Seeking God
Christian Union Hosts January 2025 Nationwide Fast
An Amazing Opportunity for American Christians to Seek the Lord Together
By erin conner, writer and communications associate
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9
Christian Union America hosts regular national fasts with the intention of deepening our own relationship with the Lord and interceding for our nation to return to Him, and wants to invite you to join this January for 14 days.
Two powerful testimonies from previous CU America National Fasts illustrate the significance, in part, of joining this movement:
"This was the longest fast I have ever done. The fast showed me the danger of having so much comfort and material prosperity. It can cause us to forget God and live our lives apart from seeking Him."
"I’m so thankful for CU and have been so blessed by all the CU ministry events I’ve participated in. For the first part of the fast I did a dry fast, which really broke me in a good way spiritually and physically. The fast took me to a deep place of crying out for God and brought me to a depth of need for God that I’ve never experienced before. I thank God for this opportunity to join in this fast."
Fasting is an essential part of Christian life. It is modeled for us throughout the Scriptures and has a unique capacity to draw us closer to the Lord through humble dependence upon Him above all things.
Christian Union America will be hosting this 14-day fast from January 1 through the 14th with a special emphasis on persevering in our devotion to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In regard to this fast, founder and president of Christian Union, Matt Bennett, shared, "Jesus is everything to us, and we need His supernatural strength to remain faithful to Him through thick and thin. We want revival across America, and to see that happen, Christians need to faithfully seek His face no matter the obstacles or cost."
Faith & Mental Health: A Testimony of Freedom
Christian Leader in Media Shares Life-Giving Message in a Culture of Despair
By erin conner, writer and communications associate
Carrie Sheffield, a renowned columnist and broadcaster in Washington DC, released a memoir this past spring entitled Motorhome Prophesiesthat proclaims liberty is possible for the captives of trauma. Sheffield is a Harvard alumna, a member of Christian Union America, and serves in an advisory role for the Christian Union Washington DC board of advisors.
Sheffield shares insights with millions of Americans on networks like CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, CBS News, CNBC, BBC, and more. From ABC’s Good Morning America to HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher, PBS,and C-SPAN, she brings a voice of virtue to the American communications and media industry through boundless interviews, articles, appearances on television shows and podcasts, and at forums across the nation.
A Movement to Transform Culture for Christ
Christian Union Provides Support and Resources for Spiritual Strengthening
By erin conner, writer and communications associate
Your spiritual vitality is a matter of national importance. Perhaps that sounds dramatic, but consider it–our culture is shaped by the daily decisions of industry leaders who either embrace secular values or who embrace biblical values, many of whom may not know how to integrate their faith and their profession. How well are American believers equipped to bring Christian faith and values into their spheres of influence? And what are the implications if they don't? The Supernatural Power of Christian Unity
A Call to Unite to Fervently Pray for Our Nation
By christian Union america
The spiritual condition of our day demands a serious, wholehearted, unified response from the Church; the nation and the people of God in America need a fresh work of the Spirit of God. Unity in any human organization is powerful, but Christian Unity comes with supernatural power. At Christian Union, we say, “Unity of the Spirit precedes a filling of the Spirit.”
Devotional: We Have Not Received a Spirit of Fear
Rekindle the Gift of God to Overcome
By Michael Racine, writer and ministry fellow at christian union lux at yale
Paul, apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life in Christ Jesus, to Timothy, beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and from Christ Jesus our Lord. I give thanks to God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day, longing to see you, having been reminded of your tears, so that I may be filled with joy, receiving remembrance of the sincere faith that is in you—which was first in your grandmother, Lois, and in your mother, Eunice, and which I am convinced is also in you.
Three Lessons on the Soul
How Does Jesus Teach Us to Compute?
by Erin conner, writer & communications associate
In a recent article entitled "To Gain the World and Lose Your Soul," published by Desiring God, writer Greg Morse powerfully illustrates the problem of ignoring the soul as a result of the distractions and deceptions of our modern world.
Morse writes, "One great feature of modernity, from Satan’s standpoint, is the sheer rejection of the soul. We live in a world stupefied by the material. Ask ten people on the street about their souls — if they don’t wonder aloud, 'What does this babbler wish to say?' (Acts 17:18), they will tell you that if they do have a soul, they have not thought much about it. Even ancient pagan philosophers wrote dense treatises on the soul, but the mass of men today live as though they are soulless. And yet these same people investigate the silliest things under the sun. If anything is worth thought, is it not your soul? 'Claiming to be wise, they became fools'” (Romans 1:22).
Shepherds for Sale: The Bennett Broadcast's Recent Book Review
A Closer Look at Episodes 2 and 3 of a Newly Launched Christian Podcast
By Erin conner, writer and communications associate
51 million Americans listen to podcasts at least once a month, making it a powerful platform for Matt Bennett, Founder and President of Christian Union and the Heritage Pastors Association, to use to deliver messages about national revival and reformation.
In two episodes of his newly launched podcast, Bennett explores ideas in Megan Basham's best selling book Shepherds for Sale; a book that investigates how deeply secular billionaires have infiltrated America’s churches. Shepherds for Sale "documents how progressive powerbrokers set out to change the American church… and warns of what happens when the church trusts the world’s wisdom instead of Scripture" (Amazon.com). In review of the book, Os Guinness shares, "Some will quibble over details, but no one should miss the powerful warning in this book. We face a gathering storm, as Winston Churchill warned a century ago, but this time the enemy is inside as well as outside the gates. Every convinced and unashamed Evangelical should read, ponder, and pray over this important book."
Devotional: Pray for the Return of the Prodigal
Christian Union National Fast: America Returning to God, August 1-14, 2024
by peter ahlin, coo/CFO at christian union
“But when he came to himself, he said, “How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.” -Luke 15:17-20
Jesus loved to tell stories of heaven’s rejoicing at the salvation of lost souls. He depicted a widow exulting over a found coin or a shepherd delighting as he held a recovered sheep; He spoke in terms that resonated with all. But no story ever became as iconic as that of a loving father whose son rejected him, plundered him, and left him, and how that father watched for him, waited for him, and wept for him. The story captured perfectly how great the father’s love and how hopeful those may be who trust wholly in it.
Many of us also watch, wait, and weep for beloved children or others who wander without hope and without God in the world. We want to follow Scripture’s clarion call to “pour out [our] hearts like water to the Lord, [to] lift up [our] hands to him in prayer, pleading for [our] children” (Lamentations 2:19). So how do we pray for the prodigal?
Keep the Fire Burning
Host a CU Fire Retreat This October in Your Own Home or Church
by Christian union america
"Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord."-Romans 12:11
Over ten thousand people joined Christian Union to fast and pray for America to Return to God through the CU National Fast this August. As Americans continue to seek God for the nation's return, Christian Union is offering an opportunity for believers across the country to host an in-home retreat this fall to keep the fire of our faith burning.
Join Christian Union for a powerful simulcast retreat on October 4-5 to build on the spiritual momentum from the fast, strengthen your walk with the Lord and deepen your friendships with others who are passionate about revival in your own lives, as well as in the lives of your families, churches, and communities.
Building Relationships for Life
Mentorship Pair Shares Insight into Christian Union's Alumni Program
by Christian union america
Part of Christian Union’s mission is to transition alumni into the workforce or into graduate school well, linking them with a broad Christian network to support and sustain their faith for life through a meaningful mentorship program. In this program, mentors and mentees, paired largely based on common career paths, meet monthly to discuss topics such as seeking God, developing a bold faith, connecting to a local church, and navigating the workplace as a believer.
Ann Brooks is among the dozens of accomplished and faithful mentors with whom Christian Union America collaborates. After joyfully attending her mentee's wedding, she and her mentee, Delaney Thull, sat down to share some insights in the interview below:
Devotional: Faith that Pleases God
Christian Union National Fast: America Returning to God, August 1-14, 2024
by michael racine, writer and ministry fellow for cu lux at yale
If you want to see a miracle, what should you do? It’s a question that children in Sunday school could readily answer: Ask God, and have faith. This message runs all throughout the gospels, in the numerous healing accounts in which Jesus says, “Your faith has made you well,” “Be it done to you according to your faith,” or something similar, and in His explicit and repeated teaching on the subject to His disciples. “Ask, and you shall receive” (Matt 7:7; Luke 11:9). “Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours” (Mark 11:24).
All too often, though, we find ourselves crying out like the afflicted boy’s father, “Lord, I believe, but help my unbelief!” (see Mark 9:24). How can we remove the nagging doubt that chokes our mustard seed of faith and keeps it from bearing fruit? First, it helps to understand what exactly “faith” is, as defined by the Scriptures. Faith is not, as many would suggest today, willful belief without evidence. It is, quite simply, that which underlies our expectations and convinces us of things we haven’t seen (Heb 11:1). All of us believe a million different things beyond what we’ve personally seen, and quite rationally. Why? Because we’ve been told, and we deemed the source reliable. “So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of the Anointed” (Romans 10:17).
Devotional: The Sovereignty of God over Nations
Christian Union National Fast: America Returning to God, August 1-14, 2024
by grace ann arvey, director of christian union america
"Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket, and are accounted as the dust on the scales; behold, he takes up the coastlands like fine dust… All the nations are yet as nothing before Him, they are accounted by Him as less than nothingness and emptiness." - Isaiah 40:15,17
In these verses, the prophet Isaiah magnifies the incomparable greatness of our God, putting the importance of our nation into a right perspective. The nations, with all of their pomp, power, and multitudes, are yet as nothing before Him. They are but a drop in the bucket, insignificant and easily lost. The coastlands, lifted like fine dust, signify the ease with which God can govern the greatest of a nation’s endeavors.
Over Ten Thousand Participants Join Christian Union to Fast and Pray
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
Triggering a Sea of ChangeA 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 12, 2024
Devotional: Lover of Money or People?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 1, 2024
A Nationwide Call to Unite in HumilityChristian 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
Devotional: A Heart of MourningGrieving 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 22, 2024
The Healing Hand of God in the Land of FijiA 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 mysteps 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 13, 2024
Devotional: King of the NationsCU National Fast 2018 Prayer for Revivalby Christian union americaIf at any time I declare concerning a nation or a kingdom, that I will pluck up and break down and destroy it, and if that nation, concerning which I have spoken, turns from its evil, I will relent of the disaster that I intended to do to it. And if at any time I declare concerning a nation or a kingdom that I will build and plant it, and if it does evil in my sight, not listening to my voice, then I will relent of the good that I had intended to do to it. -Jeremiah 18:7-10
June 7, 2024
What was the Azusa Street Revival?Exploring an Impactful Revivalby Christian union americaThe Azusa Street Revival is not commonly considered one of America’s great revivals like the First (1730-1755) and Second (1790-1840) Great Awakenings because it did not affect the nation on a broad scale. However, Azusa Street may have had the largest worldwide impact of any revival that began in the United States. The catalyst to the Azusa Street Revival was a determined desire to receive “the baptism of the Holy Spirit,” as understood by some. The idea of “the baptism of the Holy Spirit” comes from Acts 1:5 (cf. Luke 3:16) when Jesus told the apostles, “John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” Jesus’ words about being baptized with the Spirit were fulfilled in Acts 2:1-4 when “they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.” There are a variety of interpretations among Christians as to “the baptism of the Holy Spirit.”  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! Bitpro Dex . На Вавада вас ждут тысячи игр и щедрые бонусы. Зарегистрируйтесь на Vavada, чтобы получить доступ к уникальным промокодам и приветственным фриспинам. .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! .Пройдите регистрацию, чтобы поучаствовать в промо и попробовать в Вавада топовые слоты с джекпотами. Поборитесь за крупные призы в турнирах. Проникнитесь реалистичной атмосферой в лайв казино. .Регистрация на Вавада откроет доступ к лучшим бонусам: промокоды на фриспины, бонусы на депозиты и бесплатные ставки. Войдите на сайт, создайте логин и пароль и начните играть. ไปที่https://autopgslot.bet/ |