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Wednesday, August 15, 2018
The Artist's WorkSo God created man in his own image… Genesis 1:27 (ESV)
See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, to work in every craft. Exodus 31:2-5 (ESV)
As we open the treasure trove of God's revelation to us in the Scriptures, we find, in the first place, God creates. Through and in and for His beloved and eternal Son, He creates/has created all things, in heaven and on the earth, visible and invisible. What can it mean, then, that we are made in God's image, if not at least that our inventive imaginations and the irrepressible desire to make things are fundamental to our human nature? In addition to our clever minds and immortal souls, God has blessed us above the animals with two key features: hands capable of the most intricate manipulation of objects and tools, so as to work out our designs in the physical world, and voices capable of the most diverse and subtle articulations of sounds, whereby we can speak and sing our minds to whomever has ears to hear.
Tuesday, August 14, 2018
Unavoidable Echos of The StoryFor the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. Romans 1:18-20 (ESV)
Monday, August 13, 2018
Telling a Better StorySo Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. Acts 17:22-23 (ESV)
Every day, thousands of Americans enter into a temple of sorts to take part in ritual and storytelling that have echoes of a religious encounter. The movie theater, in many ways, provides a similar experience to a church: an ornate building in the center of town where the community gathers for an experience that transcends their day-to-day. And in these hushed assemblies stories are told—some to inspire, others to challenge, some to make us cheer, others to frighten.
“I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven.”
— Nehemiah 1:4
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
I pray your summer has been full of fun, rest and, most of all, Christ. Campus here at Brown has been quiet since graduation back on Memorial Day weekend. Outside of a few students who have remained in Providence for internships, research and/or work, the majority of our students are dispersed around the globe. Matt Woodard, Ministry Director of Christian Union at Brown University, Laurel Copp, Ministry Fellow, and I have been busy catching up on some professional development and preparing for the fall semester. Additionally, we have gathered the few remaining students for a study of the book of Revelation. Though we haven’t been able to gather as often as we had hoped, the times we’ve gotten together have been fun times of catching up and trying to wrap our minds and hearts around this crazy book of the Bible. We’d love your prayers as we meet a few more times between now and the beginning of August. Please pray that God would not only enlighten our minds but encourage our hearts and empower obedience as we finish up this final book of the Bible.
Summer casts students far and wide, while a handful remain on campus to conduct research or fill in a class or two. Irrespective of their specific job or responsibility this summer, we’re thankful that they belong to Christ and that he holds them fast.
Hello from Dartmouth,
There’s not too much to report from here. We as staff have been taking turns going on vacation, which has been good for the soul. We are excited to be back together to start brainstorming and dreaming about this next year.
Thank you for remembering us and the Lord’s work here in your prayers. And to inform your prayers, I want to give you a few updates.
Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. And he who had received the five/two talents came forward, bringing five/two talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five/two talents; here, I have made five/two talents more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ – Matthew 25:19-23
Dear Friends and Family of HCFA,
Imbedded in the parables surrounding Jesus’ teaching concerning His return and the final judgment (Matthew 24 & 25) lies a verdict that far surpasses any report card, performance review or earthly accomplishment we could obtain or imagine: Well done, good and faithful servant.
