Ramesh
C. Reddy
Acknowledgements
I would like to thank my
mom for her constant devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ, teaching all she can
about the love of Jesus and also encouraging me to write to reach out to others
with the Love of Christ.
I would also like to
thank my good friend Cindy Bozagan, who took time in her hectic schedule to
help me proofread and edit this booklet to the best of her ability.
I would also like to
thank the students and staff of Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship who have
been an encouragement to me.
I would also like to
thank Robert Boyd Munger who’s booklet ‘My Heart Christ’s Home’ made such a
tremendous difference in the way I viewed my Quiet Times. I read the booklet
more than 33 times. This gave me an idea to write a booklet for students using
student terminology relating it back to the Christian life.
Finally, I would like to
thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who has been there for me at all times
even when I have failed and messed up so many times. Jesus has given me the
ideas and motivation to put this booklet together. This book is about the Lord
and how we can receive a degree from the University of Eternal Life that will
be priceless. Without the Lord, this book would not be possible!
About the Author
Ramesh C. Reddy is
currently a Staff Worker at the University of Pittsburgh with InterVarsity
Christian Fellowship working with Oliver, Allison, Loretta, and Paul who are
also part of the IVCF-Pitt team.
UNIVERSITY OF ETERNAL LIFE!
One morning, I
was talking to the Lord, and He gave me an awesome idea. It had to do with my
education. Christ got involved in my education and gave me a new perspective on
life. I have never been upset that Christ got involved in my education. In the
excitement I said to Jesus Christ, "Lord I want you to educate me and be
my new teacher. Let me register for the class you are offering" With His
Blessing, I went to class.
Lecture
The
first thing that happened was the lecture. The lecture is sometimes short or
long, but whatever Jesus had to say became very important. In a way, hearing
the lecture determined how much I would learn from the Lord. He lectured a bout
the law, immorality, morality, forgiveness, sin, etc. As I listened to His
lecture I became very distressed.
I never felt this way in my other classes,
but this class seemed to be different. Jesus was telling me about all the sin
in this world. Being a Christian, I realized I had no business living a life of
sin. Furthermore, some of the education I was receiving from the world was full
of lies and deception.
Full
of remorse, I raised my hand and called Jesus. I said, "Lord I know that
what I learned in my other classes is not what you have been teaching me. Will
you educate me your way?" Sure, I am so joyful to help you, He said. First
of all, think about all the classes you have taken which are against what I
have taught you and forget about them. Now take this new syllabus I am giving
you and follow it thoroughly reading through each of the assignments. As for
what the world teaches you, it will be hard to forget but
"I took you from the ends of the
earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, 'You are my servant'; I
have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I w ill strengthen you and help you; I
will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:9-10). As I listened to the lecture, I was awe-struck. I
thought to myself, following the lecture or God's Voice seemed hard many times.
It must be because I d id not do the assigned readings. I realized just
listening to God becomes a lecture. Jesus ended the lecture by telling me, "Let
the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get
guidance" (Proverbs 1:5).
Textbook
After
the lecture, I went to the student bookstore, which had all kinds of books for
classes. I had to get the books that Jesus was giving His lectures from. I was
so excited to buy the books. Therefore, I took out my syllabus to find out more
details about them. I found out the books were called "The Word of
God" and the author was "Jesus Christ" Whoa! There were 66 books
I needed to buy to do the assigned readings. Actually, the textbook known as
the Bible contained all 66 books in it. Rejoicing so happily, I went and bought
the Bible. There were different versions of the Bible to suit different
student's style. I bought myself a Living Bible. I could not wait to do the
reading because I wanted to revise what I had heard in lecture. I was so
excited to see the Bible talk about law, immorality, morality, forgiveness,
sin, etc. Reading the Bible helped me make sure I was listening to God
properly. Sometimes it is so easy to write our own thoughts down during lecture
and not write down what God wants us to. The Bible helps me to get God's
message at lecture. I was reminded lecture is listening to God while we are
sitting, standing, walking, talking, etc. To listen to God, we need to
understand the Bible. "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for
teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man
of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Tim 3:16). The
Bible sure is living. The Living Bible became such an excellent helpful textbook
for me!
It was not always easy to do the assigned
readings. I forced myself to do it many times, because I knew the education
would be worth it in the long run. Many times I would read the Bible casually.
However, I would also try to read the Bible without any distractions and in a
solitary place. Usually, I spent an hour or more. This became known as 'Quiet
Times'. Because I was trying to model after my teacher, Jesus Christ, these
Quiet Times were cool. "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark,
Jesus got up, left the house and went out to a solitary place, where He
prayed" (Mark 1:35). I needed a method to study the Bible and remember
what I was learning. This is because I did not want to forget the assigned
readings. I remembered a format I learned at Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship
from a book called, "Leading Bible Discussions." It was OIA:
Observations, Interpretations, and Applications I decided to use this method
sometimes while I was doing the assigned readings. It was very helpful to
understand God's Word and remember it. Even then, I still had some confusing
questions about particular passages in the Bible. I was hoping the lecture
would help out.
Office Hours
After
buying the textbook and studying the assigned readings, I put my Bible away.
Then I looked at the syllabus to make sure of tomorrows’ assignment. A
particular sentence on the syllabus startled my eyes. It was about office hour
s. I loved the fact that the office hours were very convenient. They were 24
hrs a day seven days a week" Wow! Being new to this class, I was thrilled.
I now had a way to ask Jesus directly what He meant by certain passages in His
Word. I could also bring my other requests before Him. If I had trouble in my
other classes, Jesus wanted to even hear about that, but the only problem I had
was contacting Jesus. The syllabus actually had Jesus' phone number on it. This
was too awesome to comprehend. I realize d all that I had to do was to call on
Him and He would listen, wherever I was. Not only that, He would also answer
me. "But I call to God, and the Lord saves me. Evening, morning, and
noon, I cry out in distress and He hears my voice" (Psalm 55:16-17). Utilizing
Christ's office hours are meant to give us rest and hope through the struggles.
Jesus loved it when we came to His office hours regardless of the day or time.
He even told me, "Come to me, all you who are weary, and burdened, and
I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle
and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy
and my burden is light" (Matt 11:28-30). Calling on the name of the
Lord and talking to Him became known as Prayer. Jesus wants us to turn to Him
always and talk to Him whatever problems we face. Jesus told me, "Pray
continually" (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
So
each time I needed the Lord, I would talk to Him. I would also ask Him
questions whenever I was confused. These were such cool times. I was so happy
and grateful. However, it was not always like this. Under the pressure of other
classes and duties, many times I would not take advantage of the office hrs
Jesus provided. It was not deliberate, it just happened that way. The worldly
affairs had gotten to me and I was dwelling in them. I remember one time being
so lonely and anxious. The miracle was that Jesus never abandoned me, even when
I skipped office hours so many times. Jesus gave me a promise, "Remain
in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must
remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am
the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will
bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in
me, he is like branches that is thrown away and withers; such b ranches are
picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words
remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my
Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples"
(John 1 5:4-8). The concept that Jesus loves me so much and wants me to
depend on Him completely to bear fruit gave me so much happiness. Knowing that
single fact, that when I remain in Him and He in me, He will help me out,
helped me to go to His office hour s than any other fact. Don't ignore the
office hours Jesus has provided for you. Go to Him with your prayer requests,
comments, and questions daily. Jesus reminded me, "Do not be anxious
about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all
understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus"
(Phil 4-6-7).
Homework
Before
long, Jesus asked me, "Had I been doing the assignments from the readings
after I read through them?" Once in a while, I would do the homework
diligently. But most of the time, the assigned homework was really difficult to
do. For example, one of the assigned readings was from the Sermon on the Mount:
"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your
enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the
evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you
love those who love you, what reward will you get?" (Matt 5:43-46a) I
was supposed to go and love my enemy. That homework was sure hard to do. I went
to His office hours and asked Jesus for His help. Jesus was so happy to help
me. Jesus told me "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now
remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as
I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this
so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is,
‘Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this that he
lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I
command.’" (John 15:9-14) Afterwards, I received a promise, "I
can do everything through Him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13) This
means even loving my enemy. The more I depended on Christ, the easier the
homework became to do. Jesus already told me if I read His textbook daily and
went to His office hours daily; He will get me through. I was also given
another promise stating, "Trust in the Lord with all your hear t and
lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He
will make your paths straight" (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Projects
Jesus
told me that He had a major project for me to do. I was thrilled and excited. "Then
I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for
us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" (Isaiah 6:8) I offered
myself to the Lord. That's what God desires of us. He wants us to give
ourselves completely to Him, so that He can use us. It is an honor to be used
to do the Lord's work. "Therefore, I urge you brothers, in view of God's
mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this
is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of
this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be
able to test and approve what God's will is- His good, pleasing will"
(Romans 12:1-2). I received my assignment as it was called, "The Great
Commission". Jesus said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has
been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing
them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and
teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with
you always, to the very end of the age" (Matt 28:18-20).
At first I thought that would be hard to do,
but I remember Jesus giving me an awesome promise during lecture which says "But
you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you and you will be my
witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judeo and Samara, and to the ends of the
earth" (Acts 1:8). I would go and tell others concerning the class
Jesus offered me. Also, I would tell them how He paid the price to set me free.
Finally, I would tell them how they could come to know the Lord and have Him
teach to them too as well. "In whom we have redemption through his
blood, even the forgiveness of sins" (Ephesians 5:8) This is so
incomprehensible yet so true. "And everyone who calls on the name of
the Lord will be saved" (Acts 2:21).
Quizzes & Tests
I
knew test time was not far away. I was so fearful of tests, but I found out
there was no way out. It is up to me whether I pass or fail. Tests are based on
the lecture and assigned readings from God's Word. If I don't listen to lectures
nor do my assigned readings daily, I would be in big trouble. This is because
sometimes the test questions could be on material I skipped. For example, a
couple of times I had a test on defeating temptation. It was easy for me to
fail that, because I did not do the assigned readings dealing with temptation
from God's Word. I learned that unless I am able to pass this test, I would
keep getting the same one. I needed to know of a way to pass this test. I was
not thrilled to have a make up test, because I would face the same situation.
However, this time I had done the assigned readings and memorized part of them.
Therefore, when test time came, I had God's promise to claim. Jesus told me, "No
temptation has seized you except what is common to man . And God is faithful;
He will not suffer you to be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are
tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it"
(1 Corinthians 10:13). Some tests are mild as other tests are very challenging,
but these tests help us grow strong in the Lord. The Word of God says, "Blessed
is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, He
will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love
him"(James 1:1 2). The comforting thing was that even though I face
some hard tests, it would always be open book and office hours will still be
open. Therefore, I can see what God wants me to do and I can talk to Him.
Grades:
I
usually hate being graded especially when I know I will either fail or not do
well. Jesus grades each day of our life. Our grade is dependent on how we do
the homework that Jesus assigns us daily. Homework is dependent on what we have
learned through the course of our class, reading God's Word. We are also,
graded on other aspects of life too. I learned in our struggles, the more we
turn to Christ's office hours and His written instruction manual, the more
easily we could get through these tests, than those who do not want to utilize
Christ's office hours and His Word. The most important criteria that our grade
is based on are whether we acknowledge Jesus as our Lord and Personal Savior
who wants to help us grow. We can do everything in life and not know the Lord
personally, receiving a failing grade. Jesus even reminded us of those who took
tests and failed. Jesus said, " Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord,
Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my
Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we
not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many
miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you
evil doers!"(Matt 7:21-23). Jesus also reminds us that our grade can
improve each day if we ask Him forgiveness for the wrongs we have done. Jesus
tells us "If we confess our sins to Him, He can be depended on to forgive
us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness"(1 John 1:9).
COURSE EVALUATION:
If
you think this is a blow off class, it's not. There is so much you can learn
from this class but you just got to take the time. Let me tell you, how much
Jesus wants to help you. All Jesus asks of us is to give Him a chance to work
in our lives. The class is really intense, but in the end it will be worth it
if you finish it without giving up. Jesus reminded me, "He who
overcomes will inherit all this; and I will be his God, and he will be my
son" (Revelation 21:7). You w ill grow so strong in the Lord and will
have such an incredible relationship with Christ. Let me assure you, if you
depend on the Lord and trust in Him as your Savior, He will finish the work in
your life. "Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in
you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ
Jesus"(Philippians 1:6). We will be ready for Heaven. Jesus said, "
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my
Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am
going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go prepare a place for you, I
will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You
know the way to the place where I am going."(John 14: 1-4). I urge you
all to please sign up for "My Education Christ's Way". This class has
really blessed me in many ways. I have learned a lot from God's Word. I have
learned to listen to God more effectively, and how we can pass the tests that
come our way. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of
those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose" (Romans
8:28). I know God has a plan for our life. Jesus told me, "For I
know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not
to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me
and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me
when you seek me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:11-13).