We are kicking off our summer session with a BBQ, HS grads, and a new series that will challenge us to think about our world view.
In light of Eph. 6:1 or Col 3:20 and Exodus 20:12 as young adults are we still children and how does obedience, respect, and honoring our parents play into this time in our life.
Please be ready to discuss. Since this is our first time doing this I will give you some direction but don't make this a crutch by just answering these questions.
Is there a difference between honoring and obeying your parents?
Read Gen 2
Are there any other passages that talk about young men or young women?
What does the world say?
Does having Godly parents make a difference?
How does this affect me?
Resources:
http://www.gty.org/
http://www.desiringgod.org/
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009
GeoCaching
May 17, 2009
We took the day to enjoy the wonderful weather and went to Coeur D'Alene for lunch and to go geocaching in Tubbs Hill. Just wanted to share a few pictures of our adventure.
Here is the cool team although we lost we had fun.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Chapter 1: The Climax and the Key
This chapter is all about the cross the centrality of it. The cross can drive us to tears to know the pain that our Savior had to through because of what we did and yet give us the greatest joy as we rejoice in our salvation.
While serving in youth ministry I longed for more depth and theological debate, but in youth we typically talked about the basics and many conversations and teachings were focused around the cross. In my boredom and lack of awe-ness of the cross, I realize now that those were messages were meant for me. The cross should inspire us to remember who we were and what Christ has done for us. Our expression should be a sense of gratitude for the sacrifice, bewilderment of why did HE do this for someone like me, joy, thankfulness, inspiration, amazement, zeal...instead of a ho-hum attitude.
Practical Application:
How is your attitude towards the things of the Lord?
If you are not excited and you are having a hard time enjoying your relationship with Christ I strongly suggest getting with fellow believers, spending more time praying and reading The Word, and continue reading this book.
Do you share your testimony?
Christ's death on the cross and resurrection should inspire you to share what HE has done in your life. Your testimony is made up of three main parts.
-What was your life like before you met Christ
-How He drew you into His loving arms - How did you come to know Christ
-How has Christ changed your life
To those that don't know how God has changed your life you may want to spend more time with Him. He will reveal how sinful you were and humble you as grow and learn about what it means to be a Christian. I should also warn you that faith without works is dead, if you confess that Christ is your Lord and Savior and have confessed of your sins then you should see Christ working in your life.
While serving in youth ministry I longed for more depth and theological debate, but in youth we typically talked about the basics and many conversations and teachings were focused around the cross. In my boredom and lack of awe-ness of the cross, I realize now that those were messages were meant for me. The cross should inspire us to remember who we were and what Christ has done for us. Our expression should be a sense of gratitude for the sacrifice, bewilderment of why did HE do this for someone like me, joy, thankfulness, inspiration, amazement, zeal...instead of a ho-hum attitude.
Practical Application:
How is your attitude towards the things of the Lord?
If you are not excited and you are having a hard time enjoying your relationship with Christ I strongly suggest getting with fellow believers, spending more time praying and reading The Word, and continue reading this book.
Do you share your testimony?
Christ's death on the cross and resurrection should inspire you to share what HE has done in your life. Your testimony is made up of three main parts.
-What was your life like before you met Christ
-How He drew you into His loving arms - How did you come to know Christ
-How has Christ changed your life
To those that don't know how God has changed your life you may want to spend more time with Him. He will reveal how sinful you were and humble you as grow and learn about what it means to be a Christian. I should also warn you that faith without works is dead, if you confess that Christ is your Lord and Savior and have confessed of your sins then you should see Christ working in your life.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
UGM
Last night we were at the UGM and we served about 300 people over a course of an hour and a half. It was interesting to see the all the different people, women, children, teens, and some looked like they were middle class folk who you would expect to see. Needless to say it feels good to be able to serve within our community. I believe that this is how God intended for us to be helping the poor. That you go out there and give of your time and money to organizations like the UGM.
Afterwards we went to Lindamans to enjoy the rest of the evening with food and conversation. I enjoy these times not just because you guys are fun to hang out with but we have a common bond that allows us to encourage, and learn about our faith. Now only if we can get Nathan to be quite so others can get a word in ;) Jessica thanks for reminding me of this - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTYr3JuueF4
For those of you who were unable to make it you missed out, but don't worry we'll have other opportunities for you to enjoy serving. We are planning a few things and will be serving at the UGM again.
I asked one of my co-workers for a place with good dessert and he suggest Lindamans. He then asked why and I told him what we were serving at the UGM and wanted to go somewhere afterwards. His next comment struck me "so the food/dessert at the UGM isn't good enough for you huh?" Even though he said this jokingly, because he proceeded to talk about socialism. I didn't feel guilty about going when he asked nor did I while I was eating my coconut cream pie (which was amazing). Nevertheless I felt I should write about this.
God gives and takes away, he blesses some financially and not others. I am thankful that Mandy and I are blessed in this way and not dependant on handouts. The calling for us who have is to give generously.
I Timothy 6:17-19
17Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
Paul is talking to about the rich and you might be thinking I'm not rich. We'll I would have to disagree if you own your own car, have an education and a job, you don't worry about where your next meal is coming from, if you have shelter. Want more... :D one of my favorite subjects - economics. There is a theory/method of measure called PPP (purchase power parity), this is used to measure the ability of a country to buy goods and services around the world. This
measure is based on the US dollar and takes into consideration inflation and cost of living. If you look at a PPP per capita, pink is the highest being over $38,000 per capita the US and a couple of European countries are in this catagory as of 2007. There are other agencies that do these reports as well, this one being from World Bank, others include the IMF and the US does one as well I believe it is the CIA. We are rich and being that we are, we are to give generously.
Afterwards we went to Lindamans to enjoy the rest of the evening with food and conversation. I enjoy these times not just because you guys are fun to hang out with but we have a common bond that allows us to encourage, and learn about our faith. Now only if we can get Nathan to be quite so others can get a word in ;) Jessica thanks for reminding me of this - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTYr3JuueF4
For those of you who were unable to make it you missed out, but don't worry we'll have other opportunities for you to enjoy serving. We are planning a few things and will be serving at the UGM again.
I asked one of my co-workers for a place with good dessert and he suggest Lindamans. He then asked why and I told him what we were serving at the UGM and wanted to go somewhere afterwards. His next comment struck me "so the food/dessert at the UGM isn't good enough for you huh?" Even though he said this jokingly, because he proceeded to talk about socialism. I didn't feel guilty about going when he asked nor did I while I was eating my coconut cream pie (which was amazing). Nevertheless I felt I should write about this.
God gives and takes away, he blesses some financially and not others. I am thankful that Mandy and I are blessed in this way and not dependant on handouts. The calling for us who have is to give generously.
I Timothy 6:17-19
17Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
Paul is talking to about the rich and you might be thinking I'm not rich. We'll I would have to disagree if you own your own car, have an education and a job, you don't worry about where your next meal is coming from, if you have shelter. Want more... :D one of my favorite subjects - economics. There is a theory/method of measure called PPP (purchase power parity), this is used to measure the ability of a country to buy goods and services around the world. This
measure is based on the US dollar and takes into consideration inflation and cost of living. If you look at a PPP per capita, pink is the highest being over $38,000 per capita the US and a couple of European countries are in this catagory as of 2007. There are other agencies that do these reports as well, this one being from World Bank, others include the IMF and the US does one as well I believe it is the CIA. We are rich and being that we are, we are to give generously.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Spiritual Gifts
2/8/09A few of us showing off our gifts and talents. It is great that we can laugh and play and enjoy the each others company.
In the years that I've been involved with youth groups grudgingly took several spiritual gift tests. Never could put my finger on why it I didn't care for them until now. I realized that the question isn't what is your spiritual gift but what are you doing?
In the years that I've been involved with youth groups grudgingly took several spiritual gift tests. Never could put my finger on why it I didn't care for them until now. I realized that the question isn't what is your spiritual gift but what are you doing?
I couldn't find a single passage where Paul, Timothy, Mary or any other person took a spiritual gift test I think it is safe to assume they just did what they were suppose to and did it with joy. In doing ministry they found their place within the church. I'm not saying don't figure it out, just don't spend all your time pondering and wondering. Knowing your gift can help you hone in on those skills but I would rather focus on how you can be a part of the church. As you go out and participate in a ministry God will reveal to you your gifts and you may not even know it until someone points it out.
If you think about it what is the difference between a non-believers gifts (talents or abilities) and that of a believers? The Bible lists several gifts: teaching, administration, service, etc. We'll look at these three to make it simple but still convey my point. In each of these areas I know some people excel in these areas, believers and non-believers alike. I don't think I need to persuede you of that. The difference is stated in Romans 12:3-8, Romans 1:11-12, and I Peter 4:10-11 we have to remember that it is by grace that we are given these gifts and to be used to further someones faith.
Non-believers boast about their skills and abilities and even flaunt it as if them being smart, tall, strong, fast, witty was something they did. As believers we should remember that whatever gift we have it is by God's grace that we have them so that no one can boast. Romans 13:3-8 Paul makes it clear our gifts is a gift and by grace given to us. When we do something great it isn't us it is God that gets the glory. The second part is we need to use them to further the faith, Romans 1:11-12, we need to be using our gifts to spur each other on in our faith.
We are not limited to just one gift nor are we to limit ourselves in ministry with our gifts. We are commanded to do pray, give, serve, make disciples, even though there are people that are gifted in these areas. There are prayer warriors that I know who love to pray and that is their gift but they are not limited to just praying, they've served in small groups teaching, going on short term missions, giving to the church, meeting with younger believers and discipling them.
I don't care if you take spiritual gift tests and you may think they are fun and that is fine. But when you are asked what your spiritual gifts are and you don't know don't feel bad, tell them the things you are doing in the church. There are many parts to the body and there is a job for each member (I Corinthians 12:4-6, 20-31, Romans 12:4-5) so go out there and find how you may serve the Lord.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Change
2/1/09
To wrap up this series there are a few things that I wanted to cover that wouldn't fill up a whole night.
Change
During this time in your life you will be going through some major changes; being independent, moving out from your parents' home, old friends move away, decide where you will live, what career to pursue, marriage, and more responsibilities. The world is opening up to you. How do you deal with these changes, and the anxiety or excitement that comes along with it?
The unknown can make us fearful, anxious, stressed. Remember what God says and take heart that we have a God that never changes and always keeps His promises (Malichi 3:6, Numbers 23:19). Matthew 11:28-30 reminds us that God is there all we need to do is go to Him, and in this time He is gentle and loving. If you are dealing with anxiety of what tomorrow may bring read: Matthew 6:25-27, Philippians 4:6.
Church and Theology
Another aspect is changing churches. There are two main criteria (Biblical teaching and actions)and many secondary (music, programs, aesthetics, etc) things that you should look for in a church. Paul warns us about having correct biblical teaching in Galatians 1:6-9, as you look for a church you need to have a foundation of good theology so that you are not swayed by every teaching. A biblically sound church will be in action, "faith without works is dead". The church needs to be doing those things that God commands us to do. A church can have both these criteria but miss out on why they are doing what they are doing. Revelation 2 speaks of the church in Ephesus and how they have strayed from their first love despite all the great things (great deeds, biblical teaching, hard work) they are doing and Christ reminds them to go back to their first love and do those things that they did then. 1 Corinthians 13 tells us that we can give all our possessions away and it would mean nothing without love.
Politics
God calls us to be a part of this world and with something that can have a huge influence on our lives we need to be involved in politics. As you vote you need to understand there is wisdom in God's words of how a nation should be ran.
Government social programs. I have yet to find a passage that says the government should take care of the poor, but I did find several passages that says YOU should give (2 Corinthians 8:6-8, Proverbs 28:27, Matthew 6:2-3, Matthew 7:10, Matthew 25:34-46). I doubt anyone pays taxes in love, 1 Corinthians 13 if you are to give and without love it means nothing. Another issue is God wants us to be diligent with what He has given us (parable of the talents). Government programs are failing and yet they want to take on more programs. It is like picking the Detroit Lions with a record of 0W-16L to play for the Super Bowl. The other half of this is the poor. The government rewards those that do not work or who have made some bad decisions and continue to do so to get government help. 2 Thes. 3:10-11 says that those who do not work do not eat.
The bailouts and stimulus packages. The last 12 months we've heard both of these things spoken of from capital hill and both were done with taking on more debt. God says that the borrower is slave to the lender (Proverbs 22:7), and owe nothing to anyone (Romans 13:8). It is just unwise to go into debt.
To wrap up this series there are a few things that I wanted to cover that wouldn't fill up a whole night.
Change
During this time in your life you will be going through some major changes; being independent, moving out from your parents' home, old friends move away, decide where you will live, what career to pursue, marriage, and more responsibilities. The world is opening up to you. How do you deal with these changes, and the anxiety or excitement that comes along with it?
The unknown can make us fearful, anxious, stressed. Remember what God says and take heart that we have a God that never changes and always keeps His promises (Malichi 3:6, Numbers 23:19). Matthew 11:28-30 reminds us that God is there all we need to do is go to Him, and in this time He is gentle and loving. If you are dealing with anxiety of what tomorrow may bring read: Matthew 6:25-27, Philippians 4:6.
Church and Theology
Another aspect is changing churches. There are two main criteria (Biblical teaching and actions)and many secondary (music, programs, aesthetics, etc) things that you should look for in a church. Paul warns us about having correct biblical teaching in Galatians 1:6-9, as you look for a church you need to have a foundation of good theology so that you are not swayed by every teaching. A biblically sound church will be in action, "faith without works is dead". The church needs to be doing those things that God commands us to do. A church can have both these criteria but miss out on why they are doing what they are doing. Revelation 2 speaks of the church in Ephesus and how they have strayed from their first love despite all the great things (great deeds, biblical teaching, hard work) they are doing and Christ reminds them to go back to their first love and do those things that they did then. 1 Corinthians 13 tells us that we can give all our possessions away and it would mean nothing without love.
Politics
God calls us to be a part of this world and with something that can have a huge influence on our lives we need to be involved in politics. As you vote you need to understand there is wisdom in God's words of how a nation should be ran.
Government social programs. I have yet to find a passage that says the government should take care of the poor, but I did find several passages that says YOU should give (2 Corinthians 8:6-8, Proverbs 28:27, Matthew 6:2-3, Matthew 7:10, Matthew 25:34-46). I doubt anyone pays taxes in love, 1 Corinthians 13 if you are to give and without love it means nothing. Another issue is God wants us to be diligent with what He has given us (parable of the talents). Government programs are failing and yet they want to take on more programs. It is like picking the Detroit Lions with a record of 0W-16L to play for the Super Bowl. The other half of this is the poor. The government rewards those that do not work or who have made some bad decisions and continue to do so to get government help. 2 Thes. 3:10-11 says that those who do not work do not eat.
The bailouts and stimulus packages. The last 12 months we've heard both of these things spoken of from capital hill and both were done with taking on more debt. God says that the borrower is slave to the lender (Proverbs 22:7), and owe nothing to anyone (Romans 13:8). It is just unwise to go into debt.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Money
How God wants us to view money and what to do with it.
Money isn't evil nor is it a sin to have a lot of it, what becomes the issue is what we do with the money. If handled wrong it can divide marriages (one of the top reasons for divorce is financial problems), friendships, families, it can destroy your testimony or character, and can become an idol.
The main point to take away from this is to have a Godly attitude towards money.
-God calls us to be generous with our money - I Timothy 6:17-18
-Remember that God provides - Matthew 6:25
-Be diligent with what God gives you
Matthew 6 does tell us that God provides but that should be used flippantly. God does provide for our needs and during years of plenty we are to store up (Genesis 41:49 Joseph stored up grain for seven years). Practically God gives and takes away, while we have be diligent with your money by creating a budget, emergency fund (Proverbs 6:6-8), and save for retirement. As you save and build wealth also be generous in your giving. Yeah I Timothy 6:17-18 does refer to the rich but as I looked around I realized how rich we are, my closet is overflowing with clothes even after I got rid of several bags full, our fridge is stocked with food, we can go out to eat if we wanted, we have cars that run…yeah we are rich. Giving is an act of worship that requires love, I Corinthians 13 tells us that we could give everything away but without love it is nothing. Being generous also reminds us that the money we have does not belong to us but to the ONE who gave it to us (and to be clear that ONE is GOD).
Money isn't evil nor is it a sin to have a lot of it, what becomes the issue is what we do with the money. If handled wrong it can divide marriages (one of the top reasons for divorce is financial problems), friendships, families, it can destroy your testimony or character, and can become an idol.
The main point to take away from this is to have a Godly attitude towards money.
-God calls us to be generous with our money - I Timothy 6:17-18
-Remember that God provides - Matthew 6:25
-Be diligent with what God gives you
Matthew 6 does tell us that God provides but that should be used flippantly. God does provide for our needs and during years of plenty we are to store up (Genesis 41:49 Joseph stored up grain for seven years). Practically God gives and takes away, while we have be diligent with your money by creating a budget, emergency fund (Proverbs 6:6-8), and save for retirement. As you save and build wealth also be generous in your giving. Yeah I Timothy 6:17-18 does refer to the rich but as I looked around I realized how rich we are, my closet is overflowing with clothes even after I got rid of several bags full, our fridge is stocked with food, we can go out to eat if we wanted, we have cars that run…yeah we are rich. Giving is an act of worship that requires love, I Corinthians 13 tells us that we could give everything away but without love it is nothing. Being generous also reminds us that the money we have does not belong to us but to the ONE who gave it to us (and to be clear that ONE is GOD).