September 12, 2018
Resources for Cultural Revolution; John Onwuchekwa on Corporate Prayer; Get Alone, Get Away, and Get Messy with God; Indelible Imprints; How to Navigate Conversations About Sexual Identity; Officials destroying crosses, burning Bibles in China and more, in this issue of Christian Union's bi-monthly email brief.
If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.
— Proverbs 18:13
September 10, 2018
by Julia Carlisle
And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. - Mark 1:35
We’re all busy people with days filled with places to go and people to see. Taking time to get away with God to pray likely gets pushed to the bottom of the schedule for the day. We see in the Gospels that Jesus was a very busy man with a full and demanding schedule. Yet, this did not stop him from praying, for though He was the God of the Universe, He still required prayer to be in relationship with the Father. We find Him praying in every step of His ministry, from His baptism through His death. If we are struggling with knowing how to cultivate a consistent life of prayer, we need only look at Jesus who is the best demonstration of how we are to pursue a life of intimate prayer with the Father.
And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. - Mark 1:35
We’re all busy people with days filled with places to go and people to see. Taking time to get away with God to pray likely gets pushed to the bottom of the schedule for the day. We see in the Gospels that Jesus was a very busy man with a full and demanding schedule. Yet, this did not stop him from praying, for though He was the God of the Universe, He still required prayer to be in relationship with the Father. We find Him praying in every step of His ministry, from His baptism through His death. If we are struggling with knowing how to cultivate a consistent life of prayer, we need only look at Jesus who is the best demonstration of how we are to pursue a life of intimate prayer with the Father.
September 2, 2018
Sunday, September 2, 2018
Christian Unity for Cultural Transformation"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many."
1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (ESV)
One of the most common metaphors for the Church in the New Testament is the human body, because it mirrors key characteristics of the Church. Like a human body, the Church—that is, all Christians in the world—are unified into one corpus, and also like the human body, has members that look different and fulfill different functions. Additionally, just as a human body has a head which directs everything in the body, so the Church has Jesus Christ who is the head of the Church.
September 1, 2018
Saturday, September 1, 2018
To God Be Glory in the ChurchTo me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. … Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 3:8-10, 20-21 (ESV)
Of all the areas of society that we have fasted and prayed for these 21 days, the Church is the one that seems the weakest. In the world’s eyes, the church has the smallest influence on national affairs and holds the least amount of sway over the direction of our country. But that’s not so in God’s eyes.
God is unveiling an eternal, global plan with His Christ and the Church at the center. The Church will have a far greater impact on the world than merely affecting the culture of nations. Jesus is building the Church to confound the spiritual, invisible powers of evil behind our world’s systems.
August 31, 2018
Friday, August 31, 2018
Giving God Our Best"And when the queen of Sheba had seen the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built, the food of his table, the seating of his officials, and the attendance of his servants, and their clothing, his cupbearers, and their clothing, and his burnt offerings that he offered at the house of the Lord, there was no more breath in her. And she said to the king, "The report was true that I heard. ... Blessed be the Lord your God."
2 Chronicles 9:3-5, 8 (ESV)
The queen of Sheba had heard of the fame and wisdom of Solomon and she thought, “I have to see it for myself.” The Bible records her visit in this wonderful passage, giving us insight into the nature of excellence and wisdom.
August 30, 2018
Friends,
It’s the end of August, so you know what that means – students are getting ready to head back to campus! This is one of my favorite times of the year. Lots of energy on campus, excitement among the student body, and sense of God’s Spirit working in our midst. Please join us in prayer for the following as the semester begins:
August 30, 2018
Greetings!
I’m excited to report that the new academic year has begun. All our staff and students are brimming with expectation as we begin freshman campaign. We’re off to a great start as we even had a few freshmen attend our pre-retreat. Our pre-retreat was highly successful. We had a great mix of older and younger students and it was evident that the students in attendance grew deeper in community, had fun, and were spiritually nourished. On our last night, we had a time for students to share their heart. The level of vulnerability was simply astounding. It was as if these students had known each other for years, but in fact many were just getting to know each other. It was clear that God met us during our retreat; we left energized and ready to engage the incoming freshman class.
I’m excited to report that the new academic year has begun. All our staff and students are brimming with expectation as we begin freshman campaign. We’re off to a great start as we even had a few freshmen attend our pre-retreat. Our pre-retreat was highly successful. We had a great mix of older and younger students and it was evident that the students in attendance grew deeper in community, had fun, and were spiritually nourished. On our last night, we had a time for students to share their heart. The level of vulnerability was simply astounding. It was as if these students had known each other for years, but in fact many were just getting to know each other. It was clear that God met us during our retreat; we left energized and ready to engage the incoming freshman class.
August 30, 2018
Dear friends,
It was over twenty-five years ago, but I still remember moving in my freshman year of college and wondering “now what?!”. We just witnessed thousands of first year Cornellians move in last week and by the looks on their faces they’re thinking much the same thing. We’re doing our best to answer their “now what?!” with “come and be a part of our Christ-centered community . . .”.
It was over twenty-five years ago, but I still remember moving in my freshman year of college and wondering “now what?!”. We just witnessed thousands of first year Cornellians move in last week and by the looks on their faces they’re thinking much the same thing. We’re doing our best to answer their “now what?!” with “come and be a part of our Christ-centered community . . .”.
August 30, 2018
Dear friends,
As we turn the corner from summer into the fall, we have much to look forward to and, therefore, much to petition the Lord for! Please join us in lifting up these requests for Dartmouth.
August 30, 2018
“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” – John 15:5-11
Dear Friends and Family of HCFA,
This will be brief, but only because we stand on the threshold of what is arguably the most important week or two in the academic year. It’s an exciting time. Freshmen are moving in as we speak for orientation activities and forty students are returning to campus early to load a bus for Ottauquechee Farm in Bridgewater, VT. Our primary purpose? To prepare to welcome the class of 2022 with open arms.
Dear Friends and Family of HCFA,
This will be brief, but only because we stand on the threshold of what is arguably the most important week or two in the academic year. It’s an exciting time. Freshmen are moving in as we speak for orientation activities and forty students are returning to campus early to load a bus for Ottauquechee Farm in Bridgewater, VT. Our primary purpose? To prepare to welcome the class of 2022 with open arms.
August 30, 2018
The Gallup organization published a poll this year on institutions and the level of confidence Americans have in them. Some of their findings:
The list of institutions surveyed goes well beyond these few but the trend is similar – that we trust our institutions less as being capable, in our best interests, and as foundational to our societal well-being. While the Gallup poll does not break this down by faith commitment, I would be surprised if there was much difference between those of faith and those not of faith.
| 2018 | 2009 | 2000 | |
| Church/organized religion | 38% | 52% | 56% |
| Supreme Court | 37% | 39% | 47% |
| Congress | 11% | 17% | 24% |
| Big Business | 25% | 16% | 29% |
| Newspapers | 23% | 25% | 37% |
The list of institutions surveyed goes well beyond these few but the trend is similar – that we trust our institutions less as being capable, in our best interests, and as foundational to our societal well-being. While the Gallup poll does not break this down by faith commitment, I would be surprised if there was much difference between those of faith and those not of faith.
August 30, 2018
Dear Friends and Partners of Christian Union at Penn,
Praise God! Our students have returned safely to campus after Summer Break and our Freshman Campaign is off to an excellent start. We kicked the school year off with our Pre-retreat, for our returning leaders. I have to say it was one of our best retreats to date. The students reunited and had a wonderful time of teaching and training. We are thankful that God’s Spirit is moving among the students, bringing a sense of unity and hunger for God’s Word. Please pray that our students would have an increasing affection for Jesus and would translate that passion for Christ’s glory to tangible action on Penn’s campus.
Praise God! Our students have returned safely to campus after Summer Break and our Freshman Campaign is off to an excellent start. We kicked the school year off with our Pre-retreat, for our returning leaders. I have to say it was one of our best retreats to date. The students reunited and had a wonderful time of teaching and training. We are thankful that God’s Spirit is moving among the students, bringing a sense of unity and hunger for God’s Word. Please pray that our students would have an increasing affection for Jesus and would translate that passion for Christ’s glory to tangible action on Penn’s campus.
August 30, 2018
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As I am writing you today, it is a beautiful day in Princeton. The weather is becoming cooler—a clear sign that that summer is coming to a close. Our staff recently returned from our annual “Christian Union Faculty and Staff Conference.” This was a conference for all Christian Union’s ministry faculty as well as our support staff. We had a wonderful, encouraging time of seeking God together through prayer, as well as a time of training and equipping.
As I am writing you today, it is a beautiful day in Princeton. The weather is becoming cooler—a clear sign that that summer is coming to a close. Our staff recently returned from our annual “Christian Union Faculty and Staff Conference.” This was a conference for all Christian Union’s ministry faculty as well as our support staff. We had a wonderful, encouraging time of seeking God together through prayer, as well as a time of training and equipping.
August 30, 2018
Dear Prayer Partners,
As I write this update, Clay and the Yale team are in the midst of their pre-retreat with student leaders! Before classes start, the student leaders and the CU staff come together to reconnect with each other, the Lord, and the mission to reach Yale's campus with the gospel of Christ Jesus. In particular, they'll be strategically focusing on hospitality and outreach to the first-year students. Join me in praying that this time would be fruitful in terms of their relationships with each other, the Lord, and in stirring up these leaders to boldly proclaim the Lord and minister to their classmates.
As I write this update, Clay and the Yale team are in the midst of their pre-retreat with student leaders! Before classes start, the student leaders and the CU staff come together to reconnect with each other, the Lord, and the mission to reach Yale's campus with the gospel of Christ Jesus. In particular, they'll be strategically focusing on hospitality and outreach to the first-year students. Join me in praying that this time would be fruitful in terms of their relationships with each other, the Lord, and in stirring up these leaders to boldly proclaim the Lord and minister to their classmates.
August 30, 2018
The Great Awakening of 1727; The FAQs: What Christians Should Know About Social Justice; The Peculiar Shape of Christian Identity; Welcoming Freshmen Well; Let's Talk About the Decline of Conversation in the Church; Fear Not and more, in this issue of Christian Union's bi-monthly email brief.
For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite."
— Isaiah 57:15
August 30, 2018
I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel . . . (Phil. 1:3-5)
I hope this finds you well, trusting in the Lord. I am grateful for our partnership of prayer in the gospel. As I remember you with thanksgiving, I want to give you a few updates to inform your prayers as the new academic year begins.
I hope this finds you well, trusting in the Lord. I am grateful for our partnership of prayer in the gospel. As I remember you with thanksgiving, I want to give you a few updates to inform your prayers as the new academic year begins.
August 30, 2018
Thursday, August 30, 2018
Truly Good NewsI have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
3 John 1:4 (ESV)
The late, legendary CBS news anchor Walter Cronkite became known as “the most trusted man in America” from his desk at the evening news. After years of reporting on the Vietnam war, Cronkite travelled there himself in early 1968. After witnessing intense combat and interviewing military officials on the ground, Cronkite gave a special report to the American people, labeling the war “stalemate.” That moment, called “The Cronkite moment,” is referenced by some historians and journalists as one of the most influential in news media’s history. They believe when Cronkite’s attitude changed about the war, America’s began to as well. One trusted man’s words held that much weight.
August 30, 2018
Warm greetings from Palo Alto,
As a novice parent trying to figure out how to raise three young children (and making many more mistakes than I thought I would!), I often find myself saying inside my head, “What matters most in my relationship with my kids is that I love them, and that they know it.” Until recently, I found myself focusing on that first element: that I love my kids. After all, that’s the element in my control, right?
As a novice parent trying to figure out how to raise three young children (and making many more mistakes than I thought I would!), I often find myself saying inside my head, “What matters most in my relationship with my kids is that I love them, and that they know it.” Until recently, I found myself focusing on that first element: that I love my kids. After all, that’s the element in my control, right?
August 29, 2018
Friends See Benefit of Investing in Christian Union
Dean and Dianne Tanella, long-time financial partners with Christian Union, hosted a gathering with key people from their professional and personal networks to learn more about the work of the ministry. Amongst the attendees were Kurt and Danita Parker. Kurt is the senior minister of Harborside Christian Church in Safety Harbor, Florida. Through the Tanellas’ initiative, and by the work of the Holy Spirit, a simple evening of fellowship helped to launch a beautiful relationship between Harborside Christian Church and Christian Union.August 29, 2018
Freshman Campaigns Kick into High Gear
by Sarah CampThe academic year is already underway at Cornell, University of Pennsylvania, and Yale. Classes begin at Brown, Columbia, and Harvard next week, and in two weeks at Princeton and Dartmouth. In late September, Stanford students will begin their classes. In the meantime, members of the Class of 2022 are arriving by the thousands—excited, nervous, and, in the first few weeks of college life, as open to Christian friendships as they may ever be.
