Young People's Ministry & Chat

Be the Jesus Mirror!

2012-01-04T22:43:00.002-07:00

Do The True

2011-08-12T00:44:00.001-06:00

Wisdom: To Know and Obey God's Commandments. As a young person, you need to fill up on the truth so you can live a true life.

Click through to this website: www.DoTheTrue.com

Wisdom: Know the truth. Do the True.

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/pages/Truth-Notes-wwwDoTheTruecom/249093511781477

Truth Notes: Be Wise - Daily Readings From Proverbs

2011-08-05T14:15:00.000-06:00

Check out this hot devotional - Truth Notes

Hopeless Hope - 100,000,000 wait to be blessed

2010-01-10T00:09:00.006-07:00

New Years brings 100,000,000 Japanese to the shrines to be blessed. They are so hungry for blessing that millions wait for hours to receive a blessing. This picture should make your young heart hurt. Do you feel compassion for the millions who wait for nonexistent gods to bless them? Look closely at this picture: There are probably several of Jesus' sheep lined up. Someone needs to be Jesus in their lives. How about the ones in your school who haven't heard their shepherd call yet? They hope in hopelessness. Be Jesus in their lives.

Ministry Entrepreneur

2009-11-29T16:48:00.005-07:00

Over the T-day break, I had a realization. Why not become a ministry entrepreneur? Many of us focus our attentions on websites, business ideas, investments... We aim for the old "if you make your hobby your business, you'll be happy." We are motivated to organize our lives in order to make a few bucks, in hopes of making big bucks later on. In my life, I've sold many items from copiers, cosmetics, and vacuums to knives and stationary, and I've bought into Amway twice, just to name a few of my forays into becoming rich. I've given up on becoming rich, but haven't lost my lust for being an entrepreneur. Which brings me back to my original bloggerific point: I'm going to become a ministry entrepreneur. Once I become successful in one type of ministry, I'll duplicate and replicate. How about it? A ministry franchise that costs nothing but submission of all of your resources to Jesus?

Christmas Giving Tree

2009-11-23T23:38:00.002-07:00

This is a cool way to have fun at Christmas time. Find a Christmas Giving Tree at your local fire station or at a mall. You'll get to choose a kid by gender and age. I chose a boy that is 4 and a girl that is 3 years old. Then, you go to Wal-Mart and buy some gifts for the kid you chose, wrap those things up, and take them back to the Christmas Giving Tree.

Tweet the Gospel

2009-11-07T09:34:00.003-07:00

Only you know your friends and where they are spiritually. Only you can send out tweets that bring the gospel closer to your friends. Tweeting the gospel is something that you can do in bits and pieces over time, as you share God's presence in your life.

The Fake Out

2009-10-10T21:41:00.003-06:00

Satan knows that you are too smart to leave Christianity and follow a cult or join an eastern religion. So, he busts out the old 3% Fake-Out.

It usually goes something like this: A book comes in the mail. A friend stops by. You happen to catch a TV show. Somewhere in your life, you are given some type of "new" knowledge about God. That new knowledge comes packaged with 97% truth on the front-end. The 3% deception will eventually bring you into 100% deception. That is the fake-out!

So, how do you protect yourself? Jesus is pretty up front about it. The Bible says that our battle is an intellectual battle against Satan. Our weapon for destroying the wicked, Satanic philosophies is the WORD of God. Take every thought captive to Christ. Test every spirit. Match every doctrine up against the message entire Bible.

Know this: You need to know Biblical doctrine inside and out. Then, you will immediately spot the 3% on the front-end. Going to the average Christian church in America will probably not prepare you. You will need to do some extra study.

Being a Christian at School

2009-09-05T17:41:00.003-06:00

1. Instead of giving luck the credit, give God the credit for awesome things that happen during your day. Say, "God really worked that one out for me."

2. Pray before your cafeteria meal.

3. Be open about the fact that you know Jesus and He is your friend. You'll be surprised how many times you'll be tempted to hide your friendship with Jesus. Just be open to talking about your Biblical beliefs and your friend Jesus. You won't have to force it.

4. Be firm on morality. Call a spade a spade. If abortion is wrong, it is wrong. If bullying is wrong, it is wrong. If speaking kindly is right, it is right. If forgiving and giving a second chance is right, it is right. You don't have crusade to be open about what is right and wrong. If anyone ever says what gives you the right to make moral judgements, simply say, "The Bible says..."

5. Join a Bible study group, or start a prayer group. If someone is doing something for Jesus and that someone is not obnoxious, consider joining him/her. If there isn't anything going on, start something small.

6. Know your Biblical Worldview. Know why evolution isn't scientific truth. You must know your Bible well enough to apply it's truth in History, English, Science, Math.

7. What are your ideas?

Are you missional?

2009-08-09T16:02:00.003-06:00

This is a question that may define your Christianity in the next few years. Do you know what missional is? What does being missional look like in your everyday life?

Being missional means caring about authentic Biblical Christianity and at the same time bringing the gospel to those around you in ways that are meaningful to them.

If you are missional, your focus is to bring Christ to the culture around you in culturally relevant ways without being a sell-out to Jesus.

As you look at yourself, think about this:
1. Do I have a mission statement for my life?
2. Do I deliberately make friends with people and join clubs at school for the purpose of showing them who an authentic Christian is?
3. Do I live my life openly to bring glory to God?
4. Do I care enough to know what the Bible says about the issues that confront me every day?

If you answered any of the above, you may be missional.

What Are Your Dreams?

2009-07-07T01:57:00.004-06:00

Now is the time to start dreaming about the future. Are you equipped with a new heart that Loves Jesus and Aches to be a significant player in His story?

Your future will depend in many ways on what you do now. What you spend your time and money on now will craft the direction of your life.

I caught a glimpse of this caravan on the way to church yesterday. Without being too judgemental, think about what you can do now to ensure that you won't have $100,000 to spend on yourself when you retire.

Develop your life's direction and ministry vision now. Choose now who you will serve with your time, energy, dreams, money.

Sing for Jesus

2009-07-04T12:29:00.003-06:00

Great Youtube Idea #3:
Sing a song for Jesus!

No, Mr. President!

2009-06-06T11:55:00.003-06:00

SHARE this video on your social networking page - that WILL make a difference. You NEED to start feeling this issue. You SHOULD be T-Oed and respond in a Christ-like manner.

Missional Living

2009-05-31T01:40:00.002-06:00

Check out my blog on missional living!

Facebook Evangelism

2009-04-15T22:25:00.002-06:00

It's as easy as 1, 2, 3!
1. Video your testimony in about 3 minutes.
2. Upload it to your YouTube account.
3. Post it to your Facebook profile from Youtube.

Here's one that I published to my Facebook account. You know, most people can't resist a three minute video! And, I bet you have a few unsaved friends on Facebook.

Take Every Thought Captive

2009-02-04T22:55:00.003-07:00

Satan hates you and wants to destroy you. He wants to destroy your future and all possibilities of a life of ministry to God. Satan attacks us in several different ways. Not everyone is attacked in the same way. Some are attacked in their lusts. Some in their emotions. And, some in their thoughts. Most people keep these attacks to themselves for fear of being seen as weak.

Here are a few ways that Satan may be attacking you:
1. Pride and self-sufficiency.
2. Self-destructive thoughts or brief moments of suicidal urges.
3. Obsession with sex or with popularity.
4. Destructive thoughts towards others.
5. Obsession with secular endeavors that eclipse vision for serving God.
6. Depression and feelings of worthlessness.

Regarding attacks on the emotions or mind, God wants you to take every thought captive. Satan wants to destroy you. He doesn't want you to do the good works that God has planned for you to do. (Eph. 2:10) Regarding feelings of worthlessness: sure we are worthless in and of ourselves. But, a Christian finds her/his worth in Jesus Christ. In Jesus Christ, we are precious sons and daughters of God. In ourselves, we are wicked scoundrels.

Take every thought captive. You aren't a slave to your thoughts. Your thoughts can't make you do anything. Your job is to trust and obey because there is no other way to be valiant in Jesus! You are a slave to Christ now, not a slave to your lusts or your mind. You only have to submit to one master: God.

Advice for New Believers

2009-02-02T23:36:00.004-07:00

Picture a brood of newborn pups, squirming, mewing, sniffling, snuggling. These pups blindly push towards the safest place on the planet for them: mama’s tummy. For them, this is the center of their universe, their nucleus. Mom’s downy tummy provides warmth, security and nourishment, without which sickness, predators and death would soon creep in to consume.

Puppies need the security found next to their mother’s heart. These pups begin to grow and frolic, always returning to velvety warmth of mama. As you watch these little tykes, you notice a small runt-like puppy always pushed to the outskirts. This puppy whines and cries but to no avail, as it is pushed away from the nucleus. You wonder why doesn’t that puppy push its way as close to mama as it can get?

Newborn Christians are born into a similar situation. Their nucleus is the core of the local church, where the means of Christ’s grace flow, providing warmth, security and nourishment. At the nucleus of the local church, there are the faithful who cling to each other in the context of fellowship, the word and prayer. As puppies differ in color, size and personality, the faithful differ in color, spiritual size and personality. However, these Christians all have one thing in common, they faithfully contend with busy schedules to invest countless hours into one purpose: growth together within a vision of discipleship, ministry and evangelism. Many local churches have 2 to 4 activities a week, which draw those who make up the nucleus, with supplemental studies and gatherings existing as well.

As a Christian seeks to grow in his local church, it is imperative that he discipline himself to attend all of the core meetings, thereby being nourished spiritually through the means of grace. This Christian will become assimilated into the nucleus of the church over time, eventually becoming intertwined spiritually and relationally with the other core believers. Within this context, there is safety, accountability, nourishment. Spiritual zeal and stamina result, giving the growing Christian the ability and strength to navigate his daily schedule, while pursuing the vision of discipling and evangelizing. Through faithful investment in the core meetings, the local church becomes a place of life, grace and joy.

Why Will One Sin Send Me To Hell?

2009-01-22T00:06:00.002-07:00

This one is a real shocker for many people, including some professing Christians. We don't really think we're that bad, so it is a little offensive to think that one sin can send us to hell. Check out my bro Sam - this video should be spammed across the world-wide web!

You Tube Gospel

2009-01-10T01:25:00.004-07:00

My friend, Sam Pitrone, just posted three short gospel videos on YouTube. I've used Sam's evangelism charts for a few years now. Sam has made up some really cool pictures which help to share the gospel. Check him out! Then, make your own gospel video to post on YouTube! I've been wanting to but can't seem to get it off the ground yet. Well, Sam beat me to the punch.

The Shack - Part 2

2009-01-04T18:47:00.004-07:00

In my review of The Shack, I pointed out that the Shack is an emotional read that deceptively teaches a false god. Mark Driscoll from Mars Hill Church quickly outlines several out-right lies about the Trinity in this short clip:

Write A Christmas Poem to Hand Out

2008-12-20T19:46:00.003-07:00

Every year, I try to have something available to hand out to unsaved family members during the holidays. Usually, I write something or find a readable book, or maybe a DVD. One of the easiest ways to evangelize is to write a name poem for JESUS or CHRISTMAS or SILENT NIGHT... Here is one that I wrote and passed out a few years ago:

Jesus Christ is the wonderful God who created you
Everyone disobeys and ignores God, missing out on true reality
Sin earns the consequence of death and Hell
Under the scorching wrath of God the Father, Jesus paid His people's debt
Sinners who know Jesus as God, Friend, Savior, enjoy purpose, joy, comfort, life

Type up your own and print it out four to a sheet of red paper. Cut them and pass them out. You'll find people receptive to poetry written by you. Or, you can just copy and paste mine.

Grant Us The Priviledge of Your World-view

2008-12-13T11:43:00.003-07:00

Check out this music video. One of my favorite songs. See if you can spot the lyric, "grant us the priviledge of your world-view." This is a great way to spread the message of Jesus - make a sweet music video for your favorite song.

What are you livin' for? Would you gain the whole world and lose your soul? How cheap is your religion? Now, is the time to decide on what worth your life will have. "Lord - Grant us the priviledge of your world-view." What's your title?

The Shack by William P Young - Book Review

2008-12-08T20:28:00.004-07:00

Written to captivate the reader, The Shack brings an emotional susceptibility to the doctrinal teachings that are woven in. As a reader, one invites the author to teach about God. In fact, by the sixth chapter, I was set up to soak in knowledge of God via the eyes and ears of Mack, the main character.

I commented to a friend last night that I couldn't really tell what was right and what was wrong about the teachings because they were so mixed together. Truth was mixed with half-truth and half-truth punctuated by outright lies.

My initial response to The Shack, besides enjoying the writing, is that William P. Young has a bone to pick with traditional Christianity. He sets that up early in the story with Mack being a seminary grad who has no relationship with God. Mack's dried-up form of Christianity sees God as distant, cruel and hard to get ahold of. Most Americans can identify with Mack's desire to know God in a personal, intimate way. (Come to think of it, Mack puts no effort into reading the Scripture, praying or pursuing God through applying the Word in his life.) I also wish to have a close friendship with God, 21st century-style. I also don't want to put the time into the Bible, but that's beside the point. When Mack meets God, he met a being that I emotionally wanted to meet. The problem is that the god that Mack meets is not the true God. Mack's God is a concoction of truth and fantasy.

How many times have you heard people say, "I've learned so much about God from The Shack."? I've also had a friend let me know that it's just fiction. Therein lies a problem. The fiction-factor decreases my defenses, leaving me wanting Mack's god to be real.

You may be offended with what I've just said. Please understand that I too want The Shack's god to be an accurate portrayal of Almighty God. But, it's not. In fact, there are some out-and-out heresies in it. Of course, I want to know God as vibrant, exciting, friendly, intelligent and caring. Many Christians think that God is kept in a quiet church and painted with an austere face. But, don't look to William P. Young for help in finding God. His god is false.

What does Mack have right? Well, God is a triune God of three persons sharing the same substance, consciousness, purpose, Being. God is also knowledgeable of the future, past and present. God also is in control and could stop murder and child serial killers. God is our perfect Father and eclipses all of our human fathers' shortcomings.

What does Mack have kind-of right? Many things, including that crucifixion hurt the Godhead, although it didn't leave scars on God the Father's wrists. (Okay, that's a metaphor... I got it.) God is caring and enjoys the praises of His people. God may not listen to funk. But, God does care about the motives of the heart.

How about totally wrong? God the Father and the Holy Spirit do not reveal themselves as women. The sensual component in the Shack with the various smells is difficult because it puts a feminine spin on God that just doesn't exist. God is not a sexual being where male and female genders originate. True, God created male and female. There is no basis in scripture for the gender-blurring statements. Actually, gender-blurring has been going on for thousands of years. The father identity of God has been replaced repeatedly with the goddess or mother figure, beginning before Babylon. Gender-blurring lessons the offense of God being a Father.

I'll leave you with this - God the Father did turn His back on Jesus on the cross and forsake Him, contrary to what is taught in The Shack. And, this is only one small example of flat-out denial of Biblical truth.

The Shack messes with the identity of God, blurring the lines between human invention and God-revealed scripture truth. As a reader, you are set up to accept and appreciate this new god because it is in the context of theological fiction. Similar to Dan Brown's Davinci Code, you find thousands accepting it as gospel truth and at the same time discounting naysayers with the assertion that "it's just fiction." Don't be deceived. Your relationship with God may depend on what you do with teachings of The Shack.

For a better review, http://www.challies.com/archives/book-reviews/the-shack-by-william-p-young.php

Christmas Jesus-Christ-Style

2008-11-29T19:35:00.005-07:00

For the cost of a designer dress shirt, you can put a Christmas smile on the face of a Christian in a closed country. Actually, for the price of a pair of socks, you can courier a Bible into a captive country. Feel some satisfaction, Jesus-Christ-style by doing something special - click below:

I'll Buy A Case!

2008-11-11T15:27:00.005-07:00

Yep! That's what one 17 year-old told me at church the other day. Already, he was thinking of people who he could give a book to: teachers, classmates, friends... What are you spending your tithe money on? You probably give some to your church. But, save a little out and use it as ministry fun money. This Christmas, give 48 of your friends Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ by John Piper. It'll only cost you $68! http://www.desiringgod.org/Store/OutreachSpecials/2008Christmas/

Last year, one of my friends gave copies of this book to several of her teachers at public school. The art teacher thanked her later for it and said that he thought it was important that people discuss these types of things. You'll be surprised at how many adults are thankful for a gift like this from a young person. Very few, if any, will be rude or offended. I can't plug this book enough! Just say, "I'll Buy A Case!"

Time is Ticking... What's Your Trajectory?

2008-11-07T21:56:00.005-07:00

The Bible says that societies without ideas for the future will die. Vision comes from two sources, from God or from man. Vision also comes in differing quantities, from long term to short term. Most of us are living within a fragment of short term vision. We look a few hours ahead, thinking about how we can live a full life. It is time for us to stop living in the now and to start building for the future. Every time you obey God and choose to live in His will, you build another brick into the pyramid of your future. As a teen, you are laying the foundation stone to support the next 60 years.

Have you ever stopped to think, "What does God want me to do right now?" You may even be doing stuff for God. Or, you may be as lost as a stray mutt. Look a year into the future and see yourself being the hands and feet of Jesus on this earth. Ask God to set your trajectory and begin living every day in His will.

Adoption Month

2008-11-02T22:52:00.002-07:00

Mark Schultz adoption song which is written from the perspective of an adoptee.

Adoption: Some adoptees hate it and some adoptees are thankful for it. There is a lot of crazy crap that goes on in this wicked world. God loves life and loves healing. If you have been hurt, true healing is found only in the arms of Jesus Christ.

For post-adoption support www.choseninternational.org

For help in dealing with trauma or sexual abuse http://stephaniefast.org

Facebook: A Ready-made Prayer List

2008-10-18T21:11:00.003-06:00

Pull up your Facebook or MySpace page and pray for each person who is listed on your homepage. You'll probably know something specific to pray for regarding 50% of your friends. Categorize the rest of your friends into saved or unsaved and pray accordingly. Try it! It only takes about 5 minutes, unless you are wildly popular and have 190,000 friends. :) In that case, it may take you ten!

Kickin' it old school

2008-10-12T22:30:00.001-06:00

Spaghetti straps for girls and effeminate shirts for guys. Yeah - it's a crazy world we live and thrive in. Here are a few tips:
For the girls:
1. There is a balance to be had. Just remember that guys are visual and are always aware of any flesh that you may be showing. That doesn't mean wear a burka!! Just ask yourself, what parts of me am I saving for my husband to enjoy? And, do I want guys leering at my body or respecting my figure?
2. Don't look to boys to make you feel loved and accepted, wanted. Start to discover that your big brother Jesus loves you, accepts you, wants you. Jesus also just plain likes you too. Hug Jesus by spending time with Him. That will take the pressure off of your friendships with boys. You can enjoy being around boys without needing their physical or emotional approval.
3. If you are in an immoral relationship. Cut it. You MUST avoid that person at all costs until the spiritual bondage is broken and you are not longer affected by him.
4. Look at yourself as married to Jesus Christ. Don't see yourself as single and lonely. Find purpose in building a dream for ministry. Look at your future as if you are planning it together with a great friend - Jesus. Think of all of the fun things you two can do together in the next few years.

For the boys:
1. Control your mind. Of course, you are instantly aware of who is in the room and whether they are attractive or not. That is some of the Jason Bourne instinct. Instant awareness of hotness. It's okay to know who's entering the room. It's not okay to go back for a second look. You can't change the fact that most of the girls you know let it all hang out. But, you can keep from staring or reviewing what's being shown around you.
2. Take your position as a man seriously. God has given you the innate responsibility to lead. As a born leader, you have tremendous responsibility to be righteous. People, including girls, look to you to lead. You can either lead them into sin or lead them into righteousness.
3. If you are in an immoral relationship. Cut it. You MUST avoid that person at all costs until the spiritual bondage is broken and you are not longer affected by her.
4. Many of us never had a dad in our lives to show us how to be men. We are left with a deficit, which results in an imbalance to either too macho or too effeminate. Study the MAN Jesus Christ. He'll show you how to be strong, sensitive, a true leader.

Give Me Your Eyes

2008-10-11T23:32:00.003-06:00

Let the words sink in. Change the direction of your thoughts accordingly. Think about each person around you as someone who needs to hear the gospel. Target people that you know and start building up to give them the gospel. Start with conversation. Share a favorite CD. Give a Creation DVD. Tell how you got saved. Write down names and pray for those people. Jot down progress that you make with each person. Your end goal is to bible study with him/her or bring him/her to a bible study at church. Watch this final video:

We ARE America

2008-10-11T11:52:00.006-06:00

Most young Christians support Obama and don't see abortion as a prominent issue - according the K-Love radio news this week. What does that tell you about us? It says that we do not have a Biblical world-view. We are not taking every thought and philosophy captive to the mind of Christ.

Prepare yourself by making a list of current issues and find out what God thinks about those issues.
1. Lying and double-talk
2. Abortion and embryonic stem-cell use
3. Debt and bankruptcy
4. Homeschooling and child training
5. Daycare
6. International wars
7. Homosexual behavior and extramarital sexual activity

A mom is being harassed in Nebraska because the state is putting the kabash on her homeschooling. She had the income and the knowledge to homeschool. What is your position on homeschooling?

Photos of a gay adoption. Two guys and three little kids. What do you think about homosexual behavior? Better yet, what does Jesus Christ think about homosexual behavior?

The circus in Congress just passed a bailout bill and put us further in debt. Did you applaud or experience anger?

40,000,000 kids died under the abortion knife or in the vacuum of death. Did you care? Did God care?

Thousands of Christian kids walk away from Christ, or become secular double-agents who masquerade title of Christian. Will that be you? Is that me? The answer: Read our Bibles and Evaluate ALL of our beliefs. But, it starts with you.

Times A-Wastin'

2008-09-27T14:20:00.002-06:00

Life is on a continuum beginning with little wisdom and lots of energy, slowly transitioning to lots of wisdom and little energy.

Who will receive the golden crowns? The Christians who learn how to conquer the continuum. In some ways, the shrewd Christian will be most successful.

There are four secrets to shattering mediocrity:

Realize that you are a shining light in a very dark place, visible to all of the forces of Satan and the armies of God. Start to value your limited window of unlimited energy. Satan steals your time by casting a spell of self-imposed low expectations.
Be very aware of your time. Where does your time go?
Become a woman or man of vision. What kind of Christian do you want to be? Spiritual Wimp or Soul Winner?
Pretend that you are going to die in a year and make a bucket list of 5 big spiritual things that you want to do for God in the next 12 months.

Walking With God by JC Ryle Book Review

2008-09-13T23:15:00.004-06:00

Friendship with God has been purchased by Christ. Many are not walking closely with God, but spend most of their time forgiven from a distance.

I appreciate this book and have read it through twice. Walking With God was written to make a close relationship with God attainable for the common Christian. With each chapter, the reader gains more direction in how to be close to God. As you read this book, you'll evaluate your current spiritual condition and at the same time learn about God. With God's help, Walking With God will help you get to know God better.

As you turn the pages, your love for God will grow, especially when you read chapter 12, which is all about being best friends with Jesus Christ. I've used this book as a bible study, for personal study and as a devotional. At just about $6, Walking With God makes a nice outreach tool also.

10,000 BC

2008-07-24T22:53:00.008-06:00

10,000 BC has two things right:

1. The races in the movie are family groups that have developed into tribes. That is what really happened. The Bible says that God created all races out of Noah's 3 sons and their wives. After the flood about 4500 years ago, God scattered the descendants of Noah out across the globe by confusing their languages. The result was that dominant genes for skin color, hair texture and eye color became visible in the family groups. If 10,000 BC is taking place before the flood, the variation of dominant genes in family groups would probably have been evident in that time period too.

2. The strong prey on the weak. God judged the nations of the ancient world for human sacrifice, especially of children. Even the Hebrew nation succombed to the pagean cultures and sacrificed their infants on altars to imaginary gods. Today, we stand by and ignore the human sacrifice of unborn babies on the altars of selfishness and self-centered choice.

As far as a review, 10,000 BC is an interesting film, with watchable characters. The story line is a little predictable, so don't see this if you are into dramas. Definitely a sit-back-and-relax action film.

Are You In Trouble?

2008-07-16T23:36:00.006-06:00

The opposite sex can steal your peace pretty quick. The scenario breaks down like this pretty much every time. You are cruising through your life and some good looking person starts to pay attention to you. "Wow! Someone hot likes me," you think. Just a week ago, you were fired up on Jesus, loving life and thinking about spending your whole life serving Jesus. Then, you got sidetracked into a relationship.

Now, you aren't going to like this but most likely the person who has you wound around his/her finger is not at the same level as you are spiritually. In fact, he/she probably isn't a real Christian at all. Oh, it's okay for you to be saved. But, the born again thing isn't really important to him/her.

So, what can you do? God wants your life and He wants you to use your youthful energy in serving Him. God knows what's best for you and does not want you to be with someone who is not serious about Him too.

Basically, the Devil sends someone exciting to be interested in you. That person becomes an emotional vampire, sucking the spiritual lifeblood out of you. Over a period of a few months, you become listless and disinterested in God. Eventually, you will start kissing and that will progress too far. Sure, you won't actually be having sex but the physical stuff will be further killing your soul.

Don't be fooled. Don't get sidetracked. Keep your focus on using every ounce of your youth for Christ. If you are in a relationship that is killing your spirit, you MUST cut the relationship. If you've been physical with that person, you must ask God to sever the bond that exists. It is impossible to share space with an emotional vampire. You must distance yourself and cut the ties.

Keep this rule in mind when looking at a relationship: Giving yourself to God will only happen when you are in a pure relationship with a kindred Christian friend.

Feelin' Free: It's my choice

2008-07-12T21:16:00.004-06:00

Free will exists only in the physical realm. When presented with the good news of God's authority, justice, plan of salvation, the natural person rejects it. Her rejection may be passive, or his may be violent. Both forms of rejection betray a dead nature, incapable of perceiving the truth.

The spiritual will that is present in all humans from conception is one that rejects Christ and chooses a form of humanism. The Bible says that we are all born dead, by nature children of wrath. God's word also lets us know that we are really in a house of pain because not only are we born spiritually dead but we are also under constant attack by Satan. Satan continually blinds us to the beauty of God's truth.

This truth will impact your effectiveness in ministry. You may either rely on God's Holy Spirit to be the Super Hero and change hearts - open eyes - free wills. Or, you may manipulate, cajole, short-sell, succumb to depression.

God hates our wickedness and doesn't enjoy sending His rebellious creations to hell. What is the solution for those who are dead? Go to the only One who can help them: God. Without His regenerative touch, the only thing they will freely will is unbelief and self-reliance. Under the power of the Holy Spirit, my will is truly made free, yes, compelled to choose the beauty of Christ's righteousness.

Olympic Prayer Band

2008-07-10T19:49:00.006-06:00

With the Olympics coming up, China is increasing persecution of Christian leaders and pastors. These prayer bands will help you remember to pray for the Christians and for the evangelism that will happen during the Olympics this summer.

Black churches, White churches, Chinese churches

2008-07-02T11:23:00.003-06:00

Have you ever wondered why we are a divided church across ethnic and racial lines?

How much more could we get done for the kingdom of Christ if we were united and working together? As a young person, you are part the generation that will change the world in Christ's name.

Charles Ware is my favorite speaker on this topic. He says it like it is, straight from the Bible.

Check out Reconciliation Rooted in Redemption DVD that is on clearance for $1.99 at Answers In Genesis NOW. I just got mine in the mail and watched it. SUPER!

Summer Chick Outreach

2008-06-27T17:03:00.004-06:00

This summer, I"m handing out this tract to people I meet throughout my day. From waitresses to gas attendants to coffee baristas. Order a box of 50 for about 8 bucks including shipping and hand them out this summer. Chick tracts get read. There is no question in my mind that people read these tracts more than others that I pass out. Just the other day, I handed one to a young man on the swings at the park. He immediately spent the next 10 minutes reading it. There he was in a black tanktop undershirt, baggy jeans and ipod, intently reading This Was Your Life. Don't get left behind this summer. Get in the game, while there is time.

Underground Reality: Vietnam

2008-06-20T01:35:00.005-06:00

In the genre of the Invisible Children documentary, a group of teenagers travel to Vietnam on a fact-finding mission. What they encounter will surprise you. In this true-to-life DVD, Underground Reality: Vietnam, you'll follow some very likeable teenagers right into the persecution mix of Underground Reality: Vietnam.

Click on the DVD cover to view the trailer.

Fuel the Burn

2008-05-11T22:10:00.005-06:00

Don't Waste Your Life meets Just Do It in the book that is energizing the Christian teen scene. Do Hard Things sets a screenplay of Christ in action for the hate-to-be-average Christian kid. Weaving seeds of vision with success stories, Do Hard Things shows the reader that anyone who is ready to give all that he or she has got for Christ can truly make a difference for Jesus' kingdom.

Listen!

2008-05-10T12:06:00.002-06:00

As a young person, you have many voices bombarding you. Your mission is to use the truth to sort out these messages. One of your biggest enemies is your own self. You might not even be aware of this but your pride keeps you from listening to the truth. Lies and twisted-truths appeal to your human pride, resulting in your mind receiving dangerous messages.

God's advice for you is to listen to your father's instruction. He says for you to pay attention so you can gain understanding. Many young people only listen to their dads when the advice and instruction perfectly matches what they have already decided to be right. You need to trust your dad's instruction and chart your daily activities in the light of his wisdom. (Proverbs 4:1)

What if my dad isn't a Christian or doesn't teach me? This is the case for many young Christians. They feel lost because there isn't any instruction coming from dad. Read the Bible. God has something to say about that too. If you dad or mom forsakes you or stops teaching you, God wants you to turn to Him. He will be your dad and He will be your teacher. Read the Proverbs and pray. When you look at your plans for the evening, how do they fit with your spiritual goals to be blazing for Christ?

The first knowledge you MUST know is the knowledge of Jesus Christ as your God and Savior. The 2nd knowledge you need to know is God's moral plan for your life. What does God want me to do for HIM today? That is the question you must answer daily.

Canadian Ministry fined $23,000

2008-05-04T00:16:00.003-06:00

Canada just fined a Christian ministry that brings Christ's love to people with disabilities $23,000 because their policy is that teammembers cannot practice immorality, including homosexuality, adultery and viewing pornography. Canadian verdict: everyone goes to tolerance reeducation classes.

Here is my take on this: Jesus Christ was not afraid to see morality and moral justice as compatible with love. In fact, he died on the cross in love to uphold moral justice, with the face of pure love.

It is not unloving to require people in your minsitry to obey God's moral laws. In fact, it is the most loving thing you can do for them. Love does not condone the sin of those close to you.

http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/apr/08042512.html

Go See Expelled with Ben Stein

2008-04-23T23:41:00.002-06:00

Make sure to catch Ben Stein's Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed. You will be glad you did. Ben Stein is legit - Don't let the loud voices convince you to surrender your intellience and just go see Prom Night.

NO! Don't leave thinking to the other guys, you know - the scientists. You need to start thinking. You need to know what's going on. You need to check out Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed.

Oh yeah - and take a friend!

Satisfy Your Need For Significance - Find God

2008-04-11T23:08:00.001-06:00

Designed to Show God's Genius

2008-03-27T14:54:00.006-06:00

Our most important reason for being is to show the world how magnificent God is. The second most important reason for our existence is to enjoy friendship with God. Those two activities form the greatest purpose for life.

Religions, meditations, music, adventure, poetry, experiences in nature - all fail to give lasting purpose. Only through realizing how wicked we are and holding onto Jesus Christ as our sin-conqueror can we be a peace with God. Only when God the Holy Spirit changes our dead, rebellious natures to love and enjoy God can we be obedient to God.

Living for God is powered through a daily relationship with God. Interacting daily with the God-head is the only way to feel and know our purpose. God the Father directs our lives, God the Holy Spirit empowers and fuels our lives, God the Son covers our sins and daily intercedes for us. When we meet God, He will interact with us only on His terms. He hates our sin and despises our rebellion.

God the Son - Jesus Christ - created everything and holds it together by His power. Most humans reject their Creator and reject their created purpose: to glorify and enjoy God.

This tree exists purely to remind us that we need to worship, obey and show God's magnificence. This complex work of art from the fingers of Jesus Christ shows the creative genius of God.

Do you wish to live a life defined with divine purpose? Bend your knee before your Creator and ask Him to change your rebellious, dead nature. God will meet you in the pages of His holy book, The Bible. Go to His feet and learn from Him. Live a life worth living - magnify God and enjoy Him forever.

Someone Still Loves Me

2008-03-18T22:27:00.004-06:00

Although I don't know much pain in my life, sometimes stress suffocates me. You know, the daily grind stuff, like tests, papers and projects due, failing friendships.

Lately, I've heard about people who have been going through a lot of real pain, like death, cancer and other diseases. Whether you are like me with really no suffering or whether you are being crushed by sorrow, you can know one thing: My purpose is to show how good God is and enjoy being His child.

This song by Mercy Me truly touches my heart. I hope you share it with a few people who are really hurting.

China's Crusade to Silence Christians

2008-03-10T20:19:00.008-06:00

Are you aware that China, the country that manufactures most of the stuff you buy, spends a great deal of time hunting down Christians? Did you know that the Chinese government has full-time people who work long hours to find, harass, and imprison Christians?

The communist party is arresting and silencing Christians. Arrested December 7th, 2007, twenty-one pastors were just sentenced to labor camps for re-education. One pastor was forced to move 6 times in the past month because the Public Security Bureau targeted his orphanage, cut the power and forced the landlord to evict the orphanage.

China's communist leaders used to target and sentence Christians to labor camps. But, because the Beijing Olympics are coming up, they have changed their tactics. Now, to appear less aggressive, the PSB hunt down pastors and church leaders. Forced abortions and beatings still happen to common people at the hands of the PSB. But, the focus has changed.

It sounds like a movie! PSB agents stalking pastors, cutting power, evicting, arresting, sending to forced labor camps.

What can you do? I don't know. Try doing some internet research to see what you can do. I'd start with becoming more informed and praying. You can also send money to Open Doors and they will deliver Bibles to Christians in China who are desperate to read God's word.

Do Something Important!

2008-03-01T23:01:00.006-07:00

Teens are characterized by energy. Staying up all night isn't a big deal, and it is easy to rally around a cause. I wasted most of my youthful energy on whatever whim caught my fancy. So, which will you be? The waster or the accomplisher?

One of my friends is 16 years old, and he has made a conscious decision to have vision for the use of his energy. He has done several internships with a Christian organization and has put his addiction to technology to God use.

A s you can see, he has done a pretty decent job in designing two bookcovers that have since been published. Along with spending time working with graphic design, this kid has also researched and designed several impressive websites.

Check out his portfolio - it is pretty cool

Do you want to do something impressive and lay it at the feet of Jesus Christ?

1. What are you good at?

2. Make a list of things that you could do a

3. Ask God which projects He wants you to do.

4. Start doing 'em and crossing those bad boys off of your list.

Don't waste your life. And, at least, don't waste your youth.

Cool Music Mix - Free online

2008-02-28T23:25:00.003-07:00

Pandora Radio: I typed in 3 or 4 of my favorite groups and have been really enjoying a diverse mix of music. Pandora selects lots of bands based on my requested musicians. I can thumbs up or thumbs down each new CD. The thumbs down groups go away, which is cool.

Typing in Toby Mac brings bands like Reliant K to my laptop. It's all free. You just have to sign up with your email address and agree not to try to steal music or play Pandora for money.

Here is the station I created called, "Fernando Ortega" It has a great mix of music.

http://www.pandora.com/?sc=sh14756064576205529&tc=l-005399-0151-1149

http://www.pandora.com

Watch This Video - What Is Your Response?

2008-02-25T23:26:00.003-07:00

Here is one kid's ideas about what we can do:

http://www.ecbrownblog.com/

Pray for China

2008-02-23T16:20:00.003-07:00

With the Olympics coming up, China has been cracking down on Christians. No one knows quite why but it is happening to real Christians in a real place called China. Christians are being arrested for going to church. Chinese authorities are doing all that they can to cut off the supply of Bibles and Christian bible study books. Foreign Christians who live and work in China are being summonsed to leave the country.

Most Americans probably think that China is a relatively free country. In reality, the freedoms are limited and many times taken away entirely. Forced abortions on Christian moms. Dads and sons thrown in prison. Daughters taken into custody.

Pray for the Chinese government to realize that Christians are actually model citizens who are commanded to submit to the government, unless they are required to break God's moral law. Pray that China will become spiritually successful, as well as economically successful. Check with Open Doors to see if there is anything you can do to help.

Do You Have A Focus in Life?

2008-02-20T22:56:00.002-07:00

How do you make decisions? Are you just throwing mud on the wall and hoping something sticks? God has the answer. God has purpose for your life:

1. Get to know Jesus and understand what is important to Him. (Personal Relationship)
2. Help others get to know Jesus. (Evangelism)
3. Help others learn the Bible and learn how to apply God's word to their daily lives. (Descipleship)
4. Help the poor, widows, and orphans.

It boils down to this: Where do you want to be as a Christian next year? Do you want to be hungry for Jesus and fed by His word? Or, do you want something else?

Read and Pray. Make every daily decision with your goal in mind: I want to love and obey Jesus. I want to know Jesus and be His right-hand man/woman.

Three of these points came from The Man In The Mirror by Patrick Morley.

Judeo-Christian History

2008-02-18T12:48:00.003-07:00

Say it loud Sarkozy! The French president told press that the reason why we've had the violence and wars of the last century is because we've left God out. He said that the racist beliefs of the Nazis are "radically incompatible with Judeo-Christian monotheism." (Register Guard article)

This really upset the French media because the French are proud of how progressive and secular they have become. They have erased Christ from their society. We're about one generation behind the French here in America. God-haters have been eradicating God from American life.

History books have been rewritten. Instead of celebrating that Christian missionaries have eradicated human sacrifice, cannibolism in the jungles, historians mourn the passing of heathen civilizations. Without recognizing the Christian influence in America to establish freedom for slaves, women, people of all economic statuses, they focus on sinful wickedness such as the Salem witch trials or the culture of slavery. Don't misunderstand me, as these should be talked about, researched and called what they are: wicked. However, much of our remarkable history is left untold.

Why do you think America is so properous? It is because the founders built our country on the Bible! If you don't believe that statement it is because you have been given a one-sided history. When a society follows God's moral laws and executes His justice, prosperity, cleanliness and ingenuity result. Do you want a clean, 1st world nation? Study the Bible and have your citizens follow the God's way of life. Why do you think the public schools in colonial days insisted on teaching the Bible? The puritans knew that success only flows from citizens who know Christ's ways. They didn't expect everyone to become Christians because that is only in God's control. However, they did expect everyone to know the truth and behave accordingly.

Most textbooks I've seen erase the fact that Western Civilization is built on the morals and beliefs of the Bible and how those beliefs were communicated by Jews and Christians.

As a youth, you need to study to understand how the person of Jesus Christ has revolutionized the world. Now, you don't have a voice in your history class because you don't know enough about the subject. But, you should have a voice. If you are homeschooled, you probably have a head start. If you are in a Christian or public school, you may need to do your own research.

Start by with Drive Through American History with Dave Stotts.

Happy Valentine's Day

2008-02-14T20:34:00.005-07:00

And, remember - This is how God showed us His love: Even though we didn't love Him, He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him.

"But, how do we know what love is?" you ask.

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us and became the wrath-absorbing sacrifice for our sins. The only thing He asks for in return is our life. In that lifestyle, ultimate purpose and freedom are found.

I'll leave you with this sweet video:

Top 3 God Haters

2008-02-10T10:05:00.000-07:00

1. North Korea
2. Saudi Arabia
3. Iran

These countries hunt down, torture, kill Christians. Don't be blind anymore - do a little internet research - start here: http://www.christianpost.com/article/20080205/31086_Top_10_Worst_Places_to_Live_as_a_Christian.htm

But, why?

2008-01-27T16:15:00.000-07:00

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15

In order to know how to obey God and live a godly life, you have to know His word. The goal is to get to know God really well. If you know what makes your heavenly Father happy, then you will act in ways that are pleasing to Him.

Right now, most Americans make daily decisions based what they think or feel is right. This is like before God destroyed all civilization except for one family in His world-wide flood 4500 years ago. 4500 years ago, everyone just did what he/she felt was right. Only one family depended on God to tell them what was right or wrong: Noah's family.

How do you answer questions like:
What should I do today?
Where should I spend my weekend?
What makes me happy?
Does God want me to be gay?
Is this video game okay?
Should I have sex?
Should I sneak out tonight?
Is my music good for my soul?
Am I worth anything at all to anybody?
Should I pay for an abortion?
Are suicidal thoughts okay?
When is war okay?
Where should I eat lunch?
How can I forgive her?
Should I read this book?
Where can I go for some peace and quiet?
Do I have to obey my stepdad?
Is fooling around okay if it isn't sex?
Should I watch this TV show?
How can I be happy with my body?
What should I do with my summer?

The Bible is very clear that if you are a Christian than you will submit your choices to the Bible. Stay away from the ideology of the world, which is to trust your feelings rather than trust the word of God. The belief in the psychology of the world will spread like gangrene and eat you alive inch by inch.

Friend Indeed?

2008-01-26T16:31:00.000-07:00

Jesus is a friend indeed. Break up that word "InDeed". Do you know Jesus Christ as your friend in deed? What deeds did he do for you?

"Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends." John 15:3.

"I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep." John 10:11

"Therefore He [Christ] is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He ever lives to make intercession for them." Hebrews 7:25

In order for you to know Jesus Christ as your friend indeed, God must change your heart so you can believe in Jesus' life/death/resurrection and have the desires to change.

"How do I get a changed heart?" you wonder. Faith is a gift of God, which He gives to those who read His word and ask Him for it. The Bible is a living book in the hands of the young person who is being taught by God. God will teach that person the reality of all that is written in the Bible. Not only will He teach but he will also give a changed heart, faith, and powerful desires to be holy.

Do Hard Things

2008-01-23T17:40:00.000-07:00

Another book for teens? Who cares? Why this one?

Do Hard Things is hitting the shelves in April because the Harris twins believe that you are serious about living for Jesus. After surveying shelves without substance in the teen section, these guys decided to write something worth reading.

Most kids these days are wishing for something heroic to invest their lives in, but instead they are coming up with nothing. As a Christian teen, are you tired of finding your identity in music, dressing a certain way, talking about movies or video games, acting goofy?

Christ has so much more in store for you. He will give you heroic things to do in His name. I am hoping that Do Hard Things will help you develop the vision, discipline and excitement to break out of the "Hi-I'm-A-Dumb-American-teen" mold.

When I was a teen, I had no vision. I reacted to situations and tried to live every moment having maximum fun. Yeah - wasted years still haunt me. If I rode motorbikes, it was to amuse myself. If I dressed a little dark, it was to feel good about myself. If I took a trip, read a book, watched movies, it was to keep myself from being bored. Does that describe you a bit?

Or, has Christ changed your heart, causing you to desire heroic deeds in His service?

Do Hard Things. Society, the Devil, movie stars, even members of your own family expect you to be an intellectual nobody who accomplishes nothing significant IN YOUR TEEN YEARS. Of course, everyone wants you to be a wild success after college. Will you Do Hard Things? Or, will you be just another teenage time-waster?

Watch Out!

2008-01-22T22:09:00.000-07:00

The faster the beaver chewed and gnawed, the more impending his death became. It is the same way for us. We work hard to be good enough to get to heaven. The more we work, the worse it gets for us because our motivation is self-centered. We don't really care about obeying and loving God. Soon enough, we'll chew our way through life and have the judgement of God hit us square on the head.

Instead, look up to Jesus and ask Him to take away the huge log of judgement ready to fall on you. If you come to Him to change you and save you, He'll show you that He already dragged it away 2000 years ago on Calvary.

All of our works are filthy, stinking rags. But, God showed His love for us by sending His son Jesus Christ to the a big sponge to soak up the wrath of God for our sins. Believe it or not... get help - run to God and beg Him to give you the faith to believe the truth.

Bible's Accuracy Confirmed AGAIN!

2008-01-17T22:48:00.001-07:00

God condemned the people of Israel for rejecting Him and turning to sexual immorality and worship of nature/fertility gods. He promised to scatter them in the book of Hosea and did it. When the Babylonians destroyed the Jewish temple and took Jews to Babylon in 586 BC, they took with them the Temech family. This is recorded in the book of Nehemiah. A Jewish archeologist discovered the Temech family stone seal last week in Jerusalem, confirming the accuracy of the Bible.

People blindly say, "The Bible is full of contradictions and the history doesn't match up." This is just not true. In fact, archeologists have discovered many ancient ruins by following the Bible's history.

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1200475897717&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

Don't believe the lies of the world. If you want to know that archeology matches up with the Bible's history, read Evidence that Demands a Verdict II.

On The Road To Jericho

2008-01-15T19:31:00.000-07:00

If you don't have it, get this song by Keith Green. Keith Green is old-school, meaning that his music lyrics are so legit that you never tire of hearing his tunes.

Keep your religion at home, buddy.

2008-01-08T18:25:00.001-07:00

"Satan... wants us to believe that obedient Christians, who are respectful of others, keep their mouths shut and only discuss "religion" in a special building one day a week.. Why should we stick out our necks? But when we obediently open our mouth for Jesus out in the world, we become His living Bible - part of God's chain reaction, passing on life and courage... Whether in a Cuban house church, an Iranian prison or an American high school hallway, the courage to be a witness for Christ stems from obedience rooted in love, not from feelings." Voice of the Martyrs writes in this month's newsletter.

A. Your identity is who you are IN Jesus Christ. So, Jesus' ideas about morality, science, history, politics, salvation from sin, sexual orientation and sexual behavior, abortion, global warming are your ideas. You can't leave Jesus sitting on a pew at the church. You must bring Him to school, pizza, the game, the movies, the classroom.

B. Feelings are what you are trained to rely on in America. It doesn't feel right to bring the narrow teachings of Jesus Christ to school with you, so please keep your religion to yourself. You've probably heard that religion is personal. The implication is for you to keep your religion personal.

C. We can only find the strength and knowledge to be open Christians and openly discuss Christ's views if we read the Bible and study to find answers. Do you know why abortion is a crime in God's book? Do you know how to answer a gay gal's statement, "God made me this way and wants me to be happy."? Can you clearly state why religion isn't a big wheel where God is the hub and the spokes are the different religions?

D. What is your biggest struggle as a modern day, young Christian?

Snow Monkeys

2007-12-31T00:50:00.001-07:00

Do you need proof that we didn't evolve from a common ancester of snow monkeys? Look at these boys! They sit around all day and eat each other's fleas! Jesus Christ created humans in God's image, which means that we have the ability to think, plan, create, build meaningful relationships, make moral decisions. God does all of those things perfectly and with infinite ability. We exhibit those attributes in a finite, imperfect way. Once again, the Bible proves itself correct through what we can observe in the world around us.

Adam, Jesus, and you

2007-12-30T20:10:00.001-07:00

It is important that Adam was a real person because Adam's sin is the source of your spiritual depravity. You were born dead in your sinfulness because Adam and Eve rejected God.

You reject God because you are born spiritually dead. Why do you choose to create your own version of truth? Why do you naturally decide what is decent and the right way to live? You do this because you are born in a condition of spiritual deadness. You CANNOT accept the truth because your spirit hates the authority of God.

So, what is your hope? Your only hope is in the LAST ADAM. Yeah. That's right. Without the life-giving power of the last Adam, you are hopelessly confined to your own spiritual desires.

Jesus is the last Adam. He did what Adam could not do. He obeyed God perfectly and paid for your sins with His own blood. To prove that he defeated death, Jesus rose from the dead and is as alive today as you are. Because Jesus defeated death, He has the power to give your dead spirit life.

So, who's your hope that you will willingly submit yourself to God's standard of truth - the Bible? Jesus is your hope. Ask Him to send his Holy Spirit to change your heart and give you an alive spirit that LOVES JESUS and His way of life.

Here's an article, Jesus Christ: The Last Adam, that says the same thing a little more intelligently than I did:
http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/2007/12/24/the-last-adam

Books for Teachers

2007-12-27T15:03:00.001-07:00

Yeah... you have a great in with teachers because you are a student and you have a relationship with them. It is expected that you will give gifts to your teachers at Christmas and throughout the year. Some kids believe the lie that they can't bring Jesus Christ to school with them. Actually, the Supreme Court ruled that you can talk about Jesus and bring Jesus to school with you as long as you don't interupt the class to do so.

A friend of mine wrapped up a few books, Seeing and Savoring the Savior by John Piper, and gave them to her teachers on the last day before the break. Wow! What a leap of faith. Doesn't she know that her teachers could despise her or mark her grades lower?

Go to your pastor and ask for some easy to read books about Jesus. Wrap up one or two and give them to your teachers. A little late Christmas present never hurt anyone! You are in a neat place to impact the world for Christ: school. And, it's legal!

Be Open

2007-11-10T22:14:00.001-07:00

"Religion is too controversial so we talk about other things," I heard a high-school kid tell me a few days ago. You've been hammered with the idea that in order to be tolerant, you can't be controversial. You can not restrict actions to a moral absolute or restrict forgiveness to salvation through faith in Christ.

Don't be afraid to tell the truth: There is only one religion isn't forgiveness through works. And, that religion is the worship of Jesus Christ and belief in His atoning death.

Being a Christian For Reals

2007-10-30T22:08:00.000-06:00

"Do you want to go to icecream?" they asked my friend. "Just don't tell Allison! We don't want her to go with us." "I guess I won't be going." was all my friend said. That was all she HAD to say. Her point was made. Jesus spoke through her in just a couple of words. "No, I love my friend too much to back-stab her."

Being a Christian for reals means taking a stand against sin when it really counts - no matter what the fall-out.

Hardening of your spirit

2007-10-26T00:35:00.000-06:00

Yep! It's true! Your spirit will harden as you mix with the wickedness of the world. Like pavement wearing away tread or sun baking Brittney's skin into yellowed leather, the world will tighten, weaken, wear you spiritually. The Hannah Montana of today will be a yesterday's memory after just a few years in the Hollywood spotlight. The world weathers. Since God created Adam and Eve just six thousand years ago, young people have been experiencing the same phenomenon: age creeps in, swallowing the fleeting days of youth. This outward aging is a picture of what happens to the Christian's spirit when he/she spends time in the world. You can't feel aging until after it happens. So, you won't notice spiritual hardening until after it has started to happen.

Eternal youth is just a fairy tale - we all know that! You know, that Spanish explorer guy and the fountain of youth in Florida. Just doesn't exist. Let me ask you this: Are you saved? I mean, are you really a changed person inside - loving Jesus and hating sin? Yeah, it sounds a little off topic, but bear with me. If don't have a born-again spirit, all of this will be meaningless for you because you won't have any power not to harden. You've messed over no matter which way you play it. HOWEVER, if you are a new creation in Christ, you are living in the well of eternal youth.

Live in the well of eternal youth - spiritually. The ONLY way you will not harden into a conformer and criticizer is to spend time in the company of the Creator and Giver of eternal life: Jesus Christ. His word revealing His love, perspective, moral code, life's purpose is the ONLY potion for a supple spirit.

Take this seriously - Spend Time Adjusting Your Ideas and World-View THROUGH QUALITY TIME IN GOD's WORD. Oh - and spend more time with your family. - the tendency is to respect and spend time with sinners and outsiders. Resist that - Get back to the Bible and your family.

Sarcasm - Backstabbing - Sex - Lies - ???? - It's all the same - just different levels of disgusting. You're exposed to it periodically throughout the year. Are you hardened yet? You won't know it until it's happened.

God's Kids: Openly Pure

2007-10-18T00:18:00.000-06:00

"This love I got - You'll never get - without a wedding ring!" Nicole C. Mullen The Ring

Sex and sexual actions outside of marriage turn your body and emotions into a commodity. Inside of your marriage vows, sex and sexual actions are a deep gift of body and emotion. Before marriage -cheap enjoyment, damaged emotions. After the wedding - essence of beauty, emotional safety. Which are you choosing? Whether you stay pure will have everything to do with who you are alone with and who you hang out with. Oh - you also need to be prayerfully deciding your goals for purity now, not when you're alone with someone you're attracted to.

Stand Strong - Be Pure

2007-10-17T00:10:00.000-06:00

Just today, I caught myself saying, "fricken" exact a point. What an idiot I am!! The people around me at school have just begun to think of me as a "Christian" and I go and throw the pseudo-F-word around. Sure, it wasn't the F-bomb. What kills me is that I lost the battle for self-control, resulting in using a fake F-word to make myself feel better. This ever happened to you?

Also, I recently found out about a teenage old girl who gave up and gave herself away to some dude who really only wants her body. Pray for her to repent and be healed. (Sex before marriage develops a bond that is hard to break, leaving both people susceptible to more and more sin.)

Jesus created her to be a beautiful, pure gift for her husband. Instead, she's just thrown a HUGE piece of her heart into the trash-can of yesterdays used-up emotions, leaving herself only with today's regrets. Sin grows like cancer, overpowering us.

Here's my message to you: Be pure in your word, thought and in your relationships. If you don't have the power to be pure, you can only get that power in prayer and the Bible. God has to change your heart and give you overpowering desires to live how He created you to: pure.

Sweet online video link

2007-10-07T23:40:00.000-06:00

Check out this video about the Creation Museum and Mt. St. Helens. Email this posting to your friends.

<http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/242131.aspx>

Live Your Life For All To See

2007-10-07T21:25:00.000-06:00

Pray before you eat in the school cafeteria. Just be open about your beliefs and your Christian ideas. Act like it is normal for you to have Christian beliefs. You don't have to be obnoxious or a goodie two-shoes. Just be your cool self, including living openly as someone who respects and obeys Jesus Christ.

Adoption Conference in Oregon

2007-09-27T19:00:00.000-06:00

Chosen International is at it again with a fabulous conference in the works!! If you are a youth who is adopted, you might want to check out this conference. Chosen International had a super camp in May on the Oregon coast that a ton of kids attended. Some adopted kids feel totally fine, while others feel that something is missing. Chosen International events minister to both types of adopted kids.

Touched By Adoption"
Saturday, November 3rd
Fruitdale School in Grants Pass, OR
9:30 AM - 3:00 PM

http://www.choseninternational.org/

Ready, Set, GO!

2007-08-19T14:44:00.000-06:00

Young people - like you - have ideas and energy. Just yesterday, some young people in Oregon showed up to help a family they barely knew move into a new house. These young people could have spent their Saturday morning playing sports, chilling out or hanging with friends. Instead, they gave 5 hours of prime-weekend-time to God.

NOW, you have energy and vision. Act fast! Keep your eyes open for needs. Use your abilities and energy to show what Jesus Christ has done for you - forgiven you and given you a friendship with Almighty God. Be the hands of Jesus - jump at the chance to help someone move. Or, babysit for a young couple. Or, do whatever it is that you know how to do. Ask God to give you opportunities to serve others.

Ready? Set? GO!!

Stick 'em up!

2007-08-15T15:03:00.000-06:00

On the front seat of her dad's truck sat my 12 year old niece's purse. What caught my eye was not the tan corduroy, but it was the 2 pins attached to one side. The first was red and white like a Coke emblem and said, "Jesus Christ - eternally refreshing." The second was less noticeable and read, "King Kong was not my grandpa."

Make a statement and stick a witty pin on your backpack or purse (if you're a girl that is.)

Got Fruit?

2007-08-10T23:17:00.000-06:00

Take the quiz - yes or no answers only please!

1. Do you find church and the Bible a drag?
2. Does it bum you out to hang out with unbelievers?
3. Do you care what God thinks about your decisions?
4. Is sin more enjoyable than bothersome?
5. Is Jesus someone you love?
6. Do you believe that Jesus died on the cross for YOUR sins?

Changed heart:
1.N 2. Y 3.Y 4.N 5.Y 6.Y

It's As Easy As...

2007-08-04T13:31:00.000-06:00

inviting a friend to come to church.

leaving when the atmosphere turns to sex, drugs or immorality.

turning the channel when you know it's wrong.

asking a friend where they will go when they die.

reading your Bible openly on a park bench.

starting a morning prayer time at school.

texting your friend John 3:16.

DVD Evangelism Article

2007-07-18T23:11:00.001-06:00

Read this article and let me know what you think:

http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/2007/07/17/video-vangelism

Are You His Friend or Foe?

2007-07-14T10:55:00.000-06:00

God's word is pure and full of truth. He has preserved it in the Bible from being changed or destroyed. In it He says:

You are either a friend expecting Jesus Christ to return any minute now, or you are an enemy who will be freaked out when Jesus SUDDENLY appears.

What are you doing with your summer? Here's what Jesus says to you, "Take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and the cares of this life, and that DAY come upon you unexpectedly." Luke 21:34

Are you expecting Jesus and getting to know Him daily, or are you pretending that He is a fairy tale and you will never see Him?

Fifteen Year Old Takes A Stand

2007-07-08T16:04:00.000-06:00

Ian L. is a football player and a student at his public high school. In one of his classes, the teacher had everyone in favor of embryonic stem cell research and cloning stand on one side of the room and everyone against it stand on the other side. Ian was one of the only kids to stand against embryonic stem cell research and cloning. He had an answer for each of the points that were tossed out by the other classmates because he had been studying at home what the Bible says about these issues.

Here's his advice for you, "Don't be afraid to stand up for what you believe. A lot of people promote their false gods, and they aren't afraid. When we know the truth, it should be easy to stand up for what is true."

Read an article about Ian in this quarter's ANSWERS magazine from Answers In Genesis. www.answersingenesis.org (p. 52) This blog is based on that article.

Teen Pact - not just for study-bunnies!

2007-07-06T16:25:00.000-06:00

Teen Pact is a Christian organization that trains teens in the political process.

Here's the breakdown:
You all meet at the capital of your state.
You get a handle on the basic process for lawmaking in your state.
You meet lawmakers.
You get to see the congressmen as they go through the lawmaking process.

Basically, you'll get fired up on how you can impact your country for Christ. Teen Pact is for young men and young women who are interested in what goes on at the capital. You can really have a lot of fun, but you don't have to be go into politics afterwards. Our country is constantly passing immoral laws. Teen Pact will help you get ready to change the future of America!

http://www.teenpact.com/stateclass/index.php

Click on your state and you'll see dates and times! It's also pretty economical to sign up.

Short-term Mission Trip

2007-07-04T16:59:00.001-06:00

http://www.omsinternational.org/opportunities

Check this organization out for a sweet short-term mission!

Love God NOW!

2007-07-01T15:46:00.000-06:00

Learn from your elders... way elder - the Jews turned from God and gave themselves to the world around them. Instead of serving God, loving God and trusting God to forgive their sins, they served, loved and trusted in created, worldly things. Hosea 3:5 says that when they got old, they feared God and enjoyed His goodness.

Is this a verse about you? Are you enjoying the ideas of the MTV generation? Do you find your logical world-view on Family Guy or Simpsons? Are you waiting for your old age to be a follower of God and to enjoy His goodness?

Do it today! Fear God. Worship your Creator now. Enjoy friendship with God through seeing Jesus as your Savior TODAY! Don't put it off. Read your Bible. Start praying. Let your friends and family know that you are on God's side. You don't even know if you will live another week. Don't put off the God life until later! Later may not come!

New REALITY DVD

2007-06-29T11:08:00.000-06:00

Underground Reality: Vietnam

This is a reality show that follows a group of American and Australian teens into the Vietnam Underground Church. Check this dvd out. These kids aren't playing church anymore!

https://www.vombooks.com/

Purity Rings Illegal in British School

2007-06-23T09:07:00.000-06:00

Satan hates God and he hates purity and he hates you. Satan wants you to be like him - hateful, full of immorality. Until now, Christians in Western countries have faced very little of Satan's direct hate. We indulge ourselves in whatever makes us feel good and pay little attention to fighting God's fight against Satan and sin.

NOW, a girl in an England school is in court because she either takes off her purity ring or gets kicked out. Why? Who cares about a purity ring?

Here's the point: Taking a stand for saving your body to give to your spouse puts blame on others. It says, "God loves you, created you and knows what is best for you. And, He knows that giving yourself sexually to people is damaging to you and is just plain wrong."

That upsets our generation because 21st century humans believe that there is no wrong, only poor choices.

How does this affect you? You need to think about your choice: Will I follow God and obey my Creator or will I disobey my Creator and damage myself sexually?

Forgiveness: God has given the precious life of Jesus Christ in order to forgive and renew you.

Power: If you aren't a true Christian, you DON'T have any power to be pure. Only the Holy Spirit can give you internal change of desires and power to be pure. Has God changed your desires?

Here's the article:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/6229098.stm

You're NOT stupid!

2007-06-14T22:35:00.000-06:00

The Bible is true. Jesus Christ is really alive and is the most amazing being in the Universe. You aren't stupid. The world thinks you are because you believe the Bible. But, the truth is that you are actually wise!

Look at the eyeball (no pun intended). It is so complex! There is NO way it evolved from pond scum that got hit by electricity 4.6 billion years ago. Check out your flat-screen TV. Did it evolve from pond scum that got zapped billions of years ago? "That's stupid," you say!

The Bible is logical! It says that the most intelligent Being in the Universe thought up and spoke every life-form into existence. You believe that some guy in China made your flat-screen. So, what's wrong with believing that God made you? You're vastly more complex than any human-made technology.

So, next time someone asks you to laugh at how silly God is and the Bible is, look at them like they are crazy! Their belief system is much harder to believe! Just read your Bible. Just look at the creation around you! It's obvious that God made it all, just like He says He did.

Will the Real Christian Please Take a Stand!

2007-06-11T23:38:00.001-06:00

Don't be afraid to be a Christian at school. Most of the kids believe that everyone's version of truth is valid. We are taught that "tolerance" means that we accept and affirm as true all beliefs and lifestyles. Actually, Jesus' take on tolerance was that you need to love those around you and at the same time stand against immorality and falsehood.

God knows all truth and He wrote it down in the Bible for you to read. So, don't be afraid to respectfully disagree with those around you who believe untruth. As Christians, we accept all people but we don't validate all actions, philosophies or lifestyles. THE BIBLE IS THE BOOK OF TRUTH. Human actions should be judged right or wrong according to what God says in His Bible. Be Kind but Be Firm! Lovingly and politely tell what God thinks about humanism, evolution, adultery, sexual acts before marriage, cheating, terrorism, homosexual behaviors, greed, abortion, euthanasia. You know what is right and wrong. Be salt and light in a decaying, dark world.

There is one God who sets the standards for truth and morality. You can trust Him. So, love and respect but don't validate untruth or immorality because someone is asking you to be "tolerant." Real tolerance lovingly accepts people and yet clearly defends God's truth as valid.

Romans 1 - God says that humans decide that He is not worthy of worship so they start worshipping the creation. When humans start worshipping the created things, God lets go and gives those who reject Him freedom to fall into deeper and deeper sin. Pretty soon, people start to think that their right or destiny is to sin. It all starts with rejecting God and worshipping ourselves instead.

God tolerates sinners and adopts many of them into His family. But, He does not tolerate our sins. In fact, He poured His anger for each one of my sins onto His Son Jesus Christ 2000 years ago. Follow God's example: Love the sinners but be firm when defining morality and truth.

God Created The World, Don't You Know?

2007-06-03T15:35:00.000-06:00

Since the Creation Museum opened at Answers In Genesis in Kentucky, the evolutionists have been freaking out! I wonder why? Here's what a Marcia Segal of Indiana University Southeast said, "It narrows our view of what religion is and it narrows our view of what science is, it closes the door on critical thinking."

Humanists want you to believe that God, if He even exists, used millions of years and billions of random mutations in DNA to produce incredible life-forms - you, me and the thousands of other types of bugs, animals, fish, and birds.

Ask yourself, "WHY? Why does going to a museum that shows what God says happened - that dinosaurs and humans lived together just a few thousand years ago - close the door on critical thinking?" What are the humanists scared of?

Think critically young person: The dating of rocks and fossils to be millions of years old can only be done by assuming that for millions of years everything has been the same as it is now. That is circular reasoning. Maybe, the evolutionist are scared that YOU WILL THINK CRITICALLY!

Here's the article that I pulled the quote from:
http://www.news-tribune.net/floydcounty/local_story_154082152.html?keyword=secondarystory

Who Do I Believe?

2007-05-20T17:01:00.000-06:00

Do I believe the human who only makes guesses about God's creation and how long its been here? Or, do I believe the only Being who saw it all happen AND actually authored it all too?

As I was talking with a friend of mine the other day, he told me how he's been learning about Buddhism and evolution at school. Even though we know that the Bible is true, it is easy to start thinking that maybe there is some truth to evolution. After all, "EVERYONE" who is educated believes it. Science and the Bible don't mix, remember?

So, it gets back to this. Who are YOU going to believe? Your sinful and full of humanistic pride teacher or God - the author of truth? That should be a no-brainer. The next time your teacher has you read about cavemen or evolution, say, "Were You There?" If they say, "No, and you weren't either" then say, "I know someone who was - God." Bottom line - to understand the Creation, you must be reading the Creator's manual. Don't be afraid to take a stand! The Bible says that God made everything GOOD! Survival of the fittest for millions of years isn't GOOD! Who's wrong - humanist or God?

Please post your best argument that evolution is false. I bet you can do better than me!

Kidnapped and Stoned - But Victorious!

2007-05-13T23:27:00.000-06:00

"Our missionaries have been kidnapped and stoned... In the midst of all this, the ministry is growing and developing." a Gospel For Asia leader in India.

Along with providing bicycles for missionaries, digging Jesus' Wells and supporting thousands of churches, Gospel For Asia does 2 things very well: Training native pastors and educating "Untouchable" children in India. As a youth, you can be a part of tremendous victories being won in Jesus' name. If you are a Christian then you are a Soldier for Christ. He bought you, forgave you, and has enlisted you to serve as His Gospel Soldier. He is taking down Satan's kingdom one soul at a time. And, King Jesus is going to use you in this war that He is waging.

You can easily pay for a child in India to learn about Jesus every day and receive clothes and meals at school. The cost is $28 a month. 100% of your money goes to India to teach your specific child the love of Jesus Christ. 42,000 children taught the gospel and counting...
http://www.gfa.org/sponsorachild

Are you wise or a fool?

2007-05-08T00:04:00.000-06:00

Here's God's criteria:

"The wise man fears the Lord and shuns evil, but a fool is hotheaded and reckless." (Proverbs 14:16)

"A fool spurns his father's discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence." (Prov. 15:5)

Ask yourself:
Am I hotheaded?
Do I shun evil?
Do I respect God and am I a little scared about disrespecting Him?
Am I a "know-it-all"?

"The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good." (Prov. 15:3)
"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us." (1 John 3:16)

God knows all about you and He loves you anyway! Go to Jesus everyday to get forgiveness and help to live for Him. Make God your PRIORITY! Representing God should be your hobby.

Life statement

2007-05-05T15:09:00.000-06:00

What is your life statement? Pretend that you are watching the news and you see 5 of your friends being interviewed about you. As you watch the soundbytes, what do you hear? Do you hear anything that pertains to God and being a Christian? Or, could what you hear apply to any kid? Right now, ask God to give you a life statement. Ask Him to help you become known for a Christ-like life statement.

Here's my life statement: Jesus Christ is real in my life, day in and day out.

My Space, chatting, etc

2007-04-19T21:41:00.000-06:00

Satan prowls through the internet looking for some young person to devour. He chats with young people, turning their hearts away from God and their families. He plasters naked or sexual pictures on random websites. Satan hates you and wants to destroy you. He puts false ideas of romantic ecstacy into teen minds. And, he lays wait with testosterone-laden pictures of psychos with handguns who rage against society.

Will you be Satan's prey? He's doing everything he can to make sure that he destroys you and all through a 17 inch portal into your soul.

How many of you have seen porn, felt the rage rise, or listened to lies against God and His plan for your life? Internet sin is a spiral into the very depths of hell. Get help - take a stand - Be a Christian.

Read the Bible at school

2007-04-19T21:33:00.000-06:00

Are you ready to take a stand for Christ? Get your Bible out at lunchtime and read a few Psalms. You will attract the right kind of attention. Just be cool and don't overcompensate. Spend a few minutes reading Psalm 119. Then, put the Bible back into your bookbag and get back to schoolwork.

How shall the young man choose His path? By reading God's word and living it!

How's Your My-Space doing?

2007-04-14T16:00:00.000-06:00

Does your My-Space say, "The focus of my life is Jesus and His narrow way?" After watching Blood Diamond, I realized that we - Americans have the luxury of being worldly. We don't have the pressures on us that make us grow up by the time we are 10 years old. Instead, we can play and have fun well into our mid 20s.

So, ask yourself, 'Am I waiting until I'm older to be a real Christian?"

Remember what was once rapped - "I've go to pray just to make it today." Start living your life like you are really in the battle between God and Satan. Satan prowls around looking to DEVOUR you. Are you ready to fight him? Or, are you going to give up in the first round?

Read - Pray - Live as a Christian who is really fighting for Jesus. Are you fighting?

Time and Energy

2007-04-11T11:40:00.000-06:00

You have a ton of time and energy. How do you use it?

Do you use it learning from your parents how to be a disciple of Jesus or do you spend as much time away from your parents as possible?

Do you give yourself to the world or do you channel your energy towards working for God's kingdom?

Are you known at school as a Christian who makes Godly choices, or are you a Christian in name only?

Do your music, TV, phone-time and magazines build passion for saving souls from hell or do they give the Devil a foothold in your soul?

What direction are you going in your life? Are you on the narrow road to heaven or the wide road to destruction?

Shine Your Light

2007-04-08T22:52:00.000-06:00

Everyday, let your light shine! At school, show Jesus Christ in your every comment, every word, every response - in every thing that you do.

How do I keep my light from burning out by lunch time?
1. Read your Bible - EVERY DAY!!! Read the book of John - chapter by chapter before school.
2. Pray - talk to God about your life - ask Him to make you feel bad for your sins. Ask Him to make you the real deal daily - a true friend of Jesus.
3. Hang with Christian friends - I mean the real Christians - not the ones who drop random f-bombs as punctuation.

Sing this song to yourself: "This little light of mine. I'm going to let it shine. Let it shine. Let it shine. Let it shine."

Empty love?

2007-04-04T22:54:00.000-06:00

Young Person: As a Christian youth, you should not be giving yourself in close friendship to unbelievers or believers of the opposite sex. It is so common for young teens to be preyed upon by unbelievers who are looking for love and affection. How often have you know of teens who got into a friendship with someone who was a few years older and then it all went bad? Have you ever seen a friend get sucked into a friendship that stole away his/her devotion to Jesus?

If you are a girl, you are looking for a friendship with someone who you can talk to and enjoy fellowship with. Boys are not wired like that. Boys want friendships too. But, inside of them is a drive to satisfy that need physically. Beware - the brains of boys are usually controlled by the physical. You may want some physical too but always remember that through the physical actions you will NOT get your emotional needs met. Depend on your family and your God to meet your teenage needs for fellowship.

Did you watch The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants? Do you remember how empty the soccer girl was after sex with the soccer coach? He got what he wanted. All she was left with was emptiness. She was starved for emotional and physical affection because her father didn't show love to her. So, she gave herself to the hot college soccer coach. The movie showed the emptiness of it all. Sex outside of a marriage relationship will never satisfy emotional needs.

Here's the answer: develop close friendships with people your own age who are your own gender. Above all, become best friends with Jesus! Talk to Him and spend time with Him. He won't take advantage of you. JESUS WILL GIVE YOU EMOTIONAL FULFILLMENT! Spend time with Him in prayer, church and in the Bible. Live life in the presence of Jesus.

Free Melissa

2007-03-30T13:45:00.000-06:00

You may or may not know that the German government seized and has held by force Melissa Busekros because she is homeschooled. This is shocking in our modern society. Please unite with us by writing an email to the German ambassador. This has been going on for several months and it is getting to a critical point. Please help out by emailing now.

http://www.FreeMelissaBusekros.org