Everyday Living
Faith
Writer’s block is quite comparable to everyday life as we strive to live out this narrative that we supposedly write for ourselves. We want to figure out possible plot twists, the characters involved, the situations we may encounter, the avenues that we need to take, where those roads will lead in the end… how our story should go. The truth is, we are not and have never been the author; we have never been the one in control.
Everyday Living
Faith
The Biblical view of dealing with stress provides an outlet for relief and offers a purpose for the difficult circumstances we face. When we carry everything to God in prayer, we can enjoy great peace and cope even within stressful environments.
Faith
Biblical Wisdom
Geneva College’s Racial Reconciliation Task Force consulted “One Blood: Parting Words to the Church on Race and Love” by friend of the college Dr. John M. Perkins. Perkins’ work proposes that reconciliation depends upon difficult, conscious decisions to forgive in the face of hate, reflecting the example of Christ, and emphasizes loving, sacrificial relationships. Geneva approaches reconciliation based on biblical truths, hospitality, honoring one another through acknowledgement, and cultural humility.
Biblical Wisdom
Everyday Living
Faith
Amid the numerous chapters in the Bible filled with hope, joy, and love, there is one Psalm that expresses the true impact of despair and depression. From beginning to end, Psalm 88 is truly hopeless. In this chapter, the Bible brings to light the thick darkness of depression.
Biblical Wisdom
Faith
Faithful Doubt: Habakkuk, written by pastor Travis Scott, explores the short prophetic book of Habakkuk, in a practical and meaningful way through the lens of a doubter. Travis approaches the passage of scripture from an honest and humble perspective, recalling difficulties experienced as a husband, father, and pastor.
Faith
While everyone else grieved the loss of a family member and friend, I grieved the loss of a soul. I wondered if I could have said or done something differently to change his mind about Christianity. My faith is based on God, but I assure you that if my faith was based on people then I would not be a Christian.
Biblical Wisdom
Faith
We can depend on God in the good times but even through the bad times, when the hope of any light is scarce. In fact, it is during the moments of extreme hopelessness that we can truly cherish the comfort and security that is only found in God our Heavenly Father. While the darkest times in our lives are the most painful, it is sometimes through these experiences that the light and hope of the gospel seems to shine brightest.
Everyday Living
Faith
Our perspective of ourselves can impact the beauty and value we see there. This view can end up being very different from how God and others see us. When we look at ourselves, we tend to see all the qualities that we dislike. But we need to adjust our perspective and make sure we are using the lens of Christ.
Biblical Wisdom
Everyday Living
Faith
Handing our cares and worries over to God gives us peace which keeps us from falling into doubt, as stated in Philippians. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
Biblical Wisdom
Faith
At Easter, a good question to ask is, "How are people saved?" This should be a question that Christians can easily answer, and indeed most can. However, sometimes Christians are less knowledgeable about the doctrine of justification and its important distinctions than perhaps they should be.
Everyday Living
Faith
The College
Geneva graduates are equipped to serve in many ways, not the least of which is in their own communities and communities where they find themselves. Here are the stories of three alumnae who have found a way to serve in their callings within a community that needs God's servants.
Faith
In times of disaster, helping others may be inconvenient but needed. Unfortunately, the additional social distancing restrictions and health code requirements of COVID has made helping difficult, but not impossible. Finding opportunities to serve other people during these strange times just requires us to be a bit more creative.
Biblical Wisdom
Faith
When someone shows us mercy, they are not giving us the punishment that we deserve. Jesus models this action for us in multiple ways. The importance of the exhibition of mercy by Christians is displayed throughout the New Testament, and there are many ways for us to show mercy daily.
Biblical Wisdom
Everyday Living
Faith
The College
In a world that has been impacted by sin, there is always more that can be done to ensure a mindset of good stewardship and redemption. It starts with understanding that God intends to connect man’s physical existence with the environment from which he was brought forth and continues with educating people with sensible information.
Faith
"My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness." Yet sometimes, when the world seems to be in crisis all around you, resting in the Lord seems nearly impossible. With worldwide pandemics, civil unrest, and violence on every news headline today, how can you turn your focus to the Lord and find your hope in Him? In the year of COVID, you may find that your stress and anxiety levels are higher than normal. How should you respond?
Everyday Living
Faith
Keeping a six-foot distance from each other during this pandemic brings feelings of depression and solitude. Separation from the people you love, the places you enjoy visiting and the friends you want to spend time with really hurts. Even though this feels like it has never occurred before, separation is a part of being human in a fallen world.
Faith
Can people of faith also believe in science? Can Christians teach science and remain faithful to their beliefs?
Faith
Find a semblance of balance by planning when and how you will take advantage of your newfound sense of freedom.
Faith
At moments like this, it is so easy to say, “I was just going through life, doing fine, and God just let go of me without even thinking about the pain I might go through." It feels like God left you alone in life and now you never want to trust Him again. But life is like riding a bicycle...
Faith
Higher Education
The College
On this National Day of Prayer in the United States, we remember our students in their finals week taking exams, finishing papers and closing out the semester at home. We are thankful that God has provided them and entrusted them into our care during their college years. We pray God will uphold us in this task and them in their challenges.
Faith
When most people consider “why should I attend a Christian college” they think about being immersed in an environment that is … well, Christian. In an earlier blog post, What Does It Mean to Go to a Christian College, we looked at the benefits obtained from this immersion. And while this is important, it’s but one of many avenues a Christian college uses to equip its students with a biblically based mindset.
Faith
It is often difficult to be thankful when faced with adversity. Luke Smallbone, one of the brothers in the award-winning, Contemporary Christian music duo, For KING and COUNTRY, chose to never lose faith. “I’ve never been so thankful in my life,” he says.
Faith
College is more than just a place to continue your education after high school. The time you spend at college will change and shape you in ways you could never imagine.
Campus Life
Everyday Living
Faith
What are you planning to contribute to World Kindness Day this year? Learn some easy, free, and powerful ways to celebrate and spread positivity.
Faith
What is an “Elevator Speech?” I heard a business type on Geneva’s Board of Trustees use the term ten years ago, as though everyone knew it. I had to ask. An “Elevator Speech” is a sales pitch for your company, short enough to tell someone on a ride in an elevator.
Everyday Living
Faith
Residential campus life is often wonderful, but some students must commute. I was discontented being a commuter, but slowly, God worked on my heart and opened my eyes to see the beauty and blessings of commuting. Over time, I realized the opportunities in it that other students could not experience.
Everyday Living
Faith
Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. - 1 Timothy 4:12
Everyday Living
Faith
The world teaches us so much about the workmanship and caring nature of our creator. Whether on vacation or “staycation” these wonders can be seen and enjoyed if we just choose to open our eyes and notice them.
Faith
Father's Day is this Sunday and provides an opportunity to reflect on the love of our heavenly Father.
Everyday Living
Faith
There's more to summer than relaxing. Yes get your rest, but take advantage of the opportunity to restore your body and your spirit.
As we approach Easter we must reflect on how we can carry the Resurrection past one Sunday a year.
Faith
The College
Mike Weaver and the members of contemporary Christian band Big Daddy Weave came to a point in which they thought it might be time to dissolve the group. Mike felt hopeless, thinking maybe the band had given all they could. One night at a concert, Mike was moved by God to do something he'd never done before.
Everyday Living
Faith
This is the point of the year where we are looking back longingly at Christmas vacation, feeling that our summer vacations are too far away. Every day is the same old routine; we’re exhausted and bored. But the real question is: what effect does this seasonal slump have on our spiritual lives?
Faith
Being in relationship with God is not a solely individualized experience. Part of the call to Christian-living is being in community with other believers. Community is an easy thing to practice in times of joy, but as the lead singer of contemporary Christian band Casting Crowns learned, it can be difficult in times of suffering.
Faith
Do you ever feel like the lack of faith in the world is draining? You are not alone.
Campus Life
Faith
The College
Every Tuesday night, CCO staff person Caleb Musselman stands in front of 100 Geneva College student-athletes at their weekly fellowship gathering and makes this announcement. His message is intentional, its repetition underlining the priorities of athlete ministry at Geneva College.
Everyday Living
Faith
Thanksgiving may mean many different things to many different people. In light of this, how does Geneva College make sense of the holiday? First, we recognize the historical significance of Thanksgiving and what this holiday means for us as a country, and then ask ourselves what we are thankful for today in light of God’s continued grace upon us.
Biblical Wisdom
Faith
The father’s point in this proverb is to urge his son not to listen to wicked words. A wise son will never join evildoers or join liars. Good people must make it clear that they do not welcome wicked words. Sometimes refusing to listen to wicked talk exacts a price.
Everyday Living
Faith
Humans can be a fearful lot. Anxiety is on the rise, studies tell us. Real or imagined, fear can feel the same. So, then, how do we get rid of imagined fear? How do we conquer fear and its ability to impede our normal functioning?
Biblical Wisdom
Faith
Like a good engineer, God made everything for a purpose. Sometimes the purpose is easy to figure out. The purpose of other things take careful study and time to figure out. Some things, God tells us, we will never know because His ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:9), and some of His plans He keeps sealed until the end of time (Revelation 10:4).
Faith
Recently, I had an opportunity to go on a short term mission trip to Oglala, South Dakota to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation with a Wesleyan church group and a few Geneva College students. God used us in amazing ways to build lasting relationships and impact in the lives of many beautiful people with the love of Christ.
Faith
It was the first day of the mission trip with Sacred Road Ministries, and I should have been completely energized, ready to work. But instead, these paralyzing thoughts seeped into my head and sapped my motivation
Biblical Wisdom
Faith
A family of gentle speech, a church where people speak kindly, an office with such conversation, is like a Garden of Paradise where one would want to live forever. Could there be higher praise than to compare something to a tree of life, which bestows immortality?
Faith
I try to be at the top in other areas of life—but I don’t always approach my spiritual life with the same zeal. Ironically, I train significantly harder for the temporal prize than for the lasting one. I prioritize athletics—a meaningless thing in comparison to Christ—the purpose of living.
Biblical Wisdom
Everyday Living
Faith
Nowadays it is easy to get caught up in our many differences. But in reality, we have so much more in common than we think.
Faith
When so many in America seem to be choosing sides, we need to remember that the Holy Spirit is unifying, bringing together all men, women and children of faith.
Everyday Living
Faith
As a college student, you are facing many things including grieving for a wide array of reasons. It is important that you give yourself the permission to take care of yourself.
Everyday Living
Faith
So, as the snowflakes fall, we can, like Paul, be content in all things whether in plenty or want. But we can also embrace spring fever and look forward with great anticipation to the new life that is just around the corner.
Everyday Living
Faith
So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ. - Romans 10:17
Everyday Living
Faith
Could this be the best Valentine’s ever? Finally, to know what it means to love. Love is what Valentine’s Day is all about anyway, right? Well, yes and no. Valentine’s Day is most certainly about love. Unfortunately, however, love is often highly misunderstood.
Faith
The College
Geneva College nurtures a growing faith in students through numerous opportunities to know God and others better and to learn how to be a Christian in every situation .
Faith
In the world today, many messages contradict our beliefs. We must take a stance and live unashamed despite what the world shows us.
Faith
Everyday Living
The holiday is here. After you catch up on sleep and binge watch all the shows you've missed, take an opportunity to serve others this holiday!
Everyday Living
Faith
The holiday season is a wonderful time of year filled with lots of fun, warm fuzzy feelings, family, food, and festivities. Celebrating the birth of Jesus is a happy and joyful occasion that is worth looking forward to every year. However, it’s not always a blissful and calm season.
Everyday Living
Faith
Instead of experiencing an extra measure of peace and joy at Christmastime, people are feeling anxiety and pressure to spend their money on gifts. And most people don’t want to feel this way.
Campus Life
Faith
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Campus Life
Everyday Living
Faith
Don’t judge a book by its cover. Applying this metaphoric advice means resisting what is easy. It is easy to judge, single out others’ imperfections and tear people down. All of us are at risk for giving in to this ugly urge of judging others in an unkind, ungodly way.
Faith
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” - 2 Corinthians 3:17 (NIV)
Biblical Wisdom
Faith
Despite constant future-telling failure, people still want to know the future. The less sober read their daily horoscope or go to fortunetellers. The college educated trust climate scientists and writers of books like Professor Ehrlich’s 1968 book "The Population Bomb." What is the Lord’s advice about such prophets? Ignore them.
Biblical Wisdom
Everyday Living
Faith
Inevitably we all will face conflict in our lives. While it has historically is viewed in a negative light, we see it a tool to not only grow our faith but cultivate fruitful relationships as well.
Faith
At some point in life, we all will experience grief in some form. While we are going through we may feel alone, but we must know even through grief our Heavenly Father is a keeper and comforter.
Faith
Higher Education
The College
On the cusp of a new academic year here at Geneva College, I'm reflecting about the question: "On what should a Christian college be grounded?"
Faith
I wanted to begin my run the other day, and I was soon frustrated trying to find a brand new pair of shoes I just bought. I couldn’t find them anywhere. The anger grew until about halfway through my run wearing older, more worn shoes.
Faith
As a student, there are many things that can distract you. You must make a conscience decision about your faith and how it is cultivated as you continue to grow throughout your collegiate career.
Campus Life
Faith
With the busyness of college, it can be difficult to always put God first. However, there are ways in which students who want to grow as a follower of Christ can do so, even at college.
Everyday Living
Faith
The storms and trials of life can weigh us down. When we do not have our gazed fixed to the one who can sustain us, it often seems unbearable. But today we can take a stand Let It Go and allow God to take control.
College Preparation
Faith
The decision of choosing a university can be difficult. What happens when the school of your choice happens to be different from your denominational faith?
Faith
If someone really is your hero, really is the person you chase after and really is the person you try to emulate, then what happens if this person makes an awful mistake?
Faith
In this life, we all need encouragement. When the trials of life come there is nothing better than the gentle reminder that what God brings us to, he will also bring us through.
Faith
Often times we focus on how we cannot fix things in our lives. We can be weighed down by negative thoughts and actions. With Easter approaching we should focus on how we, with the help of the Holy Spirit, can be renewed and freed from the bondage of negativity.
Faith
You likely have heard the word “calling.” There are even whole classes devoted to the idea of calling and vocation here at Geneva College. While this is a commonly used word, there is often confusion about what it means. Let's clear that up.
Biblical Wisdom
Faith
During Reading Awareness Month, we challenge you to embark on a book-based adventure. Not sure what to read? Give one or more of these books of faith a try.
Biblical Wisdom
Faith
People err when they think wealth is the measure of a man. The question, “How much is he worth (meaning money)?” is way off the mark. A far better measure of a man is integrity: “better is the poor man who walks in his integrity.”
Christian universities offer an exceptional avenue to personal enlightenment and professional success. Here are a few of the most bothersome and undeserved myths about religious education.
Spring break is an opportunity to connect with your community and make a difference. We've compiled a list of local volunteer opportunities to serve God and your neighbor.
Faith
Valentine’s Day is my favorite holiday. I love everything about it—the color scheme, the heart-shaped decorations, bouquets of flowers, hand-written mail, and the clichéd feel of love in the air. But before you discard that statement as a lovey-dovey, flimsy exclamation from a 19-year-old girl, allow me to explain.
Biblical Wisdom
Faith
Reflection is more than just skimming a morning devotional while you grab breakfast or scanning your Bible before bed. It requires deliberate and thoughtful pondering of the materials that quicken and inspire you, using a method and frequency that motivates you to be your best self.
Faith
Higher Education
We find our ultimate meaning and reality in God and His magnificent creation. We are created to be near God. To use the language of Genesis, we are made in God′s Image, in His likeness. It is on this truth that we stake our counter-cultural claim that the best education is education that acknowledges this reality.
Faith
Sometimes, waiting can be difficult. We think, “When I graduate/When I get married/When I get my own house everything will be better. Everything will be as it should.” After daydreaming about the future, we come back to reality – the 1,000-word essay due in 2 hours – and we become dissatisfied with our lives. We become impatient to the work God has given us today and the path he has placed before us.
Faith
As a Christian, you know that salvation depends on God forgiving your sins through Jesus' death and resurrection and you likely understand at some level the importance of forgiveness in your everyday life, but you may not be aware of the extent to which it plays into your health, happiness, and relationships with others
Faith
In this post-election period, it is not difficult for feelings to be hurt because of emotional pain over a disappointing outcome or gloating over a political victory. It is so easy to break our relationships with family, friends and acquaintances and often so difficult to repair the damage.
Biblical Wisdom
Faith
Who is Jesus? How does He fulfill the Old Testament? He is the Messiah, the Son of David. He is the Lamb of God, who fulfills Israel’s worship by sacrifice. He is the Seed of Abraham in whom all nations of the earth are blessed. He is the Second Adam from whom the human race takes a new beginning.
Biblical Wisdom
Faith
By being the Son of David and God’s chosen Messiah to suffer for His people, rise to life, and ascend to heaven to rule, Jesus fulfills God’s Covenant with David beyond Israel’s wildest dreams. Let’s look more closely now at how Jesus fulfills God’s Covenant made through Moses.
Biblical Wisdom
Faith
Wouldn’t you love to hear a tape of Jesus’ talk showing how He fulfilled the Old Testament? I would. But we don’t need such a tape. We have the New Testament! The New Testament is Jesus’ interpretation of the Old Testament. In sum, His interpretation is this: “You search the Scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is these that bear witness of Me.” (John 5:39)
Faith
Whether your Christ-inspired vision for the future includes a leadership position in a church, working as a missionary or ministering to students, you can gain the required knowledge, experience and spiritual guidance through your studies at Geneva.
Biblical Wisdom
Faith
Today is a gift from God. Every moment should be lived with a focus of glorifying God immediately…in the present. We need to take a step back and refocus our eyes on today. We need to appreciate the day for its individual beauty and gifts.
Faith
Whether you've attended the same church your entire life, bounced from church to church with your parents, or never attended church at all, you're in for a big change when you start college. You've chosen a Christ-centered college, but now, it's time to choose a congregation capable of providing a spiritual home while you're away at college. This decision could very well shape your next four years -- and your long-term relationship with God -- so take your time and don't jump hastily into a new congregation. Keep the following factors in mind as you make this important decision.
Faith
With the 2016 Olympics in Rio upon us, many are taking the time to get to know the stories of the athletes we will be cheering on. For many 2016 Olympians, faith is a central part of their life, giving them the drive to compete and excel in their sport for their Savior. These Olympians can provide each of us with the inspiration to remain dedicated and focused and to speak out about our faith in Jesus Christ. Here are some Christian Olympians currently representing the United States in Rio, and a little more about their testimonies to provide inspiration for you and your life.
Faith
Everyone, it seems, wants to be rich. Can a Christian be rich and still be a real Christian? After all, Jesus was poor. The Apostles were poor. Jesus told the rich young ruler to sell all that he had and give to the poor. Not unreasonably, many people in Cyprus believe that a person cannot be both Christian and rich. So, while nearly all Greeks think of themselves as Christian, they are also afraid of being real Christians, because no one wants to be poor.
Faith
A long, long sighting of a pair of pileated woodpeckers picking away at a telephone pole at Sahli Nature Park here in Beaver County, PA, where I'm ensconced for the morning for some quiet study. Pileated woodpeckers?—They're named for their brilliant crimson crests: North America's largest surviving native species.
College Preparation
Continuing Education
Faith
The voice of anxiety is ever present perhaps leaving you with a sick feeling in your stomach any time you are asked about your future plans. What should you do?
Faith
President's Desk
The College
Geneva does not do “values,” those expressions of positive-sounding qualities, like “strong work ethic” or “tolerance.” “Values” float untethered, without foundation, certainty, or permanence. Whether held by individuals or groups, “values” reflect mere human preference and assertion, changeable according to current fashion. Instead of “values,” Geneva has God’s eternal Word, which teaches what Christians have long called virtues, qualities of mind and habit that imitate Christ, such as love, joy, peace, and patience.
Campus Life
Faith
The student body at Geneva represents over 60 denominations, which adds to the spiritual richness and diversity of the campus community. Geneva encourages students to connect with one of the many churches in the area while they are living on campus or nearby.
Faith
President's Desk
The College
In our day, people loudly assert novel ideas about sexual identity and gender, often with a show of scholarly wisdom centered in universities, with considerable help from popular entertainment and news media, and more recently from major corporations. United States law made at all levels, both by legislative bodies and courts, and enforced with regulations promulgated by administrative agencies, often supports these novel ideas, while people who continue to assert older ideas about sexual identity are shamed as ignorant and persecuting bigots.
Campus Life
Faith
One of the things that makes Geneva such a unique place is the emphasis of community. By being on a small, Christ-centered campus, we have the ability to grow together spiritually, as well as physically, emotionally and socially. This allows us to dive deeper into the hopes, fears and struggles of our friends and peers than would be possible at a larger school. And chapel is integral to our sense of community.
Faith
President's Desk
American law has the traditions and resources to recognize Geneva College’s freedom, just as Roman law had the resources to find Jesus and Paul innocent. Will the Supreme Court of the United States respect “the free exercise of religion,” which includes the right not to be forced to do wrong? Will it apply the 1993 Religious Freedom Restoration Act and uphold American freedom?
Faith
When you are considering your options for college, one of your primary considerations is likely going to be the cost. When you look at the cost of going to a state school compared to a Christian college, you may wonder if it's really worthwhile to invest in a Christian education. Before you make your decision, consider these benefits of attending a Top 10 Best Value School such as Geneva College.
Faith
Higher Education
President's Desk
What should students learn? At one extreme the question provokes heated controversy (Google “Common Core,” “Dead White Men”) and at the other extreme throw-up-the-hands, let-the-students-decide adult abdication. The answer reveals what a college believes most valuable.
Faith
Does it sometimes feel like all of the challenging people in the world are getting more and more, well – unpleasant? Perhaps some days feel like one never-ending prayer for patience, tolerance and forgiveness.
Faith
Many Geneva College professors, some of its students, and its sponsoring denomination call their theology “Reformed,” a cognate of the word “Reformation.” Some students and professors come to Geneva College quite clear that their theology is “Reformed.” Others have never heard the term before, hear it often, and perhaps wonder what it means. The purpose of today’s column is to explain the word “Reformed” to both groups.
Faith
Geneva College is governed by the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America (RPCNA). The national Synod of the RPCNA elects the Corporation of 12 members that controls the Charter that is the college’s legal basis for existence, writes the College Bylaws, and elects the Trustees. The Trustees elect the President, who with the Trustees operates Geneva College.
Faith
I want to tell you about my journey from being 0127 to Celia Harris, who majors in Communication and takes her coffee with cream and sugar. Being a number on a screen was my identity, but now I am reminded that my identity is in Christ as I continue to pursue an academic career with a community of believers.
Faith
For decades after the American Civil War, many colleges did not admit freed slaves or their children. Geneva did. Lots of colleges were for only one sex. Geneva admitted both. Some Christian colleges required new students to profess Christian faith, but according to our Charter, Geneva is “open to men and women of any race and faith.”
Faith
The official name of the Bible Department is “Biblical Studies, Ministry and Philosophy Department,” affectionately shortened to BMaP, an acronym which works because the Bible is a light to our feet and a MaP to our path (Psalm 119:105 more or less). All students at Geneva, no matter what faith they hold, have to take courses in Bible from professors who themselves know that it is the inspired Word of God.
Faith
There is nothing more important in your life than how you respond to the first two questions ever asked. Engage these questions in this article, taken from a recent chapel message by interim president Dr. Bill Edgar.
Faith
If the word of God is foundational to your life, then chances are really good that a wonderful pastor nurtures that thirst for scripture and points you to Biblical truths. There's absolutely no greater gift than being taught God's amazing lessons, and there's no better time to thank your pastor than this October, which has been designated as Pastor Appreciation Month.
Faith
At the center of Geneva’s official seal is an open Bible, open so that anyone can read it. To insure that its students read the Bible, Geneva requires its students to take Bible courses. Since Geneva has an open enrollment policy, some students read the Bible for the first time at Geneva. Others learn to read their Bibles better.
Faith
Geneva’s motto includes both Christ and country, Pro Christo et Patria – “For Christ and Country.”
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