Angela Thomas Pharr, best-selling author and Bible teacher, traveled to Jackson this week and spoke at Union University’s chapel service on Friday, April 12.
“I don’t know what you thought life was going to look like at Union University,” said Pharr. “I don’t know what you thought it was going to look like these past twenty-something years. But, the life that God has called you to run is the one He set before you.”
Pharr, speaker and author of over sixteen books, began the chapel service by challenging students and faculty in attendance on the topic of being faithful in your pursuit of Christ, despite the battles with sin.
She opened up the honest message by giving her personal story of coming to know Christ.
“This season of life that you are in is the time of life when I learned what it meant to follow Jesus Christ,” said Pharr. “It was the time of life when everything changed for me.”
Attending a secular university for her undergraduate years, she began to dive into what it meant to be a Christian after observing her friends’ behaviors and conversations about the topic. Pharr shared that she went on to realize that becoming a Christian is not a compilation of several acts, but it is an actual event or turning point. To her, this meant realizing one thing.
“Becoming a follower of Jesus Christ is about one thing,” said Pharr. “It is about realizing that the Son of God lived on this earth, professed his own death, burial and resurrection just to prove He was the son of God.”
As Pharr shared her personal testimony with sin and Christianity in college, college students felt very enlightened.
“She shared a refreshing point of view of the Gospel and exuded Christ’s joy in a new way,” said Katie Hathaway, sophomore sports management major. “I’m so glad that Union provides students with opportunities to hear such great speakers with compelling messages.”
Pharr then proceeded to walk through the Scripture in Hebrews 12:1-2. She believes that the writer of Hebrews is painting the picture of what it looks like to be willing to go. This means to throw away all of the barriers of sin that are holding people back and to fully pursue Jesus Christ.
“As you get your calling, understand that the Lord is saying, ‘Let’s go,’” said Pharr. “Then throw off every weight that slows you down, especially the sin that so easily trips you up.”
Pharr concluded the service with words that left an impact on everyone that was present.
“Don’t quit becoming the man or woman God calls you to be,” said Pharr. “Don’t quit trying to live with integrity. Don’t quit receiving the forgiveness of God. Don’t quit yearning for the passionate joy-filled life that God has appointed to you.”
Following the chapel service, Pharr spoke at a Q&A Luncheon. On Saturday, April 13, Pharr wrapped up her time in Jackson at Englewood Baptist Church by leading another women’s ministry session.
