Cedarville Magazine, Fall 2018

40 | Cedarville Magazine Cedarville Magazine 251 N. Main St., Cedarville, OH 45314 1-888-CEDARVILLE | magazine@cedarville.edu cedarville.edu/magazine Know. Live. Share. These three words summarize the heartbeat of missions mobilization at Cedarville University. In this magazine, we are called to seriously reckon how to live our lives in light of God’s heart for the nations. These pages have shown us the priority of creating Gospel access for all peoples, the rich legacy of faithful servants at Cedarville, and the current impact students are having on mission for Christ to the ends of the earth. The articles in this issue beg the question: How will you and I live in a way that reflects the priorities of our God who is on mission among all people- groups around the globe? The answer lies in the three words that guide our approach to mobilizing students for missions engagement. Know the Gospel . All of life originates in knowing the Gospel and the fullness of its implications for our times. As Christians, we care about and seek to demonstrate love in the face of all human suffering, especially eternal suffering. To rescue those who are perishing, we begin by proclaiming the remedy already provided. Only through the work of Christ on the cross, and a response of faith and repentance to that finished work, is the ultimate claim of death conquered for an individual. We must be gripped by the reality of the Gospel in our lives. Live the Gospel . If this Gospel is the only remedy for sin, then it changes our entire framework. The implications of the Gospel are comprehensive and transforming for every detail of life. Any corner of our lives not filled with Gospel light and pursued with Gospel rationale is short of God’s design. Far too often we start by trusting entirely in the work of Christ, only to slip into reliance on our effort for spiritual merit and ministry effectiveness. The kingdom of God is advancing by His design, and we have the opportunity to be part of His amazing work among the nations, if we walk in the Gospel. Share the Gospel . The famed 19th- century British cricket player turned missionary, C.T. Studd, said, “If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him.” Christ’s ultimate sacrifice for sin and the eternal fruits of His mission- focused faithfulness will always outpace any level of sacrifice we could offer. The Gospel is the power of God for salvation (Rom. 1:16), and salvation comes in a faith response to hearing that Gospel (Rom. 10:9). In light of this, there is no higher mark of love for another than to proclaim the work of Christ. This should be our goal among our families, with friends, on daily transit, among co-workers, and in numerous other venues where we cross paths every day with people who need the new life Jesus offers. Will you join Cedarville University in the lifelong pursuit of knowing, living, and sharing the Gospel? Jon Wood is Vice President for Student Life and Christian Ministries. He earned his Ph.D. in systematic theology from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Know. Live. Share. IN CLOSING