January 2, 2017
The intake of Scripture and the practice of prayer are both spiritual disciplines Christians are called to engage in daily and diligently. Should we ever combine the two and pray about our Bible reading? Writer Kristen Wetherell, in "Unlocking the Bible," suggests that we can and should pray before we begin our study of the Bible. She writes, "Reading the Bible before praying is like putting the cart before the horse. The proverbial horse is the Holy Spirit of God, who empowers and enlightens our Bible reading as we mine the depths of his Word. The proverbial cart makes up our willing eyes and hungry hearts, the Spirit-led choice to crack open our Bibles and pursue his everlasting truth. The cart must be pulled by the horse; our efforts to read must be motivated and helped by God’s grace and power. Christians come to God’s Word willing and hungry because he first made us willing and hungry to receive—but only he can enable us to receive. This is why we ask for help before we start reading." Following this explanation, Wetherell offers 22 different prayers from Psalm 119 to help us focus on the incredible gift of God’s Word: 1. Pray for wholehearted seeking: Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways! 2. Pray for protection from sin: I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. 3. Pray for opened eyes: Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law. 4. Pray for spiritual strength: My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. 5. Pray for delight and longing: Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain…Behold, I long for your precepts; in your righteousness give me life. 6. Pray to fight lies: Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord, your salvation according to your promise; then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me, for I trust in your word. 7. Pray to live with trust in God’s promises: This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life. 8. Pray for quick obedience: I hasten and do not delay to keep your commandments. 9. Pray for good judgment and knowledge: Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments. 10. Pray for God’s comfort: Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant. 11. Pray for endurance against the enemy: All your commandments are sure; my enemies persecute me with falsehood; help me! 12. Pray to depend on God’s enduring Word: Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens… I am yours; save me, for I have sought your precepts. 13. Pray for continual meditation: Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day. 14. Pray for God’s light to guide you: Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. 15. Pray for fear of the Lord: My flesh trembles for fear of you, and I am afraid of your judgments. 16. Pray for trust in the Lord’s justice: I am your servant; give me understanding, that I may know your testimonies! It is time for the Lord to act, for your law has been broken. 17. Pray for victory over sin: Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me. 18. Pray for joy in trouble: Trouble and anguish have found me out, but your commandments are my delight. 19. Pray for God to hear you: Hear my voice according to your steadfast love; O Lord, according to your justice give me life. 20. Pray for mercy: Great is your mercy, O Lord; give me life according to your rules. 21. Pray to abhor falsehood: I hate and abhor falsehood, but I love your law. 22. Pray for a soul of praise: Let my soul live and praise you, and let your rules help me. Lastly, Wetherell leaves us with this exhortation, "The cart may be ready, but apart from the horse’s strength, it goes nowhere. May we bring our eagerness and hunger for Bible reading to God in prayer, trusting him to strengthen us for every gift we will receive when we open our Bibles, and depending on him to change us in the process."Scripture ministers to us like nothing else in the world can as we engage with God through its pages. Let us put down our phones in 2024 and pick up His Word each morning to "be transformed by the renewing of our mind" (Romans 12:2). As we seek God in our daily lives, it is essential that we ask Him to guide us in all matters, perhaps even in our study of Scripture. Asking God for guidance as we open this gift from Him each day holds the potential to align our hearts and minds with the heart and mind of Christ Jesus. How utterly amazing of a gift this is! Read Witherall's full article here. Learn more about a Biblical perspective on the importance of a massive intake of Scripture from Christian Union's "Seven Keys to Kingdom Advancement" Online Teaching Series here.
December 23, 2016
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All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. — 2 Timothy 3:16-17
December 16, 2016
Throughout the books of the Bible, many promises are made. Some are specific to individuals or to one nation, yet many hint at redemption, salvation and blessing for all who trust in God. Once you start examining these promises, it is fascinating to realize which of these promises began as kernels in early Scripture, grew in significance as scriptural themes, and were fully realized in Christ and the Church. Many of God’s promises intertwine across books of the Bible in remarkable ways. This weaves key themes together through the Old and New Testament, and links the promises of the Bible to the present day and into to the future, as the Church carries forward with Christ’s Satan-defeating, redemptive work. In a recent interview, D.A. Carson delves into the intricacies of the promises made by God:
December 15, 2016
As humans we want an explanation for the grief we experience in our lives. Of course, we understand the source of the grief itself, which usually manifests itself in the form of a personal tragedy. While we may understand the source of the feeling itself, we can't conceptualize the strange contradictions or the overwhelming sense of desolation which sprout from it. Erik Schmidt succinctly conveys this idea in his article ‘If You Are Grieving Read This’:
December 15, 2016
The biweekly eNewsletter from Christian Union
And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." — Luke 2:10-11
December 13, 2016
There are sharply diverging reactions to the recent election. Some people are enthusiastic, seeing it as the beginning of a new era. On the other end of the spectrum, some people are despondent, seeing it as the beginning of the end. Either way, we need to step back and realize that there are pitfalls to being ruled by the emotions at either extreme. According to Rev. Charles Drew in his article ‘The Morning After’:
December 5, 2016
A recent article on Albert Mohler presented a question which was originally posed by Russian novelist Dostoevsky: ‘Will beauty save the world?’ Such a thought-provoking query cannot be answered without first defining the idea of beauty. This question can be answered in a variety of ways, and we might be tempted to imagine the sort of beauty that stares out from magazine covers. However, the article directs us to consider beauty in biblical terms, initially turning to Isaiah Chapter 53:
December 1, 2016
The biweekly eNewsletter from Christian Union
But we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will give thanks to you forever; from generation to generation we will recount your praise. — Psalm 79:30
November 23, 2016
With the Thanksgiving season at hand, the idea of gratitude should be on everyone’s minds. Yet, despite the fact that we are celebrating a day of gratitude, we seem strangely out of touch with the meaning and importance of gratitude. For most of us, we have a vague understanding of the term, but perhaps not a firm grasp on how and why we should practice this staple virtue. In an article entitled ‘Why we Should Be Thankful for the Gift of Gratitude’, Joe Carter explores the essential nature of this attribute, as well as helpful suggestions for how to grow in it.
November 22, 2016
In an article entitled ”How My Millennial Students Found Their ‘Hitchhiker’s Guide’ to a Secular Age”, Dr. James K.A. Smith, Professor of Philosophy at Calvin College, touches on the insights and impact of of philosopher Charles Taylor. He examines Taylor’s riveting, but challenging, 900-page book entitled “A Secular Age,” which covers religious belief and skepticism in the 21st century.
November 17, 2016
The biweekly eNewsletter from Christian Union
For the Lord, the Most High, is to be feared, a great king over all the earth.— Psalm 47:2
November 14, 2016
For Namans, Giving is a Family Endeavor
Christian Union supporters Dr. Vincent and Dian Naman have lovingly served side by side over the course of 31 years (and counting) of marriage. Together, they have raised four godly children and have made a significant impact on their community through their professional endeavors, service to their home church, and their commitment to furthering Christ's Kingdom.November 11, 2016
Sadly, many Christians have a stunted understanding of economics, with some even insisting that the Bible doesn’t really concern itself with such topics. In reality however, the Bible bestows upon us a wholesome worldview to which we can apply and shape our different spheres of life, whether they be economics, politics, or culture.
November 11, 2016
Christian Union's Engaging Lecture Series at Columbia
For more than two hundred years, Columbia University's motto has been: "In Thy light shall we see the light," based on Psalm 36:9. But according to Jim Black, Christian Union's director of undergraduate ministry at Columbia, each fall the university explains the motto and its true meaning incorrectly during freshmen orientation."Students are told that the meaning of the motto is 'by the light of you (incoming freshmen), we will all see the light.' That is a terrible misrepresentation of the biblical text," Black said.At its weekly leadership lecture series, however, Black and Christian Union's ministry at Columbia are rightfully shining the light where it truly belongs—on Jesus Christ.November 10, 2016
Ministry Welcome Events for Young Professionals
Christian Union's ministry for professionals in New York City hosted a series of events to welcome freshly minted graduates of leading universities to the commercial capital of the world.This summer and fall, Christian Union New York City held receptions aimed at providing young professionals with spiritual and practical support systems as many settle into new careers, especially in Manhattan's financial sector."We're intentionally helping people connect. Some people who come here are self-sufficient and some who come are overwhelmed," said Scott Crosby, director of Christian Union New York (CUNYC).November 9, 2016
Part of the seeking God lifestyle involves incorporating frequent and fervent pray into our daily lives. There are no ‘quick fix’ prayers that can replace the important process of learning to pray to God from the sincerity of our hearts. However, as humans, we need initial guidance, since we are innately formed to learn through example. In an article entitled ‘Seven Simple Daily Prayers’, writer Marshall Segal lays out seven ideas to help enrich and enliven our personal prayer. He pulls his tips from the Psalms, citing verses and then detailing them with explanation and personal experience.
November 9, 2016
Knaus '17 Has a Heart for Refugees
by Catherine Elvy, Staff WriterA University of Pennsylvania upperclassman is using her international upbringing, fluency in Arabic, and passion for supporting the vulnerable to aid an influx of refugees arriving in Philadelphia."I want to make a difference by helping people, so they can see God's love through me, especially with their tangible, practical needs," said Aimee Knaus '17, who grew up with her American family in Jordan and the Togolese Republic."God definitely set me up for it. God has me at Penn for a reason."November 8, 2016
The First Amendment is receiving a massive amount of pushback, not just from a specific group, but by the culture as a whole. Trevin Wax, in his article ‘4 Cultural Trends Leading to the Decline of Religious Liberty’, states:
November 8, 2016
Hendricks '17 Works on Law Degree as Undergraduate
Rob Hendricks, a member of Christian Union's ministry at Cornell, has become the first undergraduate ever to be accepted to the Cornell Law School. He is simultaneously a senior at Cornell and a first-year law student.November 7, 2016
