Friday, February 14, 2020

Through My Lens—The Master Liberator

I often think about the gospel and how it was presented to me. It was in the country roads of southern Arkansas, where my grandmother sang in the choir of a Black church. It was the hands raised, the strength of the Black women, and the rapping of the pastor that excited my soul. It always struck me that pain, joy, and hope could coexist. 

Why are they crying? Why are they clapping? And who is listening? These were the questions that loomed in my young mind and were sometimes expressed verbally (those questions were more than likely greeted with a stern look to be quiet). I had no idea I was experiencing the Master Liberator tending the wounds of his people. This was the gospel.

February 13, 2020
By Carrie Carey
Church Membership—Not Perfect But Still Worth It!

But I believe, as a follower of Christ, that it is essential to be an intentional, active member of a church community. Membership facilitates opportunities for vulnerable relationships and accountability. 

February 06, 2020
By Michael Huang
Career or Calling? How Global Urban Treks Changed My Life

Even now, eight years since my last Trek, I constantly recognize how the Treks have taught and shaped me into the person I am today. They weren’t just summer missions trips. They were launching points for lifelong discipleship, where I learned how to persevere and follow God through adversity.

January 30, 2020
By Scott Bessenecker
Through My Lens—American Christian Syncretism

All this begs the question: how do we allow the good news about Jesus to take on the beauty and diversity of other cultures without infusing beliefs that are contrary to the gospel?

January 23, 2020
By Karen Foster
New Year. New You? Changing How We Prioritize Goals

What if we approached the New Year with a new take on creating resolutions? What if instead of “trying to fix ourselves,” we chose one thing we wanted more of? Something we want to bring into our lives in order to follow Christ more closely.

January 17, 2020
By Nathan Peterson
“The Urge to Confess”

Exposing our sins—although uncomfortable—is exactly what we need. It’s the first step in being cleansed of them and reminds us that no matter how great our sin, Jesus is greater!

January 02, 2020
By Daniela Láncara
Through My Lens—Dear Oklahoma

My everyday life carries the thumbprints of the generational traumas, sins, and blessings of our collective stories. The lessons I’ve learned from the matriarchs of my family and our immigration stories shape how I engage with Scripture and the gospel. And as a multicultural, multiethnic, and multiracial woman, I know that stepping into Oklahoma means bringing my family’s stories and lives with me.

December 19, 2019
10 Posts Celebrating a Decade of Christmas

We’d like to share 10 of the many Christmas posts written on InterVarsity’s blog over the last decade: meditations on Scripture, practical insights, challenging reminders. May we all humbly seek the Lord’s help and strength as we stand on the cusp of a new decade.

December 13, 2019
By Drew Larson
“Gradually, then Suddenly”—The Advent of Jesus

Jesus is at work in the shape of the world, through the shape of the world. “Gradually, then suddenly” is the shape that transformation takes in God’s kingdom. It can be hard to see with our limited, sin-damaged perception. Yet, it is happening nonetheless.     

December 06, 2019
By Steve Tamayo
Understanding & Growing in Wisdom

Wisdom invites us into a way of life. Wisdom links us together with the community of the formerly-and-sometimes-still-a-little foolish, who are on their way to becoming wise. Wisdom sends us together into the world with a message of hope, life, and justice that shines like the sun.

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