Denver Seminary

ENGAGE 9 jakkapan21/Getty Images However, Christians can gain access to something greater: transcendence. The word transcendence comes from the Latin prefix trans-, meaning "beyond," and the word scandare, meaning "to climb" (vocabulary.com, 2006). So, transcendence means "to climb beyond." Take a moment to receive the word beyond. That is where our identities reside. Christ transcending the grave allows us to live within the love of our Creator, Ruler, and Father. This is where we flourish, beyond world-given identities, whether majestic or condemning. Jesus rose from the grave and provided us the opportunity to become the people He died for us to be. Our prayers, relationships, receiving of grace and mercy, dependency on God, and shedding of worldly attachments are examples of the practices that cultivate the path where our spiritual vitality thrives. We climb the mountain one step at a time. As we move upwards, we reach new heights and are transformed. Even in the valleys, we can continue to look upward. Through both victory and trials, the gift of transcendence remains. In victory, we claim more victory. In defeat, we claim more than failure, discovering purpose within it (Rom. 8:28). We do not accept the world's values; we move beyond them. Transcendence is not a method of escape and cannot be achieved by willpower alone, as other world religions claim. Authentic transcendence is an invitation into relational reality and can only be achieved through Jesus Christ (John 14:6). Climbing beyond further reveals God's glory and anchors us in the hope greater than mere acceptance. BECAUSE OF THE RESURRECTION, I HAVE PRESENT HOPE | By Patty Pell Not only do I have hope in the new heavens and new earth of the future, but I also have hope in the present work of Christ. Jesus is risen, and He is working to make all things new, to restore a state of shalom where there is wholeness, justice, harmony, and rightness. We get to participate in that redemptive work! So, even when I face difficulties and struggles and the people around me face suffering and oppression, I can rest assured that I am a part of something eternal, redemptive, and good. This brings me hope. I love the images the apostle Paul uses in Ephesians 2:19–22 to communicate this truth. He speaks of both citizenship and temple. Because of Christ's resurrection, Gentiles became fellow citizens with Jews and members of the household of God. They now belonged where they had been excluded. Paul continues by saying that Jews and Gentiles together form a building that rises to become a temple to serve as the dwelling place of God and a witness to the world. I am inspired to be a witness in the world knowing that I participate with believers from every tribe, tongue, and nation in the grand, missional work of God. No matter what circumstances I face, I hold on to the hope that comes from participating in the mission of God because of the Resurrection. Patricia Raybon BOARD MEMBER Patricia Raybon is an award-winning author of books and essays on faith, race, and grace. Speaking for Christ worldwide in faith and secular publications and venues, she is passionate about biblical literacy and theological education and serves on the board of trustees of Denver Seminary. Patty Pell DIRECTOR OF JUSTICE AND MISSION PROGRAM Patty Pell is the director of the Justice and Mission Program. She received an MA with a major in biblical studies, Old Testament, from Denver Seminary and is currently working on her PhD in the UK. She has served with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, pastored in the local church, and planted an immigrant and refugee congregation. She loves running, reading, tennis, and soccer. Jamie Leach ALUMNA Jamie Leach, LMFT, LPC, is a devoted follower of Christ and marriage and family therapist who adores her husband and cherishes family and friends. Jamie is a Colorado native, and after attending college in Maryland, she came back to Colorado to obtain her MA in counseling with a concentration in clinical mental health from Denver Seminary in 2012. Rob Foley DEAN OF STUDENTS Rob Foley is the dean of students, serving in his eighth year at Denver Seminary. He and his wife, Leah, have three young children and are doing the rewarding and steady work of raising them so that they too will know the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord.

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