2014 Winter Youth Retreat Highlight Video

50 students (middle school & high school) and 11 adult chaperons took part in this year's Winter Youth Retreat at Camp of the Woods in Speculator, NY.  Our student ministry joined with area youth groups as part of the Shore Youth Network. Over 300 students from Monmouth and Ocean counties participated in this year's retreat.

Fight for Joy: Heavenly Citizenship (Philippians 3:17-21) Questions for Reflection and Discussion

Dig Deeper

In Philippians 1:6 the Apostle Paul began his letter expressing confidence that “He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” (NKJV). Chapter 3 concludes with a description of that “day” and how it is that Christ will complete the work He began in us, “(the Lord Jesus Christ) will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.”

In Philippians 3:20 Paul reminds his fellow Christians that their “citizenship is in heaven”. Therefore, Christians live in two realms, the earthly human realm and a heavenly realm. What insights about our heavenly citizenship are revealed in the following Scriptures?

Luke 22:29-30--

  

John 14:2--

  

Ephesians 2:12-13, 19--

  

Hebrews 13:14--

  

1 Peter 1:4--

  

Revelation 21:2, 27; 22:3-5--

Application

What changes is the Holy Spirit leading you to make in light of your heavenly citizenship?

Memorize This

Philippians 3:14-- I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. © NKJV

Pastors/Wives Conference with the MacDonalds (Going Deep)

This past week Sherrill and I were privileged to take part in the Pastors and Spouses Retreat at Spruce Lake. Sessions were led by Gordon and Gail MacDonald. Gordon has served as pastor to four churches, president of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship for three years and is currently the Chancellor of Denver Seminary. 

During their sessions Gordon and Gail sat face to face carrying on a conversation with each other allowing the pastors and wives present to "eavesdrop". In their final session the MacDonalds shared themes from Gordon's book, Going Deep: Becoming a Person of Influence. Gordon writes, 

Cultivating people of spiritual depth is a pastor's top priority.

What does it mean to be a deep Christ-follower today when unlimited options, noisy distractions, and a million versions of truth swamp the soul? How is it possible to be a deep person while being swept up in a 50-60 hour work week (if you're working), community and school events, shopping, networking, laundering, family-building … oh, and staying on top of things at church too? Is deep even thinkable for anyone living outside of a monastery? I'm just asking.

Of course we can't even attempt to answer these questions until we explore what deep means. Here's my working definition: Deep people are those whose lives are organized around Jesus, his character, his call to a serving life, and his death on the cross for their sins. The abilities (or giftedness) of deep people may be quite diverse, but each has the power to influence others to follow Jesus, grow in Christ-likeness, and live a life of faithful service. They love the world, mix well with people, but are wary of spiritual entrapments. They are known for their wisdom, their compassion for others, and their perseverance in hard times. Read more at Leadership Journal here. 

I've not yet read Gordon's book, but after these two days I'm looking forward to doing so soon. I posted a link to Going Deep below.

Going Deep: Becoming a Person of Influence By Gordon MacDonald / Thomas Nelson Revisiting the fictional congregation of his best-selling Who Stole My Church? Pastor Gordon faces a new dilemma! His church knows how to get people to visit and even make a personal commitment to Jesus---but it doesn't know how to cultivate spiritually deep disciples. Is the future of their community at risk? 272 pages, softcover from Nelson.

Thoughts about TEAMwork

Sunday afternoon our Children’s Ministry Team met to pray and plan for the upcoming quarter. I’m thankful for the TEAM spirit that exists among our children’s ministry volunteers. Here’s some thoughts about TEAMwork in ministry:

Together is better. Ecclesiastes 4:9 reads, “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed” (NLT). In the realm of teamwork 1 + 1 is greater than 2. Sociologists refer to this effect as synergy, defined by Webster as, “the increased effectiveness that results when two or more people work together.”

Encouragement. Ministry, especially family ministry is incredibly rewarding and exciting, except when it’s not! Everyone involved in ministry will experience seasons of discouragement. During these times the encouragement of fellow-workers is invaluable. The Apostle Paul received encouragement from his longtime ministry partner Timothy of whom he wrote, “For I have no one else like-minded who will genuinely care about your interests” (Philippians 2:20 HCSB).  

Availability. Working as a team allows each team member the ability to concentrate his or her efforts where most effective. 1 Corinthians 12:22-27

Mentoring relationships. Ministry within teams allows those who are more experienced to pass on skills and lessons learned to those eager to impact the lives of others. This is the model the Apostle Paul instructed the churches he established to follow, “And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2 HCSB).

Fight for Joy: PRESS on toward the goal... (Philippians 3:14-16) Questions for Reflection and Discussion

Dig Deeper

In Philippians 3:4-14 the Apostle Paul uses his own fight for joy as an example for the Philippians’ to follow (see Philippians 3:17a).  In Philippians 3:15-4:1 he transitions to his hearers’ follow-through, “Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind” (Philippians 3:16).

In the phrase “let us walk by the same rule” the word rule is “kanōn” referring originally to the measure of a leap in the Olympic games and refers here to the boundary or sphere in which we are to walk (live). In other words Paul is admonishing Christians to  live within the boundaries of the God’s sphere (kingdom). What additional insights to you gain about living in God’s sphere or kingdom from the following Scriptures?

Galatians 6:16--

Romans 14:17--

Luke 12:32-34--

Colossians 1:12-14--

Paul’s instruction to “be of the same mind” is the second of three times he makes this appeal to Christian unity (see 2:2 and 4:2-3). What additional insights about  the importance of unity are gained from the following similar commands to be of the same mind (or like-minded)?

Romans 12:16--

1 Peter 3:8--

1 Corinthians 1:10--

Ephesians 4:1-6--

Application

How is the Holy Spirit leading you to “press toward the goal of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” in your life/walk?

Memorize This

Philippians 3:14-- I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. © NKJV

Happy Valentine's Day!

Check out this awesome example of 1 Corinthians 13 love Bill has for his wife of over 50 years! "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her." Ephesians 5:25 NIV Happy Valentine's Day!!!

What is Love? Valentines Day Special from yesheis.com on GodTube.

Grace Unplugged Trailer

Grace Trey is the ideal Christian teen who is also a phenomenal singer. But at the tender age of eighteen, after she gets the music break of a lifetime and is thrust into the "real world" - her faith is put to the test. Pick up the DVD here.

Grace Unplugged: Special Collector's Edition, Blu-ray/DVD/HD Digital Copy By Roadside Attractions Grace Trey is on her way to the top! When the 18-year-old aspiring pop singer runs away to Los Angeles, her musical talent thrusts her into the spotlight. But her sudden fame and fortune put her Christian beliefs to the test. Will her faith survive the glitter of stardom? Includes Blu-ray, DVD and Ultraviolet HD digital copy. Dove approved (12+). Rated PG. Widescreen. Closed captions. Approx. 101 minutes. Special Features: Deleted Scenes Gag Reel "Own It: Making of Grace Unplugged" Featurette English and Spanish Audio English and Spanish Subtitles Additional 40 Minutes of Exclusive Content* "Lights, Camera, Worship" Featurette "Behind the Music" Featurette * Special Collector's Edition

All things to all people-- Ultimate Frisbee

After spending time this morning making plans for an upcoming visit by our mission partner Christophe Savage this March, I came across this video of three students using the game of Ultimate Frisbee to build bridges of friendship in South East Asia. I'm continually amazed how God can use anything... even frisbees for His purposes. And the impact of short-term missions.

"I have become all things to all people, so that I may by every possible means save some. Now I do all this because of the gospel, so I may become a partner in its benefits." 1 Corinthians 9:22b-23 HCSB

"Only one life,’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last..." C. T. Studd

“Two little lines I heard one day, 

Traveling along life’s busy way; 

Bringing conviction to my heart, 

And from my mind would not depart; 

Only one life, ’twill soon be past, 

Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one, 

Soon will its fleeting hours be done; 

Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet, 

And stand before His Judgement seat; 

Only one life,’twill soon be past, 

Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, the still small voice, 

Gently pleads for a better choice 

Bidding me selfish aims to leave, 

And to God’s holy will to cleave; 

Only one life, ’twill soon be past, 

Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, a few brief years, 

Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears; 

Each with its clays I must fulfill, 

living for self or in His will; 

Only one life, ’twill soon be past, 

Only what’s done for Christ will last.

When this bright world would tempt me sore, 

When Satan would a victory score; 

When self would seek to have its way, 

Then help me Lord with joy to say; 

Only one life, ’twill soon be past, 

Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Give me Father, a purpose deep, 

In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep; 

Faithful and true what e’er the strife, 

Pleasing Thee in my daily life; 

Only one life, ’twill soon be past, 

Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Oh let my love with fervor burn, 

And from the world now let me turn; 

Living for Thee, and Thee alone, 

Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne; 

Only one life, “twill soon be past, 

Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one, 

Now let me say,”Thy will be done”; 

And when at last I’ll hear the call, 

I know I’ll say “twas worth it all”; 

Only one life,’twill soon be past, 

Only what’s done for Christ will last. ”

C.T. Studd

Fight for Joy: the Upward call (Philippians 3:12-14) Questions for Reflection and Discussion

Dig Deeper

In Philippians 3:12-14 the Apostle Paul continues to challenge the Philippians based on his own walk with Christ. Paul begins by emphasizing that he himself has not been perfected, “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected…” and is therefore, like his readers is a work in progress.  The same confidence he expressed toward the Philippians at the beginning of his letter, “He who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” (1:6), he has for himself.

By the phrase “already perfected” Paul is not referring to sinless perfection but rather means “to carry through, or bring to an end/fulfillment.” Bible teachers use the term progressive sanctification to refer to the Holy Spirit’s work in the life of a Christian whereby he or she increasingly becomes more like Christ. (Positional Sanctification occurs at the moment of conversion and refers to the Christian’s position in Christ, “found in Him” Philippians 3:9. Perfect Sanctification, also called glorification if the completion of Spirit’s work in the Christian upon appearing before Christ. See 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24.)

What insights about progressive sanctification in the life of a Christian do the following Scriptures provide?

Philippians 2:13--

1 Thessalonians 4:3-7--

1 Corinthians 3:9-17--

2 Corinthians 6:17-7:1--

Galatians 5:22-25--

Romans 8:29-30--

Application

Set aside time this week to sit down undistracted with your Bible and journal. Evaluate your spiritual progress. Make/keep your plan simple. Track your progress. Keep your eyes on the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Memorize This

Philippians 3:14-- I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. © NKJV

#creationdebate

I enjoyed and was challenged by last night’s debate between Bill Nye, “the Science Guy” and Ken Ham, of Answers in Genesis. Both Nye and Ham are to be commended for their spirited, yet respectful debate.  The popularity of the debate caught many in the media by surprise-- at least  three million viewers watched live, Facebook reported that the debate was the number 1 trending topic for hours before the event began, and Twitter, #creationdebate and Ken Ham occupied the worldwide twitter trending, during and after the debate. For more about the debate visit Answers in Genesis here.

For Christians interest in creation should come as no surprise as Psalm 19:1 declares, “The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork” and Romans 1:20, “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead.” For more resources check out the following links--

Post-Debate Recap with Ken Ham & Georgia Purdom 

Institute for Creation Research's That's a Fact Videos

Lee Strobel's The Case for the Creator 

Fight for Joy: Purpose, Power & Passion (Philippians 3:10-11) Questions for Reflection and Discussion

Dig Deeper

Wow! In one verse, Philippians 3:10 the Apostle Paul sums up the ultimate purpose, power

and passion of every Christian. The purpose or “goal” (HCSB) of the Christian is to “know

Christ.” This knowledge is both instantaneous and ongoing. In one sense Paul, whose

name was formerly Saul came to know Christ en route to Damascus (Acts 9:1-19). Yet

here in Philippians 3 after decades of service as a missionary he expresses his desire to

deepen his knowledge of Christ (Philippians 3:8-14).

The “power” or force, dynamis, from which we get our word dynamite, enabling this

knowledge, is the resurrection of Christ from the dead. Finally, the “fellowship of His

sufferings” is using hardships and sufferings we experience as a means to grow in our

knowledge of Christ and His passion on our behalf.

The Christian’s purpose-- what do the following Scriptures reveal about the goal of

knowing Christ?

John 17:3--

Jeremiah 9:23-26--

The Christian’s power-- what do the following Scriptures reveal about the power of the

resurrection in the life of a Christian?

Romans 6:1-11--

1 Corinthians 15:20-28, 56-57--

The Christian’s passion-- what do the following Scriptures reveal about the role of

suffering in the life of a Christian?

John 15:18-16:4--

1 Peter 2:21--

Application

How is the Holy Spirit leading you to deepen your knowledge of Christ?

Memorize This

Philippians 3:14— I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ

Jesus. © NKJV