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
August 21, 2006
Contents
1. 180 News
2. Poll of the Week
3. Something for Your Heart
4. Surf Report
5. Forgettable Fact
6. Potent Quotables
7. Parting Shot
1. 180 NEWS
Wild Waves
The Middle School group had a great day at Wild Waves last Tuesday. Check it out for yourself here.
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!
Park It
Be sure to join us next 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!
2. POLL OF THE WEEK
3. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
Listening
Exodus 3:1-6
1 Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the desert and came to Horeb, the mountain of God.
2 There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up.
3 So Moses thought, "I will go over and see this strange sight--why the bush does not burn up."
4 When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, "Moses! Moses!" And Moses said, "Here I am."
5 "Do not come any closer," God said. "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground."
6 Then he said, "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob."
Meditations
Think about what God's startling appearance must have been like for Moses. Imagine how you might have felt if you'd been in Moses' sandals. Take some time to jot down your thoughts about what Moses might have written in his own journal at the end of his phenomenal day.
Think back on your own life over the past 24 hours. Were you able to hear God or see his presence in your life? If so, how and when did that happen? Write down your thoughts as you look back on your day. Remember, even though the bushes you saw today were relatively smoke-free, sometimes God speaks to us in less dramatic ways. If you did hear God, how did he speak to you? How did you respond? What kind of protests did you offer? What is God's word of encouragement for you today?
Remember, too, even if you can't think of a time when you saw or heard God today, that doesn't mean God was silent or absent. If you didn't hear or sense God's presence in your life today, relax. Your very attention right now in reading these words is a clear indication you're willing to listen. And that's a gift to God.
Taken from "Enjoy the Silence" by Duffy and Maggie Robbins, copyright 2005, Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here.
4. SURF REPORT
~ Mexico Outreach '06
Get a sneak peak at our Mexico video
~ Cute Overload
The finest in "cute imagery"
~ HealthyPet.com
Check out the pet care library
5. FORGETTABLE FACT
The first product to have a bar code was Wrigleys gum
6. POTENT QUOTABLES
"Earth's crammed with heaven, and every common bush afire with God; and only he who sees takes off his shoes; the rest sit round it and pluck blackberries."
- Elizabeth Barrett Browning
"Our life is full of brokenness--broken relationships, broken promises, broken expectations. How can we live with that brokenness without becoming bitter and resentful except by returning again and again to God's faithful presence in our lives. "
- Henri Nouwen
===========our|sponsor===========
PLUNGE INTO THE DEEP EXPERIENCE OF GOD'S WORD
People talk about the power of the Bible, but sometimes Scripture just looks like normal words. However, inside these thin, innocent looking pages is the divine revelation of a God who wants you to hear him.
Enjoy the Silence is about the spiritual discipline of Lectio Divina. This ancient practice can help you develop an awareness of God's presence and power found in the Bible. Going Deep's simple exercises take you through the process of reading Scripture, meditating on Scripture, listening to God through Scripture, and responding to Scripture.
Order here.
Also available in your local Christian bookstore.
=================================
7. PARTING SHOT
Why don't sheep shrink in the rain?
1. 180 News
2. Poll of the Week
3. Something for Your Heart
4. Surf Report
5. Forgettable Fact
6. Potent Quotables
7. Parting Shot
1. 180 NEWS
Wild Waves
The Middle School group had a great day at Wild Waves last Tuesday. Check it out for yourself here.
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!
Park It
Be sure to join us next 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!
2. POLL OF THE WEEK
3. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
Listening
Exodus 3:1-6
1 Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the desert and came to Horeb, the mountain of God.
2 There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up.
3 So Moses thought, "I will go over and see this strange sight--why the bush does not burn up."
4 When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, "Moses! Moses!" And Moses said, "Here I am."
5 "Do not come any closer," God said. "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground."
6 Then he said, "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob."
Meditations
Think about what God's startling appearance must have been like for Moses. Imagine how you might have felt if you'd been in Moses' sandals. Take some time to jot down your thoughts about what Moses might have written in his own journal at the end of his phenomenal day.
Think back on your own life over the past 24 hours. Were you able to hear God or see his presence in your life? If so, how and when did that happen? Write down your thoughts as you look back on your day. Remember, even though the bushes you saw today were relatively smoke-free, sometimes God speaks to us in less dramatic ways. If you did hear God, how did he speak to you? How did you respond? What kind of protests did you offer? What is God's word of encouragement for you today?
Remember, too, even if you can't think of a time when you saw or heard God today, that doesn't mean God was silent or absent. If you didn't hear or sense God's presence in your life today, relax. Your very attention right now in reading these words is a clear indication you're willing to listen. And that's a gift to God.
Taken from "Enjoy the Silence" by Duffy and Maggie Robbins, copyright 2005, Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here.
4. SURF REPORT
~ Mexico Outreach '06
Get a sneak peak at our Mexico video
~ Cute Overload
The finest in "cute imagery"
~ HealthyPet.com
Check out the pet care library
5. FORGETTABLE FACT
The first product to have a bar code was Wrigleys gum
6. POTENT QUOTABLES
"Earth's crammed with heaven, and every common bush afire with God; and only he who sees takes off his shoes; the rest sit round it and pluck blackberries."
- Elizabeth Barrett Browning
"Our life is full of brokenness--broken relationships, broken promises, broken expectations. How can we live with that brokenness without becoming bitter and resentful except by returning again and again to God's faithful presence in our lives. "
- Henri Nouwen
===========our|sponsor===========
PLUNGE INTO THE DEEP EXPERIENCE OF GOD'S WORD
People talk about the power of the Bible, but sometimes Scripture just looks like normal words. However, inside these thin, innocent looking pages is the divine revelation of a God who wants you to hear him.
Enjoy the Silence is about the spiritual discipline of Lectio Divina. This ancient practice can help you develop an awareness of God's presence and power found in the Bible. Going Deep's simple exercises take you through the process of reading Scripture, meditating on Scripture, listening to God through Scripture, and responding to Scripture.
Order here.
Also available in your local Christian bookstore.
=================================
7. PARTING SHOT
Why don't sheep shrink in the rain?
August 14, 2006
Contents
1. 180 News
2. Something for Your Heart
3. Surf Report
4. Forgettable Fact
5. Potent Quotables
6. Parting Shot
1. 180 NEWS
Wild Waves
Hey Middle Schoolers, if you are joining us tomorrow for our trip to Wild Waves here are a few things to remember:
•We will leave the church at 8:00 am and return at 10:30 pm
•Girls please bring a one piece swim suit.
•Bring some money for a fast food dinner on the way home.
•Bring a few dollars to split the cost of a locker rental with someone else. (Small - $11, Large - $14, Family - $18. You will be refunded $5 when you return your key at the end of the day.)
•Bring sunscreen
Mexico Outreach
The team arrived safely home last week and are all still very excited about all that God did! Please visit our Mexico Outreach site to read the reports from various team members. You may also read more about the trip at both Pastor Brian's blog and Aaron Geist's blog.
Click here to view the pictures.
Fall Calendar
It has been a great summer, and now fall is staring us in the face. Coming soon is our fall calender and it will be packed with great opportunities for you to experience and enjoy great times with one another.
Here is just a preview:
Fall Fusion - Septembe 15
See You At The Pole - September 27
MS Fall Retreat - October 6-8
No Midweek Gatherings
There will be no High School Link or Middle School Danger Zone this week as many will already be out the church campout. Enjoy your time and if we don't see you at the beach we'll see you next week!
No Sunday School
This Sunday there will be no Sunday School hour due to the church campout this weekend. There will be a single worship service at 10:00 am, meeting in the Ministry Center.
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!
2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
This is what the LORD says: "Although they have allies and are numerous, they will be cut off and pass away. Although I have afflicted you, O Judah, I will afflict you no more."
Nahum 1:12
"Come on, everyone else is doing it. You're not going to get in trouble." Under the right circumstances, those words can be pretty persuasive. Even if they involve doing something you know is wrong. For example, if your friends are getting smashed at a party, doesn't it increase the chances that you're going to drink, too? Or if you know that most of your store coworkers occasionally lift merchandise after hours, doesn't it make you more comfortable with the idea of doing it yourself?
Call it peer pressure or anything you want, but you've got to admit, disobeying God is a lot easier when other people are doing it, too. It's easy to fall into the trap of believing that there's safety in numbers. Or to believe that if your involvement isn't as extreme as someone else's in the group, you're off the hook. And if we're talking about human authority, there might be some basis for those beliefs. But we're not talking about human authority. We're talking about God who sees everything...and who holds every person accountable for the things he or she does. Period.
God doesn't judge people in numbers. He judges us individually. Each of us must stand alone before him to accept individual consequences. He doesn't grade on a sliding scale. He doesn't say, "What you did was wrong, but at least you weren't as bad as that guy." God simply says, "What you did was wrong."
That's why, for Christians, being part of the crowd is a dangerous position. It can give us a false sense of security--not to mention a false sense of right and wrong. Remember, God calls us to separate ourselves from the crowd. To follow him as an individual. To let him determine right and wrong for us.
Are you up for the challenge?
To see how Jesus stood up against the crowd, read John 2:12-24 and John 7.
Nine Ways to Be Really Different
There's different...and then there's really different. Here are nine ways to achieve the latter status:
1. Wear orange shoes...all the time.
2. Burst into a chorus of "I did it my way" three or four times a day for no apparent reason.
3. Greet everyone you encounter with the phrase, "What's up, Ringo?"
4. Wear a clown nose to school every Friday.
5. Use a hacking cough as the ring tone for your phone.
6. Refuse to listen to any music made after 1965.
7. Bow to everyone you encounter.
8. Invite your school's least popular teacher to double-date with you and your girlfriend.
9. Combine steps 3 and 7.
Taken from "Revolution Devotional" by Livingstone, copyright 2006, Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here.
3. SURF REPORT
~ Human Space Invaders
~ Pipecleaner Dance
4. FORGETTABLE FACT
You're born with 300 bones, but when you get to be an adult, you only have 206
5. POTENT QUOTABLES
"If I'm going to sing like someone else, then I don't need to sing at all."
- Billy Holiday
"Never forget that only dead fish swim with the stream."
- Malcolm Muggeridge
===========our|sponsor===========
BE PART OF A REVOLUTION
Guys, you can make a difference--in the world, in your town, in your school, in your life. The "Revolution Devotional" helps you understand and develop character traits that will turn you into a revolutionary for God.
Order here.
Also available in your local Christian bookstore.
=================================
6. PARTING SHOT
What happens if you get half scared to death twice?
1. 180 News
2. Something for Your Heart
3. Surf Report
4. Forgettable Fact
5. Potent Quotables
6. Parting Shot
1. 180 NEWS
Wild Waves
Hey Middle Schoolers, if you are joining us tomorrow for our trip to Wild Waves here are a few things to remember:
•We will leave the church at 8:00 am and return at 10:30 pm
•Girls please bring a one piece swim suit.
•Bring some money for a fast food dinner on the way home.
•Bring a few dollars to split the cost of a locker rental with someone else. (Small - $11, Large - $14, Family - $18. You will be refunded $5 when you return your key at the end of the day.)
•Bring sunscreen
Mexico Outreach
The team arrived safely home last week and are all still very excited about all that God did! Please visit our Mexico Outreach site to read the reports from various team members. You may also read more about the trip at both Pastor Brian's blog and Aaron Geist's blog.
Click here to view the pictures.
Fall Calendar
It has been a great summer, and now fall is staring us in the face. Coming soon is our fall calender and it will be packed with great opportunities for you to experience and enjoy great times with one another.
Here is just a preview:
Fall Fusion - Septembe 15
See You At The Pole - September 27
MS Fall Retreat - October 6-8
No Midweek Gatherings
There will be no High School Link or Middle School Danger Zone this week as many will already be out the church campout. Enjoy your time and if we don't see you at the beach we'll see you next week!
No Sunday School
This Sunday there will be no Sunday School hour due to the church campout this weekend. There will be a single worship service at 10:00 am, meeting in the Ministry Center.
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!
2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
This is what the LORD says: "Although they have allies and are numerous, they will be cut off and pass away. Although I have afflicted you, O Judah, I will afflict you no more."
Nahum 1:12
"Come on, everyone else is doing it. You're not going to get in trouble." Under the right circumstances, those words can be pretty persuasive. Even if they involve doing something you know is wrong. For example, if your friends are getting smashed at a party, doesn't it increase the chances that you're going to drink, too? Or if you know that most of your store coworkers occasionally lift merchandise after hours, doesn't it make you more comfortable with the idea of doing it yourself?
Call it peer pressure or anything you want, but you've got to admit, disobeying God is a lot easier when other people are doing it, too. It's easy to fall into the trap of believing that there's safety in numbers. Or to believe that if your involvement isn't as extreme as someone else's in the group, you're off the hook. And if we're talking about human authority, there might be some basis for those beliefs. But we're not talking about human authority. We're talking about God who sees everything...and who holds every person accountable for the things he or she does. Period.
God doesn't judge people in numbers. He judges us individually. Each of us must stand alone before him to accept individual consequences. He doesn't grade on a sliding scale. He doesn't say, "What you did was wrong, but at least you weren't as bad as that guy." God simply says, "What you did was wrong."
That's why, for Christians, being part of the crowd is a dangerous position. It can give us a false sense of security--not to mention a false sense of right and wrong. Remember, God calls us to separate ourselves from the crowd. To follow him as an individual. To let him determine right and wrong for us.
Are you up for the challenge?
To see how Jesus stood up against the crowd, read John 2:12-24 and John 7.
Nine Ways to Be Really Different
There's different...and then there's really different. Here are nine ways to achieve the latter status:
1. Wear orange shoes...all the time.
2. Burst into a chorus of "I did it my way" three or four times a day for no apparent reason.
3. Greet everyone you encounter with the phrase, "What's up, Ringo?"
4. Wear a clown nose to school every Friday.
5. Use a hacking cough as the ring tone for your phone.
6. Refuse to listen to any music made after 1965.
7. Bow to everyone you encounter.
8. Invite your school's least popular teacher to double-date with you and your girlfriend.
9. Combine steps 3 and 7.
Taken from "Revolution Devotional" by Livingstone, copyright 2006, Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here.
3. SURF REPORT
~ Human Space Invaders
~ Pipecleaner Dance
4. FORGETTABLE FACT
You're born with 300 bones, but when you get to be an adult, you only have 206
5. POTENT QUOTABLES
"If I'm going to sing like someone else, then I don't need to sing at all."
- Billy Holiday
"Never forget that only dead fish swim with the stream."
- Malcolm Muggeridge
===========our|sponsor===========
BE PART OF A REVOLUTION
Guys, you can make a difference--in the world, in your town, in your school, in your life. The "Revolution Devotional" helps you understand and develop character traits that will turn you into a revolutionary for God.
Order here.
Also available in your local Christian bookstore.
=================================
6. PARTING SHOT
What happens if you get half scared to death twice?
