​www.upcisages.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - sagepageupci@gmail.com​

Carlton L Coon, Sr UPCI Sages Director

“John the Sage”

Blog written by Dr. Gary D. Erickson, Blog Author, Director of Library Services/Theological Librarian at Urshan Library

John the Beloved was a leader among the Twelve Apostles. He authored five New Testament books and was a “Sage!” John was the only Apostles to escape martyrdom, live into old age, and die of natural causes. Although he lived a long life. his faith and loyalty to Jesus did not shield him from persecution. He was boiled in oil and somehow escaped with his life. He was arrested and i

mprisoned on the Isle of Patmos, but eventually escaped back to Ephesus where he spent his remaining years. John never allowed his suffering to impede his discipleship and ministry. While imprisoned on Patmos, he wrote The Revelation. He wrote his gospel while living his Sage-years in Ephesus. Historians believe John was almost 100 years old at his death!

John was also a cousin to Jesus and a member of His inner circle. At the Last Supper, John refers to himself as the “disciple whom Jesus loved” (John 21:20). In the last moments of Jesus’ life, His confidence in John was revealed by entrusting...

Read the Article

Calls to Action:

1. Commit today to serve God faithfully—no matter your age or season of life.
2. Choose to be a worshiper until the very end—don’t let anything silence your praise.
3. Use your “Sage years” wisely—pour your life into purpose, prayer, and ministry.

Sages Working in Missions - Sint Maarten

Pulpit Sages Podcast

​

Hear Nate Haner, UPCI Sages Indiana District Director as he discussed UPCI Sages and his experience as a Director. often humorous, this interview is a rewarding listen.

Join UPCI Sages

Facebook Group

Please respond to the participation questions and provide your email address when you join.

Click to Join

2026 Sages Pre-Conference

​Registration is open! Registration is free!

The story behind........

Jesus Loves Me

This catchy hymn is especially popular with children in churches worldwide. The hymn was written in 1859 first as a poem by American writer Anna Bartlett Warner, who wrote the poem at her sister’s request.

Specifically, Warner’s sister—also a writer—was writing a novel and asked Warner to write a poem to be read to a fictional dying child in the book.

Ironically, out of that request for the comfort of a fictional child arose one of the most beloved children’s hymns of all time. The hymn assures actual children of Jesus's unconditional love for them with the opening verses:

Jesus loves me! This I know,​
​For the Bible tells me so;​
​Little ones to Him belong;​
​They are weak, but He is strong.

The music to this hymn’s lyrics was composed in 1861 by musician William Bradbury, who added the refrain, “Yes, Jesus loves me,” sung in today’s version of the song. Notably, the simple yet direct lyrics of this hymn make it a favorite as one of the first hymns that Christian missionaries teach to new converts.

Aside from being a writer of Christian hymns, Warner and her sister also taught Bible study classes for cadets at West Point for over 40 years. One distinguished student of the Warner sisters was General Dwight D. Eisenhower. Upon the sisters’ deaths, their funeral services were conducted with military honors.

To date, the sisters are the only civilians to be buried at West Point’s military cemetery. Warner’s former family home is now a museum on the grounds of the United States Military Academy.

Source: Crosswalk.com

Our Mission UPCI Sages mission is to revitalize our sense of purpose. In this last third to quarter of life, you and others like you have much to offer the world! We now have more time to devote to sharing Jesus and serving Him! ​ ​

Did You Miss a Sage Page?

Click this button to view previous editions of the Sage Page.

Click to Read Prior Editions

UPCI Sages Resources

This is an official UPCI Electronic Publication.