A Note about Revival from Matt Bennett, Founder and President
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Zechariah 8:20-23 (ESV) “Thus says the LORD of hosts: Peoples shall yet come, even the inhabitants of many cities. The inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, ‘Let us go at once to entreat the favor of the LORD and to seek the LORD of hosts; I myself am going.’ Many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem and to entreat the favor of the LORD. Thus says the LORD of hosts: In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue shall take hold of the robe of a Jew, saying, ‘Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’” |
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Revival theologian Jonathan Edwards identifies Zechariah 8:20-23 as the most descriptive passage on revival in the Bible, centering it in his essay, An Humble Attempt, to promote united prayer for outpourings of the Spirit. America is currently at a crossroads, and more than ever needs to return to God wholeheartedly. Today is the first day of a 14-day fast led by Christian Union, beseeching God to have mercy on the nation and to bring revival. July 24, 2024
A Look Back at Tim Keller's Final Words to a Nation in Need of Revivalby Christian union america, first published in 2023; revised and edited in 2024It has been over a year since Tim Keller penned and published his last words to Americans. Two of Keller’s final written pieces, published just weeks before his passing on May 19, 2023, were on the subject of revival. One such article was directed to the church at The Gospel Coalition (March 17, 2023) and the other offered to all Americans in The Atlantic (February 5, 2023). July 22, 2024
The Power of Studying Scripture Revealed in Students' Livesby erin conner, writer and communications associate"It has honestly kept me alive. I think if I never had this spot to go to while being on this challenging campus, I would not be here. Literally," wrote one Columbia University student in response to a question on an end of year survey about Christian Union's Bible courses. The "spot" this student is referring to is CU's Ministry Center at Columbia located just blocks from campus where several CU Bible Courses are held each semester. This response and many others came pouring in as part of an end-of-year reflection given to students involved in Christian Union's Bible courses at Dartmouth, Brown, Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Penn, Cornell, and Stanford. In 2023, 387 students were enrolled in Bible courses across all of Christian Union Universities' ministries. The following is a compilation of several testimonies shared by students at Princeton, Harvard, Columbia, and Cornell about the power of being in a men's or women's Christian Union Bible Course in the spring of 2024: July 17, 2024
Christian Union Caritas, Isaiah Drummond, '21by Erin Conner, writer & communications Associate"I want to be a changemaker in the energy space," Isaiah Drummond effortlessly shared, when asked what he wants his work to accomplish.
July 16, 2024
Dear CU Gloria Law Cornerstone Partners and friends of the ministry,
“And should I not pity Nineveh, that great city...” - Jonah 4:11. You know Jonah, right? It’s the little, little book between Obadiah and Micah, that chronicles a chapter in the life of a very reluctant prophet by the same name. When you think about the story, it doesn’t reflect well upon its supposed author. But those short four chapters hold great insight into so many great themes: the character of God, justice and mercy, missions, calling, and so on. July 16, 2024
Dear CU Gloria Cornerstone Partners and friends of the ministry,
The last month at Harvard College has brought many changes, though not any changes that are out of the ordinary. As we send out the seniors that have shaped ministry at Christian Union Gloria for the past four years, daily life slows down and we are able to reflect on the last year and begin to plan for the next. It is truly a privilege to partner with students at Harvard as they navigate college life and to continue with them through young adulthood. As this is my first full academic year on faculty, I am especially grateful for the ways Christian Union works to not only raise up Christians who lead well, but also to continue connecting them and pouring into them even after they graduate. July 16, 2024
Dear CU Martus Cornerstone Partners and friends of the ministry,
It has been a pleasure connecting with some of you recently over the phone or in person to update you on the work of Christian Union's leadership development ministry at Penn. Thank you for your time and desire to learn more about CU Martus. July 15, 2024
Dear CU Caritas Cornerstone Partners and friends of the ministry,
In a season when so many individuals attending influential universities across America are experiencing chaos and division, God is using CU to powerfully unite and impact the lives of our students. It's truly inspiring to witness these future leaders faithfully pray, fast, and grow in their faith through diligent study of God's word. We can see God moving in a mighty way, as we continue to cry out for revival. Recently, we partnered with other ministries to present “ONE," a night of exalting the Lord in unity through prayer and worship. Remarkably, over 200 students joined us at Meyer Green, as praise and prayers filled the air in the heart of Stanford’s campus. The evening concluded with students making life-changing decisions to give their lives to Christ! July 15, 2024
Dear CU Lumine Cornerstone Partners and friends of the ministry,
The 2023-2024 academic year has come to an end at Columbia University, and Christian Union Lumine has been blessed by all that God has done on campus through the ministry. Most of our students have either gone home, traveled across the country for internships, or traveled abroad during the summer. We have seen our student leaders do amazing work during the semester with weekly outreach initiatives to reach their peers with the gospel. They have encouraged the community of believers to fast, pray, and seek God for revival on their campus. July 14, 2024
Is Culture Reshaping Religious Affiliation and Freedom in America?by Christian union, first published in 2021; edited and revised 2024Religious freedom is an expectation and reality in our country, but with a major shift in the cultural understanding of identity, some experts argue that religious freedom may be evaporating before our eyes. In an article from Gospel Coalition Australia entitled "Has Religious Freedom Had Its Day," writer Akos Balogh examines the cultural changes that are quickly reshaping the freedom of the Church in the west. July 12, 2024
Dear CU Libertas Cornerstone Partners and friends of the ministry,
Greetings from Providence! As the stillness of the summer begins on campus, I am praising the Lord that although our leaders are spread out in different areas across the country this summer, several of them are currently completing internships in Washington, DC. It’s amazing how the Lord has strategically kept our transformative leaders connected, even away from campus life. Knowing that several of them would be together, they planned ahead to connect with each other through meal times, prayers, and devotionals. Amaya Allen (Vice President) and Giselle Gonzalez (Campus Kindness leader) met up in DC and spent time with one another. I give glory to the Lord that He keeps these important bonds strengthened through the love and power of His Holy Spirit. July 12, 2024
Dear CU Vox Cornerstone Partners and friends of the ministry,
“Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” -Matthew 18:19-20 ESV When Jesus says that he’ll be among us, he really means it! God fulfills his promises. And in accordance with our united prayers, he has been so present at Dartmouth this past term. From hosting our evangelistic event for the whole campus (thank you for your prayers!) to providing personal ministry for over 30 students, we’ve seen God move. The level of fervor in Christian Union Vox’s students this spring has been extraordinary! From prayer meetings lasting until 2am to 10-day fasts to spontaneously worshiping the Lord together, God is on the move at Dartmouth! And it comes because God fulfills his word: when we seek him together, he shows up! July 12, 2024
Dear CU Nova Cornerstone Partners and friends of the ministry,
Our students began the month of May by taking their last finals and heading out for their summer plans. Many are pursuing internships, and some are working and studying around the world. Just this past week, I was able to connect one of our current students who is working in Japan this summer with an alumnus from our ministry who lives and works in Tokyo! What a blessing to have such an incredible alumni network at Princeton and through CU Nova. At the end of the year, many students shared testimonies with us about their experience in our Bible courses. One student remarked, “I think my involvement in CU Bible Course has been the most impactful and beneficial thing to my spiritual walk.” Another said, “This community has given me my favorite memories of Princeton.” It’s amazing to see our students grow in love for the Lord and for each other throughout the year as they engage with CU Nova. July 12, 2024
Aligning Our Hearts with the Heart of Godby Christian union, first published in 2018; edited and revised 2024“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?"- Luke 16:9-11 (NIV)
July 10, 2024
Adora America Event at Madison Square Garden Created Altar of Unityby erin conner, writer and communications associate
Adora America "looks to collaborate with God in connecting the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ in a region, so that we might preach the gospel and flood the earth with the message of the Kingdom of God. As part of a previous move of God amongst the Hispanic community in this region, in 1998, the church declared New York as the city of God." July 1, 2024
Christian Union is Hosting a National Fast for America to Return to Godby Erin conner, writer and communications associatePew and Barna research showcases the multi-decade decline of Christian belief and practice in America among both strongly committed and marginally committed Christians. Projections indicate that 50 million people will be "lost" without reconciliation to God through Christ by 2050. America has suffered mass secularization in the last few decades resulting in an increase in disorder in America, from the highest levels of depression and anxiety on record since the Great Depression to a significant and measurable decrease in personal and societal health and stability. June 26, 2024
Grieving with the God of All Comfortby Christian union america"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." —Matthew 5:4 Did you know that mourning over sin is an important aspect of prayer for revival? As Christians with a healthy heart and mind, grieving over the destruction that sin causes in our own lives, in the lives of others, and in the land we live is a natural response. Consider this idea from the Bible: Jesus’ second beatitude promises blessing and comfort to those who mourn. In a narrow and natural sense, this beatitude applies to those who go through the heartache of trial and loss. But most commentators believe that there is a larger, spiritual application in Jesus’ words that centers on mourning over sin. Most often, this verse is applied to mourning over one's own individual sin. Yes, we should sincerely repent over our own sin; however, we need not stop at the personal level. There is also a corporate dimension to repentance, prayer, and blessing. If, together, we allow ourselves to feel what God feels- to allow God to give us a heart of flesh instead of a heart of stone- and mourn over the sins of our families, our churches, our communities, and/or our nation, Scripture illustrates that God’s blessing of comfort and healing can flow into these areas as well. June 24, 2024
Dear CU Vita Cornerstone Partners and friends of the ministry,
The 2023-2024 academic year has come to a close here at Cornell University, and Christian Union Vita has been blessed to see the Lord work in so many ways! It’s hard to believe how fast this year has gone! Our student leaders did incredible work all year long in reaching out to students and welcoming them in, helping students to find both a warm Christian community and a place where they could be challenged to grow into the Christian leaders God has called each of them to be. While several of our current leaders have graduated and are moving on, I am excited to say that the next academic year’s group of student leaders are already taking charge and implementing plans to begin reaching out to incoming students over the summer. These students are laying the groundwork to make sure Christian Union Vita hits the ground running when the semester starts this August! June 22, 2024
A Reflection on the Healing Power of God in the Church Ageby Christian union, originally published in 2019“…if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” – 2 Chronicles 7: 13, 14 One small hand slipped into mine. A second stealthy hand claimed my other hand. The young girls tugged me along the dirt path through the village, between small homes. Prayers and songs drifted from doorways. Cell phones served as our flashlights, guiding my steps only; the girls were sure-footed as they pulled and nudged me along. From the sky, heavy with darkness, stars erupted. They dangled so seemingly low amid the lengthwise haze of the Milky Way I wondered if I might disentangle a hand, reach up, and snatch one, just one, drop it my pocket, to remember a sacred night in Vunibao, Fiji.
June 17, 2024
Christian Union Lumine's Ministry Shines Light in the Midst of Chaosby Erin Conner, writer and communications associate
At times, Columbia University looked more like a military training zone than a university this past spring. On April 30, NYPD police wearing riot gear entered Hamilton Hall through a window to arrest students who barricaded themselves inside the building, prompting many people across the country to ask "what is going on at Columbia?"  As a Christian, what associations you have with gambling? A sin, an addiction, a misery... But not with Ice Casino! Check their website and see for yourself! . Зеркало официального сайта казино гарантирует быстрый вход на Вавада, даже если основной ресурс недоступен. Vavada предлагает бонусы за регистрацию и интересные турниры для всех игроков. Попробуйте свои силы уже сегодня! |