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NAE President challenges students to stand firm in culture

Pastor and author Leith Anderson challenged students in Wednesday’s Convocation to glorify God in every aspect of their lives, never compromising their values to cater to societal trends, just as early Christians had to stand for their faith when facing a pagan culture.

Anderson is the president of the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE), where he has served consecutively since 2006. He also held that position from 2002-03. The NAE represents more than 45,000 churches from 40 denominations, and serves as a united voice for millions of American evangelicals. Anderson pastored Wooddale Church in Eden Prairie, Minn., for nearly 35 years and has authored eight books.

Before Anderson spoke, contemporary Christian band, Rush of Fools, prepared students’ hearts through worship. The band’s tracks have topped 20 The Countdown Magazine’s charts. They will play again at Campus Church Wednesday night beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the Thomas Road Baptist Church sanctuary.

Anderson began his message by describing the Great Fire of Rome in 64 A.D. Christians were blamed for the fire and were persecuted for many years. However, they could also be seen rescuing abandoned babies and caring for the sick — acts of generosity which eventually won over the citizens of Rome.

Just as Peter urged Christians to be examples to the pagans in 1 Peter 2:9-12, Anderson said today’s Christians have similar responsibilities.

“We’re a holy nation, ‘holy’ being different. That is, we’re like God,” Anderson said. “Really different from everybody else. You’re a chosen people, royal priesthood, holy nation, and a people belonging to God.”

NAE President Leith Anderson talks with Liberty University students after Convocation on Wednesday, Oct. 22.

Anderson shared his awe of today’s Christians who are standing for their faith in the midst of today’s brokenness and persecution. He highlighted the fact that Christianity for many of today’s believers is not a shallow faith but deeply engrained in God’s truths. According to Anderson, this century will go down as the greatest spiritual awakening the world has ever seen.

“I am awed by the lives of Christians facing unexpected tragedies,” Anderson said. “May this be you. May you live a holy life that enhances the reputation of God.”

Anderson ended his message with the story of a young musician who received a standing ovation after a performance. However, the young musician refused to face the audience when he realized that his teacher was not among the standing crowd.

“May you live such holy lives even in a pagan world that someday Jesus will stand for you (and applaud),” Anderson said.

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