RUF at Indiana University

Ecclesiastes

Ecclesiastes

Ecclesiastes

Ecclesiastes

Questions to PonderWhy is shame so hard to talk about?What’s the difference between embarrassment and shame? When does embarrassment cross over into shame?Think of a time that you’ve gone down the “shame spiral”. What was that experience like?Freedom in the Gospel is found in acknowledging our weakness. How can RUF better seek to be a community where we can be vulnerable with our weaknesses and filled with Gospel love?

Questions for Pondering:Why do you find relationships to be so messy? Do you ever feel like they just aren’t worth it? That you want to just give up?In seeking to help our struggling relationships, we often make the mistake of trying to solve things by relying on ourselves. How do you rely on yourself to fix relationship problems? Why does this never work?We talked about how the Bible tells us that the starting place of relationships is with God, who even within himself is relational (as the Trinity). Have you ever thought of God in this way? How does the 1 God, 3 persons relational dynamic of the Trinity change your view of God and how you relate to him? How does this help us understand our humanity?Skye Jethani, in his book With, talks about how we often like to use God as opposed to be with God. What are ways that you might be using God? Why is the concept of communion with God, the idea that God fundamentally wants to be with you and me, so challenging to accept?During these next few months as we delve into what the Bible has to say about Relationships, what’s one way that you’d like to grow? Why?What’s one takeaway that you have from tonight? What actionable next step related to your takeaway could you take in an effort to move towards relying more on Jesus?

Campus Minister, Eric Whitley, preaching the last sermon from Hope's vision series in August 2020.

The opening message to our Fall 2020 Series, "Origins: An Exploration of Genesis 1-12" by campus minister, Eric Whitley.

Campus Minister Eric Whitley recently preached at Hope Presbyterian Church as part of their series "The Vision of Hope Pres." From Jeremiah 9:23-24

This was Brad's last sermon as RUF Campus Minister at IU. We looked at how the glory of God filled the Tabernacle, how God comes to dwell with man, and what all this means for our Exodus journeys.

[NOTE: ONLY PART OF THIS WAS RECORDED] Charles Anderson, Lead Pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis, was our guest speaker. Continuing with our Exodus theme of Life in the Wilderness Places, we looked at a passage from Hebrews that deals with similar themes.

Nobody likes waiting. This week we saw that this was especially true of the Israelites as they waited at the foot of Mt. Sinai. However, we also saw in this account that God is gracious with our impatience.

During this special Holy Week Large Group we looked at the Ten Commandments. We saw that if we understand them in their proper context and their true purpose, they are a beautiful guide for life in the wilderness. Further, they point us to our beautiful savior and his all-sufficiency.

This week we looked at the Israelites' grumbling in the desert as they faced hunger. The Lord graciously provided for their needs, yet they didn't fully trust that he would, so they went against his command. Like the Israelites, we too often doubt that God will keep his promises and go outside his will to meet our need for control.

This week we looked at the account of Israel at the Red Sea. As we looked at Israel in a desperate situation, we considered ourselves when we are in similar situations. Like Israel, we can respond in fear or trust.

This week we looked at the beginning of the Israelites' journey out of Egypt. We saw many parallels to our own journeys, and how God is present with us even as he at times leads us down the desert road.

This week we looked at the deeply significant account of the passover of the first born Israelites. We examined what the passover means, the reality that we need to be passed over, and how we can be passed over.

This week we looked at the odd & challenging account of the plagues in Egypt. These unique events have much to teach us about the nature of sin and its destruction as well God's salvation and the healing it brings.

This week we looked at a passage that says "The Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart." It forces us to ask some tough questions about God's sovereignty and human responsibility. In it we saw some beautiful realities about who God is and how he uses his sovereign power.

This week we continued to look at Moses' encounter with God at the Burning Bush. However, this week we see Moses begin to turn inward, fearful, and insecure in response to God's call. We considered some of our biggest reasons for fear and how God provides help in this.

This week we looked at the famous account of Moses and the burning bush. We asked the question, how do we respond to God's call in our lives? We should respond by remembering who is this God who calls ... that he's personal, covenant-keeping, and all powerful.

This week we began our series "Exodus: Life in the Wilderness Places." We looked at the people of Israel - and the difficulties they were facing - when God began his plan to rescue them from slavery. We saw how God often works in our lives in similar ways.

In our final sermon from our series "Signs & Wonders: The Miracles of Jesus" we looked at Jesus' resurrection, specifically his interaction with Mary Magdalene at the tomb. We see here a beautiful picture of how Jesus meets us in our doubts and brings real change into our lives.