August 28, 2006
Contents
1. 180 News
2. Birthdays
3. Poll Results
4. Something For Your Heart
5. Surf Report
6. Forgettable Fact
7. Potent Quotables
8. Parting Shot
1. 180 News
Park It
Be sure to join us this week on Wednesday and Thursday nights (8/30 & 8/31) for our final Park It's of the summer. We will leave the church right at 7:00 to head over to Summerlake Park and will return at 8:30. Don't just sit there....come Park It!
Lost & Found
There have been many items left behind throughout the summer. If you think you may have "lost" an article of clothing, sunglasses, etc. please check in with us we just might have it!
Fall Calendar
Next Sunday, prepare for to grab the 180 Fall Calendar. It is your guide to all that is going on this fall around 180. We've got retreats, play days, and days to serve, all on the calendar. So grab one this Sunday!
2. Birthdays
We have one great birthday this week, so warm up your voices and join me in a round of the birthday song for Melissa Wellner (8/29)! Happy Birthday Melissa.
3. Poll Results
Last week, you were asked, "Are you ready for school to begin?" 47.4% said "Yes, can't wait to get there!" and 52.6% said, "No I wish summer would continue forever."
If only we could stop time.
4. Something For Your Heart
You may have heard of people who, just before dying, describe seeing a bright light or scenes of heaven. Others describe a feeling of unusual peace. Of course, no one can prove these experiences are real. But it seems that Stephen must have had such an experience as he looked toward heaven and had a vision: "Look, I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God" (Acts 7:56).
Stephen was about to die, and he knew it. The knowledge that one's life on this earth is about to be over is terrifying to some people. For Stephen, the realization that death was knocking at his door wasn't such a black thought. For him, the "grim reaper" wasn't so grim. Instead, his mind was filled with the sight of his Savior. But Jesus is portrayed differently here than he is elsewhere in Scripture. Though most post-resurrection portraits describe him as "seated at the right hand" of the Father (Ephesians 1:20), here Jesus is standing, a posture we see only two other times in the Bible (Revelation 5:6; 14:1).
But why?
I believe Jesus was standing to welcome Stephen home to heaven. Hey, there's nothing better than finally making it home after a long journey--and this beloved brother was about to pull into the driveway. And Jesus himself--not Saint Peter was standing at the "pearly gates" to greet him.
I think there's a second reason Stephen sees Jesus standing. I think Jesus is standing in honor of Stephen. It's a standing ovation, as if Jesus is saying: Stephen, you stood tall for me, so now I'll do the same for you. You confessed me before men on earth, so I'll confess you before heaven. (See Matthew 10:32; Luke 12:8.) Jesus was demonstrating to all that Stephen was a man who deserved to be honored.
Stephen had stood firm against enormous peer pressure and personal opposition. It would've been easier to face a godless ruler or a Roman sword than persecution from your own people. But Stephen didn't flinch. He didn't shrink back or even blink. Instead, he looked his adversaries in the eyes and told the truth to men who had the power to kill him.
Stephen stood firm. In doing so, he lived the truth of Jesus' words: "All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved" (Matthew 10:22).
Clearly, Steven had taken to heart the words of the apostle Paul, who later wrote "Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain" (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Why did Stephen have so much confidence to stand up for his faith? How did he do it? Well, Stephen had a perspective on life and a passion for God and his Word that few have today. He knew life was short, and only one thing really mattered: bringing honor to the name of Jesus Christ. For Stephen, Jesus wasn't just part of his life. Jesus was his life. Like Paul, Stephen's motto was "To live is Christ. To die is gain" (Gal. 2:20). Jesus was his everything, and nothing else came close. If he lost popularity because of his faith, so what? If he got in trouble because he shared truth, so what? If his stand for Christ cost him a relationship, so what?
Stephen knew Scripture and wasn't afraid to confront others with the truth. So what if they didn't agree? Stephen wasn't trying to please people, though he deeply cared about others. He wanted them to know Jesus as he did. And if taking a stand meant he had to suffer, so be it. Stephen had a one-track mind. Do you?
Taken from "The Loser's Club" by Jeff Kinley, copyright 2006, Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here: http://www.youthspecialties.com/product/262623
5. Surf Report
~ A Guide to the Business of Babysitting
http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/babysitting/
6. Forgettable Fact
Most lipstick contains fish scales
7. Potent Quotables
"Be brave and dare with a holy boldness."
- Teresa of Avila
"Character is what you are in the dark."
- Dwight L. Moody
===========our|sponsor===========
JOIN THE LOSERS CLUB
Losers Club is a real-life look at famous Bible figures such as Moses, Solomon, David, Thomas, Rahab, and others. Each vignette reveals people who struggle with weak faith, confusion, and frustration--people very much like you and me! These stories will help you connect with these flawed heroes, find encouragement in their stories, and get inspired by God's love and care for "losers."
http://www.youthspecialties.com/product/262623
Also available in your local Christian bookstore.
Join the Loser's Club on MySpace: http://myspace.com/imalosertoo
=================================
8. Parting Shot
52% of all statistics are false
1. 180 News
2. Birthdays
3. Poll Results
4. Something For Your Heart
5. Surf Report
6. Forgettable Fact
7. Potent Quotables
8. Parting Shot
1. 180 News
Park It
Be sure to join us this week on Wednesday and Thursday nights (8/30 & 8/31) for our final Park It's of the summer. We will leave the church right at 7:00 to head over to Summerlake Park and will return at 8:30. Don't just sit there....come Park It!
Lost & Found
There have been many items left behind throughout the summer. If you think you may have "lost" an article of clothing, sunglasses, etc. please check in with us we just might have it!
Fall Calendar
Next Sunday, prepare for to grab the 180 Fall Calendar. It is your guide to all that is going on this fall around 180. We've got retreats, play days, and days to serve, all on the calendar. So grab one this Sunday!
2. Birthdays
We have one great birthday this week, so warm up your voices and join me in a round of the birthday song for Melissa Wellner (8/29)! Happy Birthday Melissa.
3. Poll Results
Last week, you were asked, "Are you ready for school to begin?" 47.4% said "Yes, can't wait to get there!" and 52.6% said, "No I wish summer would continue forever."
If only we could stop time.
4. Something For Your Heart
You may have heard of people who, just before dying, describe seeing a bright light or scenes of heaven. Others describe a feeling of unusual peace. Of course, no one can prove these experiences are real. But it seems that Stephen must have had such an experience as he looked toward heaven and had a vision: "Look, I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God" (Acts 7:56).
Stephen was about to die, and he knew it. The knowledge that one's life on this earth is about to be over is terrifying to some people. For Stephen, the realization that death was knocking at his door wasn't such a black thought. For him, the "grim reaper" wasn't so grim. Instead, his mind was filled with the sight of his Savior. But Jesus is portrayed differently here than he is elsewhere in Scripture. Though most post-resurrection portraits describe him as "seated at the right hand" of the Father (Ephesians 1:20), here Jesus is standing, a posture we see only two other times in the Bible (Revelation 5:6; 14:1).
But why?
I believe Jesus was standing to welcome Stephen home to heaven. Hey, there's nothing better than finally making it home after a long journey--and this beloved brother was about to pull into the driveway. And Jesus himself--not Saint Peter was standing at the "pearly gates" to greet him.
I think there's a second reason Stephen sees Jesus standing. I think Jesus is standing in honor of Stephen. It's a standing ovation, as if Jesus is saying: Stephen, you stood tall for me, so now I'll do the same for you. You confessed me before men on earth, so I'll confess you before heaven. (See Matthew 10:32; Luke 12:8.) Jesus was demonstrating to all that Stephen was a man who deserved to be honored.
Stephen had stood firm against enormous peer pressure and personal opposition. It would've been easier to face a godless ruler or a Roman sword than persecution from your own people. But Stephen didn't flinch. He didn't shrink back or even blink. Instead, he looked his adversaries in the eyes and told the truth to men who had the power to kill him.
Stephen stood firm. In doing so, he lived the truth of Jesus' words: "All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved" (Matthew 10:22).
Clearly, Steven had taken to heart the words of the apostle Paul, who later wrote "Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain" (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Why did Stephen have so much confidence to stand up for his faith? How did he do it? Well, Stephen had a perspective on life and a passion for God and his Word that few have today. He knew life was short, and only one thing really mattered: bringing honor to the name of Jesus Christ. For Stephen, Jesus wasn't just part of his life. Jesus was his life. Like Paul, Stephen's motto was "To live is Christ. To die is gain" (Gal. 2:20). Jesus was his everything, and nothing else came close. If he lost popularity because of his faith, so what? If he got in trouble because he shared truth, so what? If his stand for Christ cost him a relationship, so what?
Stephen knew Scripture and wasn't afraid to confront others with the truth. So what if they didn't agree? Stephen wasn't trying to please people, though he deeply cared about others. He wanted them to know Jesus as he did. And if taking a stand meant he had to suffer, so be it. Stephen had a one-track mind. Do you?
Taken from "The Loser's Club" by Jeff Kinley, copyright 2006, Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here: http://www.youthspecialties.com/product/262623
5. Surf Report
~ A Guide to the Business of Babysitting
http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/babysitting/
6. Forgettable Fact
Most lipstick contains fish scales
7. Potent Quotables
"Be brave and dare with a holy boldness."
- Teresa of Avila
"Character is what you are in the dark."
- Dwight L. Moody
===========our|sponsor===========
JOIN THE LOSERS CLUB
Losers Club is a real-life look at famous Bible figures such as Moses, Solomon, David, Thomas, Rahab, and others. Each vignette reveals people who struggle with weak faith, confusion, and frustration--people very much like you and me! These stories will help you connect with these flawed heroes, find encouragement in their stories, and get inspired by God's love and care for "losers."
http://www.youthspecialties.com/product/262623
Also available in your local Christian bookstore.
Join the Loser's Club on MySpace: http://myspace.com/imalosertoo
=================================
8. Parting Shot
52% of all statistics are false
