July 16, 2018
by Geoff SackettTrials have the unmistakable quality of being difficult. Just ask Job, or Jeremiah, or Naomi, or Joseph. And yet they are not without purpose. It is not as if they show Satan has gained the upper hand. Or that God is wantonly cruel. Trials do not show that the Enemy has won or that God is vindictive. Listen to how James describes trials:“. . . when you meet trials of various kinds . . . the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (1:2, ESV).Conspicuously absent from this verse is any mention of God’s providential, loving hand over trials. But though not explicit, God’s hand is clearly present.
July 10, 2018
July 9, 2018
The Lord set Alanna Staffin on the fast-track to spiritual growth since joining Cornell Christian Union the second semester of her freshman year. Now as she begins her senior year, she intends to give back in the ways she knows how: dairy and mentorship.When you first meet Alanna Staffin, you will likely notice 3 things about her. First, she appears really happy. Yet as you carefully observe and listen to her, you wonder whether the word happiness can adequately define her cheerful, refreshing energy. Alanna is also enthusiastic about dairy. One question from you and you have launched her into a passionate and stimulating explanation of the subject, prompting you to nod your head, inspired. Your final, most resounding takeaway from conversing with Alanna is Jesus. Alanna loves Jesus.
July 5, 2018
Os Guinness Explains Implications of the Reformation; The Genius of Phillis Wheatley; The Sermon that Helped Push the Colonies Toward Independence; What is Love; Princeton Takes a Stand for Free Speech on Campus and more, in this issue of Christian Union's bi-monthly email brief.
Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does.— Psalm 145:13
July 2, 2018
by Tucker ElseA question that is probably as timely now than it has ever been is this: “What is love?”Bob Marley asked that question back in the 70s. The band Foreigner was at least honest enough to admit “I want to know what love is! I want you to show me!” (although the “you” is never really identified). I find it interesting that much of our popular music in the last 70 years (going back to the days of Frank Sinatra) asks that question, or laments its lack, or celebrates its being requited. But the question still stands, even if it is a question implied by a couple of bobble-headed club-goers played by Will Ferrell and Chris Kattan on SNL circa 1994 with their pervasive sound-track of “What is love? Baby don’t hurt me!”So, what is love? Is it sex? Romance? Warm feelings? Maybe.
June 20, 2018
There Are Few Who Die So Hard; Against Moderation; Why You Can't Just 'Give Them the Gospel'; Sharing Faith Is Increasingly Viewed as Optional by Christians; Your Support by June 30 Will Help Teach & Train Godly Leaders and more, in this issue of Christian Union's bi-monthly email brief.
How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”.— Romans 10:14-15
June 18, 2018
by Nick NowalkThe central thrust of Stephen Prothero’s provocative book, God is Not One: The Eight Rival Religions That Run the World, is that the major religions of the world are manifestly not all saying the same thing in different ways.
June 13, 2018
by Nick Nowalk“There is no such thing as excess in our taking of this spiritual food. There is no such virtue as temperance in spiritual feasting.” – Jonathan Edwards, “The Spiritual Blessings of the Gospel Represented by a Feast” (The Yale Works of Jonathan Edwards, Vol. 14)Most historians would omit “moderation” or “temperance” from a list of the dominant traits of our secular age. Who could disagree? Much depends, however, on the choice of topic. Moderation with respect to what?
June 7, 2018
A Spiritually Vibrant Nation Will Bless the World; Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission; Faith and Doubt; Jesus for a Post-Truth World; War of the Words and more, in this issue of Christian Union's bi-monthly email brief.
But the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action.— Daniel 11:32
June 5, 2018
Overcoming Blocks to Intimacy with God
On June 5, 2018 CU New York was delighted to feature chair of the board of Christian Healing Ministries, Lee Ann Rummell, for a powerful night of encouragement to align our lives with God’s ways.June 4, 2018
by Geoff SackettPerhaps you have had a serious doubt about a particular Christian truth claim. You continue to believe, say, that Jesus is God incarnate, but you also seriously question that belief. Some of the doubts we experience can be easily brushed aside. We brush aside “light” doubts every day. But the kind of doubts I have in mind in this brief post are ones that are persistent and not easy to brush aside.
What is doubt?
May 26, 2018
Led by Dr. Stamenka Antonova
Christian Union New York hosted salon tours of the Met on May 25 and June 1, 2018 titled, "The Cradle of Early Christianity: Ancient Mediterranean Culture and Religious Art at the Met."Dr. Stamenka Antonova shared rich insight into the museum's ancient exhibits. Professionals and graduate students in New York connected with fellow Christians during an evening of lively conversation and learning.May 23, 2018
The Nature of Christian Scholarship; Preparing for Public Service; A Matter of Identity; Aspects of a Christian Worldview, Part 2; Having Your Smartphone Nearby Takes a Toll on Your Thinking and more, in this issue of Christian Union's bi-monthly email brief.
And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”— Luke 10:27
May 22, 2018
May 21, 2018
by James M. GarretsonRead part one of this post here.Formation of a Christian worldview is ultimately rooted in a Christian’s relationship with Christ. The bible teaches that our nature, by virtue of physical birth, is one of spiritual death and alienation from God. Any parent knows that they do not need to teach their children to do wrong; even the youngest child can act in a sinful manner by instinct and disposition. Sinful behavior only multiplies throughout our lives.Sin is both a condition and an activity. In the words of a sixteenth century Protestant catechism, “sin is any want of conformity to, or transgression of, the law of God.” Every part of our nature has been infected by sin; our minds are described by scripture as darkened and our consciences hardened in our natural state. Mankind, scripture announces, is dead in sin and trespasses.
May 17, 2018
Care Net CEO Honored at Nexus Conference
May 17, 2018
Christian Union New York Hosts Os Guinness
May 17, 2018
Conference Is Refreshing for Dartmouth Students
May 17, 2018
Hein ’20 Is Persistent in Pursuing God
May 17, 2018
Beck and Curtis Are Interns in Washington, D.C.
