 a.m. This
Sunday we wil present the historical account of Noah's flood and answer many
of the questions that have been raised by the academic community about the
historicity of this global flood of Noah and its implications for us today.
We hope to see you soon.
Philip Nelson, SIU Graduate, May, 1980
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