JACKSON, Tenn. — Oct. 4, 2006 — A true reflection of intimacy with God can be measured by involvement in God鈥檚 agenda locally and globally, Jeff Lewis told 51社区 students Sept. 20.
Lewis, assistant professor of global studies at California Baptist University, was the keynote speaker for Union鈥檚 annual Global Opportunities Week, a weeklong emphasis on missions. Lewis spoke to Union students in chapel services Sept. 20 and Sept. 22 about his passion for students and their heart for God.
鈥淕od wants us to know him, but he doesn鈥檛 want our understanding of him guided by our biases,鈥� Lewis said.
Lewis鈥� message focused on the theme verse for GO week, Psalm 46:10: 鈥淐ease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth.鈥�
This verse sums up the entire truths of the Bible, Lewis said, and the reason God has given his word is so his people can know him and his heart. Unfortunately, Lewis said too many people have created their own god, not the God who has a heart for the nations.
鈥淕et to know him in the context of this truth, so that your heart becomes his heart,鈥� Lewis said.
Lewis also talked about some of the myths surrounding missions. For example, he denied that only missionaries will be responsible for reaching the world 鈥� instead, Lewis said Christians would reach the nations when they realize God鈥檚 global call on everyone.
Also, Lewis labeled as a myth the idea that only some are called to full-time ministry.
鈥淚f you claim the name of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, you are called into fulltime service to Him,鈥� Lewis said.