Transformed Student Ministry

Announcements

2009-03-25T09:26:00.005-05:00

Upcoming Events

2009-03-25T08:59:00.009-05:00

APRIL

April 4: Youth day for Balloon Ministry. See Lindsay for details.
April 5: Youth Fellowship Lunch immediately after church.
April 5: Youth Guys leave for Hiking/Camping trip at Land Between the Lakes 2 PM.
April 6-10: Henderson County Spring Break
April 6: Guys gone on Hiking Trip.
April 7: Guys gone on Hiking Trip.
April 8: Guys gone on Hiking Trip.

April 11: Easter Event at IBT. See Kelly Brocato for more details.
April 25: Community Youth Missions Day

MAY

May 2: Youth day for Balloon Ministry. See Lindsay for details. May 3: Youth Fellowship Lunch immediately after church.
May 24 & 25:Memorial Day Weekend Trip: Creation Museum & Red's Baseball Game

JUNE

June 6: Youth day for Balloon Ministry. See Lindsay for details.
June 7: Youth Fellowship Lunch immediately after church.
June 14-20: Kentucky Heartland Outreach Mission Camp, Taylor County, KY

JULY

July 4: Youth day for Balloon Ministry. See Lindsay for details.

July 5: Youth Fellowship Lunch immediately after church.

AUGUST

August 1: Youth day for Balloon Ministry. See Lindsay for details.
August 7-9: Back to School Retreat: Kenlake Resort

Girls Day Out: November 8th

2008-10-15T10:49:00.001-05:00

Jesus--The Ultimate Rebel Week 3

2008-09-19T12:29:00.002-05:00

THE ULTIMATE REBEL
Part 3: Choosing the wrong crowd

That night Levi invited Jesus and his disciples to be his dinner guests, along with his fellow tax collectors and many other notorious sinners. (There were many people of this kind among the crowds that followed Jesus.)

Mark 2:15

Tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus teach.

Luke 15:1

Sin: Missing the MARK, making MISTAKES, doing wrong, imperfections
WHY JESUS CHOSE THE WRONG CROWD

1. Sin doesn’t SURPRISE Jesus
As he was speaking, the teachers of religious law and Pharisees brought a woman they had caught in the act of adultery. They put her in front of the crowd. "Teacher," they said to Jesus, "this woman was caught in the very act of adultery. The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?"… Then Jesus stood up again and said to her, "Where are your accusers? Didn't even one of them condemn you?" "No, Lord," she said. And Jesus said, "Neither do I. Go and sin no more." John 8:3-5,10

2. Sin doesn’t STOP Jesus
When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. "Zacchaeus!" he said. "Quick, come down! For I must be a guest in your home today." Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, "I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have overcharged people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!"

Luke 19:5,6,8
3. Sin doesn’t STAIN Jesus
The Son reflects God's own glory, and everything about him represents God exactly. He sustains the universe by the mighty power of his command. After he died to cleanse us from the stain of sin, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God of heaven. Hebrews 1:3

HOW TO BE THIS TYPE OF REBEL

1. Shut down your DENIAL OF SIN
no sin………………………………………………..not worthy of forgiveness
If we say we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and refusing to accept the truth.

1 John 1:8

…take this message of repentance to all the nations…'There is forgiveness of sins for all who turn to me.' Luke 24:47

2. Open up your eyes to the PAIN AND SIN of others
When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things. Mark 6:34

But the LORD said to Samuel, "Don't judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD doesn't make decisions the way you do! People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at a person's thoughts and intentions." 1 Samuel 16:7

3. Clear away the HURDLES OF SELFISHNESS
Don't keep looking at my sins. Remove the stain of my guilt. Psalm 51:9

One last thought: Jesus chose the WRONG crowd for the RIGHT reasons: He wanted to bring them CLOSER to God.

What's keeping you from being this type of rebel?

Jesus--The Ultimate Rebel Week 2

2008-09-12T09:38:00.001-05:00

THE ULTIMATE REBEL
Part 2: The challenge of authority

Definition of authority

HOW JESUS CHALLENGED AUTHORITY

1. Jesus challenged THE WORLD'S WAY
But Jesus called them together and said, "You know that in this world kings are tyrants, and officials lord it over the people beneath them. But among you it should be quite different . . .” Matthew 20:25-26

2. Jesus challenged BEHAVIOR
But how terrible it will be for you Pharisees! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest part of your income, but you completely forget about justice and the love of God. You should tithe, yes, but you should not leave undone the more important things. Luke 11:42

3. Jesus challenged THE HEART
A good person produces good deeds from a good heart, and an evil person produces evil deeds from an evil heart.
Luke 6:45

Blind Pharisees! First wash the inside of the cup, and then the outside will become clean, too. Matthew 23:26

THE TENSION YOU MAY FEEL

He [God] has planted eternity in the human heart . . . Ecclesiastes 3:11

For the truth about God is known to them instinctively. God has put this knowledge in their hearts . . . Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn't worship him as God or even give him thanks. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things . . . Romans 1:19, 21, 25

HOW TO BE THIS TYPE OF REBEL

1. Choose GOD'S WAY
Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Matthew 7:13-14

2. Challenge YOUR HEART
Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do. Proverbs 4:23

. . . and let your hearts be filled with God alone to make them pure and true to him. James 4:8

3. Change YOUR BEHAVIOR
Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching." John 14:23

One last thought: When your heart is CHALLENGED, your choices become CLEARER, your actions will CHANGE, and God's Way will become CONTAGIOUS to others.

One last question: Is your life CONTAGIOUS?

Jesus--The Ultimate Rebel Week 1

2008-09-12T09:36:00.001-05:00

THE ULTIMATE REBEL
Part 1: Life-changing Rebel

Attention-seeking rebel……………………………………………….Life-changing rebel

WHAT A “LIFE-CHANGING” REBEL DOES

1. A rebel CHALLENGES AUTHORITY….Jesus did
Yes, how terrible it will be for you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. For you cross land and sea to make one convert, and then you turn him into twice the son of hell as you yourselves are. Matthew 23:15

How terrible it will be for you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs-- beautiful on the outside but filled on the inside with dead people's bones and all sorts of impurity. Matthew 23:27

"Yes," said Jesus, "how terrible it will be for you experts in religious law! For you crush people beneath impossible religious demands, and you never lift a finger to help ease the burden”. Luke 11:46

2. A rebel CHANGES THE RULES…Jesus did
But I have added to that rule…and tell you that if you are only angry, you are in danger of judgment!
But I tell you: that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
But I tell you: Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you… Matthew 5: 22, 28, 39, 44

3. A rebel CHOOSES THE WRONG CROWD…Jesus did
That night Matthew invited Jesus and his disciples to be his dinner guests, along with his fellow tax collectors and many other notorious sinners. The Pharisees were indignant. "Why does your teacher eat with such scum?" they asked his disciples. Matthew 9:10-11

HOW TO BE THIS TYPE OF REBEL

1. Learn ABOUT HIS LIFE
But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life. John 20:31

Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. Acts 17:11

2. Love HIS TEACHING
As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a village where a woman named Martha welcomed them into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord's feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was worrying over the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, "Lord, doesn't it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me." But the Lord said to her, "My dear Martha, you are so upset over all these details! There is really only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it-- and I won't take it away from her." Luke 10:38-42

When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name, O LORD God Almighty. Jeremiah 15:16

3. Live HIS WAY
Remember your leaders who first taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and trust the Lord as they do. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:7-8

…Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 1 Peter 2:21

I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. John 13:15

One last thought…Anyone can bring attention to themselves…but life-changing rebels know the IMPORTANCE of life, the PURPOSE of life, and their POSITION in life.

Back to School Retreat 2008

2008-08-05T14:19:00.002-05:00

Back to School Retreat 2008

August 23rd-24th

Pennyrile State Park

Cost:$30 (includes everything for the weekend)

We'll be heading out at 9am on August 23rd to Pennyrile State Park outside Dawson Springs, KY for fishing, tennis, mini-golf, basketball, fellowship, food, and Bible Study...staying the night at the lodge at the park, and returning home around 5pm on August 24th. We're really getting away for two reasons...one being that we want to just get away. It's nice to get away sometimes isn't it? The other reason is that we want to make sure we SATURATE our hearts with the things of Christ early into the new school year. We want the commitments we've made this summer to stick. If you're a student that wants to go, you need to sign up at the station as soon as possible! If you want to know more about what's going on, e-mail, call, or see Justin or go here to learn about where we'll be staying.

What's in YOUR Locker??

2008-08-01T11:19:00.001-05:00

What’s in your locker??

BOOKS—study
-2 Tim 2:15 “Study to show yourself approved to God…”
-Matt 11:29 “Take up my yoke and learn…”

-God knows we’re stupid…that’s why he keeps reminding us to study and learn

CANDY—fulfillment, temporary
-Ecclesiastes 2:3-11 “Pleasures are meaningless”
-Matt 24:35 “The word of the Lord will never pass away…”

PICTURES—Support (friends)
Prov. 17:17 “ A friend loves at all times…”
Ecc 4:10 “if one falls, his friend can lift him up…”

MIRROR—looking inside yourself
1 Cor 11:28—“you should examine yourself”

Maybe you see inside yourself…
-Guilt—you need grace…Rom 3:23-24
-Bad self image—you’re chosen by God…1 Pet 2:9-10
-Fears—we can have no fear in Jesus…1 John 4:18
-Too highly—we’re to be last…Matt 20:27, Romans 12:16

When People Meet Jesus

2008-07-25T13:11:00.002-05:00

WHEN PEOPLE MEET JESUS

What’s keeping you from Jesus?

The CROWD
Your CONDITION
The CRITICS

One day as Jesus was teaching…Some men arrived carrying a paraplegic on a stretcher. They were looking for a way to get into the house and set him before Jesus. When they couldn’t find a way in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof, removed some tiles, and let him down in the middle of everyone, right in front of Jesus. Impressed by their bold belief, he said, “Friend, I forgive your sins.”

That set the religion scholars and Pharisees buzzing. “Who does he think he is? That’s blasphemous talk! God and only God can forgive sins.”

Jesus knew exactly what they were thinking and said, “Why all this gossipy whispering? Which is simpler: to say ‘I forgive your sins,’ or to say ‘Get up and start walking’? Well, just so it’s clear that I’m the Son of Man and authorized to do either, or both…” He now spoke directly to the paraplegic: “Get up. Take your bedroll and go home.” Without a moment’s hesitation, he did it—got up, took his blanket, and left for home, giving glory to God all the way. The people rubbed their eyes, incredulous—and then also gave glory to God. Awestruck, they said, “We’ve never seen anything like that!” (Luke 5:17-26).

Making it personal…

1. Identify your ROADBLOCKS
They were looking for a way to get into the house and set him before Jesus. When they couldn’t find a way in because of the crowd…

2. Get rid of your EXCUSES
…they went up on the roof, removed some tiles…

3. Don’t hide your PAIN
…let him down in the middle of everyone, right in front of Jesus.

4. Express faith and experience the miracle of FORGIVENESS
Impressed by their bold belief, he said, “Friend, I forgive your sins.”

5. Live in a way that represents a CHANGED LIFE
Without a moment’s hesitation, he did it—got up, took his blanket, and left for home, giving glory to God all the way.

How do we keep our life changed??
1. Hang time with God
2. Accountability
3. Planting God’s Word in your Life (Bible Memorization)
4. Involving Yourself in the Church
5. Tithing Commitment
6. Studying Scripture

World Changers Sunday:: Getting T.O.'D::

2008-07-15T09:07:00.002-05:00

“I’m just getting really…kinda T.O.’D”
(Self control, anger)

- What’s going on in the scene??
God will show you only how far he wants.
- What can we learn from it??

Is there a time when it’s ok to be mad/upset? When?

Is there a difference between being mad and upset?

Learn from Jesus—Mark 11:12-19
What’s Paul say?—Eph 4:17-32
No longer live as the ungodly—v.17
Throw off the evil nature—v.22
There must be renewal—v.23, 24
Put away falsehood—v.25
Don’t let anger make you sin—v.26
Don’t use foul language—v.29
Don’t make God unhappy by how you live—v.30
Get rid of ungodly behavior—v.31, 32

Have you ever had your dreams shattered?
Romans 8:18-27

Are you T.O.’D?

Dynamite Summer-->Jealousy

2008-07-08T09:22:00.001-05:00

“Napoleon, don’t be jealous that I’ve been chatting online with babes all day…”

Jealousy

-What’s going on in the scene??

-What’s Jealousy…why’s it so bad?
-Challenges a Godly attribute, that only God can use

-God’s jealous…
-Ex. 20:5
-2 Cor. 11:2

-Our Jealousy…
-Saul jealous of David 1 Sam 18:1-16
-James 4:1-12

So what about all this Jealousy??
-Takes us off our path with Christ
-Our focus goes from Jesus to whoever we’re jealous of

What’s it ok to be jealous of??
-jealousy that leads us towards Christ
-jealousy that causes us to realize our need for Christ
-jealousy that causes us to Show others Jesus

Dynamite Summer -- Bruce Almighty --> Surrendering to God

2008-06-12T18:36:00.001-05:00

Bruce Almighty
“I surrender to You…”

Philippians 2:3-11

-Bruce’s problem…our problem of surrendering to God is our own selfishness

BE YOURSELF
v.3 – BE yourself! God made you who you are for a reason…be that person, and BE that person for Jesus.
- Humility is the opposite of selfishness

BE JESUS
v.4-5 Our attitude should be the same as Jesus…
-in the arena of selfishness, how did Jesus live?
-Matt 6:1-4, Mark 2:1-12, John 13:4-5, Phil 2:6-8

BE READY
v. 9-11
Because Jesus was who He said He was, and did what He said He would do…there are some things that WILL happen in the future. You can be ready for it, or not.

How could you not be ready? Matthew 7:13-14

Dynamite Summer-- Bruce Almighty

2008-06-04T20:21:00.001-05:00

Finding God’s Will
Ephesians 1:6-13

-It’s something we all want to know…

How do we REALLY know what God’s will is??

That we would be free…
v.6-7 He’s forgiven our sins, and made us free!
John 6:40 – Our freedom extends from now until eternity.

That we would KNOW His will…
v.8-9 He doesn’t want things to be unclear
His plan is centered on Christ…so we should BE Jesus

That we would TRUST his will…
v.10 He’s got it under control, and He’ll bring things together when it’s the right time
v.11 nothing God does is an accident… it’s all part of being His child

That we should worship Him…
v.12 Worship with our lives so others can see

By worshiping Him, we tell others about Him…
v.13 When others see Jesus in us, or we tell them about Him, they have an opportunity to know Him like we do
2 Peter 3:9 – This is God’s desire…not what WILL happen. Our free will plays a part in knowing Christ, but we must realize what God’s desire is when it comes to who we tell or don’t tell about him.

Dynamite Summer -- "...you know I'm training to become a cage fighter..."

2008-05-23T09:20:00.001-05:00

2 Corinthians 5:14-19

Dealing with our dreams and our perception as people see us…

-What is a cage fighter and why does Kip want to be one? Should he be one??

-Kip would say he’s perusing his dreams, everyone else would say he’s living in a dream world.
-Kip’s idea of himself is very different than our idea of him. Perception is important.

-Your voice on a tape…

-Your perception…vs. others perception…

-How you see yourself and how others see you are usually legitimate viewpoints…

(v.14) -How God sees you is even more legit AND most important
-A lot of times we miss the mark God has for us…SIN
(vv.15-16) –How do you look at people??
Where do you look? V 17
(v.17) -People are deeper than what you can see…AND we can all be made new!
-If we’re created new, people should see us AND see the Cross and Resurrection
-Romans 1:7…God calls you a saint
-That change starts inside, but moves to the outside…but you don’t have to change everything
(v.18) -If God see us through what His son did…we should look at others the same way
(v.19) -You’re forgiven!!!! Given a fresh start!

-Nobody can judge you anymore…
-Our identity…to ourselves, to others, to God…is based on what Jesus did for us

-How do you think HE sees you?? Why does He see you like that??

Coachable

2008-05-14T08:56:00.002-05:00

Am I Coachable?

Primary Scripture

Nehemiah 9

Secondary Scripture

Acts 7:48-53

Download the complete Bible Study clicking on it on the right side of this page

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Napoleon Summer--"We are not babies..."

2008-05-14T08:53:00.000-05:00

“We are not babies…”

-What’s going on in the scene??

-What can we learn from it right off??

-2 different kinds of babies…

-BABIES in the world…
-What’s stuff kids do? Real babies and people who act like babies…

Characteristics--
-1 Cor. 13:11—We act childish…-- What do you need to leave behind??
-Gal 5:19-21--
-Phil 2:3-4—We look out for #1

-BABIES in Christ…
-Luke 18:15-17—Kingdom of God belongs to them…
-Jn. 1:12—Children of God

-Characteristics--
-1 Cor. 13:11—or we don’t act childish
-Crave milk
-Gal 5:22-23—Fruits of the Spirit
-1 Tim 6:11-12

Take It Like A Man Week 2

2008-05-02T15:28:00.000-05:00

Take IT Like a Man
Week 2 – Lend a Hand and Express Your Heart

When you came to Christ, you were “circumcised,” but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision—the cutting away of your sinful nature. (Colossians 2:11 NLT).

Lend a Hand--serving
Service that is Natural vs. Service that is Spiritual
What you want to do/have to do vs. knowing that service shows people Jesus

Jesus called all the followers together and said, “You know that the rulers of the non-Jewish people love to show their power over the people. And their important leaders love to use all their authority. But it should not be that way among you. Whoever wants to become great among you must serve the rest of you like a servant. Whoever wants to become first among you must serve the rest of you like a slave. In the same way, the Son of Man did not come to be served. He came to serve others and to give His life as a ransom for many people” (Matthew 20:25-28 NCV).
Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did. (1 John 2:6).

getting started IN SERVICE
1. start with an INVITATION
2. Start SMALL
-this is the hardest part for guys (wait for everyone to eat, listen instead of talk, stop and help someone in need, let go of the remote, clean up after yourself, buy your youth pastor Cardinals tickets)

“And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of My followers, you will surely be rewarded” (Matthew 10:42 NLT).

Anyone who wants to be my disciple must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me. (John 12:26).

Express Your Heart--Compassion
The cutting of the heart that moves us to enter the pain of others.

36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. 38 So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” (Matthew 9:36-38).

40 A man with leprosy came and knelt in front of Jesus, begging to be healed. “If you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean,” he said.
41 Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” (Mark 1:40-41).
So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. (2 Corinthians 3:18 NLT).

Wednesday Night: Take it Like a Man

2008-04-23T23:16:00.003-05:00

Take it like a man
Week 1 - Stop Chasing, Take a Knee
(2 week series looking at 3 big things that a Godly man should become)

God’s dream for a man is far bigger and more powerful than the cultural stereotype of a real man. God’s dream for you isn’t something you chase; it’s something you become.

[God to Abraham7 “I will confirm my covenant with you and your descendants[a] after you, from generation to generation. This is the everlasting covenant: I will always be your God and the God of your descendants after you. 10 This is the covenant that you and your descendants must keep: Each male among you must be circumcised. (Genesis 17:7,10 NIV).
Circumcised??? WHAT???

When you came to Christ, you were circumcised, but not by a physical procedure. It was a spiritual procedure—the cutting away of your sinful nature (Colossians 2:11 NLT).

. . . for you have stripped off your old evil nature and all its wicked deeds. In its place you have clothed yourselves with a brand-new nature that is continually being renewed as you learn more and more about Christ, who created this new nature within you. In this new life, it doesn't matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and He lives in all of us
(Colossians 3:9-11 NLT).

For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. (Romans 8:29 NLT)

Take a Knee
Pride
Pride leads to disgrace . . . (Proverbs 11:2 NLT).

Pride ends in humiliation . . . (Proverbs 29:23 NLT).
Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had. Though He was God, He did not demand and cling to His rights as God. He made Himself nothing; He took the humble position of a slave and appeared in human form. And in human form he obediently humbled Himself even further by dying a criminal's death on a cross. Because of this, God raised Him up to the heights of heaven and gave Him a name that is above every other name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:5-11 NLT).

So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and in His good time He will honor you (1 Peter 5:6 NLT).
. . . but with humility comes wisdom (Proverbs 11:2 NLT).
-A wise person is a humble person…
. . . while humility brings honor (Proverbs 29:23 NLT).
-Someone who is really honored and spoke well of by others for a long time, is humble

Don't forget to click on the link on the right side of the webpage to download or view the entire bible study from Sunday night. Have a great rest of the week.

~Justin and Lindsay

Girls Bible Study

2008-04-20T07:44:00.002-05:00

There will be no High School Girls Purity Lesson tonight. Justin and I will be out of town. You will join the rest of the Youth in the Youth Room for Bible Study tonight. Have a great night. We will see you all on Wednesday night.
Love, Lindsay

Beyond The Yearbook: The Type of Change God Wants For You

2008-04-16T10:24:00.002-05:00

BEYOND THE YEARBOOK:
MAKING A NAME FOR YOURSELF
Part 3: The Type of Change God Wants For You

17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 2 Corinthians 5:17

WHAT GOD WANTS TO DO TO YOU…

Jesus replied, "You don't understand now why I am doing it; someday you will.” John 13:7

· SAVE you

· CHANGE you

· USE you

For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him.
Philippians 2:13

PLAYING A PART IN GOD’S CHANGE PROCESS…

1. Be OPEN to God’s work in your life

6 I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. 7 It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow. 8 The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work. 9 For we are both God’s workers. And you are God’s field. You are God’s building.
1 Corinthians 3:6-9

2. Be LOOKING for God’s work in your life

Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions. Matthew 7:20

Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

3. Be ACTIVE in God’s work in others’ lives

This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. 13 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.. John 15:12-13

God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 1 Peter 4:10

Beyond The Yearbook: Creating a Friendship That Will Change Your Life

2008-04-11T11:29:00.001-05:00

BEYOND THE YEARBOOK:
MAKING A NAME FOR YOURSELF
Part 2: Creating a Friendship That Will Change Your Life

A RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD IS CHARACTERIZED BY:

· Unconditional ACCEPTANCE

Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends. Proverbs 17:9 NLT

No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:39 NLT

· Unbelievable PEACE

Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Romans 5:1 NLT

· Unbeatable LOYALTY

Many people claim to be loyal, but it is hard to find a trustworthy person. Proverbs 20:6 NCV

Some friends may ruin you, but a real friend will be more loyal than a brother. Proverbs 18:24 NCV

If we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself. 2 Timothy 2:13 NIV

I CAN ENHANCE MY FRIENDSHIP/RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD BY…

Accepting his offer of FRIENDSHIP

If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9 NLT

So, friends, confirm God's invitation to you, his choice of you. Don't put it off; do it now. Do this, and you'll have your life on a firm footing, the streets paved and the way wide open into the eternal kingdom of our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:10,11 Message

Pursuing the PEACE that comes from being FRIENDS with God

20 and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross. 21 This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions. 22 Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault.
Colossians 1:20-22 NLT

Embracing a lifestyle of LOYALTY to God

You adulterers! Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God. James 4:4 NLT

You're cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and his way James 4:4 The Message

God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12 NLT

“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! Deuteronomy 30:19 NLT

So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God. Romans 5:11 NLT

Bible Study on the Book of Ruth Week 1--Sunday Nights in April

2008-04-07T19:49:00.001-05:00

To Download the bible study below: click on the link of the right column.

TOUGH TIMES AND THE TRUE YOU
Discovering How Tough Times Expose and Shape Our Motives

Primary Scripture
Ruth 1

Secondary Scripture
Proverbs 17:17

Objectives
THINK: Understand that our true character comes out in times of trial.
TODAY: Realize that our motives determine our actions. APPLY: Develop a deep connection with God so the tough times are Godly times.

BEYOND THE YEARBOOK: Part 1: Changing Your Identity to a New Family

2008-04-07T13:20:00.003-05:00

BEYOND THE YEARBOOK:
MAKING A NAME FOR YOURSELF
Part 1: Changing Your Identity to a New Family

The problem: How you view YOURSELF

WHEN THE FAMILY CHANGE HAPPENS…

· God changes YOUR NAME (creation to child)
John 1:12

· God changes YOUR ETERNITY (separation to connection)

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it. John 3:16-17

· God changes YOUR LONGINGS (selfish to selfless)
If your sinful nature controls your mind, there is death. But if the Holy Spirit controls your mind, there is life and peace. Romans 8:6

So, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation whatsoever to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you keep on following it, you will perish. But if through the power of the Holy Spirit you turn from it and its evil deeds, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. Romans 8:12-14

HOW DO I REMEMBER WHOSE FAMILY I BELONG TO?

1. Fight THE LIES
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. John 8:32

2. Feed ON TRUTH
Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4

3. Find FAMILY FRIENDS
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work… Ecclesiastes 4:9

Questions from "The Box"

2008-03-30T21:24:00.000-05:00

“The Box”
3/30/08
How do people know what God looks like?
-We are made in God’s image Gen 1:26-27
-After seeing God, Moses looked different, God “wore off” on him.
Gen 33:18-23, 34:29

Why can’t God be a woman?
-The Bible always refers to God as HE… Gen 1:16

What is the Judgment hall?
(Judgment Seat)
-There are two places of Judgment found in scripture…Christ’s judgment seat, and the “Great White Throne of Judgment.”

Judgment Seat of Christ Great White Throne of Judgment
2 Cor 5:9-11 Rev. 20:11-15
Only for believers Only for unbelievers
Judged on how we’ve lived for Christ Judged only on what we’ve done
Christ Judges God Judges

How can we hear Jesus’ and God’s voice?
-God speaks through MANY different situations
Through Preachers (Heb 1:1)
Through Bible (2 Tim 3:16-17)
Prayer (Rom 8:26-27)
Circumstances (Prov 3:5-6)
Church (Eph 4:15-16)
All these things are dependent on how close our relationship is with Christ. If it’s close, we’ll hear him, if it’s not close, it’ll be hard to hear. (James 4:8)
-Why is it hard to hear God then?
We are always battling sin! (Romans 7:18-25)

Are tattoos bad?
-1 Cor 10:23-24, 33
Not everything we’re allowed to do is helpful to the cause of Jesus
-What the Bible specifically says about tattoos. (Leviticus 19:28)
-The context of this passage is pagan idolatry. In other words, the things talked about here are in relation to things that the people of the time knew to be ungodly. (Leviticus 19:26-29)
-Question to ask…Is your getting a tattoo bringing other’s closer to Christ?
Colossians 3:1-5, 17
-What should we “put on” if tattoos are not the best thing to show people Jesus?
Colossians 3:12-16

Church as it should be: Rediscovering Church

2008-03-26T21:57:00.002-05:00

CHURCH AS IT SHOULD BE: Rediscovering Church
Part 1: Focused on Jesus

Key events in the early church-How the early church was set up Results

-The earthly ministry of Jesus is over—he ascends to heaven. PURPOSE
“But when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power and will tell people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” It was not long after he said this that he was taken up into the sky while they were watching, and he disappeared into a cloud (Acts 1:8-9).

-The Holy Spirit descended on believers. POWER
…seven weeks after Jesus' resurrection, the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm in the skies above them, and it filled the house where they were meeting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them (Acts 2:1-3).

Now he sits on the throne of highest honor in heaven, at God's right hand. And the Father, as he had promised, gave him the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us, just as you see and hear today (Acts 2:33).

They stood there amazed and perplexed. ‘What can this mean?’ they asked each other. But others in the crowd were mocking. “They're drunk, that's all!” they said
(Acts 2:12-13).

-The believers became confident and faithful. PREACHING
But Peter said, “I don't have any money for you. But I'll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk” …Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them. All the people saw him walking and heard him praising God. When they realized he was the lame beggar they had seen so often at the Beautiful Gate, they were absolutely astounded! They all rushed out to Solomon's Colonnade, where he was holding tightly to Peter and John. Everyone stood there in awe of the wonderful thing that had happened
(Acts 3:6,8,9-11).

WHEN A CHURCH FOCUSES ON JESUS…
IT’S BECAUSE THE MEMEBERS ARE ALL ABOUT JESUS

41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church—about three thousand in all. 42 They joined with the other believers and devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, sharing in the Lord's Supper and in prayer. 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together constantly and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their possessions and shared the proceeds with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord's Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their group those who were being saved (Acts 2:41-47).

1. Connects with other BELIEVERS

2. Meets needs of others in LOVE

3. Devotes oneself to LEARNING

4. Participates in people being SAVED

5. Celebrates God in WORSHIP

Wednesday Night's Message: The Bud Light Commercial

2008-03-20T11:50:00.003-05:00

Super Bowl Ads…
“The Bud Light Commercial”
Alcohol…what’s the Bible really say?
Didn’t they drink wine back in Jesus’ time?
-Greek words for wine
Oinos—used in translation for both alcoholic and non alc. Wine
How do we know which one is used? Context Gen 9:21, Isa 16:10

-Uses for wine in ancient world
Purification—water wasn’t purified like today and a very weak alcohol (wine) was added to the water to make it safe to drink.
The Wedding At Cana John 2:1-11 Jesus turns water into wine
v.10 uses the words “good wine” and “well drunk” What do they mean?
Good Wine-we can look to historians of the time for context to know meaning
Pliny(1st century Roman Historian) “wines are most beneficial when all their potency is removed by the strainer.”
Plutarch (1st century Greek Historian) "wine is 'much more pleasant to drink' when it 'neither inflames brain or infests the mind and passions' because its strength has been removed through frequent filtering"
The Talmud (book of Jewish laws and traditions) says “that drinking to the accompaniment of musical instruments on festive occasions such as weddings was forbidden”
Well Drunk—many think that this means the people there were “already drunk” when, thinking of it in context, we can see that it’s not the case.
“have well drunk” doesn’t say they were drunk…it says they had just been drinking what they wanted…at their own pace. Also, if they knew the wine Jesus made was better than the first, they hadn’t drank or eaten a lot yet, because their taste was still keen. The more you eat or drink, the less you can discern taste differeneces. Think about eating a lot at Thanksgiving…at the end your food doesn’t taste as good as it did at the first few bites because you’ve had lots of other stuff by the end, even if you go back and eat the same thing.
-Difference between wine and liquor today
Wine in ancient times was at most 2%-3% alcohol…where today’s beer is 5% and wine today is anywhere between 10% and 25% alcohol. Also, wine with alcohol was diluted anywhere between 50% and 75%, meaning that most drinks considered wine were only 1% alcohol. The 1% was the purification and taste added to the water. -Paul telling Timothy to have a little wine…
1 Tim 5:23
The word translated as “use” in the Greek means to “make use of” or “take” and in the same context as a medicine. It doesn’t say to “drink” There was no NyQuil back then!
“No longer drink only water…” We can see from history, that some Christians wanted to keep away from sin and temptation so much that they didn’t drink anything made from grapes…therefore not giving any chance of drinking alcohol. Paul’s telling him to take a little wine or juice to help an illness possibly.
Doesn’t the Bible say you can drink…just not get drunk?
1 Pet 4:3, 1 Peter 2:11
Galatians 5:19-21 (…and the like) Stay away from ALL THINGS that are ungodly
1 Thess 5:21-22 The word translated "good" is from the Greek kalos, meaning "commendable, admirable, excellent in its nature and characteristics, praiseworthy, morally good, noble, affecting the mind agreeably" None of those can be attributed to the use of alcohol in a social capacity.
What does drinking do to your witness?
-What if no one sees you drink it?
-What if no one sees you buy it and you drink it alone without anyone seeing?

Life Lesson...If you have to hide something or try to justify something you're doing or thinking about doing...chances are that it's not really worth doing and it's probably wrong in the first place.

Spiritual Gifts Survey

2008-03-18T11:33:00.001-05:00

Just a reminder, if you want to take another Spiritual Gifts Survey see Justin so he can get one to you.

"FOLLOW YOUR HEART" ::Wednesday Night's Message::

2008-03-18T11:31:00.002-05:00

Follow Your Heart
Heroes to model your life after (Noah)

But you, Timothy, belong to God; so run from all these evil things, and follow what is right and good. Pursue a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. 1 Timothy 6:11

HOW TO PERSEVERE
Now the LORD observed the extent of the people's wickedness, and he saw that all their thoughts were consistently and totally evil. So the LORD was sorry he had ever made them. It broke his heart. And the LORD said, "I will completely wipe out this human race that I have created. Yes, and I will destroy all the animals and birds, too. I am sorry I ever made them." But Noah found favor with the LORD. Genesis 6:5-8

1. Be DIFFERENT than the crowd
Noah found favor with the LORD. He consistently followed God's will and enjoyed a close relationship with him. Genesis 6:8-9b
2. Be RIGHTEOUS because of Christ
Noah was a righteous man, the only blameless man living on earth at the time… Finally, the day came when the LORD said to Noah, "Go into the boat with all your family, for among all the people of the earth, I consider you alone to be righteous.” Genesis 6:9a, 7:1

But people are declared righteous because of their faith, not because of their work. Romans 4:5

3. Be FAITHFUL when it’s tough
"Make a boat from resinous wood and seal it with tar, inside and out. Then construct decks and stalls throughout its interior. Make it 450 feet long, 75 feet wide and 45 feet high. Construct an opening all the way around the boat, 18 inches below the roof. Then put three decks inside the boat-- bottom, middle, and upper-- and put a door in the side.” Genesis 6:14-1
4. Be THANKFUL for God’s work
Then Noah built an altar to the LORD and sacrificed on it the animals and birds that had been approved for that purpose. And the LORD was pleased with the sacrifice… Genesis 8:20-21

5. Be PERSISTANT even when you fail
After the Flood, Noah became a farmer and planted a vineyard. One day he became drunk on some wine he had made and lay naked in his tent. Genesis 9:20-21

One last thought:
For Noah: God was pleased and gave him a promise. (Genesis 9:12-15)
For me: God is pleased with faith and offers a PEACE-FILLED journey.
Question: Are you ready to put YOUR FAITH in the journey?
And God said, "I am giving you a sign as evidence of my eternal covenant with you and all living creatures. I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my permanent promise to you and to all the earth. When I send clouds over the earth, the rainbow will be seen in the clouds, and I will remember my covenant with you and with everything that lives. Never again will there be a flood that will destroy all life.” Genesis 9:12-15

Every Young Woman's Battle Book

2008-03-12T09:42:00.001-05:00

ATTENTION HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS: If you are planning on participating in the Purity Study that will be taking place on Sunday nights starting March 30 @ 5PM, you need to see Lindsay about purchasing a book for the class. It is $10 for the book. Be sure to get your book now so that you can be preparing for the class.

"The Dirty Dozen"

2008-03-10T10:38:00.002-05:00

After studying for several weeks about the disciples, we reflected last night during discipleship training on which disciples we were most like as well as discussing our spiritual gifts. So if you missed out, here's a quick look at what we did:

The Dirty Dozen Conclusion

James the Lesser

Behind the scenes, servant, faithful

Andrew

Brought many people to Jesus, passionate

John

Dealt with immaturity, became responsible and loving

Bartholomew Nathanael

Dealt with prejudice, wanted to know the truth, honest

Judas Iscariot

Hid who he really was, rejected Jesus

Simon the Zealot

Zealous, Passionate, Revolutionary

Philip

Logical, rational, intelligent

Matthew

Intelligent, changed his lifestyle to follow Jesus, learned about true value

Judas Thaddaeus

Behind the scenes, servant, concerned for the world

Simon Peter

Leader, passionate, outspoken, continued despite failures

James

Faithful, dedicated, willing to give his life

Thomas

Common sense, dealt with doubt, courageous

"Everyone on a championship team doesn't get publicity, but everyone can say he's a champion"--Magic Johnson

List the three disciples that you think you are most similar to. Use the chart above for help. 1.__________________________
2.__________________________
3.__________________________

Why and how are you like these disciples?

"The way a team plays as a whole determines it's success. You may have the greatest bunch of individual stars in the world, but if they don't play together, the club won't be worth a dime."--Babe Ruth

"There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men." --1 Corinthians 12:4-6

Name some of the gifts Christians have:

Name some of your gifts that you have:

IT'S NOT HOW WE SERVE AS CHRISTIANS THAT'S IMPORTANT...IT'S WHO WE SERVE

How could God us a person with your gifts in the church?

How could Godus a person with your gifts in your school?

What kind of career has God possibly gifted you for?

Wednesday Night 03.05.08

2008-03-06T11:04:00.000-06:00

We watched an ad from the Super Bowl to show that things aren't always what they seem to be.

Just when you think you have it all figured out, things can change quickly. The Christian life is like that too. There are a lot of things out there that can catch us off guard in our faith.

Matthew 7:15-23
-False Prophets will catch us off guard. (M 7:15, 2 Cor 11:12-14)
-FACT-There are false prophets, teachers
This is talking about people in leadership positions and people who claim to teach Christ,

but are deceiving those they teach.

-How can you catch a False prophet? “by their fruits…” not only talking about what they do,

but what they say and their doctrine (what they believe).
1 John 4:1-3 –test them by what they say and believe (doctrine)
-A true follower of Jesus will agree with and teach ALL of the Bible You can’t pick and

choose what parts of Jesus you like or don’t like.

-What about people who do all kinds of good things? (M 7:21-23)
-Only having good things or doing good things shouldn’t automatically pair us up with

Jesus. We should be paired up because of our love…Jesus did a lot of good things, but we most remember Him for His love for us!
-Using Jesus’ name to preach, teach, perform wonders isn’t enough if their life isn’t

grounded in Jesus totally

-The word of God is superior to any miracle-
Isaiah 40:8—God’s word is forever!
-Hebrews 4:12-13—God’s word exposes all evil things
How can we know if things are of Jesus or not? By His Word!

:: EC :: Essential Connection

2008-03-05T09:30:00.003-06:00

Be sure to check out the new EC's. They are on the table as you go into the Youth Room.

Challenge yourself to read the daily readings inside.

Lifehouse Everything Skit

2008-03-04T18:46:00.000-06:00

This is an amazing skit. Be sure to check it out.