LOVE THE CITY
The Bible tells us that we are to care about the welfare of the cities we live in (Jeremiah 29:7). No aspect of our lives is to be unchanged by the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are called to do all things for God (Colossians 3:23, 1 Corinthians 10:31). Our work, political engagement, family life, friendships, and all daily interactions are to be done for Christ.
God commands us to be generous toward the poor (Deuteronomy 15:11, Galatians 2:10) and to practice justice and mercy (Micah 6:8). At University Presbyterian Church we do this as the church gathered and as the church scattered. As the church gathered, we engage in acts of mercy and benevolence at a corporate level through service opportunities and mercy ministries. As the church scattered, we are called to go out into the world and practice justice and mercy in all of the spheres we inhabit.
Loving the city also means engaging in intentional evangelism. More than anything the city of Tampa needs the gospel of Jesus Christ. We must be ready at any time to share the gospel (1 Peter 3:15). Jesus commands us to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18-20). Even though evangelism may be intimidating, we can be encouraged that God is the one who saves his people (1 Corinthians 3:6-8) and all that he has chosen (Ephesians 1:4) he will draw to himself (John 6:37).
One of the specific ways we engage our surrounding community at University Pres is through supporting the work of Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) at USF. RUF is our denomination's college ministry. The staff of RUF at USF engages students on campus with the gospel with the vision of reaching students for Christ and equipping them to serve. We want to make University Pres a welcoming place for all students and campus ministries at USF. You can support RUF at USF financially here.