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Dear Friends and Partners of Christian Union at Penn,
We are two-thirds of the way through the summer, Philadelphia has experienced a heatwave and the summer Bible course discussion on Tim Keller’s The Prodigal God has come to a fruitful close. Vacationing and visiting the sites of some early churches in Turkey were rejuvenating (a ten year wedding promise fulfilled by God’s provision). Professional development has been positively challenging (more below). Working remotely the last few weeks have increased the value of an assortment of Starbucks. I miss Tucker, Kelly and Mae, the Penn team.
We are two-thirds of the way through the summer, Philadelphia has experienced a heatwave and the summer Bible course discussion on Tim Keller’s The Prodigal God has come to a fruitful close. Vacationing and visiting the sites of some early churches in Turkey were rejuvenating (a ten year wedding promise fulfilled by God’s provision). Professional development has been positively challenging (more below). Working remotely the last few weeks have increased the value of an assortment of Starbucks. I miss Tucker, Kelly and Mae, the Penn team.
Dear Prayer Partners,
We are so grateful for your prayers always. This past Sunday, I was reminded of a profound truth in Hebrews 7:25 — “Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.” Jesus Christ, who is alive at the Father’s right hand is himself praying for us. He maintains a fervent and faithful prayer watch, talking to the Almighty Father on our behalf who is able to do anything. Thank you for the prayers you lift up to the living Savior concerning us, our students, and our campus.
We are so grateful for your prayers always. This past Sunday, I was reminded of a profound truth in Hebrews 7:25 — “Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.” Jesus Christ, who is alive at the Father’s right hand is himself praying for us. He maintains a fervent and faithful prayer watch, talking to the Almighty Father on our behalf who is able to do anything. Thank you for the prayers you lift up to the living Savior concerning us, our students, and our campus.
Reading the newspaper this past month has been enormously interesting – from the political theatre of Supreme Court nominations, NATO summits and Helsinki, to the new Mr. Rogers documentary Won’t You Be My Neighbor? in a throwback to a “kinder, gentler America”, to Microsoft’s announcement of breaking the $100 billion in annual revenue – in their race with Apple, Facebook and Google to be the first trillion-dollar company. July, by any measure, has been a remarkable month.
Grace and peace from Palo Alto!
As we settle into different rhythms for the summer, I reflect on our students spread around the world: New York City, Dominican Republic, Kenya, India, among other locales. It is encouraging to think of these students being challenged in so many ways, exploring their faith in new contexts, sharing the hope of Jesus with others. Yet we also miss the daily interaction with our Christian Union students and look forward to reconnecting in a couple of months.
As we settle into different rhythms for the summer, I reflect on our students spread around the world: New York City, Dominican Republic, Kenya, India, among other locales. It is encouraging to think of these students being challenged in so many ways, exploring their faith in new contexts, sharing the hope of Jesus with others. Yet we also miss the daily interaction with our Christian Union students and look forward to reconnecting in a couple of months.
The story of Anah discovering the hot springs in Genesis is probably one you didn’t hear as a kid. Christian Union Ministry Fellow Fady Ghobrial addresses undergraduates involved in Harvard College Faith & Action (an autonomous student organization at Harvard, supported and resourced by Christian Union) about this seemingly insignificant character. Find out what faithfulness in the little things looks like, why it is important to our life and calling, and how God rewards it! (27:15)
Turning the World Upside Down; Trials and Integrity; Winsome, But Firm; Exile: A Roadmap for Resident Aliens; 3 Things Your Calling is Not and more, in this issue of Christian Union's bi-monthly email brief.
Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.
— 1 Peter 2:17
by Geoff Sackett
Trials have the unmistakable quality of being difficult. Just ask Job, or Jeremiah, or Naomi, or Joseph. And yet they are not without purpose. It is not as if they show Satan has gained the upper hand. Or that God is wantonly cruel. Trials do not show that the Enemy has won or that God is vindictive. Listen to how James describes trials:
“. . . when you meet trials of various kinds . . . the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (1:2, ESV).
Conspicuously absent from this verse is any mention of God’s providential, loving hand over trials. But though not explicit, God’s hand is clearly present.
Trials have the unmistakable quality of being difficult. Just ask Job, or Jeremiah, or Naomi, or Joseph. And yet they are not without purpose. It is not as if they show Satan has gained the upper hand. Or that God is wantonly cruel. Trials do not show that the Enemy has won or that God is vindictive. Listen to how James describes trials:“. . . when you meet trials of various kinds . . . the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (1:2, ESV).
Conspicuously absent from this verse is any mention of God’s providential, loving hand over trials. But though not explicit, God’s hand is clearly present.
The following was recorded at the CU Cities Conference held from June 22 - 23, 2018 in New York City. In this plenary, Claude Alexander explores the topic, "Turning the World Upside Down." (41:25)
The following was recorded at the CU Cities Conference held from June 22 - 23, 2018 in New York City. In this plenary, Claude Alexander explores the topic, "Turning the World Upside Down." (41:25)
The following was recorded at the CU Cities Conference 2018 held from June 22 - 23, 2018 in New York City. (48:24)
