Convocation message to students: “Be Strong and Courageous”

Columbia International University is celebrating 100 years of educating students from a biblical worldview to impact the nations with the message of Christ. At the 2023-2024 CIU Convocation ceremony, Interim President Dr. Rick Christman introduced this year's theme verse of Joshua 1:9: Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. (NIV) 

Christman's message delved deeper into the context of what God was telling Joshua as he was about to lead the children of Israel into the Promised Land. Within Joshua 1:5-9, God gave Joshua one specific command three separate times to "be strong and courageous" with a distinct goal each time. 

The first goal was to focus on the mission of leading the Israelites into the land God promised to their forefathers and through the many battles they would face. The second was to focus on God's word and law by obeying it faithfully and not turning away from it. The third and final was to focus on the calling God had placed on Joshua's life by not being afraid, to not be discouraged, and to remember that God would be always with him. 

Christman noted that sometimes we read ourselves into these biblical accounts and can get frustrated and confused when circumstances do not turn out as they did in the Scriptures. He stressed that it is vital to our spiritual growth to understand the context of each passage, and such understanding cannot be attained unless there is consistent and daily study of the Word of God. He encouraged and challenged students to not simply talk about the Bible, but to read and live out the timeless and applicable commands given to us. 

"I found the message inspiring for going into the year because it encourages us to be courageous and resilient for the year to come," said Alexa Brownell, a freshman in the nursing program.

Serena Graber, a junior and psychology major is ready for the new school year noting the “great care” the professors and staff take when crafting their classes and “the experience we have here and how Spirit-led it is." 

Bringing the ceremony to a close, Professor Emeritus Dr. Bryan Beyer carried on the CIU tradition of blowing the Shofar and informed students that it represents a warning, a call to battle, and victory cry. He imploring them to be “faithful to the mission, be faithful to the Word, be faithful to the calling, and God will astound you with what God does in you and through you to the glory of Christ.”

Hear Dr. Rick Christman's Convocation address on Spotify. 

CIU is celebrating 100 years of its mission to “educate people from a biblical worldview to impact the nations with the message of Christ.” The university consistently ranks among the Top Regional Universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report, as well as a Best Value Regional University in the South.  Apply now or request information on enrollment by contacting Admissions at (803) 807-5024 or admissions@ciu.edu.