Dr. James Perkins speaks on Purpose at CU

By Josh Christian, student news writer

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Dr. James C. Perkins, president of the Progressive National Baptists, is presented with the Campbellsville University Kente Cloth during convocation. (CU Photo by Rachel DeCoursey)

CAMPBELLSVILLE, KY (09/23/2015)(readMedia)-- Dr. James Perkins, president of the Progressive National Baptist Convention and pastor of Greater Christ Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan, spoke in Ransdell Chapel on the campus of Campbellsville University on Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 10 a.m.

"There is no greater challenge that will ever be imposed on our life than finding who we are," Perkins said.

Perkins spoke to the Christian's calling and purpose in life. Opening the Holy Bible, Perkins read the Gospel of Matthew's account of Jesus' Temptation in chapter four.

"The highest priority on your priority list... is to find out what your purpose is," Perkins said.

Further challenging the audience, Perkins posed a question of identity, "Why did God put us here?"

However, Perkins made it clear that finding one's purpose is never easy. "Even Jesus himself had to struggle with God's purpose for his life," Perkins said.

"Whatever your aim or purpose, you ought to want to please the Father," he concluded.

Perkins made it clear that whatever our goals or dreams are, we should strive to serve God. This is the only point of satisfaction for our souls

"We live in a celebrity culture and it is tempting to live to be popular," Perkins said, "God is calling you to live for Him by serving others."

"I don't care what your major is, will anyone's life be better because of you?" Perkins asked.

Perkins wrapped up by encouraging the audience to order the steps of their life by scripture. He was also awarded the Campbellsville University Kente Cloth Award. This award, represented by the placing of the colorful shroud upon Dr. Perkins, symbolizes African American servant leadership and accomplishment.

Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 3,500 students offering 63 undergraduate options, 17 master's degrees, five postgraduate areas and eight pre-professional programs. The website for complete information is campbellsville.edu.

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