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May 7, 2020
Christian Union's COVID-19 Updates; Battling the Idol of Envy with Numbers 11; Centerstage Faith; American Exorcism; Five Companies Radically Shaped by the Faith of Their Owners and more, in this issue of Christian Union's bi-monthly email brief.
 
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"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
— 1 John 1:9

 

Christian Union's COVID-19 Updates

By Matt Bennett
From Christian Union
01 covidIn case you've missed it, Christian Union's founder and CEO, Matt Bennett, has released three updates on the impact that the coronavirus has had on Christian Union and its various ministries. The first link, below, includes all three of his updates, the most recent of which includes a video message from four Christian Union ministry faculty members who share what ministry has been like in the midst of the pandemic.

The second link is to a devotional Matt wrote for the Christian Union Day and Night 40 day fasting, repentance, and prayer initiative that just concluded. In it, he discusses (among other things) the importance and power of repentance in times like these.

Watch the Video and read Christian Union's COVID-19 Updates Now >

Read Matt's devotional >
 

Battling the Idol of Envy with Numbers 11

By Christine Hoover
From Gospel Coalition
Last year, I noticed a growing discontentment with my life. I chalked it up to circumstances: several of my good friends had moved away, my role within our church was rapidly shifting, and, as a result, I felt somewhat adrift. But as month after month went by, my discontentment only grew. I was becoming increasingly bitter, though I couldn’t have said why.

I only knew it felt as if I were wandering in the wilderness. Like the Israelites before me, I recalled with great longing what I once had: If only I were back in my Egypt. If only I could jump ahead to the land of milk and honey. If only I could be anywhere but right here.

 

Centerstage Faith

By Catherine Elvy
From Christian Union
03 columbiaA Columbia University senior dreams of reflecting his faith while unleashing his passion for acting, storytelling, and triggering laughter.

In the fall, Nathaniel Wyatt ’20 plans to relocate to Los Angeles to pursue a career in entertainment. “I want to communicate the beauty of God through art,” he said. “It’s part of being salt and light.”:

Read More >
  

American Exorcism

By Mike Mariani
From The Atlantic
Spiritual attack or demonic oppression may not be part of your religious language. Perhaps your denomination is hesitant to talk about spiritual realities and the demonic, or you have never had an experience of the supernatural. Wherever you find yourself, it seems our nation, even in the midst of a spiritual recession, is finding itself confronting the spiritual realm—whether we are ready or not. This article, from The Atlantic in 2018, is a fascinating look at the role of exorcism and healing from demonic oppression in the Catholic church.

"In sermons, interviews, and occasionally in tweets, Pope Francis has declared that Satan—whom he has referred to as Beelzebub, the Seducer, and the Great Dragon—is a literal being devoted to deceiving and debasing humans. In an apostolic exhortation released in April, he wrote, “We should not think of the devil as a myth, a representation, a symbol, a figure of speech or an idea,” but rather as a “personal being who assails us.”

Read Now >
  

Five Companies Radically Shaped by the Faith of Their Owners

From Christianity Today

05 companiesIn a business world that prioritizes productivity, speed, and profits, Christians may feel like Monday through Friday belongs to the world while Sunday belongs to God. But Scripture beckons Christians toward a more holistic lifestyle. “Whatever you do,” Paul says in 1 Corinthians, “do it all to the glory of God.”

We spoke to five Christian CEOs — including a co-CEO of the nationally renowned Camp Gladiator, Jeff Davidson — who want to do more than simply run another successful company. These leaders want their faith in Christ to be fully integrated into their business practices, influencing everything from production to employee relations, from hiring practices to strategic planning.

Read More >   



UNIVERSITY  MINISTRIES
Most of our universities are either in or getting ready for final exams so please pray that the students involved in our ministry finish well. Please also pray for their summer plans as many of the internship opportunities have been affected by COVID-19. Finally, please pray for our planning and preparation for the upcoming fall term. There is still much uncertainty and ambiguity with many university schedules and we want to be as mobile, flexible, and prepared as possible.

CITY MINISTRIES
Please pray for graduating seniors as they prepare to enter the workplace - that they will trust God for his abundant provision in these uncertain times, and for them to find rich spiritual community wherever they land. Pray that we would see transformative things take place as courageous believers follow Christ in their communities.

DAY & NIGHT

Praise God for encouraging so many Christians across the county to humble ourselves, pray, seek God’s face, and turn from our wicked ways during this difficult time. Pray that believers will be bold in their faith to trust God amid uncertainty and share their hope in Christ with others.

Talk Back

We would love to hear your thoughts and feedback about this newsletter or about any of the articles above. Please use this Contact Us form to share your thoughts >


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