At the beginning of each academic year, Southern Nazarene University introduces a verse that serves as a spiritual theme for students, faculty, and staff. This tradition is more than just selecting a passage; it is an intentional process of reflection and prayer led by Keith Newman, Ed.D., in collaboration with Blair Spindle, Ed.D.. Together, they carefully consider what message might best encourage and challenge the SNU community in the year ahead. For the 2025–2026 school year, the verse chosen was John 8:31–32: Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
When asked to reflect on what Jesus is communicating to His disciples, Newman replied, “The key is that it is the words of Jesus. What was interpreted by those initially, how we interpret it now as a group, and how we interpret it individually can be different. You can hear a verse of scripture, and because of the work of the Holy Spirit, it speaks to you in a whole different way than it does for me.”
Newman emphasizes that while you can find truth anywhere, its divine meaning is revealed through where and how it is encountered. “I know that Jesus knew there would come a time when people would seriously question the very nature of truth,” he expressed. “’What is truth?’ has been a question that has been asked from the very beginning, but in 2025, it is still being asked. Although Jesus hopes that we not only hear and see the truth, but that we experience the truth with Him.”
John 8:31–32 speaks to Newman as a reminder. “It reminds me that I need to be a truth teller. The first chapter in John talks about how Jesus came from the Father full of grace and truth.” He reflected further, “Grace and truth are a dynamic duo, like peanut butter and jelly–if there is not any truth, then there is no need for grace. But if there is truth out there, and I believe there is, there is a lot of need for grace.”
While truth can often be obscured by AI, social media, and other distractions, Newman explained how we can find a way around these influences: “I believe that Jesus is the ultimate truth, and if you have a relationship with Jesus, you will not be perfect, but that relationship becomes the anchor for a life full of truth and freedom through Him.”
Not only does the verse of the year speak to Newman, but he prays that the verse speaks to students, faculty, and staff as well. When asked what he wished for the university to take away from the verse, he stated, “I hope that they meditate on the verse itself and allow it to work in their life.”
Newman is firm in his beliefs when it comes to students connecting on campus as a community. “The coolest thing about this campus is that we are a community that lives out our lives together,” he expressed.
Not only does Newman wish for truth to be taught on campus, but he wishes for truth to be lived out. “Truth has to stand on something. For us, our truth comes from scripture,” he explained. “When you are in a situation where you have to choose one thing over the other, do not just say ‘I am going to go with my heart.” He continued, “You need to test your heart with your head–read scripture. Find what Jesus tells you to do.”
In times when truth feels debated, all Newman advises people to do is “build bridges.” Newman challenges us to ask, “How can we build a bridge between us and the other person to talk about that?”
As Southern Nazarene University embraces John 8:31–32 for the year ahead, the verse serves as both a challenge and an invitation—to live as disciples grounded in truth. For Newman, that truth is not abstract but found in the person of Jesus, who offers freedom through a life anchored in Him.
Photo provided by: SNU Creative