Something to Chew On

I used this quote in the Youth Seminars at Marilla this weekend. I was wondering if you might like to a) read it, b) think about it, and c) discuss how this truth will affect the way that we do youth ministry at Wyoming.

“Thirty years from now, regardless of changes in technology, communication, and culture, people will still have the same basic needs. They will need love, acceptance, meaning, purpose, forgiveness, dignity, and significance. They will struggle with selfishness, fear, guilt, resentment, worry, boredom, loneliness, and other universal problems. These won’t go away. Thirty years from now the solution will still be the same: Jesus Christ.”

--Rick Warren

1. Why is it important for us to understand well Jesus Christ and the message of the gospel and be able to articulate it clearly?


2. Is it important to keep sharpening our skills at sharing the gospel, explaining Scripture, and sharing our testimony?


3. Have you ever struggled with any of the issues Rick Warren mentioned? How does that change your ministry zeal/urgency?


4. What will motivate us to be involved with these kinds of broken people? (hint: think second main session, feeding of the five thousand)

I want to have a youth group that is open and receptive of people (especially teens) at all places in the journey. I want to see young people who care for the lost and are actively reaching out to them to draw them to Christ by lifting Him up. I want to be salt and light in the world around us to the point that people begin bringing their broken friends to us to heal them. Do you?

For teens and for the lost,

Pastor Mike

The Scandalous Love of God

Philip Yancey has a way of making me think, or rather squirm. He pokes me in the eyes with truth until they water. Then when it is all said and done, I wipe my eyes and end up thanking him for poking me. Talk about adding insult to injury. But I remember that teh wounds of a friend are more trustworthy than the kisses of an enemy. I believe that Phil is my friend, since we are seeking after the same thing -- conformity to Christ. That high goal however must run through an examination of my gracious levels.

Phil points out that God's grace is scandalous! It goes against everything that we consider "right". Grace does not make any sense to us. Listen to what Phil writes,

"Why would God choose Jacob the conniver over dutiful Esau? Why confer supernatural powers of strength on a ... deliquent named Samson? Why groom a runty shepherd boy, David, to be Israel's king? And why bestow a sublime gift of wisdom on Solomon, the fruit of that king's adulterous liaison? Indeed, in each of these Old Testament stories the scandal of grace rumbles under the surface until finally, in Jesus' parables, it bursts forth in a dramatic upheaval to reshape the moral landscape."

What's So Amazing About Grace, p.61

1. So what parable do you think he is thinking of?
2. Can you think of other NT examples of Jesus living graciously in spite of the "receptivity" or "worthlessness" of those to whom he ministered?
3. Do you struggle with ministry to the "undeserving" or do you struggle with Jonah syndrome?
4. What is the antidote to this twisted mental conception? How do we straighten out our "stinkin' thinkin'"?

I want to think Jesus' thoughts about grace, and then minister it to them!

Still amazed by grace,
Pastor Mike

What a Great God

You know, it is an awesome thing to listen to the beautiful sounds of encouragement and edification coming from the fingertips of teens. I really appreciate the fact that you have not forgotten your missing YG members. (except Kristi W! :( We do miss you since basketball has stolen you away from us!)

Would you now turn your words of appreciation toward God? Study out Isaiah 40 snd write some words of praise to God based on these words. We are at Ithaca today for a conference on "Christ in Isaiah". One of the speakers spoke last night on Isaiah 40 -- it was awesome worship to hear how this man was dealing with some rough road because he was "beholding his God". Try you hand at this yourself.

You may begin your post with "Our God is an awesome God because..." or any other way that makes sense to you. I hope to post on this soon too.

Praising Him,
Mike